Etzetera - August 2017

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM ETZETERA

August 2017

Av/Elul 5777

August 2017

Av/Elul 5777

Rabbi’s Message

Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org

In the midst of a hot summer a contentious fight opened up in Israel concerning our most holy site – the Western Wall. If you have visited Israel, then surely you know that the main area at the Wall – The Western Wall Plaza – has a “Mechitza” a divider and operates like an Orthodox Synagogue. Further down the Wall is a smaller area known as “Robinson’s Arch” (named after the American scholar who first identified the Arch in 1838), where services are conducted more in accordance with Conservative and Reform practices.

The major dispute arose because an agreement had been reached a few years ago by the government of Israel that would make the “egalitarian” area more prominent and more accessible. However, because of pressure from Ultra Orthodox leaders, Prime Minister Netanyahu backed off the agreement. This obviously caused great disappointment and anger among many Jews inside and outside of Israel.

For me, this situation was troubling for two reasons. First, for the prime minister to go back on an agreement that took so much negotiating to achieve (it was brokered by the great former Soviet Jewish dissident Natan Scharansky) is a huge step backwards. To not keep an agreement because of political concerns is a way of abrogating trust and good will. Even more, I felt a sense of sadness. Our Jewish people have so much to worry about on the outside. Anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in the Middle East, in Europe – even on U.S college campuses.

My dream is that at least among ourselves we will pull together to be respectful and decent to one another. If we don’t take care of each other, who will take care of us?

As the summer cools down, I hope that our tempers will also cool off and we will remember that our goal is to be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation. May we find ways to cooperate and work together even when we have different points of view.

Rabbi Richard Spiegel

1080 E. JANSS ROAD ● THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360 Phone (805) 497-6891 ● Fax (805) 497-0086 ● www.templeetzchaim.org

Mandy Danzan, Executive Director I am honored to be serving this wonderful community, Temple Etz Chaim, as the new Executive Director. I look forward to meeting each of you in the coming weeks. In the meantime, my door is always open, please stop by and say Hello!

Mandy Danzan, Executive Director mandy@templeetzchaim.org

with numerous C-suite executives, entertainment luminaries, global leaders and policymakers to implement systemic change; providing strategic direction and partnership building, while creating a clear path to success when none exists.

I'm a native Angeleno, having attended Temple B'nai Hayim as a young child and later on as a young adult at Stephen S. Wise. I attended school at University of California, San Diego, earning a Bachelors in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy. I have lived abroad in Florence, Italy A little while studying and spent many years working in background on me, I've Washington, DC and most recently San Diego. My spent the better part of two husband is from Israel, and we have three beautiful decades managing political, corporate, and celebrity children. We travel to Israel annually and enjoy philanthropic programs. I began my career working spending time outdoors with our children. for the White House Millennium Council, focusing on historic conservation and social action programs I am an energetic and charismatic leader leading up to the new millennium. From there I went whose passion and drive comes from wanting to on to be part of an exclusive team on a National make my three children proud. I focus my energy Presidential Committee, and a main point of contact where my passion is; helping individuals and the between high net worth individuals, the United States Jewish community build a thriving ecosystem for our President and Vice President. generation and future generations to come.

I've held positions with a United States Senate Campaign Committee, Jewish Federation, and a B2C online platform with Spark Networks. I have worked

Best Wishes, Mandy Danzan

Rabbinical Search Committee The Rabbinical Search Committee wants to hear from you!

By now you will have received emails, surveys and invitations to parlor meetings. As we begin our journey toward selecting our new rabbi, we want to make sure the congregation is engaged and informed throughout.

Rabbinical Search Committee RSC@templeetzchaim.org

Best, Rabbinical Search Committee (RSC) RSC@templeetzchaim.org

Eric Feigenebaum, Cindy Goldberg, Susan Kane, Patty Kaye, Ken Leon, Dan Lubetkin, Gideon Manzur, Buzz Schoenkerman, Jeff Solomon, Benny Watch out for regular updates in ETZetera and Sommerfeld, Sam Slomowitz, and Terri Zwicker on the TEC website. We look forward to hearing from many of you in the upcoming parlor meetings. If you are interested in attending and you have not yet gotten information, please email us!

