Etzetera - February 2018

ETZETERA February 2018

Shevat/Adar 5778

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

Purim Shpiel and Cocktails

Purim Megillah Reading

Sat., February 24, 2018 7:00PM in the Social Hall

Weds., February 28, 2018 6:15PM in the Sanctuary

Adults 21+

Listen to the reading of the Megillah!  Dress up in Costume!  Make Lots of Noise!  Boo when you hear the name “Haman!”  Eat Hamentaschen!  See the costumes of Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, Joyce, Debbie, Shannon, and Jeffrey Prince!



Please join us for a Purim party and complimentary cocktail with Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, and featuring our second rabbi candidate, Rabbi Jaymee Alpert.

RSVP to the office (805) 497-6891

2

3

Preschool

Debbie Blumenthal, Director of ECE debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

When a child is born, several important relationships are created—including the relationship between grandparent and child. Like all relationships, the actual nature of the grandparent/grandchild relationship is everchanging from that moment on.

Every year the ECE staff and I consider the month of February to be Grandparent Month around our preschool.

During the month we want to encourage quality interactions by involving the grandparents for one day during the month in the children’s preschool activities. Grandparents love to see life through the eyes of a child. From block building, challah baking, painted handprints, singing Shabbat songs, to having lunch together, each of these moments will be precious memories for both the children and their grandparents.

It really fills the school with lots of love seeing the children engaging with their grandparents. This year we are inviting Grandparents to join us on Friday, February 9th for a day of fun with the children!

In our early childhood environment here at Temple Etz Chaim, we value the connection between children and grandparents, or at least children and the elderly in general. Children who learn from a young age to care for others end up growing into caring adults. Just like caring for pets, or giving to the needy, caring for the elderly can have a long-lasting influence on the character development of children.

Debbie Blumenthal

Religious School

Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Education joyce@templeetzchaim.org

As I write this article, it is the beginning of the New Year.

Happy 2018! I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Hanukah celebration and had a restful few weeks with family and friends.

that it continues to be. Programs such as Havdallah and Hotdogs leave an incredible imprint on our children.

Also, at the end of February, we will celebrate Purim.

There is a Hebrew saying, “When the month of Adar appears, we increase our happiness.” May this declaration be true for your family! Celebrate Purim together, come in costume, listen as the Megillah is read, enjoy the sound of children singing and laughing, and, most importantly, take pride in our Jewish traditions, customs and heritage. I wonder what “great costumes” will be worn this year by Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, Debbie Blumenthal, Shannon Tepfer, Jeffrey Prince and myself. Truly, you don’t want to miss this special time at T.E.C.

Many parents at Religious School have heard me say, “It is really a short amount of time that you have to teach your children whatever it is you want them to learn and value.”

So, parents, I am thankful that you send your children to Temple Etz Chaim Religious School. The staff and I love having the pleasure of making a difference in your child’s life. We are aware that we have only a few years to teach and educate your children to feel comfortable with and knowledgeable about their Jewish heritage and traditions.

The staff and I truly hope that our students enjoy their experiences in Religious School and truly feel their Judaism in their hearts.

Wishing everyone a Happy Purim. Hag Purim Sameach!

Joyce Bronstein

On a different note, Havdallah and Hotdogs will have already taken place as you read this article. I love hearing from attendees that “Havdallah and Hotdogs is my favorite holiday.” Or, “I can’t wait for Erev Havdallah and Hotdogs.” Knowing that this program has gained an incredibly positive response from congregants gives me a feeling of fulfillment and joy.

