Etzetera - November 2017

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM ETZETERA

Argentenors Concert Tuesday, December 5th @ 7:oopm For more information, see page 11.

November 2017

Cheshvan/Kislev 5778

Rabbi’s Message In the last few months, we have all witnessed a multitude of natural disasters, one after the other, that have saddened our hearts. A hurricane leading to terrible floods in Houston, Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Earthquakes in Mexico. A one-in-a-500-year hurricane wreaking havoc in the Caribbean and in Florida. Another hurricane bringing enormous devastation to Puerto Rico. Wildfires hitting California, bringing death and destruction of so many homes particularly in the northern part of our State.

We all know how fortunate we are to live in a beautiful part of the country and to have escaped those disasters ourselves. But at the same time we recognize how important it is that we do our part to help all of those people who find themselves in such dire straits at this time.

Particularly, as our Thanksgiving holiday is approaching we realize how essential it is that we express our gratitude for our bounty by helping others.

I am therefore including many websites that we can all use to send donations. If you prefer you can contribute to our

Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org

Tzedakah fund at our Temple. Here are several addresses for organizations that are doing magnificent work (not an exclusive list).

Puerto Rico/the US Virgin Islands: https://www.jfunders.org/hurricane_maria_puerto_rico_s_jewis h_community Houston Jewish Federation: https://www.houstonjewish.org/ For Houston and Florida support: https://nechamahurricane.funraise.org/ California Fires: https://www.ncoinc.org/ Mexico Earthquake—AJWS: https://ajws.org/donate/mexicoearthquake-listings/

The Rabbis of the Talmud taught that the giving of Tzedakah is as great as all of the other mitzvot combined.

Let us truly do a great mitzvah and give aid and comfort to so many who are in need.

Rabbi Richard Spiegel

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

Calendar

November 2017 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed 1

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events

Thu

Fri

Sat

2

3

4

5:00 PM Bingo

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

10 AM Shabbat Jam Service

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Daylight Savings ends

USY Toy Drive starts

7:00 PM CHALLAH BAKE

5:00 PM Bingo

Veteran’s Day observed

Veteran’s Day

8:00 AM Blood Drive

Women of TEC Board Meeting

7:15 PM Minyan 7:15 PM Minyan

8:30 AM Minyan

10 AM Shabbat Service

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

9:00 AM Mitzvah Day

12

13

14

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

9:30 AM 10 TEN Program

15

16

17

18

7:15 PM Minyan

5:00 PM Bingo

6:15 PM Tot Shabbat

10 AM Shabbat Service

7:45 PM Women of TEC Schmooze Before We Cruise

6:30 PM USY Shabbat 7:30 PM Shabbat Service

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

8:30 AM Minyan

Men’s Club Board Meeting

10:00 AM Tuesday’s w/ Rabbi is back!

Preschool closes @ 3:00 PM

Thanksgiving

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

10 AM Shabbat Service

7:30PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Service @ UMC

OFFICE IS CLOSED

OFFICE IS CLOSED

PRESCHOOL IS CLOSED

PRESCHOOL IS CLOSED

9:30 AM Women of TEC Chanukah Boutique

7:15 PM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

26

27

28

29

30

31

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

10:00 AM Tuesday’s w/ Rabbi

7:15 PM MInyan

5:00 PM Bingo

7:30 PM Shabbat Service

SAVE THE DATE Help Save A Life This Year! Blood Drive

First Great Challah Bake!

Ten Ten Program morning event

Women of TEC Chanukah Boutique

Schmooze Before you Cruise Meeting

Sun, November 5th

Wed, November 8th

Sun, November 12th

Sun, November 19th

Wed, November 15th

2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Sherri Finn, TEC President president@templeetzchaim.org

Dear Temple Etz Chaim Family,

strengthen and shape our relationships so that our community of families remains strong and resolute.

Attached is a copy of my Kol Nidre Appeal. Some of you were not able to be with us that evening and others may not have Temple Etz Chaim is the framework for that community. heard too well since I had a tickle in my throat during the Who we are and where we live make up the extraordinary entire speech. I hope that it wasn't too painful to listen to community that we all value. Our clergy, lay leaders, me. volunteers, directors, teachers and our office staff all strengthen this community everyday.

We are extremely grateful for the support that you have given us over the years, but we need to do more so that we can build on our successes and continue our work to ensure But, it is you, the congregation, who bring it all together. this Jewish community’s bright future, but we have yet so Your motivation and action is what truly builds our strong much to do. foundation. Now, we all know that communities are not built on actions alone. Your generous donations are greatly needed to maintain our wonderful campus, clergy, teachers Remember, I invite you to join us for the Todah Rabah, Wine and schools and allow us to move forward, creating new and and Cheese Reception to thank you for your donation of exciting programming and opportunities for growth. $500 or more.

