Etzetera - November 2016

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH Inside ETZetera November 2016 Heshvan 5777 HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIEND2 OLAMKol Nidre Appeal SHIP TIKKUN LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TO3 TEMPLE ETZCalendar DAH RABAH CHAIM Rabbi Richard Spiegel COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN rabbi@templeetzchaim.org 7 Upcoming OLAM LEARNING TORAH Events FUN s the month of October comes to a close so too does our month of festivals. In TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ 9 CHAIM COMMUNITY Contributions particular, our Thanksgiving holiday of Sukkot (in which we thank G-d for our FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNblessings) ends the season of major Jewish observances.

ING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVBut as Americans, we are entering the month of November, which means that our ERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP beautiful holiday of Thanksgiving will soon be here. The connection between the Jewish TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH festival of Sukkot and the American holiday of Thanksgiving is not coincidental. Our FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COM- pilgrim ancestors were great Bible readers – they knew about Sukkot – and thought the MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM idea of giving thanks was essential, not only in Biblical times, but in their day as well. So LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH they celebrated the first Thanksgiving when they arrived in the New World and, with the HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP aid of U.S. Presidents, a glorious tradition was established.

In our Temple, we celebrate each year by coming together in a beautiful Thanksgiving TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH service with our neighbors from the United Methodist Church. This year we will be RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM hosting the service and welcoming their new Pastor John Yoon. This is always a very LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH inspirational gathering and a wonderful way to begin a joyous holiday weekend.

HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE I hope to see you and your family on Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:30 PM as we ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIEND- express the very Jewish and American values of giving thanks.

SHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks Ca 91360

(805) 497-6891 www.templeetzchaim.org TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM

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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

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From the president

Kol Nidre Appeal Sherri Finn, Temple President president@templeetzchaim.org

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ood Yontiv, Why are we are here?

Tonight, I’m going to start broad by talking about my views on the future of Judaism around the world and here at home. I will speak about the importance of personal connections, the importance of sharing experiences together and how Temple Etz Chaim fits this role and then I will conclude with my request for action.

What are the Jewish memories and experiences that we hope will be a part of our children’s lives, to be treasured and passed on to their children and grandchildren?

As a synagogue, are we effectively helping create the memories and experiences that will forge our children’s identity as Jews, and help ensure Jewish continuity into the future? What is the future that we envision for our children?

As a Temple, our responsibility is to pro-actively and creatively address these questions and concerns to guide our efforts, as we plan for the future for our synagogue. Our commitment to the evolving needs and expectations of our members and our community drives our efforts to create programs and experiences for our future. This future doesn’t just happen, rather, it is shaped by our visions and dreams, and by the actions and steps that we take today. So, where are we going? And how do we get there?

In our recent TEC bulletin, Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director, gave us an interesting perspective on Jews in the world. She wrote about her recent TEC trip to Spain with Rabbi and Linda Spiegel.

“The reality of scant traces of Judaism left me feeling helpless. It left me feeling that we as Jewish people are really, really quite small in number. Yes, I knew the number was small before visiting Spain, but experiencing it made me realize how negligible the number of remaining Jews is. Yet this small number continues to accomplish so much for the world. We, who make up the remaining Jewish communities, must continue to help others, help our communities and help our world. Each of us as Jews has the CHOICE to continue being Jewish, with pride. Each one of us has the ability to truly be the best Jewish person possible. Each one of us has the responsibility to continue Judaism for the future. Our choices shape the future!”

Educating our children with the highest quality education is the essence of our synagogue. Not just to educate our children to Bar/Bat Mitzvah age, but to build a strong Jewish foundation, enabling each child to understand and internalize their own Judaism so that each will carry it with them forever in their hearts. Ultimately, we want each child to understand the importance of keeping our community alive and continue

their involvement in Judaism through adulthood.

Educating our children is a task that we can accomplish together, but the Board has an even bigger goal. I want each and every family, as well as individual, to find a home at Temple Etz Chaim. One of the things we know about Jewish communities is that it brings a sense of belonging and connection to one another.

