Etzetera - March 2022

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF

I N

T H I S

I S S U E

PURIM 2022 AT TEC PAGE 6 MEN'S CLUB'S ANNUAL SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND PAGE 8 SUMMER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER PAGE 13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JOIN US FOR OUR PURIM CELEBRATION & MEN'S CLUB SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND

3. Letters From Our Leaders 4. TEC's March Calendar 5. Birthdays & Anniversaries 6. Purim 2022 @ TEC 8. Men's Club SIR Weekend 10. Deja View 11. TEC Education 12. TEC Community 13. GET TO KNOW ME: TEC Board 14. MYSTERY PHOTO 15. Summer Camp Fair 16. TEC Tributes 17. ETZ-ITING EVENTS 20. Community Partners CLERGY Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi

Ari Averbach Intern Rachel Simmons Emeritus Richard Spiegel Emeritus Shimon Paskow

STAFF

READ MORE ON PAGE 6

Executive Director Gideon Manzur ECE Director Debbie Blumenthal Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein Programming & Youth Director Cindy Goldberg Program/Events Coordinator Shane Silverstein Accounts Receivable Jessica Jacoby Marketing Assistant Alex Steinhauer Clergy Assistant Jill Rosenberg

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Shari Mark Executive Vice President Eric Feigenbaum Treasurer David Yodkovik Corresponding Secretary Elissa Lazarus Financial Secretary Wendy Margolis* Recording Secretary Beth Meyer VP, Building & Grounds Larry Slomowitz VP, Communications Dan Lubetkin VP, Early Childhood Education Joe Zwicker VP, Membership Jennifer Elson VP, Personnel & Legal Tom Milhaupt VP, Religion & Worship Benny Sommerfeld VP, Religious School Education Felicia Toporoff VP, Social Action Judy Gindi VP, Youth Ilana Sweet Trustee, Adult Education Sherri Finn-Werber* Trustee, Bingo Marshall Scherr* Trustee, Outreach Mark Goldstein Trustee, Strategic Planning Terri Zwicker President, Mens Club Colin Pullan President, Women of TEC Cindy Scherr Past President, Board Member Gary Katz Past President, Board Member Myles Simpson *Past President

3

RABBI ARI AVERBACH Judaism is hard to define. Is it a religion or a culture or a race? Or something else entirely? People within our community see it in different ways.

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

never think about, like a genetic code that they carry around, just part of their natural makeup.

It is beautiful that we are not a monolith, that there is not one creed For some, it defines their life and we all must recite to prove our dictates everything they do, buy, eat membership. Anyone who wants to be Jewish is welcome to join, and and say. each generation is seeing a more For some, it is a tradition passed diverse population. along with love, from grandparents and parents, that they will in-turn The question is what parts of pass along to their own children and Judaism are we embracing? What are we gifting to others to embrace? students.

What are the values you hold on to as defining values in Judaism?

For others, it is something that they

SHARI MARK, PRESIDENT "Be more Jewish" was the answer to the question “How do we fight antiSemitism?” In a recent webinar I attended on fighting Anti-Semitism, this answer, amongst many others, was the one that most resonated with me. In further detail the speaker told us, ‘It’s easy, really.’

Here are some examples of ways we can be more Jewish: 1. If you celebrate Shabbat and don’t light the candles, light the candles 2. If you buy (or bake) a challah but don’t say Hamotze, say Hamotze 3. If you don’t attend services regularly, attend a service See the pattern?

By the time you are reading this the mask mandate will be lifted and we will be fully open. Come to a Friday night service, the music is divine, and the sermon won’t disappoint. It is such a lovely way to end the school and work week. On March 5th, the annual, much anticipated TEC event, Havdalah and Hot Dogs returns so come and find out what this year’s holiday theme will be.

The DIY crafts are display worthy and what can be bad about a kosher hot dog!?

The Purim Carnival is another wildly popular annual event which will take place in our parking lot on Sunday, March 13. Come for the games, the Hamantashen, the potato knishes or whatever speaks to you, but just come! These are but a few meaningfully simple ways to have fun with your family, friends and temple community which result in being “more Jewish” just by attending and participating.