An extravaganza of this nature could not take place without a team of wonderful and hardworking individuals. All those involved in Havdallah and Hotdogs, from conception to fruition, work diligently to make this evening the success 4

USY Purim is coming!!! That means that Temple Etz Chaim’s Youth Department is busy painting signs, prepping booths, shopping for food, making games, looking for prizes, ordering giant inflatables, planning costumes, gathering volunteers, and much, much more! Please be sure to join us for our Annual Purim Carnival on February 25th from 11:30am -3:00pm. We will have games, puppies, rides, food, prizes, a silent auction, face painting, henna, cotton candy, crafts, costume contest, music and tons of fun! Pre-order your tickets and Hamentashen today. As usual, there will be fun for kids, teens, and adults. All of the money raised from our carnival and auction helps TEC USYers attend regional and international events and supports our TEC Youth programs. We can’t wait to see you there!!

Knock knock….. Who’s there?......Camp Fair……..Camp Fair who?.....Camp Fair for you!!!!!!! Calling all parents! Do you know what camp you want your child to go to this summer? Are you interested in trying something new? Join us on 2/04 at 11:30am to meet representatives from: JCA Shalom, Wilshire Blvd, Camp Ramah, Camp Alonim, and TEC Summer Smash. Hear about what they have planned for your kids, collect some camp swag, and start the path to awesome summer memories!

Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

As always feel free to email or call the Youth Department for any details on events and activities as well as any questions you may have about getting involved! youth@templeetzchaim.org or (805) 494-3648.

Check out our calendar of awesome events: 02/04: Camp Fair @TEC 11:30am Warren Lawn 02/06: Kadima “Paints” lounge @6:15pm-7:45pm 02/08: Youth Commission Parent Meeting @7:30pm-8:30pm 02/09: USY Chapter Shabbat Dinner @6:30pm-8:30pm 02/11: Machar event @11:30pm-1:30pm 02/16-02/18: Sr. USY Kinnus @Beth El La Jolla 02/20: Mandatory Purim Volunteer Meeting #1 6:15pm6:45pm 02/21: Mandatory Purim Volunteer Meeting #2 6:15pm6:45pm 02/21: Purim Prep lounge (everyone invited) 6:45pm-7:45pm 02/25: TEC Purim Carnival @11:30am-3:00pm 02/28: Purim Party @7:00pm-8:45pm in the Social Hall

Women of TEC

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

Forty Women of TEC cruised to Ensenada. See the fun we had. Make it a point to join us next time.

Watch your e-mail blast, Bulletin, etc. for details on upcoming WOTEC programs. April 22 will be an excursion to Skirball. Watch for details on our event in February.

Elissa Lazarus

5

Rabbinic Search Committee

Rabbinic Search Committee RSC@templeetzchaim.org

As the search continues, we invite you to mark your calendars for the upcoming weekend visits of our Rabbi candidates.

There will be many opportunities throughout each weekend to meet and engage with the candidates. Among them are:     

Tot Shabbat Shabbat evening service followed by Oneg Shabbat morning service followed by Kiddush Saturday evening social event Sunday teaching brunch and Q & A forum

February 2nd – 4th February 23rd – 25th March 2nd – 4th th nd April 20 – 22 (the top choice candidate will be invited back to TEC with their family) Prior to each visit, information introducing the candidate and schedule of the weekend’s events will be included in the weekly email blast and will be available on the TEC website.

We welcome your feedback regarding each candidate and will provide cards for your comments.

Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?

6

TEC Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Committee

guesswho@templeetzchaim.org

7

We Proudly Congratulate our B’nai Mitzvah Braden Teck

February 3, 2018

My name is Braden Teck, and I’m an 8th grade student at Las Colinas Middle School. I enjoy playing water polo, basketball and going to the movies. My Bar Mitzvah is important to me because it signifies becoming a man in the Jewish religion. I would like to thank my wonderful tutor Rivka Moscovich for helping me prepare for this very special day. I would also like to thank my amazing parents for their love and support!

Carson Teck

February 3, 2018

My name is Carson Teck, and I’m a 7th grader at Las Colinas Middle School. I enjoy playing baseball, basketball and ping pong. I also love going to Dodger games with my family. My Bar Mitzvah is important to me because it signifies adulthood in the Jewish religion. Thank you very much to Rivka Moscovich for all her patience and dedication.