Believe me, I understand what it is like to join a synagogue and not feel connected and pushed away. When we first joined TEC many, many years ago, that’s exactly how I felt. Our son, Jacob was in Pre-K and his brothers Noah and Zachary were ready to begin preschool the following year. I was insistent that they all attend a Jewish preschool. But, Jeff and I were young and just starting out and really could not afford much.

We asked for financial assistance and were told that we did not qualify for help.

Wow, to this day, I still remember that horrible feeling.

We had made friends here, yet I had to look elsewhere for the whole package. The following year, we went to another synagogue. Although our children were happy, our family made no additional friendships or connections. There was no outreach to welcome us. Fortunately, I had the good sense to return to TEC. The Preschool Director at the time offered me a position as an assistant, which helped with our tuition. This made our membership dues more manageable. Coming back was the smartest thing that we could have done. I began looking for more and more opportunities to connect. There WAS opportunity and we took advantage of it. A couple of years later, Wendy Margolis asked me to join the Board of Directors and at that point I knew it was my opening to help create and shape the atmosphere I felt Temple Etz Chaim should offer: An environment that assisted those in need and those who desired more; a community that would be a support for everyone in good times and in bad. I understood the need, but really didn’t realize how important it was until a year and a half ago.

Two years ago, like you, I was sitting where you are now.

Following along in services, sometimes my mind wandering, but mostly inspired. I had my family with me. At times, we would joke around and I would have to continually shush everyone around me. We were enjoying life and we were happy.

Last February, when my husband, Jeff, became ill, the life I had known and had created fell apart. It was a difficult and emotionally draining time. Still, my community was there for me. The community that I was helping build was now helping me. Synagogue friends and Continued on page 4

“Educating our children is a task that we can accomplish together.”

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T C F T L T F T H T T C F T

Calendar

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday

monday

N ovember 2016

tuesday

wednesday

1 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 6:30 PM Women of TEC Board Meeting

friday

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7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

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10

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8:30 AM Minyan 9:30 AM Mitzvah Day

7:15 PM Minyan 7 PM Speaker Craig Cingarelli

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 10 AM Speaker Andrea Gallagher 7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo 7 PM Z’Havah “Meet and Greet”

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8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:00 PM Book Club Meeting

7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Election Day

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thursday

Kristallnacht

7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting

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8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:30PM Floral Designing with Women of TEC

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7 PM Choir 7:30 PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

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8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 PM Men’s Club Board Meeting

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:00 PM Essential Kabbalah with Rabbi Bock

7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving TEC Closed

Candle Lighting 5:40 PM

saturday

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Heshvan Noah Genesis 6:9-11:32 H: Isaiah 54:1-55:5

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7 PM Say Shalom 7:30 PM Shabbat 10 AM Shabbat Services Services

Veterans’ Day Candle Lighting 4:35 PM

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Heshvan Lekh Lekha Genesis 12:1-17:27 H: Isaiah 40:27-41:16

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7:30 PM Veteran’s Day 10 AM Shabbat Services Shabbat Services 10 AM Shabbat Morning J.A.M. in the Wolfson Candle Lighting 4:31 PM

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Heshvan Vayera Genesis 18:1-22:24 H: II Kings 4:1-37

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6:15 PM Preschool Tot Shabbat 10 AM Shabbat Services 7:30 PM Shabbat Services 10 AM Sabrina O’Connor Bat Mitzvah-Sanctuary Candle Lighting 4:28 PM

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Heshvan Hayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:18 H: I Kings 1:1-31

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7:30 PM Shabbat Services 10 AM Shabbat Services

It is a mitzvah to comfort those in mourning Join our Weekly Minyan Every Monday and Wednesday 7:15 pm Sundays 8:30 am

Tuesdays with Rabbi led by Rabbi Spiegel Enjoyable, ongoing class that welcomes new participants anytime.