Let’s Be More Jewish together which in our own, small way, is a fight back against anti-Semitism, ultimately making our world a better place. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

rachels@templeetzchaim.org

Ah yes, Purim! Perhaps it’s just as I’m getting older, or perhaps I’m just a curmudgeon.

In the Talmud (Megilla 7b), two rabbis get so drunk that one kills the other.

But sometimes, I struggle with how our “fun” holiday is also the same holiday where we tell each other that our tradition considers it praiseworthy to get so inebriated we can’t tell people apart. I, too, have made this comment in the past.

When the killing Rabbi sobers up and sees what he has done, he prays for forgiveness and his friend’s life is miraculously restored.

The thing is, over time I believe it less and less, and that idea seems less and less “fun."

Whatever words you use to define Judaism are not as important as how you live Judaism. And TEC is here to help with that!

smark@templeetzchaim.org

For those of us who are lucky enough to be members of TEC, there are so many easy, wonderful ways for us to be more Jewish, especially now.

RABBI RACHEL SIMMONS

The Hebrew word for Values is Middot.

What would you call our central middot? What would you call our central middot? The Torah and Talmud are filled with how we should live a Jewish life, not just religiously (like keeping Shabbat) but also in how we treat ourselves, others, animals, and even the planet. The ultimate goal is to live a life of holiness, to be like God in our pursuit of justice and mercy.

And it is Torah that focuses on the central Jewish value of pikuach nefesh, or protecting each others’ lives.

Because above all, Judaism wants us to thrive, to grow, to learn, and to take care of each other.

Subsequently, they decide never to get so dangerously drunk again, because “A miracle doesn’t happen every time.”

Which is why, from now on, I am choosing to remain able to distinguish between Haman and Mordechai’s names on Purim.

This, too, is Torah.

Chag sameach!

4

DATES TO REMEMBER

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5 HAVDALAH & HOT DOGS

BINGO

6

7

HEBREW READING ADULT ED PROGRAM

8

9

WOTEC SHARSHERET

10

11

NOAH BEN-TOV'S BAR MITZVAH

BINGO

FEEDING THE HUNGRY

13

14

PURIM CARNIVAL

15 TEC BOOK CLUB

16 POP-UP PURIM PIZZA PARTY & MEGILLAH READING

12

17

18

PURIM

SHUSHAN PURIM

19

BINGO

20

21

22

23 BOARD MEETING

27 SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND

28

29

30 MONTHLY MITZVAH WEDNESDAY

24 BINGO

31 VIRTUAL SPEAKER EVENT WITH ETHAN ZOHN

BINGO

25

26

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND

5

Weekly

SCHEDULE SUN MON TUES

at

HOME

WED FRI SAT SAT

8:30 AM MORNING MINYAN SERVICE 7:15 PM EVENING MINYAN SERVICE

10:00 AM TUESDAYS WITH RABBI SPIEGEL 7:15 PM EVENING MINYAN SERVICE 7:00 PM KABBALAT SHABBAT 9:30 AM SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES varies COMMUNITY HAVDALAH

SPRING INTO ACTION THIS MARCH AT TEC PAGE 15

MUCH MERRIMENT IN MARCH!

PURIM TEC'S COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL

PURIM 2022 PRE-ORDER YOUR CARNIVAL

TICKETS/UNLIMITED GAME BRACELETS, HAMANTASHEN, & POTATO KNISH!

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER OR SPONSOR!

QUESTIONS? PLEASE EMAIL THE YOUTH OFFICE YOUTH@TEMPLEETZCHAIM.ORG

MUCH MERRIMENT IN MARCH!

IS HERE...

We are thrilled to bring back our annual TEC tradition, the Purim Carnival.

We can't wait to see you and your family and enjoy games, prizes, amazing food and fun. We have tickets and food available for pre-order. We also have many opportunities for volunteers to help put on the 2022 Purim Carnival!