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Calendar

August 2017

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events

Sun

Mon

6

7

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

2

4

5 Vaethanan H: Isaiah

Fast of Av

7 PM TEC Choir

5 PM Bingo

7:32 PM Candle Lighting

Tisha B’Av

7:15 PM Minyan

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9

10

11

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group

5 PM Bingo

7:25 PM Candle Lighting

7 PM Shabbat Service Under The Stars

12 Ekev H: Isaiah

7 PM Shabbat Service Under The Stars

7 PM TEC Choir

10 AM Shabbat Service

10 AM Shabbat Service

7:15 PM Minyan

13

14

15

16

17

18

19 Re’eh H: Isaiah

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

Book Club Dinner

7 PM TEC Choir

5 PM Bingo

11 AM Caregiver Support Group

7:15 PM Minyan

7 PM JNET

10 AM Shabbat Service

7:17 PM Candle Lighting 5:30 PM Tailgate Shabbat For Religious School Familites 7 PM Shabbat Service Under The Stars 20

21

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

22

23 1st day Rosh Chodesh Elul

24 2nd day Rosh Chodesh Elul

25

26 Shoftim H: Isaiah

7:08 PM Candle Lighting 9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group

5 PM Bingo

7 PM TEC Choir

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

10 AM Shabbat Service 10 AM Bat Mitzvah of Emma Oren

7:15 PM Minyan

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28 7:15 PM Minyan

29

8:30 AM Minyan

30

31

7 PM TEC Choir

5 PM Bingo

7:15 PM Minyan

SAVE THE DATE Havdallah and Hike

Rosh Hashanah

Yom Kippur

August 26th

September 21st-22nd

September 30th 3

Help Save A Life This Year!

Blood Drive November 5th

MEN’S CLUB

Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President mensclub@templeetzchaim..org

On behalf of your Men’s Club I hope you are enjoying a great Summer. At our June 25th Sunday Brunch Speaker Series, the actor, writer, and director Stephen Tobolowsky entertained us with a truly spellbinding presentation. This was a wonderful wrap up to a great Men’s Club year of activities and events. Many of us have just returned from the FJMC International Convention in Washington, D.C. The Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs is the international umbrella organization for a confederation of more than 250 Men’s Clubs and auxiliaries serving 25,000 men throughout the United States and Canada. Over 500 individuals attended this year’s event with lots of great team building, networking, workshops, and lectures on Club Development and activities.

Our Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club chapter was honored with a Chapter Club Quality award and was asked to present our own “Under the Golden Dome” Sunday Brunch during a program fair where clubs share innovative and new programs and best practices. We look forward to bringing knowledge and new ideas from Convention to our own TEC Men’s Club. Next month we will publish our new Men’s Club Calendar of Events for the coming year. We will have plenty of our traditional events such as Steak, Scotch and Torah in Sukkah, and some new and different activities geared for all our members. Please check out our new calendar of events, and we hope you will find new opportunities and reasons to join us in the new year.

Mark Zucherman Tami Wank, Community Outreach outreach@templeetzchaim.org

SHARING NACHES

Pride, gratification, pleasure, satisfaction, delight; proud enjoyment. A Yiddish word meaning that you are happy and proud, especially of someone’s accomplishments. The word has entered the English language in the form “nachas” or “naches” and is listed in some dictionaries. Each Friday night Shabbat Service, Rabbi asks: “Tell me something good that happened this week you’d like to share?” This NEW MONTHLY FEATURE will highlight wonderful naches in each bulletin. Don’t be shy. It’s okay to brag, we want you to share your naches! Please submit to: outreach@templeetzchaim.org or in the heart-shaped lucite box outside the Temple office, forms are located there for your ease of bragging! Inquiries to Tami Wank, Community Outreach please at (805) 497-6891 www.templeetzchaim.org Here’s a form to get you started (just clip and return).

I’m kvelling because: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sharing Naches from: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Kvell: kvell is derived from Yiddish kveln, meaning “to be delighted,” which, in turn, comes from the Middle High German word quellen, meaning “to well, gush, or swell.” (Note: Return in the lucite box outside the TEC office) Wish List: We are in need of two Keurig-type coffee makers for a new coffee station to be in the Rotunda. Please contact Tami Wank, Community Outreach, at outreach@templeetzchaim.org to donate.

