Etzetera - January 2019

ETZETERA January 2019

Tevet and Shevat 5779

Happy Tu B’ Shevat

It’s not just

Havdalah & Hot Dogs This year’s theme

“Spread the Ahavah” Featuring exciting crafts, activities, Havdalah service, and a Hot Dog dinner!

Saturday, January 26 at 5:30 pm Hot Dog dinner served promptly at 5:30 pm followed by Havdalah Service and Evening Program RSVP due by Thursday, January 10, 2019 Questions? Call Joyce Bronstein at 805-494-8174 1080 E. JANSS ROAD ● THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91360 Phone (805) 497-6891 ● Fax (805) 497-0086 ● www.templeetzchaim.org

Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org

Rabbi’s Message In the month of January, in a quiet part of the year, we celebrate one of our most beautiful holidays. It is known as Tu B’ Shevat (the 15th day of Shevat) or Jewish Arbor Day. It is the holiday for planting trees particularly in the Holy Land and, certainly, many of us remember making contributions to JNF when we were children so that trees could be planted in Israel. Today, Tu B’ Shevat is also known as Jewish ecology day because it calls upon us to pay attention to nature in a total and complete way.

Southern California. Today we all look at hillsides that are

What this means to me this year, is that for Tu B’ Shevat, we

physical well-being. Whether it is by planting more trees or

black- at trees that are missing- at nature destroyed by terrifying wildfires. Today, we know that the results of years of drought leaves us susceptible to more fires, to mudslides (after the rain does finally come and there is nothing to absorb the water on the hillsides) to hardship and worry. Today, we know that we need to concern ourselves with nature in a place we thought was paradise.

I hope that we will all take advantage of Tu B’Shevat this year to consider how we can make a contribution to our area’s finding ways to use less water, there is no doubt that we need

should have two places on our minds. The first is Israel where

to be better stewards of our environment. Tu B’Shevat

we need to continue to plant and beautify our ancient

reminds us that we must not take our beautiful nature for

homeland. How proud we should all be to know that Israel is

granted. Rather, we need to involve ourselves in the well-

the only country in the world which had a net gain of trees in the 20th century. How marvelous is that Israel in the early part

being of our community.

of the 21st century is so much more beautiful than it was at the

As the famous Talmudic story concludes, “As others planted

th

beginning of the 20 century. Our efforts have brought about

trees for me, so that I can enjoy delicious fruit and shade and

amazing results and the need to continue our part in

so many other benefits of trees, so too I plant for those who

developing the soul of the Holy Land is clear and apparent.

will be coming into this world in the future.”

But the events of the last few months have also opened our

Rabbi Richard Spiegel

eyes to the needs that are so profound in our own glorious

JAM

That's Entertainment!

January 26, 2019 at 10:00 am

New Programming Committee

in the Wolfson Auditorium

2019 will be a busy year at Temple Etz Chaim! With all that goes on around our synagogue, we want to remember there are times when we just want to have fun, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.

It’s time for singing, dancing, and learning again with Hazzan Pablo and musician Steve Ormond

We are starting a new programming committee with entertainment in mind.

What’s our art project? We’re making edible jewelry for Tu B’ Shevat

If you like to plan parties, this could be your calling!

Please contact Dana at the temple office 805-497-6891 to join today!

Kiddush lunch provided after

Let the FUN begin!

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President’s Message Happy New Year!

Jeff Solomon, President president@templeetzchaim.org

We chose and hired Rabbi Ari Averbach as our next Rabbi (joining TEC in July 2019) as we begin to turn the page to the next chapter in our nearly 60-year history.

Welcome to 2019. January 2019 marks the beginning of the second half of my first year as President of TEC’s Board of Directors. During that time we experienced some amazing highs and

We not only survived the recent Hill and Woolsey fires, but turned those tragedies into an opportunity to assist Ilan Ramon Day School by welcoming their preschoolers into our classrooms and finding space to host their day schoolers.

some traumatic lows.

I attended the B’Nai Mitzvah of our latest Adult B’Not Mitzvah class on my first Shabbat as President and handed out Bat Mitzvah certificates for the first time in a few decades.

