ETZETERA - NOV 2023

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM

NOVEMBER 2023

ISSUE 9

Inside This Issue

PAGE 4 Letters from Our Leaders

PAGE 10 PAGE 12 Junior Social Action in Action

Meet Our B’nai Mitzvah

Contents 4

Letters From Our Leaders

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TEC Education

8

TEC Community

10 TEC Supports Israel 12 B’nai Mitzvah 14 September Calendar 15 Birthdays & Anniversaries 16 TEC Tributes 17 Memorial Receptions Available 18 Upcoming Events 30 Kids’ Corner

WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS? SPACE IS AVAILABLE IN OUR ETZETERA. If you are interested in placing an ad, please send an email to: communications@templeetzchaim.org

Join TEC on Social Media!

Stay up-to-date with community events, news and happenings. Follow us on your favorite social platform.

Search for @templeetzchaim across all platforms. On Facebook search for Temple Etz Chaim as well as Temple Etz Chaim Preschool.

Clergy Rabbi Ari Averbach Interim Cantor Kenny Ellis Associate Chaplain Benny Sommerfeld Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

Staff Executive Director Gideon Manzur Early Childhood Education Director Debbie Blumenthal Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein Early Childhood Education Asst. Director Keri Loventhal Programming & Youth Director Cindy Goldberg Office Manager Shane Silverstein ECE Administrative Assistant Linda Starr RS Administrative Assistant Sarah Karamas Membership Services Jessica Jacoby Clergy Assistant Jill Rosenberg Musical Director Mariano Dugatkin

Board of Directors President Eric Feigenbaum Executive Vice President Felicia Toporoff Immediate Past President Shari Mark Treasurer Shira Soria Recording Secretary Rachael Pugh VP, Building & Grounds Dan Wachs VP, Early Childhood Education Chad Hampton VP, Personnel & Legal Josh Hopstone VP, Project Funding Wendy Margolis* VP, Religion & Worship Cheryl Wolf VP, Religious School Education Adya Riss VP, Social Action Pam Friedman VP, Youth Ilana Sweet Trustee, At-Large Rachel Carmona Trustee, Bingo Arnie Blitstein Trustee, Governance Steve Plotkin Trustee, Programming Dan Lubetkin Trustee, Sustainability Ely Jacobsohn President, Men’s Club Irwin Barney President, Women of TEC Linda Hutchings Past President, Board Member Sherri Finn-Werber Past President, Board Member Gary Katz Past President, Board Member Myles Simpson Past President, Board Member Marshall Scherr *Past President

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oin us as we invite Lori Gottlieb to TEC. Lori is the best-selling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and the co-host of the Dear Therapists podcast. This event will be moderated by Rabbi Ari Averbach.

SUNDAY, NOV. 12, 2023 Doors open 6:15pm Event begins promptly at 7:00pm

 VIP Tickets  General Admission *A purchase of a VIP ticket includes a private dinner with Lori prior to the event.

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY TECTO.ORG/LORIGOTTLIEB

This Event & all VIP/Sponsor Activities will take place at Temple Etz Chaim

Over one million copies sold! www.templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

1080 E. Janss Rd. • November Thousand CA 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org 3 2023Oaks, | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

Letters from Our Leaders Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

Yehuda HaLevi was born in Toledo, Spain, nearly a thousand years ago, back when Spain was one of the centers of Judaism. In his life, he was a physician, but it is his poetry that lives on these centuries later. His most remembered poem, of the hundreds that still survive, opens with the words, “My heart is in the east, and I in the uttermost west.”

So many of us feel these words so deeply right now. Our shattered hearts are in the east while our bodies are here, the edge of another continent. We watch the news or doom-scroll through social media, unable to understand the horrors of the other side of the world.

Many of you have shared with me that you would trade places

with our brethren in a heartbeat, that you feel powerless here.

I am grateful to our sisters and brothers who are defending our holy land, our only land. If you want to get involved – beyond supporting worthy causes – there are people who are doing vital work. Loading planes with supplies to take to Ben Gurion Airport, cooking meals for locals whose loved ones have flown to Israel to lend a hand, writing cards for soldiers. The list goes on. Please let us know if you are looking for ways to help. Our incredible community keeps doing important work. Yehuda HaLevi ended up following his dream and made it to Jerusalem. May we all feel comfortable going to Eretz Yisrael very soon.

Benny Sommerfeld, Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org

This new year has started off with a heavy heart, Israel is under attack. Being in Los Angeles makes it more difficult to understand what is really going on.