Tuesday Mornings, 10:00 am —11:00 am at the Cohen Library Annual fee of $25.

*Times for events may change after publication date; visit www.templeetzchaim.org for the most up-to-date event information.

Save the date

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY TIKKUN OLAM LEARNINGNTORAH ovemberFUN 23 TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM Interfaith January 6, LEARNING 2017 TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM Thanksgiving N ew M ember December 28 FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH ServiceTEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY Say TORAH Shalom FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING Community DTZEDAKAH inner HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN Menorah AllHAVERIM are TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN L OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH ighting TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH welcome COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY 3 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP

from the president Continued from page 2 clergy were there, helping my family with meals, words of kindness and when I couldn’t talk, just sitting with me in the hospital.

Jeff was very involved in Men’s club. That same Men’s Club came to build a sukkah at our home. As Jeff ’s health declined this past January, I reached out for more. I wanted Jeff to lay tefillin everyday and I could always find and count on someone to come to the house and assist. In February, our TEC community came to my home to hold minyan once a day and then it became twice a day. As much as I felt that Jeff needed this, I needed it more.

I want to emphasize again that I was sitting where you are now, and ALL I HAD TO DO was reach out and ask.

All YOU need to do is reach out and ask.

Once Jeff had passed and my responsibilities as TEC president became more prominent, something hit me very hard. Many feel that they have little to no connection with our community. It’s hard to believe – because this is why a Temple Etz Chaim is here: to be a community and a second family to each and every one of us.

Sometimes I hear people ask, why do I belong?

Why do I have to pay dues when there are so many other ways I could spend this money?

My kids have had their Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, so they are done with their Jewish education, why should we stay?

I hope you hear me as I say this with all of my heart. We stay so that the community exists for OTHERS who need it. We stay so that the community is here when we need it.

And we stay so we – the synagogue and the community – can be here for the good times and especially for the bad – when the inevitable happens. Rabbi Kushner famously wrote about when bad things happen to good people. He wrote WHEN. Not Why. We tend to forget that bad things do happen. And it is comforting to have our Jewish community around us when the unfortunate does occur.

If each and every person here could feel half the connection that my family and I have with TEC, THAT would be a great accomplishment. Connection has become this Board’s most important goal. Your Board, clergy and professional staff are working on programs to build this community and make TEC a place you desire to raise your children and more importantly a synagogue that you want to remain with long after your children are grown.

We do this through programs like: Say Shalom - our monthly get together prior to Friday evening services; Caring Connection, themed Shabbats throughout the year

“As we all know, the congregation can only survive with all of your financial support.”

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like Pink Shabbat, Honoring Veterans and Mother’s Day’s and Father’s Day’s; Mitzvah Day, community garden, blood drive and feeding the hungry; Bereavement support groups and Al Anon; Sangria in the Sukkah, Adult Purim Shpiel, Cantor’s Concerts, Havdallah & Hotdogs and Summer Fest at the end of the year; USY for kids of all ages to connect with Jewish kids around the nation; Men’s Club speakers, Scholar-in-Residence, Read Hebrew America and Coffee with the Congregation; Women of TEC is a vital part of our community sponsoring Onegs and Kiddushes, and providing scholarships for the ECE, Religious School and Jewish youth overnight camps and Israel trips; Formation of new Havurahs, our Intergenerational Choir and our wonderful new Infant Care Center Shabbat in the Round and 3 new programs that are in the works, Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbos, celebrating Shabbat at home with family and friends, a TEC Family Shabbaton enjoying a wonderful camp weekend experiencing learning, friendship, spirituality, and fun! And JAM, Jewish Art and Movement geared towards our younger families.

And finally, together we build a strong community through hearing your opinions and participating in our surveys. I want to hear from you: what makes you feel connected to TEC? How can we do better creating and strengthening our community? Please call or email me or better yet, let’s have coffee.