Synagogues do not survive on dues alone, and Temple Etz Chaim is no exception. Our Thursday night Bingo is an essential part of our budget along with this yearly Kol Nidre Good Yontiv and Shabbat Shalom, Appeal and with other smaller fundraisers throughout the year. It takes a great deal to build and finance a community.

It is my privilege and honor to give my second and last High As we work together, our accomplishment is our community Holiday speech to you, to wish a sweet, happy, and healthy built to survive for generations.

5778. Whether you are members here or guests, we are so pleased you have joined us today to observe both Shabbat Our synagogue and its members can look back over this year and Yom Kippur. G’mar Chatima Tova! with pride from so many changes and wonderful accomplishments. I’d like to highlight just a few in my As we go into this New Year, we are motivated and inspired address this evening. to make our mark on this world. We strive to leave our Jewish world to our children so that future generations may As you see on our campus, we have several physical benefit from what we accomplish today. One of our most additions thanks to the California Security grant that we important tasks is to build a community rich with Torah, received. Bollards have been installed along with a new Love of Israel, Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, and alarm system that includes updated cameras that our staff is Tzedakah. We must teach our young to strive for goodness able to use in conjunction with the new door entry buzzer and justice within our community and to be an exemplary system, allowing for extra security. role model for humanity. We must teach them to lead holy and upright lives making the world a better place through Our renowned Cantor, Pablo Duek, continually inspires all of acts of loving-kindness and caring for the less fortunate. By us. Our youngest enjoy Friday morning Shabbats and doing this, there is promise and hope for the future of our Saturday morning JAM through his singing, music, dancing community as well as Judaism as a whole. and art. Our youth receive an unbelievable education learning to read Torah and Haftorah, and our adults are During the recent months we are keenly made aware of how inspired by Purim Shpiels, as well as the Adult B’nai Mitzvah important community and the relationships we build truly Classes, the Adult Choir, Voices in Harmony on Friday are. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma ripped through cities and evenings, and our fabulous Cantors concerts. This year’s towns tearing them apart, but the two things that never concert will feature the Argentenors on December 5. broke were the community and the relationships that have stood for decades. Congregations just like ours in Texas and Joyce Bronstein and Debbie Blumenthal are two of our Florida are succeeding despite a physical building. Services, greatest assets. They work tirelessly teaching our children classes, tikkun olam efforts, caring for those in need, their and have been instrumental in helping bring new families community is still enduring. Not in any easy manner, but into our accomplished schools. enduring nonetheless. The lesson we can learn from these communities is that we should not wait for devastation to Our dynamic religious school boasts one of the largest build a better community. We need to continually 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED confirmation programs and the only post confirmation program around. Dinner seminars are always exciting with a variety of speakers relating to topics in the larger Jewish Community. The new state-of-the-art, computer lab allows students to integrate information from the Internet with their classroom learning. And now, this year, Joyce is planning the 20 annual Havdallah and Hotdogs Event. Our Religious School provides a foundation for our students in college to excel and continue their involvement in Jewish Programs like Hillel, AIPAC, serving on board positions and creating activities for Jewish Education.

programming is terrific bringing in League of Women Voters to speak, offering our first ever Challah Bake in November, and preparing our annual Sukkot Dinner to bring the families of TEC together to celebrate Sukkot. All of this is in addition to preparing our weekly onegs and kiddushes.

Our Youth Department, the future of this congregation, is flourishing. This past year the senior USY held a Kinnus or Shabbaton for over 100 teenagers with many of our TEC families opening up their homes for accommodations and transportation. The newly established Machar youth group for grades k, 1, 2 is thriving as well. Under the direction of Shannon Tepfer, kids can be themselves, explore religion and ideals while making friendships of a lifetime. Every child that attends learns, laughs and grows intellectually and spiritually.

Temple Etz Chaim’s Outreach program, under the leadership of Tami Wank, is always offering something amazing to our members as well as the general public, free of charge. The Caring Connection offers a bereavement support group and a caregiver support group. We also sponsor speakers from a variety of organizations like the Cancer Support center and Senior Concerns. Say Shalom complimentary Shabbat dinners are one of the most exciting highlights established this past year. If you haven’t attended, it’s a must. Singing, dancing, great food and loads of friends. The next one is scheduled for October 20 with 3 more scheduled this year, so watch for details.

Our internationally-recognized, award winning Men’s Club offers so much to our congregation. The Men’s Club speaker series, which included “Under the Golden Dome” won regional and national awards for innovative programming.

Our Scholar in Residence, this year featured Dr. Daniel Matt with his broad knowledge of Kabbalah. Men’s Club also serves the greater community with the Chanukah Lighting Our Preschool is similarly exceptional, currently teaching and Latkes and distribution of the yellow Yom Hashoah, over 100 children. The Infant Care Center is only in its third candles as well as Habitat for Humanity on Mitzvah Day. In year and is maxed out at our new licensing capacity, as is our the coming year, we are looking forward to the SIR in toddler program. Our surrounding community loves our February, with Rabbi Golinkin, who will be teaching Talmud center, our teachers and our curriculum. and Jewish Law. th

The newly launched Guess Who's Coming to Shabbas Program is designed to build meaningful memories for families and to strengthen our synagogue community.