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WOMEN OF TEC

Elissa Lazarus, Women of TEC President WomenofTEC@templeetzchaim.org

Hope everyone’s summer is going well. Before On June 11 we honored Myrna Stelman at our we know it, the children will be back in school and we will 2017 Woman of Valor. The event was a big success as prepare for the upcoming High Holidays. evidenced by the photos to the left and below.

In the meantime, on June 6 Past President Phyllis Dankberg installed three new Board officers of Women of TEC. Pictured left to right at the Transitional Board Mark your calendars now for our annual Dinner/Installation is President Elissa Lazarus with: Membership Lunch – free of charge to dues-paying Youth VP Karen Longobart; Torah Fund VP Linda members – on Sunday, Oct. 22 at Noon. Invitations will be Hutchings and Recording/Corresponding Secretary Pam going out in September with all the details.

Deposits of $100 are due for our cruise January Friedman. Welcome Aboard!

19-22. Book your cabin now. Don’t be left onshore as Women of TEC cruises to Mexico January 19-22.

Contact Lisa Eidman at lisa@seymourassociatestravel.com.

INTRODUCING WOMEN OF TEC’S NEW SIMCHA COORDINATOR...

Elissa Lazarus President, Women of TEC is pleased to announce that Cynthia Urbach is our new Simcha Coordinator. We invite you to share your special simcha with your TEC Congregation. You can make a donation of any amount and you will be listed as a sponsor of the Friday Night Oneg or Saturday Morning Kiddush.

You will be listed as a sponsor in the Shabbat Handout for that weekend. Or you can choose just to have a cake. For full information please contact Cynthia at tinty1936@gmail.com.

WOMEN OF TEC ANNOUNCES NEW TRIBUTE CHAIR Do you want to say happy birthday, send a sympathy note, a get well note, or anniversary note?

Bonnie Rothman is our new Tribute Chairperson. The cost is $3/card payable to Women of TEC. Tell Bonnie what you want to say, whom it goes to, and who it is from, and she will send it for you. Or, buy a supply of 6 notes for $18 and you can send a note whenever you wish. Just send Bonnie a note indicating whom you sent it to – for her report. Email Bonnie at brothman@ix.netcom.com.

Thanks to Gloria Semer for heading this up for several years.