We re-licensed our Preschool and Infant Care centers to allow us to provide additional Conejo Valley families with much needed care for their children; less than 6 months later, our Infant Care Center is already at capacity.

We hired David Brook as our Executive Director in August (he started in September) completing our restructure of the office staff that begun in 2016.

Thanks to the generosity shown by you and your fellow congregants, we had a very successful Kol Nidre campaign that raised more than we had budgeted.

We turned the tragedy of the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh into a community-wide outpouring of interfaith support at an overflow crowd memorial service.

Quite a six month journey! And more is in store as we begin 2019 on a high note with a lot of positive momentum. I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the new year and especially on Memorial Day weekend as we throw a gala celebration for Rabbi Spiegel as he retires after 19 years (Chai plus one) and moves into his new role as Rabbi Emeritus.

We hosted two distinguished Rabbis and huge crowds of members and non-members at multiple Rabbinic candidate events that took place on consecutive weekends at the end of October and the beginning of November.

Cheers!

Jeff Solomon

Tuft’s University Shir Appeal A Capella Concert Monday, January 7 2019 at 7:30 pm Free admission!

Shir Appeal is Tuft’s University’s Jewish A Cappella group They have traveled the country singing in multiple languages and musical genres

Listen to their most recent album on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube!

Photos from Shabbat JAM on Saturday, December 15 3

Early Childhood Education Happy New Year! We are so excited to welcome new friends as we return to school! The children always look like they have grown inches when they come back from winter break.

January is a great month to talk about peace and to facilitate activities that foster children’s selfesteem, promote cooperation and nonviolence. This is the month to celebrate the life and triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children love to brainstorm ideas on how they can be good friends or make peace within their school. In the sanctuary each Friday we put our arms around the friends sitting next to us and Hazzan Pablo leads us in singing “How happy we are to be all together, like sisters and brothers, how happy we are to be all together…” The words and feelings that go along with this song, sum up how we feel about being with the children in our school.

Our first Tot Shabbat of 2019 will be on Friday, January 18th at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. It’s a Pajama Night and our 2 year old classes will be singing during the service. Everyone is invited to join us for Tot Shabbat and delicious treats afterwards.

We love to learn and celebrate the Jewish holiday Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees. We have so many educational and fun filled activities to identify, explore, and experience everything related to trees, fruits, and caring for the earth. Preschool parents are invited to join us for our Tu B’Shevat celebration on Wednesday, January 23, at 9:30 a.m. in the garden area.

We will have our summer camp calendar and registration forms ready by the end of the month. We are looking forward to another great year!

Thank you for being a part of our Temple Etz Chaim family!

Debbie Blumenthal

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Debbie Blumenthal, Director of ECE debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

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

Religious School Religious School students will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat later in January/Shevat.

Although Tu B’Shevat is known as “The New Year of the Trees” its literally meaning is “the 15th day of the month of Shevat.” The Torah itself is called a “Tree of Life” as is our synagogue, Temple Etz Chaim. Trees are a symbol of life and rebirth. The act of planting a tree represents an investment in the future. In Israel, when our ancestors first observed this holiday, Tu B’Shevat fell at the time of year when trees seemed to be born, or to come to life. Years ago, our ancestors also realized that things that grow, such as flowers and trees, are very important to all human beings. Although Tu B’Shevat is not mentioned in the Bible, in ancient times it was the custom to plant a cedar tree for a new baby boy and a cypress tree for a girl.

Tu B’Shevat is the perfect time to look at our planet and see what we can do to make it better. Here are some ideas: Keep the land free of litter. If you see litter, pick it up and throw it away.

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Use materials that can be used again, then recycle them.

Use reusable soft drink bottles or aluminum cans.

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Recycle paper products.

Buy products made of recycled materials.

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Take a walk with your family and photograph or draw pictures of some of the trees and plants that add pleasure to your life.

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Plant parsley to be used for Passover.

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Celebrate by eating foods that grow on the trees of the Holy Land, for example, almonds, dates, figs, carobs, and pomegranates.

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Experience nature…really look and take it all in.

On a different note, Havdalah and Hotdogs will take place on Saturday, January 26th ….please save the date. Although the name is the same, the theme and activities for all ages will be different. The theme this year is “Spread the Ahavah (love).”