Now that I’ve spent some time outlining the need for you and your family being an active part of our Jewish community and how TEC is moving forward to meet these needs, we need to talk about the financial reality of TEC. As we all know, the congregation can only survive with all of your financial support. Dues alone do not cover the expenses. It never has. Synagogues don’t exist on dues alone.

And G-d doesn’t pay the bills.

We literally need your donations to keep the lights on, to pay the salaries of our incredible clergy and staff, to provide amazing Jewish programming for kids, teens, families, and adults. We need your help to pay the salaries of our wonderful teachers and to offer enrichment programs like Jewish music, art, and Israeli dancing and so much more.

We need to assist all of our members who desperately need financial assistance by asking those who can afford to donate more to do so. It is imperative that every family has an equal opportunity to experience the richness of Judaism found at TEC. We need to maintain our beautiful, 45,000 sq. foot campus on 10 acres. We need to maintain the roof of this beautiful sanctuary building so that in the occasional rain, it doesn’t leak and we need to maintain the 30 air conditioning units

From the president every 3 months because they are 20 years old now.

Over the last year, Temple Etz Chaim has grown closer, more caring and sensitive. We have become stronger within.

We have become better managed, having hired an executive director. We have given more of ourselves to our broader community through expanded social action, and community outreach. The founders of this great Temple have created a wonderful legacy. We have taken great strides to continue to enhance and expand that legacy.

On this night of reflection and atonement, I know that we still have work to do to make our community more accessible and attractive to more members. I am encouraged by the increasing number of participants in all demographics who are helping us better understand how to meet their needs.

In spite of all this, I know that there are those among us who still do not feel as fully included as we wish them to be. To those whom I have failed to fulfill my responsibilities to the community, to my family and my friends, I ask your forgiveness. I pledge to you tonight that we will double our efforts, for the most painful complaint for me to hear is that we have failed to make a family feel at home here at Temple Etz Chaim. The circle of active, committed members is large, and we must make sure there is room for everyone within it.

While the Board continues its actions to nurture connections in our TEC community, here are some things YOU can do immediately: Please take home a copy of Chai Lites that was printed especially for this High Holy Day Season. If you have not received your copy, please ask an usher on your way out this evening. In it you will find a great deal of important items. A message from our Strategic Plan Committee with updates on their progress. There is a volunteer page to be filled out and returned to our temple office. Please choose all

“As partners in building our strong community, I promise, we will get there with the assistance of your generous donations from this Kol Nidre Appeal.”

of the areas in which you would like to get involved.

Maybe you have filled this out in past years but we would like current lists, so please take the time to complete this form. There is Havurah information as we are creating new groups all of the time. And finally, there is a tear off for your comments and concerns to also be returned to the main office. This is a wonderful way to assist me and the Board of Directors focus on what is important to you.

As partners in building our strong community, I promise, we will get there with the assistance of your generous donations from this Kol Nidre Appeal.

If you were not with us Kol Nidre night, or did not have a chance as yet to submit your Yom Kippur pledge, it is not too late. Your generosity would truly be a gift to us all.

Thank you to all of you for entrusting me and our dedicated Board of Directors with the leadership of this amazing congregation.

Thank you to all of you for helping Temple Etz Chaim continue to be the incredible home for Judaism in the greater Conejo Valley and for all of the fantastic things we can accomplish together.

On behalf of the entire Temple Etz Chaim Board of Directors and professional staff and clergy; and on behalf of Jacob, Noah, Zachary and my parents Susan and Alan Flaschner, I wish you all a meaningful fast, G’Mar Chatimah Tovah - may you and your families be sealed in the book of life.

Sunday, November 6th Blood Drive Casa Pacifica Backpack Project Community Garden Project For the Troops

Jewish World Watch Sock Raffle Technology Help Desk Habitat for Humanity 5

women of tec & Z’havah

Keeping Up With The Women of TEC Elissa Lazarus, President, Women of TEC womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org

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he Women of TEC have had a busy September and October. See photos of our Membership Lunch on September 25th and our League of Women Voters presentation on October 19th.