I would also like to thank my wonderful parents for all the love and support but mainly for footing the bill :)

Mia Sonnenberg-Rhim

February 17, 2018

Hi! My name is Mia Sonnenberg-Rhim, and here are five things you should know: 1. I am in the 7th grade GATE program at AE Wright Middle School.

2. My hobbies include baking, art, music and acting.

3. I have made a lot of good friends at TEC since I started in Gesher.

4. I want to thank my amazing tutor Marv Friedman and my parents for all their support.

5. I hope you can join me for my bat mitzvah!

Upcoming Events Guess Who's Coming to Shabbas?

Next Dinner Date: February 2nd Would you like to participate? Our next following dinners are scheduled for 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.

Bereavement Support Group

Say Shalom Dinner “Celebrate Shabbat Across America”

2/14/18, 2/28/18 9:30 AM Library We invite you to join our group if you are grieving the loss of a special person in your life. This communitywide support group (no charge) can provide you with an opportunity to share your feelings and be of support to others in a similar situation.

3/9/18, @ 6:00 PM in the Social Hall Plan to join us for another casual and complimentary Shabbat dinner; Rsvp needed by Thursday, March 1 to the TEC office.

A beautiful time to share together. Enjoy a fabulous meal with family and friends.

The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (9:3010:30am) at TEC in the library; led by Lori Oberman, MFT.

Call the temple office 805-497-6891 or email sharimark@templeetzchaim.org. Please be sur e to include the names of all attendees in your email response.

Sponsored by Community Outreach and Membership.

8

10 Ten Program

Tami Wank, Community Outreach outreach@templeetzchaim.org

We are so very close to reaching our goal. If you were ever thinking of making a purchase at Mt. Sinai in Simi, the time is now.

9

Contributions to our Synagogue Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund In memory of Jylian Mendelson, Beau Mann In memory of Ben Malin, Karen Seligman In memory of Ann Rudman, Ronald Rudman In memory of Lois Sipos, Neil Sipos In memory of Allen Sipos, Neil Sipos In memory of Yosef Shtilvaser, Sarah Olsen In memory of Leona Sachs, David Sachs In memory of Bernard Isidore Becker, Marc and Michelle Tuchman In memory of Irving Peisner, Robert Peisner In memory of Marcia Pomush, Steve Pomush Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Duek, Joyce Bronstein, Shannon Tepfer, Jordan Tepfer, Mark Zucherman, The TEC Men’s Club, Ryan Leon, and Pierce Hawwa, Happy Hanukkah and thank you for all the good work you are doing to educate and protect the future of Judaism, Alan D. Horwitz Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for your help and friendship during my dad’s final days, Mark Racowsky Rabbi Spiegel, Happy New Year, Heidi Birnbaum Katya Nova Schwartz, Mazel Tov from your grandparents, David and Rebeccah Schwartz Steve Lazarus, Wishing you a Refuah Shlemah, Alan and Susan Flaschner Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund In memory of Dorothy Essick, Debra Levine In memory of Cecilia Friedman, Marvin Friedman In memory of Evelyn Dubinsky, Jeff Schoenwald In memory of Katherine Spero, Lynda Kessler In memory of Zalman Leibovich, Anna Friedman In memory of Zisla Shtilvaser, Sarah Olsen Irma and Benny Sommerfeld, Condolences on the loss of Dorothy Essick, Liz and Ron Groden Hazzan Duek, Thank you for your help and friendship during my dad’s final days, Mark Racowsky Hazzan Duek, Beau and Beryl Mann Hazzan Duek, Happy New Year, Heidi Birnbaum Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Duek, Joyce Bronstein, Shannon Tepfer, Jordan Tepfer, Mark Zucherman, The TEC Men’s Club, Ryan Leon, and Pierce Hawwa, Happy Hanukkah and thank you for all the good work you are doing to educate and protect the future of Judaism, Alan D. Horwitz Temple General Fund In memory of Sylvia Mahler, Harvey Mahler In memory of Barbara King, Paul King In memory of Lillian Nelson, Phyllis Bayewitch In memory of Morris Kanner, Allen Kanner