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CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund In Memory of Fannie Markowitz, Bonnie Garfinkel Rabbi Spiegel, Happy Birthday, Mar ilyn Tiller Joyce-Ruth Bunkin, Deepest Condolences, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Louis M. Samson, Karen Smith In Memory of Belle K unin, Lor r aine Dennis In Memory of Hailda Mann, Beau Mann In Memory of Jack Gorman, Sandy Rosenfeld In Memory of Rose K umin, Er r ol Ber k In Memory of Eli Storch, Lar r y Stor ch In Memory of Y etta Storch, Lar r y Stor ch In Memory of Claire Zelkowitz, Lar r y Stor ch In Memory of Toby Y oskowitz, Lar r y Stor ch In Memory of W illian W inreb, Rober t Zonshine Rabbi Spiegel, Thanks for my Shavuot Honors, Her b Wexler In Memory of Eva Minarsky, Rober t and Eileen Peisner In Memory of Cecyl Silverman, Lewis Silver man In Honor of Daniels Graduation, Lisa Ediman In Memory of Sophie Friedlander, Linda Friedlander Rabbi, Happy Birthday, Debbie and Les Feldman Rivka Moscovitch, Condolences of the loss of your father, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Sheldon Empol, Denise Daniel In Memory of Betty Daniel, Simon Daniel In Memory of Sheldon Empol, Claire Empol Bruce, Harvey, and Cyndi Mahler, Condolences, Liz and Ron Groden Rabbi, In Support and Appreciation, Dori Kremer In Memory of David Pfefferman, Arthur Pfefferman In Memory of Stanley Scherr, Marshall Scherr In Memory of Doris Ruvman, Maureen Levine In Memory of Davood Moradian, Nasser Moradian In Memory of Ben Racowsky, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In Memory of Luzer Finkelstein, Reuben Finkelstein Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund In Memory of Harry B. W ink, David Wank In Memory of Rose Morris, Elizabeth Gr oden Michael and Joyce-Ruth Bunkin, Heart-felt Condolences, Bonnie Rothman In Memory of Louis M. Samson, Donald Samson In Memory of Emmanuel Friedman, Mar vin Fr iedman In Memory of W illiam Groden, Ronald Gr oden In Memory of Doris Mack, Fr eda Cohen In Memory of Ira Jay Berk, Er r ol Ber k In Memory of Shamuel Orlowski, J an Or lowski In Memory of Charles Sneed, J udy Sneed In Memory of Fanny K essler, Gil Kessler In Memory of Amy Corwin, J oel Cor win In Memory of Alenne Mayer, Ir is Antell In Memory of Melvin S. W ank, David Wank In Memory of Simon Nevitt, Fr eda Cohen In Memory of Solomon Fleishman, Sandr a Levy Hazzan and Julieta, Thank you for the Aleah, Dorothy Rosengard Karen and Kevin Longobart, Condolences on your loss, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Alfred W arm, Dr . Ratzan Hazzan, Thank you and in appreciation, The Shapiro Family Hazzan, In Support and Appreciation, Dori Kremer In Memory of Harry Treisman, Robin Oberman In Memory of Abraham Freilich, Marshall Scherr In Memory of Benjamin Zamkoff, Pauline Kaplan Joe and Terri Zwicker, Condolences, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Ben Racowsky, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In Memory of Ben Racowsky, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Sarah Ratzan, J erome Ratzan Temple General Fund In Memory of Robert Bohmiller, Sher r i Finn In Memory of Benjamin W oods, Leon Woods In Memory of Dora W eiss, Ralph Weiss In Memory of Maurice Benchimol, Elaine Benchimol In Memory of Harold Goldwasser, Laur a Goldwasser In Memory of David Abdolrazagh, Zohr en Abdolr azagh In Memory of Jeanne Salzman, David Salzman In Memory of Louis Miller, Susan Kanner In Memory of Sol Anbinder, Ir is Woods In Memory of Florence Lavine, Anne Weiss

In Honor of Ben Racowsky, Susan Ber nstein Karen and Kevin Longobart, Condolences on your loss, Susan Bernstein Karen Longobart, In Memory of Earl David Goldberg, David and Rebeccah Schwartz Selma Zwicker, Sincere Condolences, Gloria and Irwin Katz In Memory of Mary Green, William Green In Honor of The Awesome Shabbat Morning Regulars, Judy Mayer In Memory of Ben Racowsky, Debra and J ay Levine Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In Memory of Fannie Zamkoff, Pauline Kaplan In Memory of Allen Levine, Elva Levine The Bunkin Family, Sorry to hear about your loss, Ed Jotkowitz In Memory of Ann Levin, J anice and Manny In Memory of Naomi Elson, Emanuel and J anice Per lman In Honor of Mila Brown, Emanuel and J anice Per lman In Memory of Muriel June Perlman, Emanuel and J anice Perlman Religious School Fund In Memory of Seymour K ane, Daniel Kane In Memory of Reuben Zucker, Ellen Zucker In Memory of Ruth W achs, Lesley Schnieder In Memory of John Darsa, Susan Kane In Memory of Maurice Budish, Gar y Budish In Memory of David Presser, Fr ancine Finkelstein In Memory of Charlotte Lipschitz, Clair e Maultasch In Memory of Robert Smith, Linda Fr iedlander In Memory of Andrew “Brandi” Sabolch, J udith F eldman Gary and Barbara Budish, In memory of sweet Maurice, Sandy Fine In Memory of David Issac Cohen, Susan E Cohen