Congregants host Shabbat dinners in their homes and invite other members. To date, 24 dinners have been hosted with 86 families participating. There are six dates for dinners over the coming year beginning with October 13,and we invite everyone to participate.

This year we established an Interfaith Committee. We all love our yearly Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, and this committee under the leadership of Mark Goldstein was formed to get to know our neighbors, serving as a bridge between TEC and other faiths in our community. We will provide avenues for TEC to explore and interact with other faiths and offer educational events for other religious groups.

Our new Executive Director, Mandy Danzan, is one of the most positive changes to our synagogue community. Her commitment to excellence and her hands-on presence is very much appreciated by our professional staff and lay leadership. In her short time with us, she continues to streamline office functions, maintain outreach efforts to our congregation, assist the Directors with of their needs, support our clergy while training new office personnel and meeting with new vendors. Mandy’s door is al ways open, and I strongly encourage you all to stop by and meet her.

As always our Social Action Committee is incredibly busy.

They run two Blood drives a year, Monthly Feeding the Hungry, Jewish World Watch’s Walk to End Genocide, the Relay for Life, Mitzvah Day, and so much more.

With all of these amazing programs already, what is our future?

As far as changes are concerned, we are incredibly fortunate to have had our beloved Rabbi Spiegel as the foundation, keystone, and focal point of our community for the past 18 years. Rabbi Spiegel has been instrumental in helping build our campus and grow our community in ways that our founding families more than 50 years ago could not have imagined. We will be honoring Rabbi’s contributions to TEC

Women of TEC contributes so generously to our synagogue.

They provide youth with scholarship funds for camp and youth trips to Israel, and offer monetary support to TEC, the ECE, Religious School as well as Youth programs. Their 4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED throughout the next year.

our devoted clergy. We need to give more for those who cannot pay their share. We are extremely grateful for the support you have given us over the years, but we need to do more, and with your help we can. Please help us build on our successes and continue our work.

Our synagogue’s journey continues as Rabbi Spiegel transitions into his new role as Rabbi Emeritus Extraordinaire. We are fortunate to continue to enjoy and benefit from his wonderful adult education classes, his vast knowledge of Torah, customs and law, his heartfelt compassion in our times of need, his sense of humor, his beautiful anecdotal stories as well as his incredible tours of countries around the world.

When doing so, please consider turning down the next tab higher than your last year’s donation or maybe an additional tab to increase your commitment to the financial health of TEC. If you have never given in the past, please consider donating this year, even the smallest amount. It would be wonderful to say that we have 100% participation. Your We are so very lucky that Rabbi Spiegel will be here to maintain the beautiful community that he has helped build. I generosity is truly a gift to us all. invite you all to take part in any and all of the events planned But before you turn down your Kol Nidre pledge tabs, throughout the year to honor our distinguished Rabbi. Our I want to say “Thank you” to all of you for helping Temple Gala honoring him will be Sunday, May 27 so please save Etz Chaim continue to be the incredible home for Judaism in the date. the greater Conejo Valley. th

On behalf of the entire Temple Etz Chaim Board of Directors and professional staff and clergy; and on behalf of my beautiful family,

On a personal note, I want to publically thank Rabbi Spiegel for his dedication to my family. He has been a great part of my family’s journey here at TEC since the day he stepped foot on our campus, but he has been exceptional during these past couple of years as my family has needed him greatly, and he has been there every step of the way.

I wish you all a meaningful fast, G’Mar Chatimah Tovah - may you and your families be sealed in the Book of Life.

Sincerely, In August, a new Rabbi will arrive with new visions and thoughts on TEC’s roadmap for the future. As we enter the Sherri Finn next chapter in our temple’s life, this new clergy will expand TEC President on our commitment to increasing our vibrant community and guide us encouraging growth and fostering unity within ourselves and among the community at large. Thank you to all of you who have participated thus far in our search process. A good percentage of you have participated so far.

There will be more opportunities for all of you to be involved , so please watch your mail and email.

As we envision the year ahead with the New Year upon us, I ask you to make a difference. Our Temple members can look back with pride over what we have accomplished, and we can look forward to a bright future.

So now, I come to the High Holiday appeal; reaching as many people as possible to get across the concept of being part of our community and the Jewish People.

Please give because this is one of the few charitable contributions where you know exactly where 100% of your donation goes. You can see it, feel it in your heart, and get immediate gratification. It has to be you, whether it is $36 or $36,000, every dollar counts. As you bend the tab on the pledge card, please remember, we stand together. We must support this community and all that it does. We must honor 5

RABBINICAL SEARCH COMMITTEE At the end of October, the ‘questionnaire’ (document filed with the Rabbinical Assembly which provides detailed information about our synagogue, surrounding community and what we are looking for in a Rabbi) was submitted.