Next up: floral centerpieces with florist Natalie Woods on November 22.

Keep your College Students Connected to TEC Together with Women of TEC, send your college students a care package in time for finals. Packages will be going out December 1st. Watch your email for order forms and more information.

Men’s Club

Pay it Forward With Your Men’s Club Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President mensclub@templeetzchaim.org

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hanksgiving is almost upon us, and it’s appropriate to thank all the Men’s Club, TEC members and Temple staff who volunteered to help usher, build our Sukkah, and provide all the other needed tasks during our High Holidays. This is just one small way your TEC Men’s Club helps our Temple and community. This time of year we help coordinate and volunteer during Mitzvah Day (Sun Nov 6th), and we lend our time and services in our traditional role of serving Latkes at TEC community menorah lighting held at Janss Marketplace on Dec. 28th. What a great way to enjoy the holidays by paying it forward and spending a small slice of your time with friends and family. We look forward to seeing you at our many programs this year including; workshops on Kabbalah (Nov 29, Dec 6 and 13), a Sunday Brunch with featured speaker Rabbi Ed Feinstein (Jan 22nd), and our signature Scholarin-Residence weekend Feb 10th-12th with Professor Daniel Matt on “How the Kabbalah Understands God, Torah, and Creation” among many other events.

On behalf of the entire Men’s Club board, we thank you, and wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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“The Kabbalistic Worldview with Rabbi Lisa Bock”

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Tuesdays: 11/29, 12/6, and 12/13 TEC Library • Refreshments Suggested donation: $25 for all three sessions Join us to discuss excerpts from classic Kabbalistic texts on: • The Nature of God • The Purpose of the Universe • The Cosmic Role of Human Beings Rabbi Bock is a gifted teacher and skillful discussion facilitator. She teaches the core course in ethics, and the graduate course in mysticism, for the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. She has also taught for the Union of Reform Judaism and the Mussar Institute.

upcoming events

Say Shalom 11/04/2016 7:00 PM Remembrance Hall Come say “Shalom” before Shabbat services; be our guest, enjoy a nosh, a glass of wine and lively conversation with a new friend, an old friend, or a Board member.

Services following at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary.

Future Say Shalom, December 2nd in Remembrance Hall.

Veteran’s Day Shabbat 11/11/2016 7:30 PM Sanctuary Be all you can be: Veterans Day Shabbat Service Wear your uniform if you like. Honoring anybody that has served or remembering those that have. Join us for a thoughtful Shabbat service on Veteran’s Day.

Mitzvah Day Blood Drive

Shabbat Morning J.A.M.

11/06/2016 9:00 AM Temple Etz Chaim

11/12/2016 10:00 AM Wolfson

Please help make our Mitzvah Day blood drive a success! Text, call, or email Debra Levine at (818) 271-1307, debra@schmeezle.com to schedule your appointment.

USY’s Mitzvah Day Help Desk 11/06/2016 11:30 AM Temple Etz Chaim Unsure how to take a picture or send one on your phone? Need help learning how to text, check your messages, or anything else? Let an experienced Temple Member be your help desk.

Bring your cell phone, tablet, and/or computer and come talk, engage, connect, and let us help you.

How’s Your Memory 11/09/2016 9:00 AM Sanctuary Join us for “memorable” morning with speaker Andrea Gallagher. 9:00 am-10:00 am: Coffee & lite bite (Remembrance Hall) 10:00 am-11:00 am: Speaker (Sanctuary)11:00-11:30am: Q&A /closing. Topics include: What is the difference between what is normal and what isn’t? Why can’t I remember that person’s name? This is a free event and open to the community.

Z’Havah Meet-and-Greet 11/10/2016 7:00 PM Stonehaus Join us for an informal get-together at Stonehaus in Westlake Village. Meet other Z’Havah members and catch-up with friends. Come savor a glass of wine or other drink, dine on delicious food and admire the beautiful scenery. It’s a perfect way to relax and enjoy a night out! Questions about Z’Havah?