Our family spent most of last year living in Israel and our hearts go to all the families that have been affected and victimized in this war. It is surreal and incomprehensible to think what has happened since October 7. What can we do to support Israel besides funding and take care of material needs? We can pray to God for help that goodness will prevail and defeat the evil that we are witnessing. Over 30 congregants have signed up to be a part of a prayer circle.

The goal is reading the complete book of Psalms together with other congregants from the different Jewish communities in the Conejo Valley.

We can also study Torah, God’s blueprint to humanity on how to bring Godliness into the world and establish eternal peace. How about take up a new resolution to read Torah during this year? Our Torah cycle is part of a three-year cycle which stems from the academia of Israel. I invite you to take part in it. We have a Torah portal which is an organizational tool for signing up for the different Parshiot. To get access and start practicing just email me back and I will set you up. Come to services in support of each other and Israel. We have six to seven opportunities each week depending on if we have a Mincha Shabbat service or not. On our website templeetzchaim.org the first top menu item is “LIVE STREAM” that gives you all the time and links to our services. I hope to see you in-person or online. If you have pastoral needs, don’t hesitate to email me or give me a call.

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Te m p l e E t z C h a i m P r e s e n t s

Adult Education Adult Hebrew Class Starting in October

Join us on Sunday mornings to continue your Jewish journey of adult education. Learn, or re-learn to read Hebrew from Alef to Tav (‫ת‬-‫)א‬.*

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Come & join us!

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class Starting in January

Prepare for a Meaningful Experience, Adult B’nai Mitzvah program classes begin on Sunday mornings in January.

* Note: The Hebrew class is a preparation for the B’nai Mitzvah program but not a requirement.

November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

Contact benny@templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org

www.templeetzchaim.org

Eric Feigenbaum, President eric@templeetzchaim.org

With everything going on in Israel, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

For the Jewish people, Israel is never as far away as it appears on the map and there’s a pall that has descended on our community as we worry for loved ones, the well-being of our people and the future of Israel.

we retreat. We all help fight the good fight and win the battle by showing up for Preschool, Religious School, Torah Study, services, events, programs, volunteering, and simchas. Being together not only nourishes us, it defines us.

We worry also for our security right here at home. As if antisemitism wasn’t already rearing its ugly head, events in Israel have stirred it further, leading TEC to increase our security and to be ever more mindful of the responsibility we have to everyone on our campus at all our myriad events, programs, and in our schools.

November will be as vibrant a time as any at Temple Etz Chaim.

We have renown author and therapist Lori Gottlieb coming to speak on November 12th, we begin our educational series with our sibling shul, Temple Etz Hayyim of Hania, Crete on November 19th and of course we have our annual Thanksgiving service with our neighbors, the United Methodist Church.

This makes it all the more important to continue living a proud and rich Jewish life. Because the haters, the antisemites, win when

Come forward, participate, bring your light while we stand together as a community. We have so much to be thankful for right here.

Gideon Manzur, Executive Director gideon@templeetzchaim.org

Fall, typically a season of vibrant foliage, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced delights, has taken an unexpected turn this year.

The unfortunate atrocity that took place on Simchat Torah in Israel has cast a shadow over our usual autumnal festivities, reminding us that sometimes, safety and security must take precedence over the joy of the season.

a Town Hall event to discuss security on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 9:00 am with Chief Jeremy Paris of the Thousand Oaks Police Department and our Nastec Security Supervisors. We will advise how TEC and our local law enforcement are working together to keep TEC and the greater community safe during these challenging times.

However, this year’s season feels different. The conflict in Israel has reminded us that safety and security are fragile, and sometimes they require our undivided attention. We must recognize the impact it has on our daily lives, even as we cherish the arrival of fall.

While the war in Israel has heightened our focus towards safety and security, we should not lose sight of the values that fall represents; change, resilience, and hope. Just as leaves transform from green to gold, so too can societies transform, heal, and rebuild.

Starting this month, we have reconvened our Security Committee.

The focus of this committee will be to work with Nastec, our security provider, to ensure that security here at TEC is up to the expected standards. The committee will make recommendations to the Board of Directors, as they see fit. In addition, I will be hosting

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While this fall may not be filled with the carefree joy we are accustomed to, it serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and unity. By prioritizing safety and security while keeping the spirit of the season alive, we can navigate these challenging times with hope for a brighter, more peaceful future.