In Memory of Morton Adler, J oyce Goldber g In Memory of Marilyn Grosser. Diane Goer Joe and Terri Zwicker, In Memory of your Dear Dad, Shari and Ron Mark Dunaier Music Fund In Memory of Gus K . Dishman, Mar ia Wein In Memory of Charles Sneed, J udy Sneed In Memory of Abe W einberg. Susan Solovy Karen and Kevin Longobart, Condolences on your loss, Jack and Hadar Dvir In Memory of Edward Glick, Joan Bernick Sandra Tischler Torah School Memorial Fund Joe Tishler, W ishing you a Speedy Recovery, Nomi Fr eed Torah Fund In Memory of Harold Goldwasser, Ann Goldwasser In Memory of Ida Loenthal, Ann Goldwasser In Memory of Emily Safani, Michael Safani In Memory of Albert Loenthal, Ann Goldwasser In Memory of Florence Greenberg, Janis Leshnov In Memory of Abraham Berman, Cynthia Ur bach In Memory of Josef Herskovits, Evey Liebman In Memory of Charles Loenthal, Ann Goldwasser Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund Dorann, In memory of your Daughter, Lois Gir sky Elinor and Fienberg, Mazel Tov, Bever ly and Bob Shpall In honor of Steve and Elinor Fienberg, Wedding Anniversary, Lillie and J ose Keines Steve and Elinor Fienberg, Happy Anniversary, Debbie and Les Feldman Steve and Elinor, Happy Anniversary, Sandie and J erry Leventhal Women of TEC Torah Fund In Honor of Myrna Stelman, Susan Goldberg

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Dorothy Schoenwald, Jeff Schoenwald Nicole Chernavsky, Congratulations, Nomi Fr eed In Honor of Gail and Myles Simpson, Nomi Fr eed The Bunkin Family, Condolences, Stan and Lynne Rosen Elisa Feldman, A continued inspiration, Debbie and Les Feldman In Memory of Sol Gleimer, Ellen Hustead In Memory of Howard Grossman, Beth Meyer Karen Longobart, Condolences on your loss, Debbie and Les Feldman Joe and Selma Zwicker and Bruce Mahler, Condolences, Wendy and Peter Margolis TEC, In Support and Appreciation, Dor i Kr emer Bruce Mahler and Family, Condolences on your loss, Rick and Barbara Rosenberg Bruce Mahler and Family, Sincere Condolences, Sher i and Jeff Schoenwald Harvey Mahler and Family, Sincere Condolences, Sheri and Jeff Schoenwald In Memory of Elisa Feldman, Zona and Barry Pidgen In Memory of Irving Matzner, J udy Sneed Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund The Bunkin Family, Condolences, Mar k and Cher The Bunkin Family, In Memory of your Daughter, Ron and Sybil Goldstein Myrna Stelman, Mazel Tov, Sybil and Ron In Memory of Jane Cher, Susan Goldberg In Memory of Dorann Bunkin, Susan Goldberg In Memory of Magda Chesnick, Myr na Stelman The Bunkin Family, W ith Deepest Sympathy on your loss, Myrna Stelman Myrna Stelman, Mazel tov on your honor, Bonnie Rothman In Memory of Dorann Bunkin, Judi Gill Myrna Stelman, Congratulations on being named women of valor, Judi Gill In Memory of Ben Gurien, Har vey Gur ien Early Childhood Education Fund The Bunkin Family, In Memory of your Daughter, Ber yl and Benu Mann In Memory of Frieda Bompey, Edythe Rabinowitz In Memory of Nathan Hockman, Stuar t Hockman

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Women of TEC Tribute Cards Ettta Weinstein, Get W ell Soon, Glor ia Semer Etta Weinstein, Get W ell Soon, Bar bar a/Al Ungar Tzedakah Fund In Memory of Marcus K luber, Lou Kluber In Memory of Annie Rubens, Stan Rubens Michael and Mary Wexler, In Loving Memory, Herb Wexler In Memory of Sarah “Sadie” Solomon, M arie R ubens In Memory of Nathaniel Rubens, Marie Rubens In memory of Michael Wexler, Herb Wexler In Memory of Mary W exler, Her b Wexler In Memory of Ben Zion Kulik, Morry Kulik Scholar-in-Residence Fund In Memory of Lillian W exler, Alan Lipkin In Memory of Geraldine Altenburg, Myr na Stelman In Memory of Marilyn Zimmerman, Shir ley Lipkin Silverstein Humanitarian In Memory of Sarah Simpson, Myles Simpson In memory of Paul Chesnick, Myr na Stelman Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship Fund In Memory of Shana Ozark, Lisa War r en In Memory of Henia Ruthberg, Bar bar a Nemet In Memory of Irving Matzner, J udy Sneed USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In Memory of Golda Savloff, Betty Reiser In Memory of Amy Corwin, Lor r aine Cor win In Memory of Ida Wolfson, Shirley Wolfson Barry Cantor Memorial Fund In Memory of Dena Y askiel, Cyndi Mahler Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence In Honor of Marc Firestone, Kenneth A. Elfand Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund In Memory of David Cohen, F red Cohen Caring Connection: Thank You Warren Family for the various gift cards to those in need.