Havdalah and Hotdogs is fun, creative, and informative. Every age group will be able to participate in the many exciting activities based around the “theme” of the evening. Remember to come and be a part of the “community project.” This year, we will be making a new Chuppah for our congregation.

Families will decorate their very own square which will be assembled and used for many years. A reservation form for “Havdalah and Hotdogs” can be found in the bulletin that you are currently reading. Please complete it right now and return it to the Religious School office. Seeing everyone there will make this day great! Sooooo take out your T.E.C. scrapbook and continue filling more pages with pictures, memories, and fun. “Don’t miss this fun-filled day. I hope to see everyone there.”

In a hot, dry country like Israel, trees make the difference between an unfriendly desert and a welcoming land. By holding the moisture in the soil, the roots of trees help many other plants grow. Our tradition teaches that when the Israelites entered Israel, G-d commanded them to plant trees.

So, it became a tradition to plan trees on Tu B’Shevat. It is especially important for all Jewish people to purchase trees in Israel to help the forests flourish.

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A heartfelt Todah Rabah to Susan Kane and Karen Garelik who helped me to plan this memorable evening. Please review your Religious School calendar or visit the T.E.C. website for other important dates and times.

Joyce Bronstein

Torah Fund Study Day

Women of TEC presents A special evening of ruach, refreshments, exploration, and fun!

“Empowering Women for a Bright Future: Using Our Voices to Make a Difference”

Participate in “The Escape Room”

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Wolfson Auditorium at 7:15 pm

Sunday, January 13, 2019 9:15-2:30 pm at the American Jewish University

Meet and greet with Margie Miller, the International Board President of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism

Hear from a panel of rabbis, cantors, and Jewish community leaders about women’s leadership in Jewish communities For questions, contact Linda Hutchings, Torah Fund VP, at lindahuci@gmail.com

Please RSVP by January 16 to Sarahkaramas@att.net or IKsweet06@yahoo.com 5

Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

USY & Youth We had a lot of fun in the month of December as we celebrated the holiday season and came together as a community with our Elan Ramon guests.

Our activities for January are:

We had a Kadima lounge where we extended an invitation to Elan Ramon kids. It was a great way for all of the children to come together as a community. Kadima, Jr’s, and Sr’s also enjoyed activities out this month. Kadima enjoyed going to Iceoplex for our annual skating and hot chocolate, while our Jr and Sr groups went out to dinner at the Lakes and ice skating.

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January 6th - YMC (Youth Commission Meeting)

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January 7th - Jr & Sr Hangout and Homework

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January 13th - Machar Etz Chaim (Tu B’Shevat Theme)

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January 18th - Chapter Shabbat Dinner (USYer’s home)

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January 22nd - Kadima, Jr, Sr Silent Dance Off

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January 25th – 27th - Kadima Kinnus, Jr Kinnus, Sr Encampment in Ojai

We look forward to starting the New Year with Kadima/Jr Kinnus and Encampment for Sr’s at Camp Ramah in Ojai on January 25th-27th. Please contact the Youth Office if your child is interested in going. It will be a great event where the kids experience new and exciting programs while hanging out with their friends for the weekend.

Big upcoming events in 2019 to mark on your calendar are our annual Purim Carnival on March 17th. We need volunteers.

Please contact me if you are interested in helping. We also have our Machar day out at Scooter’s Jungle on April 7th. Cost is only $10 per child and space is limited, so be sure to RSVP. I’d like to thank all of our TEC community for all of the support and dedication that you have shown the Youth Department this past year. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Shannon Tepfer

Photos from youth events in December

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We Proudly Congratulate our B’nai Mitzvah Broderick “Brodie” West

January 12, 2019 th

My name is Broderick “Brodie” Jacob West and I’m in the 7 grade at Chaparral Middle School. I am looking forward to my Bar Mitzvah on January 12. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my tutor Jessica, all of my Hebrew school teachers, not to mention Joyce Bronstein, Sarah Karamas, Rabbi Spiegel, and Hazzan Pablo. This special day wouldn’t come to fruition if it wasn’t for my parents and Jamie Garnett carpooling and playing taxi. The Hebrew School friends make learning a fun place. I love to read mythology, rock climb, surf (water and internet), and ride my skateboard. I’m also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I aspire to be an environmentalist who helps end world pollution and protect endangered wildlife.