Please email zhavahtec@templeetzchaim.org.

Join us at this NEW Shabbat morning program focused on families with children ages 2-8 led by Hazzan Pablo Duek and educator Steve Ormond. We will participate in singing, dancing, storytelling and more!

TEC Book Club 11/15/2016 7:00 PM Book Club

Upcoming Book Selections: November: The Bridal Chair by Gloria Goldreich December: Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf For information about TEC Book Club, contact Liz Groden via the Temple Office at (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org.

Floral Design 11/22/2016 7:30 PM Temple Etz Chaim Please join the Women of TEC as we are led by Natalie Woods in making the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece. $25 per person-reservations are a must-we do not want to overbuy flowers. Please call or text your reservation to Shirley Lipkin at 805-405-2678 or drop off your check at the TEC office payable to Women of TEC by November 18th.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service 11/23/2016 7:30 PM Temple Etz Chaim

Take a step back and reflect on all we have to be grateful for at this service of giving thanks. Please join us as we welcome our neighbors from the United Methodist Church for this moving service with Rabbi Spiegel held at Temple Etz Chaim this year.

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Preschool

Thankful for My Family and Friends Debbie Blumenthal, Director of Early Childhood Education debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

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ovember 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 vegetable picking at Underwood Farms, and I’m looking forward to all the delicious vegetable soups made by preschoolers to follow. Our own TEC gardens have been yielding green and red peppers, pomegranates, celery, and strawberries!

Our preschool Thanksgiving feast will be enjoyed by all on Wednesday, November 23rd.

We have a fun, Royal Tot Shabbat planned on Friday, November 18th at 6:15 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to dress like a prince or princess and come welcome the Shabbat Queen with Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo and Miss Debbie B.! We can’t wait to dress up and celebrate Shabbat with everyone!

USY

A Month of Celebration and Reflection Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

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ctober 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 fed 150 people in need.

November is a big month for USY and the Youth Department. This month we are: going to Encampment 9th12th grade, having Chapter shabbat dinner 7th-12th graders, teaching/learning-Havdallah experience, have two Kadima events planned, have two Jr/Sr USY events planned, and Machar K-2 programing. We would love to see you all there!

Machar K-2nd, Kadima 3rd- 6th, Jr USY 7th-8th,and Sr USy 9th-12th. We are looking forward to being a part of your child’s journey in building lifelong friendships, Jewish identity, and community here at TEC. Don’t wait, sign up now!

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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: 11/1: Kadima Lounge- (bring your Halloween candy to donate to the Troops!)

11/6: Mitzvah Day- Help Desk teens 11/8: Jr/Sr Lounge 6:15pm-8:15pm 11/11-13: Encampment (regional event for 9th-12th graders in Ojai) 11/15: Kadima loves Israel lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm 11/18: Chapter Shabbat (more info to come) 11/19: USY Havdallah experience (more info to come) 11/22: Jr/Sr Israel lounge with special guest 6:15pm8:15pm

Contributions to our synagogue We record with sincere appreciation the following donations: Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund

In Memory of Evelyn Glick, Joan Bernick Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for brightening Hashem’s appointed times, Victor & Raisa Ivanov Rabbi Spiegel, In appreciation, Laura Gail and David Diamond Rabbi Spiegel, In appreciation, Fred Rosenberg and Family Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for the Aliyah, Dorothy Rosengard Dave Munowitch, Condolences on the loss of your mom, Liz and Ron Groden In Memory of Liane Rosenberg, Bruce Polkes In Memory of Robert “Robbie” Natlin, Marvin Natlin In Memory of Harry Kroin, Rose Frederick-Horowitz In Memory of Bertram Dallek, Susan Cohen In Honor of Susan Rothman, Michael Rothman In Memory of Samuel Robinson, Errol Berk In Memory of Philip Mann, Beau Mann Rabbi Spiegel, Wendy and Peter Margolis In Memory of Bertie Sneed, Judy Sneed In Memory of Louis Gittelman, Herb and Deli Weisberg In Memory of Eric Hubscher, Paul Hubscher In Memory of Jeffrey Scott, Gary and Julie Scott

Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund

In Memory of Cynthia Scott, Judy Sneed Esther Messeloff, Condolences on the loss of your husband, Jonathan. Our deepest sympathies, Jerry and Dawne Ratzan In Memory of Rae Carlin, Dr. Ratzan Hazzan Duek, In appreciation, Laura Gail and David Diamond Hazzan Duek, Thank you for your inspiring worship, Victor and Raisa Ivanov In Memory of Liane Rosenberg, Bruce Polkes In Memory of Benjamin Ratzan, Dr. Ratzan Davide Munowitch, Our condolences on the loss of your beloved mother, Janice and Yaakov Orlowski In Memory of Sandra Miller, Shari Mark In Memory of Leon Kaminsky, Ellen Stein In Memory of Frances Portnoy, Ed Portnoy In Memory of Dolores Freides, Debbie Alpert In Memory of Charles Freides, Debbie Alpert In Memory of Albert Gerrick, Debbie Alpert In Memory of Evelyn and George Gerrick, Debbie Alpert In Memory of Samuel Jacob Weisberg, Herb and Deli Weisberg In Memory of Bertie Sneed, Judy Sneed Hazzan Duek, In appreciation, Herb and Deli Weisberg Hazzan Duek, Thank you, Fred Rosenberg and Family

Temple General Fund In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of Kobrin In Memory of In Memory of

Isaac Edelman, David Wank Sol Rubinstein, Ruth Lasser Sara Zimmerman Weinstein, Sofia Sol Jaffe, Lawrence Jaffe Cecile Benjamin, Edith Benjamin

Ritual Fund

In Memory of Charles Girsky, Lois Girsky

Religious School Fund In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of

Rachel Funk, Myron Funk Semyon Shulman, Alik Shulman Florence Goldfinger, Robin Goldfinger Maria Sabolch Siegel, Judith Feldman

Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Sarah Kern, Harvey Kern In Memory of Ben Rutberg, Barbara Nemet In Memory of Minnie Zamkoff, Pauline Kaplan In Memory of Gladys Ratzan, Dr. Ratzan In Memory of Charles Klein, Elva Levine In Memory of Marianne Minkoff Lerner, Janice and Manny Perlman

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Miriam Raviv, Ron Senderov In Memory of Eva Winer, Shirley Wolfson

Dunaier Music Fund

In Memory of Babe Dunaier, Dayna Lemmo In Memory of Frederick Crawford, Brenda Friedman

Barbara and Harvey scherr memorial fund

In Memory of Wally Michelson, Barbara Shannon In Memory of William Edelstein, Judi Gill

In Memory of Irving Gil, Barbara Krupin

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Buzz Shoenkerman, Thank you so much for all of your help, Dorothy Rosengard

Ben Racowsky, Happy Birthday, Ben! Debbie and Les Feldman Matthew Felsen, Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah, Debbie and Les Feldman In Memory of Evelyn Feldman, Debbie and Les Feldman In Memory of Ilene Kanter, Debbie and Les Feldman Dave Munowitch, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother, Barbara and Richard Rosenberg Peter Margolis, Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father, Barbara and Richard Rosenberg In Memory of Irving Cooper, Charles Cooper

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund

In Memory of Milton Fixel, Francine Mozes In Memory of Helen Fixel, Francine Mozes In Memory of Beatrice Cohen, Fred Cohen Brian and Carmit Strauss, In Memory of Michael Strauss, Josh and Debbie Atlas In Memory of Charlotte Levitt, Cindy Alpern and sons

Early Childhood Education Fund

In Memory of Esther Feldman, Bruce Cohen In Memory of Sylvia Dallek, Susan Cohen In Memory of Beatrice Cohen, Bruce Cohen