Candidate resumes should begin arriving in November. Initial phone screenings of all applicants will take place shortly thereafter.

Rabbinical Search Committee RSC@templeetzchaim.org

Your Rabbinic Search Committee

RSC@templeetzchaim.org Eric Feigenbaum Gideon Manzur Cindy Goldberg Buzz Schoenkerman Susan Kane Jeff Solomon Information gathered from parlor meetings Patty Kaye has allowed us to develop insight into Benny Sommerfeld qualities that the congregation would like in Ken Leon our next Rabbi. This has been useful in filling Sam Slomowitz out the ‘questionnaire’ and will continue to Dan Lubetkin guide us throughout the search process.

Terri Zwicker

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Joyce Bronstein Director of Religious School Education

Joyce@templeetzchaim.org

As I write this Bulletin article, it is the day after Yom Kippur. While attending High Holiday services this year, I was surprised, pleased and extremely moved by the large number of former students there.

On a different note, this month we will celebrate Thanksgiving as a country Thanksgiving. Please plan to attend the Thanksgiving Interfaith Service on Wednesday, November 22nd. This service is always very special because members of both the Methodist Church and Temple Etz Past Religious School students shared with me their positive Chaim join together to celebrate this national holiday. I hope memories of their years at Temple Etz Chaim. Each one had that you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family a smile from ear to ear as they reminisced about their days as and friends. students in the Religious School. They were so happy to be back at Temple Etz Chaim, and I think it made them happy Wishing you life’s best this Thanksgiving season☺ that I remembered them. These students are now lawyers, L’hitraot doctors, teachers, and software engineers. Many have their own families, and I enjoyed meeting their spouses and kvelling over their babies. Truly, I loved every minute that I Joyce Bronstein spent with them!

Director of Religious School Education During the Yom Kippur Children’s Service, I asked parents who attended Religious School and had their Bar/Bat Mitzvah at TEC to open the ark for the Barchu. I was thrilled to see that our Bima was full. To this day, I get chills as I reflect on the vision in my mind of these “now” parents gracing our Bima. Rabbi Spiegel’s Yom Kippur sermon that same day spoke about gratitude, and that is what I felt at this special moment in time. Pure pride and joy!

6

PRESCHOOL

Debbie Blumenthal, Director of ECE debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

November is always a month to talk about what we are thankful for. For instance, I am thankful that I was able to spend the High Holidays with my family and friends, praying in the synagogue, eating and schmoozing every day in the TEC sukkah, and parading with my flag on Simchat Torah.

This month, I’m grateful for the chance to go on a vegetable picking trip, at Underwood Farms and I am looking forward to all the delicious vegetable soups made by preschoolers to follow. Our own TEC gardens have been yielding lemons, grapes, pomegranates, celery, and strawberries!

Our Preschool Thanksgiving feast will be enjoyed by all on Wednesday, November 22nd.

We have a fun Tot Shabbat dinner and service planned on Friday, November

17th at 6:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join us for dinner, songs and blessings.

Our Parent and Me Program is growing! We have a new infant class starting on Tuesday mornings, in addition to our weekly classes for older infants during the week. Call Linda or Debbie for more details and schedules.

Wishing everyone a warm Thanksgiving holiday, Debbie Blumenthal

7

Shannon Tepfer Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

USY October was a month of celebration and reflection.

We had a nice turnout for our annual Tashlich walk and for our Yom Kippur Sicha. Our Operation Isaiah food drive was a huge success! Thank you all for your support and donations. Machar was very busy last month making decorations for the Sukkah, we are so excited to put everything up. We would also like to thank everyone who made/donated and served food for “Feeding the Hungry”. We helped many people in need.

November is a big month for USY and the Youth Department.

This month we are: going to Encampment 9th-12th grade, having Chapter Shabbat dinner 7th-12th graders, we also have wonderful events planned for all of our TEC kids grades K-12th grade. Email youth@templeetzchaim.org to sign up, we would love to see you all there!

Machar K-2nd, Kadima 3rd- 6th, Jr USY 7th-8th,and Sr USy 9th-12th.

Need Community Service credit? Join our Hayom program and get a chance to work with kids here at TEC. You’ll learn programing, leadership, problem solving, and have a good time too!

November Events: 11/2: Youth Commission Parent Meeting, 7:30pm-8:30pm 11/5: Mitzvah Day, 9:30am-1:30pm Recycling, Used book donations, Jacket donations, Toy Drive 11/6: Toy Drive starts 11/7: “Peace” Kadima Lounge- (bring your Halloween candy to donate to the Troops!)