Abigail Morgenstern

January 19, 2019

Hello! My friends call me Abby Morgenstern and I am in 7th grade Honors classes at Sequoia Middle School in Newbury Park. I enjoy swim team, Girl Scouts and both creative and persuasive writing. I have connected with my Haftarah portion about the first female prophet, Deborah, because I am a member of ASB at school this year, and in 5th grade, I had the privilege of being Student Council President. I am honored to have my Bat Mitzvah at Temple Etz Chaim because my mom had hers here and my parents were also married here. Special thanks to Betty Zonshine for tutoring me, Joyce Bronstein, Rabbi Spiegel, and Hazzan Pablo. I would also like to thank my parents and brother Adam for their love and support.

Women of Temple Etz Chaim Happy new year! I can hardly believe that it’s 2019! 2018 flew by in a flash! I hope you all had a wonderful Chanukah, and that the light and joy stayed with you long after that last candle burned down. And now, we

Cindy Scherr, WOTEC President womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org

with the exception of January – our meeting will be on January 8th, due to New Year’s Day. Please join us and find out more about what WOTEC is all about.

And while you’re at it, why not make participation in WOTEC your new year’s resolution? There are so many ways to be involved – serving on a committee, attending activities, working in the Judaica Shop, and so much more. Please feel free to contact me anytime about anything you might be interested in – I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org, or through the TEC office. I look forward to hearing from you!

head into the new year!

Please join us on Wednesday, January 23, for what promises to be an evening full of fun! Women’s League International President Margie Miller will be joining us for wine, cheese, and chocolate, to be followed by an Escape Room experience planned for us by Sarah Karamas and Ilana Sweet (the theme is Israel Independence). Margie will also talk to us about the importance of Women’s League and what it represents. Lots of fun, food, and information – please plan to join us. Contact Sarah Karamas for more information.

A new year always holds so much promise! Marshall joins me in wishing you all a happy, healthy, and joyous year ahead.

B’Shalom,

Cindy Scherr

We also have our WOTEC cruise coming up, March 8-11. We’ll be cruising for the weekend to Ensenada, Mexico. We’ll have Shabbat on board, followed by a weekend of mah-jongg, shopping, eating, and fun. We have opened up this activity to the Temple membership at large (including spouses, if interested). Please contact Lisa Eidman for more information.

Torah Fund Campaign Thank you to everyone who donated in December: Barbara and Richard Rosenberg

Other upcoming activities include WOTEC/Men’s Club Shabbat weekend in April, and a spring activity (yet to be finalized, so stay tuned for information). Our monthly meetings take place the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30,

Claudine and David Marx Etta Weinstein Jennifer and Paul Sonnenberg Rhim 7

Tami Wank, Trustee-Community Outreach outreach@templeetzchaim.org

Community Outreach Bereavement Support Group

1/9/19 and 1/23/19 9:30 AM in the Library

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, this community-wide support group can provide you with an opportunity to share your feelings free of charge.

The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month (9:30am-10:30am) at TEC in the library.

The Bereavement Support is led by Lori Oberman (MFT), loriobernan@aol.com.

Order Scrip Gift Cards

Purchase gift cards and support the temple. You purchase gift cards (scrip) from $25-$100 and use them at your favorite retailers.

TEC earns a percentage with each gift card purchase- no hidden fees or costs.

Get cards for a variety of stores: Starbucks, Target, Amazon, Staples, Best Buy, and Vons! You can even custom order for most other stores!

To place your order, see Jessica in the front office, call (805) 497-6891, or email sharimark@templeetzchaim.org.

Say Shalom Dinner “Community”

Come to the next Say Shalom dinner on Friday, January 11 at 6:00 pm in the Social Hall. Our dinner will be centered around the theme of “community.”

As always, the dinner is complimentary and open to everyone, but your RSVP is requested by Thursday, January 3. Please call the front office at (805) 497-6891 or e-mail sharimark@templeetzchaim.org with the number of people in your party.