USY

Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templetzchaim.org

Hello everyone! It’s almost fall and we are so excited about seeing everyone back at school. We have such a fun-filled 2017-2018 year planned for your kids! The USY Board members are gearing up for all of our TEC’ers, and we can’t wait to share our exciting lounges, Chapter Activities, and events with all of you! Kadima is entering 3rd-6th grade, Jr USY is 7th-8th, and Sr USY is 9th-12th grade. We are looking forward to being a part of your child’s journey in building lifelong friendships, Jewish identity, and community here at TEC. The Youth Department is excited to continue our Machar (K,1,2) program too! Machar is a special program for kids in grades K-2 that will meet once a month on Sundays after Religious School from 11:301:30pm. Some of the things we will do: community and Tikkun Olam projects, gain friendships and create bonds, play games and have fun!

Are you looking for friends, fun activities, leadership opportunities, a place to chill and be yourself? Become a member of our TEC USY Chapter and let the good times roll!

Upcoming dates: 8/26 -Havdallah and Hike 5:30pm-7:30pm Please bring a parve or dairy meal and your families 9/3- Disney Day with USY 7:30 am to 12:00 am *Cost is $115 (members) $135 (non members) 9/5 & 9/10- USY Open House— come check us out after Religious School orientation 9/8- Chapter Shabbat dinner for Jr’s and Sr’s 6:30pm8:30pm. *Location will be given upon RSVP 9/12- Welcome back Kadima lounge!! 6:15 pm-7:45pm. *Cost is $8 includes activities and dinner 9/19- Jr Lounge (7th-8th) only 6:15pm-7:45pm. *Cost is $8 includes activities and dinner 9/24- Welcome back Machar (K-2nd grade) 11:30am1:30pm. *Cost is $10 plus membership 9/25- Sr’s only Monday Lounge- 5:30pm-6:30pm. *Cost is $8, includes activities and dinner before confirmation 9/18-9/30- Operation Isaiah canned food drive 9/21- Tashlich Walk 8th-12th grade 11:30am-1:30pm *We meet in the Rotunda and walk to the park for Tashlich 9/30- Yom Kippur Sicha 8th -12th grade 12pm-1pm in the USY Lounge

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Joyce Bronstien, Director of Religious School EducationJoyce@templetzchaim.org

I am very happy to let you know that Felicia Toporoff is the new V.P. of Religious School Education. Felicia has two children, one in Preschool and one in the Religious School. Last year, Felicia served on the Education Committee. Her calm demeanor, intelligence, insightful ideas and genuine positive nature were instrumental in helping guide the committee in making wise decisions regarding the future of the Religious School. As V.P., Felicia will attend monthly Board meetings and Religious School Education Committee meetings. She will also attend grade level programming for grades K-12. I am truly grateful to have Felicia join the Religious School team. She will be fantastic.

know a family that is looking to “find” a temple, please refer them to me. I would love to have the opportunity to speak with them!

Please join us on August 18th at 5:30 p.m. for our second annual “Tailgate Shabbat.” The Religious School will provide a delicious dinner from “Pizza Nosh.” We will even have dessert! NO CHARGE! Everyone is welcome to attend. All you need to do is R.S.V.P. and bring your blankets and chairs. After dinner will be the final Shabbat Services under the Stars. Bring your friends and let’s enjoy Shabbat together….everyone welcome!

L’hitrot Joyce Bronstein

During the summer months, the staff and I are gearing up by preparing for another incredible Religious School educational experience. If you 7

UPCOMING EVENTS Bereavement Support Group 8/9/17 and 8/23/17, 9:30 AM TEC Library We invite you to join our group if you are grieving the loss of a special person in your life. This community-wide support group (no charge) can provide you an opportunity to share your feelings and be of support to others in a similar situation.

Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Facilitated by Lori Oberman, MA, MFT, lorioberman@aol.com.

Caregiver Support Group 8/21/17 and 9/18/17, 11 AM Conference Room All Topics Encouraged (dementia, behaviors, stress, finances, organization, Alzheimer, aging, etc.) Hear, share, learn, discuss, resolve issues in caring for loved ones. Run by LCSW Martha Shapiro from Senior Concerns.

Celebrate Life Shabbat Service 10/20/17, 7:30 PM Don’t miss this thoughtful service with Teen Speaker, honoring and celebrating life in awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Challah Bake 11/8/17, 7 PM Kneading you for loaves of fun! TEC's first ever Challah Make, Take and Bake. (Brought to you by Community Outreach and Women of TEC). Stay tuned for details.

Shabbat Under the Stars June 9th—August 18th, 7 PM Warren Lawn Join your TEC family for this annual tradition—a beautiful, relaxing outdoor service. The perfect way to end the week!

Lulav & Etrog Orders Order your Lulav and Etrog set to get ready for Sukkot!

Say Shalom Update

Each set includes an Israeli Etrog, Lulav (palm), Arovot (willow), and Hadassim (myrtle). The sets will be ready for pick-up on Monday, October 2nd, just in time for Erev Sukkot on Wednesday, October 4th.

10/20/17, 1/12/18, 3/9/18, and 6/1/18, 6 PM Social Hall Chai-necting, Engagement, More Ruach! We hope you have enjoyed our monthly Say Shalom gatherings before services this past year. We are excited to be moving forward into the new year with a new say shalom format: We will no longer be featuring the monthly say shalom format, instead there will be four special themed Say Shaloms with a complimentary casual dinner. Stay tuned on how you can RSVP. Sponsored by Community Outreach & Membership.

Cost: $50.00 per set Due Date: Friday, September 8th Pick up an order form in the Temple Office or print one from our website.

You can also email your order to office@templeetzchaim.org or phone in your order at (805) 497-6891.

Hike and Havdallah 8/26/17, 5:30 PM Join TEC members and USY at Wildwood Park, 928 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks 91361.

Please bring a parve or dairy meal and your families.

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Tami Wank, Community Outreach outreach@templeetzchaim.org

10 TEN PROGRAM

On a Personal Note…

The Time is Now… Being responsible, starting the discussion isn’t always easy

By Tami Wank, Trustee Community Outreach Thank you to those sharing thoughts and quotes contributing to this article.

Starting the discussion: “I don’t want to think about it.”

“Let’s talk about it later” … (but the time never comes) “Let’s be obvious, it’s not a fun subject...”

“We don’t need to think about this now at our age.”

Reflecting: “I think he was sorry he didn’t have it planned at the time because he couldn’t think about it when it happened. and when it happened he let someone else do the deciding.”

“I didn’t know the answers” “It was one of the toughest things to go through…”

“I never realized all the decisions.”

Why you made the arrangements now: “I don’t want my kids to go through what I had to experience…”

“Why? Because it takes the burden off my kids when they will have so much to deal with … that’s why.”

“Because it is my responsibility to shield my family from having to make intense financial and difficult decisions at a vulnerable challenging time.”

“I know I need to do this to take care of my family: spiritually, financially and emotionally.”

“They have enough to worry about. I know it’s the best gift I could give to my family.”

“I know my family will appreciate it in the long run.”

“I don’t want to be buried in my gym clothes.”

“I like knowing now where my family will be visiting me.”

We ALL know someone who wasn’t prepared, who didn’t know what to do.

Having discussions, making arrangements, can alleviate a significant amount of pressure in an already most stressful time for your loved ones no matter what age.

Hopefully this short article helps you start the discussion needed because starting the discussion is sometimes one of the hardest steps. I know it was for me.

Start the discussion, Learn More Sunday, November 12 at 10:00 AM Remembrance Hall Grab a light bite after Minyan and join

Temple Etz Chaim is participating in a unique fundraising program with Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries (Simi Valley) to raise substantial funds for the synagogue.