In memory of Sofia Roisman Weinstein, Sofia Kobrin In memory of Rebecca Weinstein Cornelio, Sofia Kobrin In memory of Sidney Green, William Green In memory of Sandor Nemet, John Nemet In memory of Nadine Levi, Ray Lavi Congregation of Temple Etz Chaim, Thank you for allowing us to use your facilities for our meetings, Conejo Valley Chapter of Brandeis University Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In memory of Lowell Benjamin, Lisa Benjamin In memory of Judy Kishter, Manny and Janice Perlman In memory of David Reznik, Manny and Janice Perlman Religious School Fund In memory of Esther Kane, Daniel Kane In memory of David Maultasch, Barry Maultasch In memory of Irving Dallek, Susan Cohen In memory of Shirley Zeitlin Lubetkin, Daniel Lubetkin In memory of Clare Shulman, Lesley Schneider In memory of Sarah Wank, David Wank Joyce Bronstein, Happy New Year, Heidi Birnbaum Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund Benny and Irma Sommerfeld, Condolences on the loss of your mother, Les and Debbie Feldman In memory of Theodora “Teddy” Aronson, Stan and Lynne Rosen

Dunaier Music Fund In memory of Lucille Deutsch, Frances Deutsch In memory of Sylvia Elbling, Ronald Elbling In memory of Tom Sneed, Judith Sneed Torah Fund In memory of Marcia Marks, Kenneth Marks In memory of Amy Melissa Hagler, Ann Moore-Ross Ritual Fund In memory of Benjamin Elbling, Ronald Elbling Tzedakah Fund In memory of Myrna and Zena Bernick, Joan Bernick In memory of Carl Waxberg, Herbert Warren USY Youth & Scholarship Fund Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Duek, Joyce Bronstein, Shannon Tepfer, Jordan Tepfer, Mark Zucherman, The TEC Men’s Club, Ryan Leon, and Pierce Hawwa, Happy Hanukkah and thank you for all the good work you are doing to educate and protect the future of Judaism, Alan D. Horwitz Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence In memory of Lisa O’Brien, Gail Simpson In memory of Jack Treger, Shirley Lipkin Benny and Irma Sommerfled, Heartfelt condolences on your loss, Gloria and Irwin Katz

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In memory of Joe Simpson, Myles Simpson In memory of Norma Smith, Andrew Smith Irma and Benny Sommerfeld, We extend our Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund condolences on the loss of Dorothy Essick, In memory of Anny Levin, Barbara Shannon Patty and Bruce Gordon In memory of Ira Goldberg, Susan Goldberg In memory of Clara Stockell, Bonnie Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Rothman Fund In memory of Myer Greenberg, Janis Leshnov Dr. Ruth Kaplan Religious School Scholarship Fund In memory of Evelyn Gould, Larry Gould Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund In memory of Louis Bigley, Ferne Blaugrund Early Childhood Education Fund In memory of Brent Monetatchi, Harvey In memory of Leon Noel Blaugrund, Ferne Goldberg Blaugrund In memory of Lillian Wolfe, Ronald Elbling In memory of Dora Bigley, Ferne Blaugrund In memory of Irving Wolfe, Ronald Elbling Benny and Irma Sommerfeld, May the In memory of Manuel Label, Lorne Label memory of your mother be a blessing, Barbara In memory of Herman David Crane, Linda and Al Ungar Kulik

10

Calendar

February 2018

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events

Sunday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday 1

16 Shevat

5:00 PM Bingo

2

Saturday 17 Shevat

3

18 Shevat

Rabbi Candidate #1

Rabbi Candidate #1

6:15 PM Tot Shabbat

10:00 AM Service

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

5:00 PM Braden and Carson Teck B'nai Mitzvah 7:30 PM Social Event with Rabbi Candidate