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TEC Education Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

November is here and that means the start of another great holiday season! In preparation, the entire preschool took a day to visit Underwood Family Farms and learn about pumpkins last month!

Learning about the life cycle of the pumpkin and exploring the inside of the pumpkin all lead to wonderful life science experiences for all ages. Today I saw one infant class washing pumpkins in their sensory table. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, there will surely be some cooking and baking projects with pumpkins too!

Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect on all the things we are thankful for and to also remember to help others. Mitzvah Day is always recognized at Temple Etz Chaim on the first Sunday of November. The preschool has been collecting tzedakah all month to donate for Breast Cancer Awareness month. We are also helping to collect Coins for Courage along with our Religious School friends to donate to Israel.

We are proud to announce that Temple Etz Chaim Preschool and Infant Centers both were the winners of the Ventura County Star’s Reader Choice Awards! We are thankful for the wonderful staff of

teachers and grateful to our community who voted for us!

Our November Thanksgiving Tot Shabbat will be on Friday, November 17th at 6:00 p.m. in Wolfson Auditorium. Dinner will be served and the cost for dinner is $36.00 per family. There is no charge to come for the service.

The ECE Center will be closed on November 23rd and 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Save the Date! We will be having an in–person Scholastic Book Fair from November 27th – December 3rd. Books make great holiday gifts! Scholastic offers great books for all ages!

2023

Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving holiday filled with friends, family, and good health!

Ventura

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org

I recently read that “Israel is the only country that has to defend itself for defending itself.” We could never have imagined the horrors that happened to Israeli citizens just a few weeks ago.

Once again, our soldiers must defend our beautiful Homeland.

I hope and pray that the people living in Israel will live more peacefully by the time that you read this article.

Religious School students are collecting tzedakah and making cards for Israeli soldiers. We spoke to students in the upper grades about the war. We know that they will be hearing and seeing many false narratives about the war, and I wanted them to know that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. The Jewish people who lived there had a thriving economy. They had hot houses that grew fruit, which was shipped throughout Europe, and there was even an airstrip. When the Jews left Gaza, the Palestinians destroyed these important things. The discussion with the students was honest, and we listened to their opinions and answered their questions.

On November 5th, we will participate in Mitzvah Day by collecting 6

school and art supplies. Our students in grades K-7 will fill backpacks with these supplies for donation to foster children at Casa Pacifica.

In addition, we are asking TEC families to donate money to offset the cost of the school backpacks that we purchase for these supplies.

This project is unique because it is hands-on and actively involves all of our students. Watching students’ faces as they participate in this Mitzvah project is very moving.

I am proud of the dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm our students and parents demonstrate in participating in this Mitzvah Day Project. Everyone’s efforts to reach out to the community and to help others reflect our Jewish values. Assisting others creates wonderful feelings inside of each of us.

Thank you for supporting this annual drive for the foster children of Casa Pacifica. I am amazed at the outpouring of supplies that have been delivered to TEC in the last two weeks. My heart is filled with sincere appreciation for all of you, our dear congregants.

TEC members are outstanding!

November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

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Cindy Goldberg, Programming & Youth Director cindy@templeetzchaim.org

CommUnity — In keeping with November’s theme of gratitude, I would like to give a special shout out to the intrepid team of volunteers who helped make Simchat Torah and Sukkot so much fun! Please thank the following people when you see them. Randee Paller, Heidi Birnbaum, Merril Kaminsky, Steve Kaminsky, Carl Friedlander, Linda Friedlander, Sarah Karamis, Leo Bronstein, Joyce Bronstein, Dan Lubetkin, Lori Lubetkin, Tova Lubetkin, Elijah Lubetkin, Ayla Lubetkin, Elisha Manzur, Eliana Manzur, Ariella Manzur, Gideon Manzur, Eric Feigenbaum, Sennen Feigenbaum, Ailyn Feigenbaum, Dave Abramovicz, Jake Abramovicz, Dylan Abramovicz, Shari Mark, Mark Viggiano –and of course, a HUGE shout out to Little Calf and Scott Levin making Simchat Torah so sweet.

Even with the heavy air of the unfolding horror in Israel, Simchat Torah was another joyous event. Thank you to the care, humor, and leadership of Rabbi Averbach, and the talents of Cantor Kenny, Mariano Dugatkin, and Benny Sommerfeld for such a fun service.