Michael Roberts, Bingo Trustee bingob@templeetzchaim.org

Bingo Please join us on Sunday, January 20th for a day of fun at our annual Bingo Marathon. Come and play and if bingo isn't your game , be a volunteer, either

Bingo Marathon Sunday, January 20, 2019

way you will be a winner.

Bingo is one of TEC's largest and most consistent fundraisers.

Doors open at 10:30 AM and the games begin at noon. A buffet

Play 50 games—over $30,000 in prize money

lunch and all snacks are included.

We will be playing 50 bingo games all paying $250, and other games that have prizes up to $1,199. The buy-in price is $150 for the whole day. We usually finish about 6:15 PM. To buy in to this fun day all you have to do is show up on January 20th.

To volunteer, please call Sheila Chadroff at (805) 427-1414.

Any other questions call Michael Roberts at (818) 371-2560 or the temple office.

Michael R. Roberts 8

$150 for 12-50 game packs purchased in January Upgrade 12 additional packs for only $50 Call the front office to register or see one of the bingo volunteers on Thursday

Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?

TEC Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Committee guesswho@templeetzchaim.org

Our new program format worked well in November!

We certainly had a lot going on last month here at Temple Etz Chaim.

However, despite a Rabbinic candidate visit, Thanksgiving, and wildfires, we held four Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas dinners on three different Friday evenings, with fourteen families participating. As you can see in the photos, everyone had a great time! Many thanks to the Lutzkers, Scherrs, Sturmans, and Tepfers for hosting.

Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas is running again in January, and you can invite your friends for dinner on ANY Friday in the month: Jan. 4, 11, 18, or 25. To sign up to host or for more info, please contact the committee at guesswho@templeetzchaim.org.

Let’s create meaningful memories and strengthen our TEC community one Shabbat dinner at a time!

Beth Meyer, Cindy Scherr, Myles Simpson TEC

Guess

Who’s

Coming

to Shabbas

Committee

Photos from previous dinners

Social Action

Mark Goldstein, VP of Social Action socialaction@templeetzchaim.org

Now that the recent tragedies of the Borderline shootings and the Hill and Woolsey fires efforts at healing are underway. The cathartic power of community involvement is ongoing with our participation in working with others in the Conejo Valley.

We will continue to notify the congregation of community volunteer events by email, and we have updated the Social Action web page to include links in response to the November fires and the Borderline shootings. Please regularly check the Social Action web page on the TEC website for updates on ways to participate in working with others to rebuild our community after the fire. https://templeetzchaim.org/index.php/community/tikkun-olam-and-social-action Starting this month on Tuesday January 29 and going forward we will hold Social Action / Interfaith Interaction monthly meetings the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. The Interfaith Interaction Committee will continue preparing to roll out our Visitor Welcome Team to guide those of other faiths visiting Shabbat services and our Mock Seder Team to provide mock educational Seders to other faiths in our community at their places of worship.

These and other efforts enhance our bonds with those of other faiths in our community. The next major currently planned Social Action event is the 2019 Conejo Valley Walk to End Genocide, Sunday, April 7, 2019. For more information see https://www.jww.org/take-action/events/walk/

Mark Goldstein 9

Contributions to our Synagogue In memory of Evelyn Silverman, The Perlman and Silverman Families

In memory of Sylvia Elbling, Ronald Elbling

In memory of Lowell Benjamin, Lisa Benjamin

Women of TEC Tributes

In memory of Theodora Aronson, David Sachs

In memory of Joseph Helfand, Stan Helfand

In memory of Josephine Berman, Cynthia Urbach

Joe Jotkowitz, In appreciation, Gerri Brehm

Sharon Jeffress, Our condolences, Shirley and Alan Lipkin

Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund In memory of Joseph Markowitz, Bonnie Garfinkel

In memory of Sylvia Mahler, Harvey Mahler In memory of Ann Rudman, Ronald Rudman In memory of Sigmund Gubner, Michael Gubner In memory of Thomas Sneed, Judith Sneed In memory of Maurice Samson, Karen Samson Smith and Donald Samson In memory of Sylvia Samson, Karen Samson Smith and Donald Samson