Please join us for an afternoon of fun and surprises!

SCAN HERE TO

ORDER ONLINE

SCAN HERE TO VOLUNTEER

ORDER YOUR TICKETS, HAMANTASHEN, & KNISH OR FOR SPONSORSHIPS, DONATE HERE:

https://tinyurl.com/tecpurim22 SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE:

https://tinyurl.com/TECPurimVolunteer

MUCH MERRIMENT IN MARCH!

Yuval Aviv Hopstone

8

MUCH MERRIMENT IN MARCH! SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MAZEL TOV TO OUR

MARCH BAR

MITZVAH

NOAH BEN-TOV MARCH 12

Whether you have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or a little bundle of joy on the way, please let us know so our entire community can share in the celebration.

Send all simcha information to communications@templeetzchaim.org

10

'

'

D E J A

V I E W

A LOOK BACK AT TEMPLE EVENTS & PROGRAMMING COFFEE TRUCK FOR RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PARENTS! JANUARY 30, 2022

Religious School welcomed back our students in person after January's Omicron craziness. As a gesture to our amazing Religious School parents, a coffee truck was offered to provide either a much-needed caffeine boost on a Sunday morning or a deliciously sweet beverage. Many thanks to all who came out to the event, and, on behalf of the parents, thank you to Religious School for the kind gift.

As you can see, the line snaked through the parking lot and was enjoyed by all.

WORLD WIDE WRAP FEBRUARY 13, 2022 Men's Club invited the congregation to its annual World Wide Wrap. They taught the 7th Graders the correct and accurate way to put on tefillin, with additional guidance and support from Rabbi Averbach. After some fun and learning, the event "wrapped" up.

#ETZonthego Grab your ETZ and snap a photo with it from anywhere!

Send us your photo to be posted on our social media!

11

DEBBIE BLUMENTHAL It’s almost Purim! Purim is a celebration of a great Jewish victory.

Jews gather at synagogues to hear the reading of the Megillah. It tells how the wicked Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people. Many people, especially the children, come to the reading dressed in costumes.

We look forward to lots of fun activities, eating knishes, and checking out the silent auction at this year’s Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 13th from 11:30am to 2:30pm!

In the preschool classrooms, children will be making groggers, baking hamantaschen and reenacting the story of Queen Esther saving the Jewish people! The entire ECE program will dress up in costume on Wednesday, March 16th and enjoy a school-wide parade and sing-along in the sanctuary with Miss Bobbie, our music specialist.

Registration for our 2022-23 school year is open to children who are not currently in our infant or preschool program.

JOYCE BRONSTEIN In last month’s bulletin, I wrote about our Confirmation Program for postB’nai Mitzvah students in grades 8, 9, & 10.

On the holiday of Shavuot, which celebrates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest for the summer, our 10th-grade students lead a Service and Program.

Confirmands wear beautiful white robes, carry a rose or sheath of wheat, lead prayers, recite the ten commandments, and share their thoughts regarding important topics of their choosing.

CINDY GOLDBERG I feel incredibly lucky to have joined the TEC team just in time for the annual Purim Carnival.

SAVE THE DATE - Sunday, March 13 from 11:30-2:30.

Some of my fondest childhood memories center around making Hamentashen with my mom and siblings, going to shul in a fun costume rather than in itchy “shul clothes”, having the “rough job” of having to make a lot of noise during the megillah reading, and having a blast with my friends and family at the Purim Carnival.

My husband and I carried on that tradition with our 3 children, all of whom grew up here in TEC.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR

debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

If you are interested in more information about our early childhood programs, please contact our school office to schedule a tour or get more information. Parent and Me programs are offered during the weekday mornings. Our classes are led by experienced early childhood specialists who are following safe COVID-19 protocols. Everyone is welcome to come try a class, meet other parents, and participate in activities with your child here at our beautiful campus!

joyce@templeetzchaim.org

Each year the Confirmation Class expresses its gratitude to the Temple with a gift.