The annual Thousand Oaks Street Fair gave us an opportunity to engage with our greater community and that would not have happened without Dan Lubetkin stepping in and coordinating the volunteers or Gideon Manzur handling the on the ground coordination and technical issues. A special thanks to Heidi Birnbaum, Debbie Blumenthal, Elisha Manzur, Chad Hampton, Felicia Toporoff, Shari Mark, Pam Friedman, and Shane Silverstein for spending your day helping TEC. Thanks to all who joined the fun at Jewish Heritage Night at the LA Kings game on October 24! Special thanks to Ryan Winthrop for helping TEC take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to support the LA Melachim!

November 5th for Mitzvah Day! From Care Kits, to gardening, a

blood drive, diaper drive, creative outlets to help others, Mitzvah Day provides a wide swath of opportunities to help.

To help commemorate the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the paintings of the David Labkoski Project will be on display in the Winer Chapel Foyer. Documenting History Through Art,” the program will include a special presentation by DLP Executive Director Leora Raikin and DLP Ambassador and TEC member Katia Lysobey on Nov. 6th at 7 PM. November 12th is fast approaching, and we are all excited to have noted therapist, author, and TED Talk celebrity Lori Gottleib in conversation with Rabbi Averbach. Get your tickets here: https:// tec-to.org/lori-gottlieb.

Beginning on November 19, join us for a 4-part course with our sibling shul, Temple Etz Hayyim in Hania, Greece. The Zoom course will be held on Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, beginning at 10:30am. To sign up: https://tec-to.org/hania November 22nd sees the return of the traditional Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to TEC! Help us welcome our parking lot neighbors as we join in gratitude and friendship.

Calling all single, young professionals between the ages of 21 and 35! We are launching a new group and would love for you to join us!

Our first event will be November 8, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at The Stonehaus.

For more info, contact Ben Math at ben@templeetzchaim.org.

Let the planning and begging for volunteers begin!! We are starting to plan for the Purim Carnival! You read that right. Mark your calendar for March 24th and stay tuned for the numerous ways to participate in the holiday fun and GAMES!

TECY/USY — Save the Dates!!

Machar (Grades K-2) November 5 and December 3

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Kadima (Grades 3-5) November 7 and December 5

November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

TECY/USY MS (Grades 6-8) November 12 and December 10

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TEC Community Linda Hutchings, President, Women of TEC Shalom, We have two wonderful events coming up: Tuesday, Nov. 7th - Guest Speaker Cheryl Wolf, Regional Development Director for Chai Lifeline West Coast. Refreshments will be served starting at 7:30. Discussion to begin at 8:00pm

for things like Starbucks, Nordstrom, manicure, massage, etc.), new wallets, handbags, clothing, home decor (new items that have not been used) that we can use to create the beautiful gift baskets for our membership luncheon raffle.

Sunday, December 3rd at Noon - WOTEC Membership Luncheon Please note that Membership Dues are free to all first year temple members. All Membership Dues for returning members were due to be paid in full by end of September: $43 for regular members and $30 for Seniors (age 62 and up). If you are not receiving our Constant Contact updates, please email me directly to be added to the email list. Please make sure to have wotecnews@gmail.com set as a safe sender so you can receive our Constant Contact updates.

Also, if you have any changes you want noted in our membership booklet, please let me know.

If you want to get involved, have suggestions for events or ever have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Also, please help us prepare for our Membership Luncheon Raffle -- we need the following types of donations: gift cards (any denominations

WOTEC Calendar of Events 11/7 Guest Speaker, Cheryl Wolf. Tuesday evening 12/3 Paid Up Membership Luncheon Save the Date! 12:00pm 1/20 Havdallah & Wine Tasting & Appetizers. 5:30pm 2/27 Babka Bake. 6:30 pm 3/24 Volunteer @ Purim Carnival. 3/24 4/14 Beach Sunset & Games Day (Bring your own dinner) Co-Sponsored with Men’s Club.

5/5

Friendship Tea (bring a mother/father, daughter/son, sister/brother, niece/nephew, aunt/uncle, friend).

11:30am

Irwin Barney, President, Men’s Club As you know, this is an extremely difficult time for Israel. We learned this firsthand through the personal stories of our TEC member and past Men’s Club President Mark Zucherman and his relatives living in Israel. This took place at the Men’s Club brunch on October 22.

About 40 persons attended in person and 20 via Zoom.

Mark and his family attended his niece’s wedding in Israel a few days before the October 7 attack on Israel. Also, the day before the attack, his sister became a grandmother. Mark’s sister’s family was traveling north to see the new grandchild when the rockets started raining down. Mark and his family were able to leave Israel on October 9. These events, and a firsthand account of what was contemporaneously occurring in Israel, were shared by Mark, in person at the brunch, and his sister’s family in Israel via Zoom.