Phil Nochumowitz, Happy 100th Birthday, Janice Torah Fund and Emanuel Perlman In memory of Sophie Tenenbaum, William Tenenbaum Religious School Fund

In appreciation, Liz and Ron Groden In memory of Abraham Goldstein, Susan Cohen

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund

In memory of Esther Kane, Daniel Kane

In memory of Jylian Mendelson, Daniel Mendelson

In memory of Shirley Zeitlin Lubetkin, Daniel Lubetkin

In memory of Marcia Pomush, Steve Pomush

In memory of Clare Shulman, Lesley Schneider

In memory of Anne Platt, Ronald Groden In memory of Cecilia Friedman, Marvin Friedman In memory of Hilda Presser, Francine Finkelstein

In memory of Max Leitner, Deborah Atlas

In memory of David Maultasch, Barry Maultasch

In memory of Bernard Isidore Becker, Marc Tuchman

Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund

Tzedakah Fund

In memory of Benjamin Elbling, Ronald Elbling Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In memory of Seymour Feldman, Debbie and Les Feldman

Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence In memory of Jack Treger, Shirley Lipkin Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In memory of Bernie Silverstein, Gari and Richard Saly In memory of Bernie Silverstein, Ellen Levitt

Sharon Jeffress, Our condolences, Barbara and Rick Rosenberg

In memory of Evelyn Dubinsky, Jeff Schoenwald

In memory of Ben Malin, Karen Seligman

Stephen and Elinor Fienberg, Congratulations on the birth of your great grandchild, Debbie and Les Feldman

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund

In memory of Zalman Leibovich, Anna Friedman

Rabbi Spiegel, In honor of Taylor Friedman’s Torah reading, Frances Friedman

In memory of Joshua Alpern, Cindy Alpern and Sons

In memory of Thomas Sneed, Judith Sneed

Hazzan Pablo, In honor of Taylor Friedman’s Torah reading, Frances Friedman

Tom Milhaupt, Happy 60th Birthday, Cindy and Marshall Scherr

Taylor Friedman, In honor of your Torah reading, Frances Friedman

Kendra and Steve Sternberg, Mazel tov on your wedding, Cindy and Marshall Scherr

Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund

Women of TEC Beautification Fund

In memory of Dorann Bunkin, Joyce-Ruth and Michael Bunkin

In memory of Emil Altenburg, Myrna Stelman

In memory of Leo Shertzer, Arlene Pollack In memory of Manuel Label, Lorne Label

Hazzan Pablo, Happy Hanukkah, Carolyn and Neil Bordofsky Hazzan Pablo, Thank you for the plaque dedication, Joyce Goldberg Temple General Fund In memory of Eli Storch, Yetta Storch, Claire Zelkowitz, Toby Yoskowitz, Larry Storch

In memory of Lowell Benjamin, Edith Benjamin

In memory of Susan Benjamin, Jonathan Benjamin

Early Childhood Education Fund

In memory of Isidore Finn, Sherri Finn

In memory of Pearl Friedman, Mauri Friedman

In memory of Claire Empol, Denise Daniel and Family

In memory of Brent Monetatchi, Joyce Goldberg

In memory of Phyllis Adelsberg, Stuart Adelsberg

In memory of Irving Wolfe, Ronald Elbling

In memory of Sandor Nemet, John Nemet

In memory of Jacquelyn Elbling, Ronald Elbling

In memory of Sarah Wank, David Wank In memory of Lillian Wolfe, Ronald Elbling Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund In memory of Leonard Krupin, Barbara Krupin Sharon Jeffress, Our condolences, Barbara and Al Ungar Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund In memory of Irving Dallek, Susan Cohen

Kendra and Steve Sternberg, In honor of your wedding, Alane and David Shechter

Dunaier Music Fund In memory of Babe Dunaier, Howard Dunaier

Zev Leventhal, Mazel tov on your bar mitzvah, Elinor and Steven Fienberg

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In memory of Herman Dunaier, Howard Dunaier

Lynn and Chuck Culver, Happy Anniversary, Elinor and Steve Fienberg

In memory of Norma Smith, Andy Smith

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Calendar Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events