These Confirmation gifts include:

for The you this

*All of the outdoor benches, both on the plaza and on the school grounds *The handrails for the steps to the Aron Kodesh *Sterling silver Havdallah set *Chumashim *Siddurim *Library books *Temple Etz Chaim letter signage on the front of the building *Original front display sign

I thought you would enjoy learning about some past Confirmation gifts.

I look forward to sharing with you the next Confirmation Class gift to the synagogue.

This past year’s gift to our Temple was a beautiful new Parochet, the curtain that covers the Aron Kodesh containing our Torahs.

Thank you to Carl Friedlander creating this vibrant silk curtain. next time you are at TEC, I hope will take a moment to enjoy lovely curtain.

PROGRAMMING AND YOUTH DIRECTOR After the past two years, we are grateful for the opportunity to be able to celebrate the joy of Purim together.

Whether you have kids, or are still a kid at heart, please join us for the fresh air fun and games, food, and friends. Please consider volunteering at the carnival. An hour (or more) of your time is sure to bring smiles to hundreds of people in the form of a fun-filled afternoon.

The Purim Carnival is also a great way to fulfill community service hour requirements for those of you who need it for school.

We will be holding a Purim Prep Party on Sunday, March 6th at 11:30 am.

We will fill you in on volunteer responsibilities and then, for those

cindy@templeetzchaim.org able, we will get busy and get creative! We will also hold a Zoom version for those volunteers unable to attend.

You can pre-order hamentashen, knishes, tickets/wristbands, sign up to volunteer, or to sponsor the event here. Thank you in advance for helping our community make lots of memories.

I am looking forward to meeting those of you whom I don’t yet know and reconnecting with old friends.

Together, I know we will make TEC an even greater center of Jewish connections and community.

I. for one, can’t wait!

12

JUDY GINDI

VP, SOCIAL ACTION socialaction@templeetzchaim.org It’s March Madness for Social Action! We are collecting supplies for pets for Shelter Hope in the Janss Marketplace through March 24th. Please refer to your Monday emails for specific items needed such as cleaning supplies, dog food & treats, leashes, and toys. Drop off donations in the yellow bin by security.

We are feeding the Hungry on March 8th. Please sign up to donate items or volunteer to pack lunches from 3-4 pm. It’s a fun way to give back to the community. The Crochet Group meets every Thursday from 2-3:30 pm. We are making hats and blankets for babies in foster care. No experience needed!

Afghan Refugee families have arrived in the SFV in the Conejo Valley. They desperately need our help.

Watch for the sign-up genius listing items needed.

Furniture, kitchen and bath items, gift cards to grocery stores and bus cards are some of the necessary items. We are currently working with a family of 8 in San Fernando. With donations we were able to purchase a washing machine for them. Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 9th at 8 pm on Zoom. Everyone is invited. Please contact Judy at socialaction@templeetzchaim.org if you have any questions.

CINDY SCHERR

PRESIDENT, WOMEN OF TEC (WOTEC) womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org Women of TEC has been busy planning activities!

First up, our rescheduled Sharsheret evening – our new date is March 8, at 7:00 pm. The event will focus on women’s health and cancer prevention, and is open to the entire congregation.

There will be speakers and refreshments.

We have several fun events planned for the spring – we will have a movie and discussion night, a morning bagel nosh and walk in the park, and a Mah Jongg afternoon. Dates for these events will be coming soon – watch for the email blasts and Shabbat handouts for more information.

We will be nominating a slate of officers for the next year and holding elections shortly. If you are interested in serving on WOTEC’s board or, please feel free to contact me at 805-208-5006.

Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on committees and work in our Judaica Shop. If you’re interested, please let me know! As always, I am available to answer any of your questions regarding WOTEC (or just to talk!).

I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon at one of our many fun activities!

Let us do the cooking on Shabbat!

Don't forget Shabbat Dinners

TO-GO! Visit: https://tinyurl.com/ shabbatdinnertogo to order today!