4

19 Shevat

5

20 Shevat

Rabbi Candidate #1

10:30 AM Teaching Brunch and Q&A with Rabbi Candidate

7:15 PM Minyan

11

12

27 Shevat

6:15 PM Kadima Lounge

10:30 AM Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Brunch

7:15 PM Minyan

18

19

13

28 Shevat

4 Adar 20

President’s Day Religious School and Temple Office Closed

10 Adar

8:30 AM Minyan 10:00 AM Teaching Brunch and Q&A with Rabbi Candidate

26

23 Shevat

5:00 PM Bingo

29 Shevat

15

30 Shevat

9

24 Shevat

10

25 Shevat

Scholar-in-Residence

Scholar-in-Residence

7:30 PM Shabbat Service and Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Opening Talk

10:00 AM Shabbat Service and Men’s Club Scholar-inResidence Talk

5 Adar

21

6 Adar

7:15 PM Minyan

12 Adar

10:00 AM Tuesday’s with Rabbi

7:15 PM Minyan

11:30 AM Purim

28

16

1 Adar

5:00 PM Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Dinner 5:00 PM Bingo

22

5:00 PM Bingo

17

2 Adar

10:00 AM Mia Sonnenberg-Rhim Bat Mitzvah

7:30 PM Shabbat Service 7 Adar

10:00 AM Tuesday’s with Rabbi

11 Adar 27

7:30 PM Interfaith Interaction Meeting

14

7:15 PM Minyan

8:30 AM Minyan

Rabbi Candidate #2

8

9:30 AM Bereavement Group

7:15 PM Minyan

25

22 Shevat

7:15 PM Minyan

10:00 AM Tuesday’s with Rabbi

8:30 AM Minyan

3 Adar

7

6:30 PM Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Event

Scholar-in-Residence

Religious School Closed

21 Shevat

10:00 AM Tuesday’s with Rabbi

8:30 AM Men's Club World Wide Wrap and Minyan

26 Shevat

6

23

8 Adar

24

9 Adar

Rabbi Candidate #2

Rabbi Candidate #2

6:15 PM Tot Shabbat

10:00 AM Service

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

7:30 PM Purim Shpiel

13 Adar

EREV PURIM 9:30 AM Bereavement Group 6:30 PM Megillah Reading 7:15 PM Minyan

Carnival 2:00 PM Men’s Club Event

SAVE THE DATE Trip to Argentina

Men’s Club & USY Candle Packing

Men’s Club Brunch and Speaker

WOTEC & Men’s Club Shabbat

1st Day of Passover

March 10th

March 13th

March 18th

March 23rd/24th

March 31st

11

Non-Profit

Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131

Clergy Rabbi Richard Spiegel Hazzan Pablo Duek Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

Administration Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director

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 Adam Ainley, Trustee Audit Debbie Cohen-Sitt, VP Youth Lisa Eidman, Financial Secretary Steven Friedman, Trustee IT Kendra Jones, VP Membership Robin Kahn, VP Social Action Ken Leon, VP Religion and Worship Larry Levine, VP Project Funding Gideon Manzur, VP Temple Development Wendy Margolis, Trustee Bingo Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Spencer Miller, VP Communications Cindy Scherr, Corresponding Secretary David Shechter, Trustee Strategic Planning Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds Felicia Toporoff, VP Religious School Tami Wank, Trustee Community Outreach David Yodkovik, Treasurer Joe Zwicker, Recording Secretary Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Nanci Cooper, Past President Linda Friedlander, Past President Marshall Scherr, Past President Myles Simpson, Past President

A big thank you to Leo Bronstein for donating his valuable time by making a beautiful sign for the temple gift shop.

We are truly fortunate to have such a talented member of our synagogue who is willing to give his time and creativity.

We look forward to displaying the sign every time the gift shop is open.

Thanks again, Leo.

12