11/8: Jr/Sr Lounge 6:15pm-8:15pm 11/10-12:Encampment (regional event for 9th-12th graders in Ojai) 11/17: Chapter Shabbat (more info to come) 11/19: “Peace & Thanks” Machar 11:30am-1:30pm 11/21: Jr/Sr Israel lounge with special guest 6:15pm-8:15pm

Shannon Tepfer Youth Director shannon@templeetzchaim.org (805)494-3648

8

MEN’S CLUB

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

Men’s Club Update...

November promises to be a great kickoff to I hope you enjoyed the holidays and many of the our Sunday Speaker Brunch series on November events in our TEC Sukkah this year. This is just 12, at 10:30 AM. Don't miss "Is Facebook one of the many activities that the Men's Club Ruining Our Democracy? Social media and helps provide our community around the politics – The impact of social media on the Holidays. A special thank you to Mark future of our electoral system" Goldstein and all Men's Club volunteers and presented by Jose Marichal, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Schools students who helped make Political Science at California Lutheran this year's Sukkah. I hope you had a chance to University. We look forward to seeing everyone enjoy our Steak, Scotch and Torah event in at our November and December events. the Sukkah. This is always a great time enjoyed Questions? Email us by all and a special callout to Ken Leon's great at mensclub@templeetzchaim.org.

BBQ skills. I'd also like to thank Adam Ainley for his dedicated coordination of all of the Men's Mark Zucherman Club Usher volunteers over the High Holidays.

Men’s Club President

INTERFAITH INTERACTION COMMITTEE Hi – my name is Mark Goldstein. I’ve taken on the role as Interfaith Liaison for our temple and head of an Interfaith Interaction Committee. This position is new to TEC and to me. Here’s why I’m taking this on. In my 15 years as part of the TEC community, a regular highlight is the annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service with our neighbors at the United Methodist Church. And this past year, the Men’s Club was nationally recognized for an invigorating Sunday brunch welcoming members of the Muslim community who opened our eyes to Islam. What both events have in common is our TEC community interacting with other faiths. My goal is to provide regular avenues for the TEC community to explore and interact with other faiths in the Conejo Valley. One future activity I plan on is hosting an educational Passover Seder at TEC for members of other religious communities. In addition, in this role, I’m attending Conejo Valley Interfaith Council meetings where representatives of local religious groups discuss issues of common concern. I’m also participating in the Conejo Valley Refugee Family Welcoming Team on behalf of TEC.

Mark Goldstein, Interfaith Liaison mgoldstein@socalip.com

This cross-denominational group arranges collection and distribution of furniture, clothing, school supplies and household items to recent refugee families from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

One volunteer is even providing driving lessons to a recent arrival. Currently, assistance is needed with picking up donated items and delivering collected items to families in need. Participating in this group will allow the TEC community to work shoulder-to-shoulder with members of other faiths in supporting recent immigrants. I’ll be reaching out to leaders of the Men’s Club, Women of TEC, USY/Youth Department, TECeniors and Religious School to discuss future interfaith activities and to help with the refugee welcoming team. Please email me at mgoldstein@socalip.com if you are interested in participating in interfaith activities, joining the interfaith interaction committee, have any ideas for interfaith programs, or want to volunteer with the refugee welcoming team.

Shalom, Mark

9

WOMEN OF TEC

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

As I am writing this article, we are If you are already committed, please attend preparing for our annual Membership Lunch to get more information about transportation to be held on October 22. This is always a to the port, what you need to bring, etc. In the high point of the year with over 100 Women meantime, if you have questions, contact Lisa of TEC members in attendance. Eidman at lisa@seymourandassociates.com, Women of TEC is joining forces with 805 990-0968.

Community Outreach on Wednesday evening, Are you looking for that perfect gift for the November 8 at 7 P.M. for a Challah Bake. holidays – come to our annual Holiday Cost to participate is $18/baker. For RSVPS Boutique on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 to after October 27 the cost is $25 depending on about 3 P.M. availability. No walk-in bakers.

Remember….”TEAM – Together If you are still undecided about joining Everyone Achieves More”.

Women of TEC on our cruise to Ensenada Come to a Women of TEC event!

January 19-22 on the Carnival Inspiration, come to our “Shmooze Before We Cruise” get together on Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 7:45 to Elissa Lazarus 9 P.M.in the Wolfson to learn more. The President, Women of TEC cruise is open to all women – bring relatives and friends.

SHOP… NOSH… SCHMOOZE at Women of TEC’ annual CHANUKAH BOUTIQUE!!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, 9:30am to 3:00pm Clothes, purses, jewelry, children’s items, Judaica, and so much more! Shop for all your Chanukah gift needs… and maybe find something for yourself, too!

Sandwiches and snacks will be available for sale.

Interested in being a vendor?

Contact TEC’s office.