Mount Sinai Simi Valley, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley, 93063 800-600-0076 www.mountsinaiparks.org For a limited time, when ten properties are sold in advance of need and paid in full, Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries will donate $10,000 to Temple Etz Chaim and the money keeps growing thereafter with every additional purchase before need. To get your confidential conversation started, learn more about pre-planning, and the 10Ten Program, make sure to mention Temple Etz Chaim and contact: Josh T. Ryan (805) 306-6411 jtryan@mountsinaiparks.org or Eric Frank (805) 306-6410 efrank@mountsinaiparks.org For inquiries, please call Tami Wank, Trustee TEC Community Outreach, 805-497-6891 Program ends March 1, 2018; Cremation properties excluded.

Please note Mt. Sinai has a firm price policy.

WE PROUDLY CONGRATULATE OUR B’NAI MITZVAH Emma Oren 8/26/17 My name is Emma Oren. I am a seventh grader at LCMS. I love dancing, photography, and hanging out with my friends. I have been going to TEC since I was two years old. I am very excited to have my Bat Mitzvah with my friends and family. Thank you to my parents, brother, sisters, Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, Joyce Bronstein, and Ed Jotkowitz for helping me prepare for this amazing day!

Yoni Oren 8/26/17 I’m Yoni Oren and in 8th grade at LCMS. I have been at TEC since preschool! This summer I celebrated my bar mitzvah in Jerusalem, and it was awesome! It means a lot to be considered a Jewish adult. I want to thank my mom, dad, sisters, and my whole family for always being there for me. Thank you Joyce and Sarah for supporting my Jewish education. And a big thanks to my amazing tutor Ed Jotkowitz!

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Shabbat dinners in Temple Etz Chaim’s new “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas” program were held on May 12 and July 14. To date, 84 families have participated! Many thanks to the Dennis, Feldman, Flaschner, Goldstein, Hustead, Lefko, Mark, Mayer, Meyer, Scherr, Simpson, Sturman, Volk, and Wank families for hosting.

The goals of the program are to strengthen the synagogue community and to help families build meaningful memories. These are accomplished by partnering congregants with one another for Shabbat dinners in their own homes. The program then grows exponentially, with invited guests at one dinner serving as hosts for dinners in subsequent months, leading to 100% inclusion of our members over time.

Would you like to participate? Our dinners for next year are now scheduled for Oct. 13 and Dec. 8, 2017, and Feb. 16, Apr. 20, and June 8, 2018. Just contact us at guesswho@templeetzchaim.org if you would like to host, or if you would like to be invited as a guest.

Doesn’t everyone enjoy celebrating Shabbat over a good meal at home with family and friends? Won’t you join us? Your picture can be here in a future article!

[TEC’s Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Program is sponsored by Men’s Club and the Women of TEC.] Beth Meyer, Cindy Scherr, and Myles Simpson TEC Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Committee guesswho@templeetzchaim.org

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Non-Profit

Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Clergy Rabbi Richard Spiegel Hazzan Pablo Duek Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow Administration Mandy Danzan, Executive Director Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director Dena Feingold, Media and Outreach Specialist Board of Directors Sherri Finn, President Jeff Solomon, Executive Vice President Gary Katz, Immediate Past President Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President Elissa Lazarus, Women of TEC President Cindy Scherr, Corresponding Secretary Lisa Eidman, Financial Secretary Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds Spencer Miller, VP Communications Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Jeff Sigel, VP Legal and Personnel Kendra Jones, VP Membership Larry Levine, VP Project Funding Felicia Toporoff, VP Religious School Ken Leon, VP Religion and Worship Robin Kahn, VP Social Action Gideon Manzar, VP Temple Development Debbie Cohen-Sitt, VP Youth David Yodkovik, Treasurer Adam Ainley, Trustee Audit Wendy Margolis, Trustee Bingo Tami Wank, Trustee Community Outreach Steven Friedman, Trustee IT David Shechter, Trustee Strategic Planning Nanci Cooper, Past President Linda Friedlander, Past President Marshall Scherr, Past President Myles Simpson, Past President

U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

The Mission Of Temple Etz Chaim is to provide a spiritual home for the exploration and expression of Judaism, to foster a warm and welcoming community for celebrating the joy and beauty of our Jewish Heritage, and to bring meaning to Jewish lives through religious observance, study of Torah, and performance of mitzvot.

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