COLIN PULLAN

PRESIDENT, MEN'S CLUB colinclp@sbcglobal.net Men’s Club has been busy planning for this year’s Scholar-in-Residence weekend event March 25th27th with our featured scholar Rabbi Geoffrey A. Mitelman.

We are very honored and excited to have Rabbi Mitelman present here at TEC. We really can’t think of a timelier and more relevant weekend of Jewish Contemporary thought than what Judaism can teach us about Science and Technology and how it effects our lives and livelihoods.

While we are all looking forward to welcoming our entire community back to our Shul in person for this event, we know that many of us may still prefer or feel more comfortable enjoying the weekend from home. To ensure everyone can participate, we will be live-streaming all the weekend presentations via Zoom so you don’t have to miss out on this great event.

We appreciate all those who have already signed up as SIR sponsors. If you have not already done so, please consider becoming a 2022 SIR Program Sponsor. To become a Program Sponsor at any level, please visit the TEC website to sign up for an SIR Sponsorship online or call the TEC office.”

Please join us during our annual SIR Weekend!

GET TO KNOW

Me

SHARI MARK

MEMBER SINCE 1998

PRESIDENT

What I do: I lead the Board of Directors do we can continue to keep TEC moving into a thriving and successful future. I work closely with Rabbi Averbach, Gideon Manzur and others to make sure we are staying relevant and current and appealing to new members as well as giving personal care and concern to existing members. I (try my best to) stay current with all the happenings in the various communities and groups.

Originally from: New York My Occupation: I started my professional life working for Prudential Securities in Operations, I moved to Korn/Ferry International and worked in Executive Search for a number of years before I had my children. I took some time off to be with my kids and then went into retail sales and management. I am finishing my career at TEC and moving onto the golf course this summer!

My Family: I am married to Captain Ron. He flies for United Airlines. We have 2 daughters, Jamie, 28, is a Marketing Coordinator for McCarthy Construction in Newport Beach and Kelly, 24, lives in Tulum, Mexico. She works for Hotel Escencia as Marketing and Sales Director. Both girls are engaged and we will be gaining two great sons-in-law this year!

When I'm not at TEC, you can find me: In a Pilates Studio, on my Peloton or in Malibu eating sushi!

Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman/Top Gun Favorite TV Show: Anything on HGTV

ERIC FEIGENBAUM EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

MEMBER SINCE 1986 & REJOINED IN 2015

What I do: I support the President Originally from: Westlake Village Occupation: COO of an entrepreneurial business group My Family: My wife, Emily, and I have two children - Sennen, age 8 and Ailyn, age 6 - who both attend TEC Religious School after wonderful experiences at the TEC Preschool.

When I'm not at TEC, you can find me: Traveling, Cooking or doing Yoga Favorite Movie: Titus Favorite TV Show: Ted Lasso Favorite Musician/Band: Florence + The Machine Favorite TV Show: Passover

Favorite Musician/Band: Neil Dimaond Favorite Jewish Holiday: Rosh Hashanah

14

from the TEC vault

myrna stelman submitted march's photo

if you recognize someone in the photo, please let us know

If you recognize someone in this photo or know the story behind it, please let us know!

Alison Gorowitz shared that her son, Elie, is in the picture. He is wearing the plaid hat and green shirt. It might have been during Purim or an end of school year even in June. He was about 6 in the photo and he's now 15!

SEND YOUR COMMENTS & MEMORIES TO COMMUNICATIONS@TEMPLEETZCHAIM.ORG

Summer

Summer 2022

is right around the corner!

On Sunday, February 13, Religious School sponsored a Summer Camp Fair in which many Jewish Summer and Day Camps were invited to TEC to get students excited about where to go and what to do this summer. Many thanks to all the students and parents that came to the Camp Fair and got more information about the many opportunities for fun in Summer '22.