10

Shabbat Jam Join Hazzan Pablo Duek and musician Steve Ormond on Saturday, November 4th for an interactive family program. Meet them in the Wolfson Auditorium @ 10:00am for some singing, dancing, storytelling, and more! These services help young children and families learn about holidays, symbols, and life in Israel.

Join us for a complimentary light lunch served after the service, open to the community, and no charge.

Argentenors Concert After touring Boston and Mexico City, Argentenors is coming to Los Angeles. Prepare for a show you don’t want to miss!

You’ll be entertained by four talented cantors who happen to have been friends for more than 20 years.

They will be singing a variety of genres that will delight your senses in a wonderful and unique evening that you’ll never forget.

Ticket Prices:

Hazzan Ari Litvak

Hazzan Pablo Duek

Hazzan Gaston Bogomolni

Hazzan Elias Rosenberg

Reserved Seating $75 Open Seating

$36

Last Day to Purchase Tickets: December 1, 2017

At-The-Door: Open Seating

$40

Argentina Tour Led by Hazzan Pablo Duek

For more information, visit our virtual

March 12th-19th tour at

I am so excited to be leading our first trip to Argentina in March 2018.

We have an amazing 8 days planned in Buenos Aires plus an optional extension of 2 days to Iguazu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre).

tecargentinatrip2018.blogspot.com.ar to see trip highlights, itinerary, prices, and deadlines.

We welcome both TEC members and non-members on this trip of a lifetime.

We will be exploring my beautiful

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at

birthplace’s Jewish heritage, arts,

hazzanpablo@templeetzchaim.org.

culture, food and more.

11

Take a look at some photos from the Women of TEC Membership Lunch!

12

The latest set of Shabbat dinners in Temple Etz Chaim’s “Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas” program were held on Oct. 13 and 20. Six host families and 29 total congregational families joined together to enjoy delicious dinners, make new and cement existing friendships, and share in celebrating Shabbat! Many thanks to the Goldberg, Ivanov, Lazarus, Rackow, Scherr, and Simpson 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.

Thus far we’ve involved 20% of the congregation in the program!

The Rackow, Strauss, and Tepfer families

The Fienberg, Ivanov, Longobart, Mayer, Olsen, Rosengard, and Wexler families

Would you like to participate? Our next dinners are scheduled for Dec. 8, 2017, and Feb. 2, 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.

The Bunkin, Erman, Gumbiner, Lazarus, and Zwicker families

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, Myles Simpson TEC Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas Committee guesswho@templeetzchaim.org The Goldberg, Hill, McCauley, Ryles, and Volk families 13

Tami Wank, Community Outreach outreach@templeetzchaim.org

10 TEN PROGRAM The Time is Now…

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.”

Start the discussion, Learn More Reflecting: Sunday, November 12 at 10:00 AM Remembrance Hall “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 Grab a light bite after Minyan and join. someone else do the deciding.”

“I didn’t know the answers” Temple Etz Chaim is participating in a unique “It was one of the toughest things to go through…” fundraising program with Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and “I never realized all the decisions.”

Mortuaries (Simi Valley) to raise substantial funds for the Why you made the arrangements now: “I don’t want my kids to go through what synagogue.

I had to experience…”

Mount Sinai Simi Valley, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi “Why? Because it takes the burden off my kids when they will have so Valley, 93063 800-600-0076 www.mountsinaiparks.org much to deal with … that’s why.”

“Because it is my responsibility to shield my family from having to For a limited time, when ten properties are sold in advance of make intense financial and difficult decisions at a vulnerable challenging need and paid in full, Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and time.”

Mortuaries will donate $10,000 to Temple Etz Chaim, and the “I know I need to do this to take care of my family: spiritually, money keeps growing thereafter with every additional purchase financially and emotionally.”

“They have enough to worry about. I know it’s the best gift I could give before need. To get your confidential conversation started, learn to my family.” more about pre-planning, and the 10Ten Program, make sure to “I know my family will appreciate it in the long run.” mention Temple Etz Chaim and contact: “I don’t want to be buried in my gym clothes.”

Josh T. Ryan (805) 306-6411 jtryan@mountsinaiparks.org “I like knowing now where my family will be visiting me.” or Eric Frank (805) 306-6410 efrank@mountsinaiparks.org We ALL know someone who wasn’t prepared, For inquiries, please call Tami Wank, Trustee TEC Community who didn’t know what to do.

Outreach, 805-497-6891 Having discussions, making arrangements, can alleviate a Program ends March 1, 2018; Cr emation pr oper ties excluded significant amount of pressure in an already most stressful time for your Please note Mt. Sinai has a firm price policy. 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.

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

Being responsible, starting the discussion isn’t always easy.

