DERRY, N.H — Etz Hayim Synagogue has announced rabbinical coverage through Aug. 1, 2026. In order to meet the unique needs of the congregation during this transitional time, Etz Hayim will be welcoming two highly accomplished rabbis in the coming year.
Rabbi Jonathan Biatch will serve as High Holiday Rabbi this year and will also lead monthly Family Shabbats. Rabbi Biatch recently concluded an interim post in Tempe, Arizona, and previously led congregations in Madison, Wisconsin (for nearly 20 years) and Virginia for six years.
He recently moved to Connecticut where his wife is taking on a new Rabbinical position herself. He is known for thoughtful leadership and inspiring High Holiday and Family Shabbat services.
Rabbi Marcia Plumb will be visiting monthly to lead Erev Shabbat, Saturday morning Shabbat and Torah Study. Rabbi Plumb brings decades of experience in both pulpit leadership and Jewish education.
Ordained at HUC-NY in 1988 with a Master’s in Hebrew Literature that she received in 1985 at the same institute, she has served communities across both the U.S. and the U.K.
She also served as rabbi and chaplain for Hebrew Senior Life. She lived in London for 25 years, served as a congregational and day school rabbi and founded and directed the Spiritual Formation program at Leo Baeck College (a rabbinic seminary).
She was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York; studied at St. John’s Seminary in California; and earned her Master’s in Feminist Spirituality with the Immaculate Heart Center in Los Angeles.
She was also the program director for Seminarians Interacting, which took students from 25 seminaries to study at each other’s seminaries, then on retreat together.
Windham High wins $5K prize
WINDHAM — T-Mobile has announced that Windham High School has been selected as one of the first 450 schools nationwide to receive a $5,000 prize through the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights program, a major initiative investing in high school football communities across America.
Windham is one of only two high schools from New Hampshire to win the $5,000 prize so far.
The school is now in the running for the $1 million grand prize, which would transform the school’s football experience and ultimately benefit the entire community with “Friday Night Lights.”
Exeter Hospital gets top rating
EXETER — Exeter Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, has received a five-out-of-five star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in its annual quality and safety assessment, placing it among the highest-rated hospitals in the nation for care, patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Only 10% of the more than 4,600 hospitals that were assessed received five stars as their Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating.
This is the third year in a row that Exeter has received this recognition.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of our dedicated team’s relentless focus on quality and patient-centered care,” said President Debra Cresta. “From our physicians and nurses to our support staff, everyone plays a critical role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. We are honored to serve our community and proud to be recognized nationally for our efforts.”
Exeter continues to invest in advanced technology, clinical expertise and patient-centered innovations to improve outcomes and enhance the care experiences.
The CMS star rating system evaluates hospitals on a variety of performance measures. Earning the maximum five stars reflects Exeter Hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional, safe and compassionate care to all patients.
First responders training expanded
CONCORD, N.H. — Eligibility for the First Responder Training Program, designed to support development, recruitment and retention efforts in public safety statewide, has been expanded to include dispatchers.
The change was announced in a joint statement by the Community College System of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Department of Safety, Police Standards and Training Council and state Sen. David Watters.
Effective with the passage of House Bill 2 for Fiscal Year 2026, public safety telecommunicators and dispatchers are now eligible to participate in the program, which provides reimbursement for the cost of one or more courses per semester.
Tuition and fees for non-credit or degree courses at any of the seven institutions in New Hampshire’s community college system are eligible for reimbursement.
Reimbursements are subject to eligibility, available funding and successful completion. Participating employees must be certified as eligible by their employers and complete the documentation required by CCSNH.
Law enforcement officers and current full-time career, part-time, on-call or volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians already qualified for reimbursements during the initial version of the program, which was first announced in December 2023.
Sen. Watters, of District 4, representing Barrington, Dover, Rollinsford and Somersworth, was the primary sponsor of the initial bill that was later signed into law.
Firefighters who attend the New Hampshire Fire Academy are also eligible for full reimbursement for the cost of the academy not covered by other funding sources. Additional information, including specific programs and courses offered, is available on the CCSNH website.
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