16

Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund In Memory of Keith Excell Al and Barbara Ungar

Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund In Memory of Walter Michelsen Barbara Shannon

Religious School Fund In Memory of Annette Shapiro Barbara Budish

Dunaier Music Fund In Memory of Morris Rosen Stan Rosen

In Memory of Sylvia Rothman Bonnie Rothman

In Memory of Frances Paller Gary and Randee Paller

In Memory of Rose Frederick-Horowitz Judi Gill

In Memory of Frances Smith Linda Friedlander

In Memory of Mollie and Dorann Bunkin and Esther Lipkin Michael Bunkin

Temple General Fund In Memory of Ruth Waters Hattie Wolf

In Memory of Katie Goldberg Susan Goldberg

In Memory of Benjamin Bayewitch Joseph Bayewitch

In Memory of Myles Odoroff Robyn Krieger

Men's Club Scholar-in-Residence Fund In Memory of Lena Lipkin Alan Lipkin

In Memory of Noel Sterling Marc and Randi Cohn

In Memory of Lawrence S. Cohen Stephanie Shipow

In Memory of Anne Henry Kaufman Joel Shrater

Early Childhood Education Fund In Honor of Sheila Chadroff Al and Barbara Ungar In Memory of Jack Chadroff Edward Chadroff In Memory of Albert Shipow Robert Shipow

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In Memory of Pinney Kanter Colin and Esther Pullan & Family In Memory of Alfred Agranoff and Jack Borgen Eileen Sachs In Memory of Norman Epstein and Betty Wechsler Ilene Barney In Memory of Benjamin Barney Irwin Barney In Memory of Aileen Heller and Gertrude Altman Eileen Sachs In Honor of the Birthdays of Shari Mark, Linda Friedlander, Arthur Pfefferman, and Les and Debbie Feldman In Memory of Pinney Kanter Patty Kaye Feeding the Hungry for Harbor House Benny Sommerfeld Cynthia Koepcke Dan Lubetkin Israel and Beth Perel Joe and Terri Zwicker Tracy Kitzman In Honor of the Birthdays of Larry Mayer, Esther Pullan and Myrna Stelman Patty Kaye Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship Fund In Memory of Sophie Goldenberg Merrill Goldenberg Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In Memory of Dorothy Kwartler Linda Moskowitz

In Memory of Noel Sterling Marc and Carole Firestone Men's Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In Memory of Joseph Mason Claudine Marx In Memory of Julian Robert Saly Richard and Gari Saly Monthly Mitzvah Wednesday for the Westminster Free Clinic Martin and Donna Lichtman Rabbi Averbach's Discretionary Fund In Memory of Tania Pfefferman Arthur Pfefferman

In Memory of Oscar Honigsberg Max Honigsberg In Memory of Manuel Label Sarah Orlin Tzedakah Fund In Memory of Lawrence Oberman Robin Oberman In Memory of Isidore Finn Sherri Finn-Werber In Memory of Sarah Pancirer Alicia Gross USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In Honor of Harvey and Cyndi Mahler's 50th Wedding Anniversary Richard and Barbara Rosenberg

In Memory of Rose Miller David Cohan

Women of TEC Torah Fund In Memory of Miriam Fleser Holly Seery and Frank Lewin

In Memory of Rosalyn Gleimer Ellen Gleimer-Hustead

In Memory of Sidney Reuben Sandra Reuben

In Memory of Abe N. Kessler Gil Kessler

In Memory of Roslyn Dallek Susan Cohen

In Memory of Rose Frederick-Horowitz and Morris Moswitz Harvey and Linda Moskowitz In Memory of Theodore Fleser Holly Seery and Frank Lewin In Memory of Simon Dubinsky Jeff Schoenwald In Memory of Earl Lutzker John Lutzker In Memory of Rachel Sender Fine Lila Oberman In Memory of Fred Kunin Lorraine Dennis In Memory of Esther Gollub Michael Gollub In Memory of Richard Manes Randy Manes Family In Memory of Joseph Engler Richard Engler

17

RSVP here: https://tec.shulcloud.com/event/HHD

18

19

JOIN US ON

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook.com/templeetz Facebook.com/temple.ecec

Youtube.com/c/TempleEtzChaim

@templeetzchaim www.templeetzchaim.org