On a Personal Note…

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SYNAGOGUE Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund In memory of Rowline Feldman, Seymour Horowitz L’Shanah Tovah, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In memory of Samuel Robinso, Errol Berk In memory of Herman Adelman, Sally Mark In memory of Sandra Miller, Shari Mark In memory of Jeffrey Scott, Gary Scott In memory of Julius Samson, Karen Samson Smith In memory of Eli Storch, Lawrence Storch Thank You, Ronnie Greenberg

Thank you and in appreciation, Gary Goldstein In honor and appreciation, Jackie and Arnold Stern In honor and appreciation, Herb Wexler In memory of Martin Kroin, Rose FredrickHorowitz In memory of Annabel Berk, Errol Berk In memory of Tillie Samson, Karen Samson Smith In memory of Phil Davidson, William Davidson Beth and Scott Meyer & family, in honor, 14

Joan Grossman Rabbi Spiegel, in appreciation, Joan Grossman In memory of J Neugroschl, Cindy Scherr In memory of Rose Silverman, Kevin Axelrad In memory of Alfred Morris, Elizabeth Groden In memory of Florence Rosenberg, Steve Rosenberg

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SYNAGOGUE CONTINUED Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund In memory of Ben Racowsky, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In memory of Ben Racowsky, Liz and Ron Groden In memory of Sarah Ratzan, Dr. Jerome Ratzan L’Shanah Tovah, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In memory of Philip Mann, Beau Mann In memory of Charles Stein, Ron Stein In memory of Lillian Kramer, Linda Natlin In memory of Charles Freides, Debbie Alpert In memory of Albert Gerrick, Debbie Alpert In memory of George Gerrick, Debbie Alpert In memory of Dolores Freides, Debbie Alpert In memory of Evelyn Gerrick, Debbie Alpert In memory of Don Zonshine, Neil and Carolyn Bordofsky In memory of Don Zonshine, Liz and Ron Groden In memory of Frances Portnoy, Ed Portnoy In memory of Rae Carlin, Dr. Jerome Ratzan Thank you, Fred Rosenberg Thank you, Dorothy Rosengard In memory of Mike Brooks, Sandra Levy In memory of Max Avol, Marshall Scherr Bob and Betty Zonshine, our deepest condolences, Marvin and Ann Friedman In memory of Bernard Axelrad, Kevin Axelrad In memory of Morris Ratzan, Jerome Ratzan

Zwicker Family, sincere condolences, Sarah Orlin In memory of Sara Zimmerman Weinstein, Sofia Kobrin

Temple General Fund In memory of Sol Jaffe, Lawrence Jaffe In memory of Abe Nelson, Phyllis Bayewitch In memory of Ann Nelson, Phyllis Bayewitch In memory of Jacob Levine, Ralph Weiss In memory of Robynne Schwartz, Joshua, Katya, David and Rebeccah Schwartz In memory of Louis Miller, Tziporah Lutzker In memory of Monaver Shahbaz, Jim Shahbaz In memory of Bernard Jacques, Joanne Mcdonald In memory of Samuel Neustadt, Debra Levine In memory of Ric Landau, Eleanor Landau In memory of Ina Levine, Debra Levine Myrna Stelman, congratulations, Sarah Orlin

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund Mazel Tov on the birth of your grandson Lucas, Nomi Freed In memory of Cynthia Sneed Scott, Judy Sneed In memory of Lillian Klapper, Bonnie Goldenberg Mr. & Mrs. Bob Zonshine, with deepest sympathy, Rick and Barbara Rosenberg Bob Zonshine, in memory of your brother, Nomi Freed In memory of Ilean Kanter, Debbie Keldman In memory of Maurice Silverman, Kevin Axelrad

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In memory of Jamie Schanker’s mother, Amy and Mark Scop The Adler Family in memory of your dad, The Scop Family In appreciation of your time and patience, Kim and Bryan Merjan In memory of Elaine Schermerhorn, Steve Schermerhorn Religious School Fund In memory of Beatrice Cohen, Fred Cohen In memory of Florence Goldfinger, Robin Goldfinger In memory of Ira Goldfinger, Robin Goldfinger In memory of Alfred Shapiro, Barbara Budish In memory of Isaac Edelman, David Wank Rabbi Spiegel, in appreciation, Steven Sereboff In memory of Rose Axelrad, Kevin Axelrad Early Childhood Education Fund In memory of Jacquelyn Elbling, Ronald Elbling In honor of Debbie Blumenthal, Nan Steinberg In memory of Rose Goldberg, Harvy Goldberg In memory of Perry Rabinowitz, Edythe Rabinowitz