Inbar Israel Travel & Education Scholarship Fund Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund In Support, Dora Oren

Women of TEC Tribute Cards

Michael and Joyce Buntkin, Happy 50th anniversary, Elissa and Steve Lazarus

Scholar-in-Residence Fund

In Memory of Annie Rebecca Dubinsky, Jeff Schoenwald Dave Munowitch and Emily Habib, May your memories be a source of comfort at this time, Gail and Myles Simpson Dave Munowitch and Emily Habib, May your memories be a source of comfort at this time, Gail and Myles Simpson

Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of

Herma Silverstein, Ellen Levitt Neil Levitt, Ellen Levitt Neil Levitt, Gari and Richard Saly Herma Silverstein, Gari and Richard Saly

Women of TEC Scholarship Fund

Ben Racowsky, In honor of your birthday, Sarah Orlin, Caryl and Lorne Label

USY Youth and Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Bela Orensztein, Denise Rusiecki

*Memorial Plaques – A dear one’s name inscribed permanently on our Memorial Board.

Temple Members $300 or Non-Temple Members $400. Please call the temple office at (805) 497-6891 for more information.

We proudly congratulate our bat Mitzvah Sabrina O’Connor

11/19/2016 Shalom! My name is Sabrina O’Connor and I am an 8th grader at Medea Creek Middle School.

I have been attending Hebrew School at TEC for two years now and I’m so excited for this special day. I love to read, dance, and play sports! I would like to thank my family, friends, and amazing tutor Rivka for their guidance and support.

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Religious School

Inspiring Thanksgiving Interfaith Service Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Eduation Joyce@templeetzchaim.org

T

hank you to everyone who donated school supplies and supported our Mitzvah Day School Supply Drive, which will take place on November 6, 2016. On this day, Religious School students will fill new backpacks with the donated new school supplies. The backpacks will then be given that very same day to Casa Pacifica. It is a wonderful tzedakah project, and our students feel proud of their ability to help this worthwhile organization.

Also, please mark your calendar for the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service scheduled on Wednesday, November 23rd. Following a long-standing tradition, Temple Etz Chaim and The United Methodist Church rotate hosting this beautiful, inspiring service. Thanksgiving is a holiday we celebrate as Americans, regardless of religious preference.

We give thanks for that which we have, including the freedom to worship as we please without fear of retribution. As a highlight, Religious School students in the third and fourth grades will sing a few songs for the combined congregations.

This year, the service will be at Temple Etz Chaim, and I

hope that you and your family will come and experience the warmth and ruach of this special gathering.

Wishing you everything good and wonderful this Thanksgiving season.

Mitzvah Day Sunday, November 6th • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM • Blood Drive • Casa Pacifica Backpack Project • Community Garden Project • For the Troops • Jewish World Watch • Sock Raffle • Technology Help Desk • Habitat for Humanity

We proudly congratulate our bat Mitzvah Advertisements

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Temple Etz Chaim

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

1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360 (805)497-6891

www.templeetzchaim.org Clergy

Rabbi Richard Spiegel Hazzan Pablo Duek Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

Administration

Laurence Harris, Executive Director Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director Dena Feingold, Media and Outreach Specialist

Board of Directors:

Sherri Finn, President Jeff Solomon, Executive Vice President Gary Katz, Immediate Past President Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President Elissa Lazarus, Women of TEC President Larry Levine, Corresponding Secretary Lisa Eidman, Financial Secretary Debbie Cohen-Sitt, Recording Secretary Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds Brenda Kriger, VP Communications Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Jeff Sigel, VP Legal and Personnel Jen Sonnenberg Rhim, VP Religious School Ken Leon, VP Ways and Means Amy B. Scop, 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

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

hanukkah boutique

Women of TEC

Hanukkah Boutique

Sunday, December 4th 9:00 AM Social Hall

Vendors with clothing, purses and accessories, jewelry, Judaica, children’s items, gifts, etc.

Come join us for this fun shopping experience!

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ETZetera is published monthly by Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360