JANUARY 2019 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday

24 Tevet 2

NEW YEAR’S DAY PRESCHOOL, RELIGIOUS SCHOOL, AND INFANT CENTER CLOSED

Thursday

25 Tevet 3

26 Tevet

29 Tevet 7

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL RESUMES 8:30 AM Minyan

1 Shevat 8

4

Saturday 27 Tevet 5

28 Tevet

PRESCHOOL WINTER CAMP/INFANT CENTER OPEN 10:00 AM Shabbat Services 7:15 PM Minyan

5:00 PM Bingo

TEMPLE OFFICE CLOSED

6

Friday

2 Shevat

8:30 AM Lifeline Screening

10:00 AM Tuesday with Rabbi

5:30 USY Senior Hangout and Dinner

7:30 PM Women of TEC Board Meeting

9

3 Shevat 10

4 Shevat 11

5 Shevat 12

6 Shevat

6:00 PM Say Shalom 10:00 AM Shabbat Dinner Services

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan

7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

Broderick West Bar Mitzvah

5:00 PM Bingo

7:15 PM Minyan 13

7 Shevat 14

8 Shevat

8:30 AM Minyan 11:30 AM Machar Tu B’ Shevat

15

9 Shevat 16

7:15 Minyan

14 Shevat 21

7:00 PM Book Club

15 Shevat 22

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLOSED BINGO MARTIN LUTHER MARATHON KING JR. DAY TU B’ SHEVAT 8:30 AM Minyan

27

11 Shevat 18

7:15 PM Minyan

21 Shevat 28

11:30 6th Grade 7:15 PM Minyan B’nai Mitzvah Families Education Session One

5:00 PM Bingo

17 Shevat 24

7:15 PM Minyan

6:30 PM Women of 6:15 PM USY Silent TEC Guest Speaker Dance 23 Shevat 30

10:00 AM Tuesday with Rabbi

7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

18 Shevat 25

13 Shevat

10:00 AM Shabbat Services

Abigail Morgenstern Bat Mitzvah

19 Shevat 26

20 Shevat

USY IN OJAI FOR THE WEEKEND

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group

10:00 AM Tuesday with Rabbi

22 Shevat 29

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

16 Shevat 23

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL RESUMES

12 Shevat 19

6:00 PM Tot Shabbat

6:15 PM Kadima/USY Junior Lounge 7:30 PM TEC Board Meeting

20

10 Shevat 17

10:00 AM Tuesday with Rabbi

5:00 PM Bingo

24 Shevat 31

7:30 PM Kabbalat Shabbat

10:00 AM Shabbat Services 10:00 AM JAM 1:00 PM Havdalah and Hot Dogs

25 Shevat

7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 PM Women of TEC Cruise Information 5:00 PM Bingo Session

SAVE THE DATE February 3 Men’s Club World Wide Wrap

February 8-10 Scholar-inResidence Weekend

February 18 President’s Day Preschool, Infant Center, Religious School, and Temple Office Closed

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February 22 Religious School Third Grade Shabbat Dinner and Program

March 1 Preschool Grandparents Day

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

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

Temple Leadership Clergy

Board of Directors

Rabbi Richard Spiegel

Jeff Solomon, President

Elissa Lazarus, Corresponding Secretary

Hazzan Pablo Duek

Shari Mark, Executive Vice President

Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds

Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

Sherri Finn, Immediate Past President

Felicia Toporoff, VP Religious School

Debbie Cohen-Sitt, VP Youth

Tami Wank, Trustee Community Outreach

Administration

Mark Goldstein, VP Social Action

David Yodkovik, Treasurer

David Brook, Executive Director

Robin Kahn, Trustee Business Services

Joe Zwicker, VP Early Childhood Education

Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director

Ken Leon, VP Religion and Worship

Terri Zwicker, Trustee Strategic Planning

Kathy Sharp, ECE Assistant Director

Gideon Manzur, VP Communications

Ken Leon, Men’s Club President

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director

Wendy Margolis, Financial Secretary

Cindy Scherr, WOTEC President

Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director

Beth Meyer, Recording Secretary

Gary Katz, Past President

Tom Milhaupt, VP Personnel/Legal

Marshall Scherr, Past President

Michael Roberts, Trustee Bingo

Myles Simpson, Past President

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