In memory of William Deutsch, Frances Deutsch In memory of Julia Deutsch, Frances Deutsch In memory of Babe Dunaier, Howard Dunaier Feinberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund In memory of Cynthia Lerner, Elinor Feinberg In honor of your grandchildren’s Bnai Mitzvah, Steve and Elinor Feinberg In memory of Charles Girsky, Lois Girsky In memory of Ruth Nathanson, Lois Girsky Tzedakah Fund In memory of Sharon Kluber, Barbara Kluber In memory of Mary and Michael Wexler, Herb Wexler In memory of Norbert Jallings, Judy Sneed Silverstein Humanitarian Rabbi Spiegel, in honor, Judy Sneed Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship Fund In memory of Bertie Sneed, Judy Sneed USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In memory of Jean Belzer Simon Cohen, Rosemary Tobin In memory of Esther Feldman, Bruce Cohen In memory of Celia Cohen, Bruce Cohen In memory of Melvin Harold Simon, Rosemary Tobin In memory of Bela Orensztein, Denise Rusiecki In memory of Charles Orensztein, Denise Rusiecki In memory of Jacques Orensztein, Denise Rusiecki Dr. & Mrs. Joel Corwin, in memory of Amy Corwin, Lorraine Corwin Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence In memory of Glady’s Fishman, Alan Lipkin Silverstein Humanitarian In memory of Miriam Raviv, Ron Senderov In memory of Herma Silverstein, Richard and Gari Saly In memory of Neil Levitt, Ellen Levitt

Dunaier Music Fund In memory of Larry Seaver, Barbara Ner Tamid Education & Community Freeman Center Fund In memory of Norbert Jallings, Judy Sneed In memory of Rudolf Mozes, Shmuel Mozes 15

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SYNAGOGUE CONTINUED In memory of Ben Racowsky, Alice, Laurie and Rachael Tahir In memory of Helen Fixel, Francine Mozes In memory of Milton Fixel, Francine Mozes In memory of Dr. Bernard Corwin, Lorraine Corwin In memory of Charlotte Levitt, Cynthia Alpern and sons In memory of Rachel Funk, Myron Funk

Barbara and Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund In memory of Perle Gil In memory of Benjamin Ratzan, Dr. Jerome Ratzan In memory of Irving Gil, Barbara Krupin Lipnik RSSF In memory of Gladys Ratzan, Dr. Jerome

Ratzan In memory of George Winterstein, Susan Goldberg In memory of Esther Rebecca Goldberg, Susan Goldberg Women of TEC Fund Torah Fund In memory of Miriam Hockman, Stuart Hockman

UPCOMING EVENTS Schmooze Before We Cruise Meeting

Challah Bake 11/8/17 7 PM Kneading you for loaves of fun! Women of TEC and Community Outreach bring you TEC's First Great Challah Bake *late reservations accepted at $25 upon availability*

11/15/17 7:45 PM-9 PM, Wolfson Come to a casual information night and hear more about the January 19-22 Women of TEC Cruise.

Lisa will be here to give you an idea of what to expect, what to bring, transportation, etc and to answer any questions that you may have about our upcoming cruise. This evening is for any woman that is interested in the cruise whether you have booked or are still thinking about it!

Say Shalom Dinners 1/12/18, 3/9/18, 6/1/18; 6 PM, Social Hall Mark you calendars!

Chai-nect, Engage, Share your Ruach! A casual and complimentary dinner awaits. Please plan to join us for four themed Say Shalom complimentary Friday Night Dinners at 6:00 PM in the Social Hall. Mark your calendars for the following dates: Jan. 12, March 9, and June 1. Stay tuned on how you can RSVP as the date nears. Theme to be announced on individual flyers Sponsored by Community Outreach and Membership.

Guess Who's Coming to Shabbas?

Next Dinner Date: December 8th Would you like to participate? Our next dinners are scheduled for Dec. 8, 2017, and Feb. 2, 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.

Help Save Lives this Year‌

Blood Drive!

11/5/17 9 AM - 1 PM Social Hall Donating blood is a mitzvah that can save the life of someone in great need.

In the Jewish faith, we believe that to save one life is equal to saving a whole world. Your donation can save up to three lives! Join members from both Temple Etz Chaim and Temple Adat Elohim, and the excellent United Blood Services staff, in the Social Hall of Temple Etz Chaim. 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

USY Toy Drive 11/6/17—12/3/17

Help brighten the Holiday Season for a child in need!

Bring in any lightly used or new & unwrapped toys, Jackets for Casa Pacifica, and any lightly used books to be donated!

For more information, text, call, or email Debra Levine at (818)271-1307 or debra@schmeezle.com.

By appointment only.

16

UPCOMING EVENTS

17

Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service ~A TEC tradition for over 50 years~ Wednesday, Nov. 23rd at 7:30 p.m.

Hosted by Temple Etz Chaim Rabbi Spiegel and Hazzan Pablo invite you to share in a meaningful service of giving thanks with our friends from the United Methodist Church ~Featuring singing by The TEC Community Choir, The UMC Choir ,and 3rd & 4th grade TEC Religious School Students~ ~Refreshments will be served~

18

ADVERTISEMENTS

19

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 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 Joe Zwicker, Recording Secretary Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds Spencer Miller, VP Communications Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education 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 Manzur, 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 performance of mitzvot.

20