The presentation and discussion were compelling. The session

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was recorded, and we hope to be able to share it with the larger TEC community who were not able to attend.

On October 22, the Men’s Club also conducted a Local Birds Adventure in Learning program at the Western Plateau in Newbury Park. Over 20 adults and children enjoyed an afternoon out walking and bird watching. The next Adventure in Learning will be Havdallah in Nature on November 18. Further details will be forthcoming.

In addition, the Men’s Club will be participating on Mitzvah Day, November 5, by working with WOTEC at the Feed the Hungry station to prepare bag lunches and will also man the e-Waste collection site.

November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

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Pam Friedman, VP, Social Action This month TEC Social Action’s 2023 Adopt a Family program is off and running. Every year this wonderful program provides donated gifts to those in need in our community. There are so many ways that you can help, from adopting a family to donating unwrapped gifts or donating gift cards.

We are also collecting new unwrapped toys for Westminster Free Clinic. The families that the Westminster Free Clinic serves are very low-income, uninsured families. Your gift of an unwrapped toy will bring excitement and joy to the child who receives your gift.

If you would like to adopt a family, TEC has families from our Preschool and Religious School as well as the Westminster Free Clinic who are ready to be “adopted.” If you would like to provide a gift to a homebound senior from “Meals on Wheels,” we can match you up with someone special.

Another way to help is by donating $25 Target gift cards to Harbor House. The gift cards help Harbor House provide comfort for our local homeless community during the holidays. To purchase a Target gift card, contact the temple office. However you decide to donate, your kindness will be a mitzvah.

Susan Kane, Chairperson, Inclusion Committee A big THANK YOU to those that participated in Sunday Schmooze on October 29th – sharing your thoughts, experiences, priorities and needs in the many areas of inclusion. Your input is an invaluable part of TEC’s efforts to increase awareness and make positive changes.

The newly formed Inclusion Committee is committed to making Temple Etz Chaim a safe, welcoming, caring, and inclusive Jewish community for all people, with special respect and understanding for varied religious upbringing, education, level of observance, ethnic origin, skin color, physical or mental limitations, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Our committee is a diverse group of TEC members who care deeply about ensuring that Temple Etz Chaim is welcoming and inclusive of all, both those who are currently connected to our community and those who wish to be connected.

Areas of specific focus for this committee include: • Interfaith and Differing Backgrounds • Accessibility • Communication • Gender and Sexuality • Racial Justice At Etz Chaim we are grateful for the diverse journeys that bring people to our community which includes those who have been

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Jewish their whole lives; those who have chosen to join the Jewish people as part of their own spiritual journeys; and interfaith families. We strive to make participation in education, worship, cultural and social activities welcoming and accessible to all. We believe that we are strengthened by the gifts that all members of our community bring, and we extend a warm welcome to those who are part of our family and fellow travelers in our work to make the world more filled with caring, love and responsibility.

We hope that you too will find a place in our community.

Upcoming events include: •

Jews of Color Shabbat (celebrating Black History Month) – February date TBA

•

Jewish Disability Month Awareness – February programming and dates TBA

•

Pride Shabbat – June 7th – 8th 2024

The Inclusion Committee seeks to expand the opportunities for full participation and support by listening to congregants’ needs and experiences, so we can advocate for positive changes.

We certainly don’t have all the answers, so we are leading with curiosity and welcome your thoughts and suggestions. Let us know where can we improve and what are we doing well.

Email us at Inclusion@templeetzchaim.org

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TEC Supports Israel

On October 11th, the local Jewish community came together in prayer for Israel at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks.

Starting October 15th, our Junior Social Action Committee came together to start collecting Coins for Courage to support the IDF. If you’d like to contribute, bring cash to the bottle placed by the security booth, scan the QR code on the opposite page or visit tec-to.org/Coinsforcourage.

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November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

For more information:

Scan the QR code or go to: tec-to.org/Coinsforcourage

youth@templeetschaim.org www.templeetzchaim.org

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B’nai Mitzvah

Matthew Brusseau

November 4

Hello, my name is Matthew Brusseau. I am 13 years old and attend Redwood Middle School. My Bar Mitzvah is coming up, and I am very excited about it. To me, my Bar Mitzvah is an important part of my Jewish life because it signifies becoming a man in Judaism. This means a lot to me, as most of my life I have engaged in many Jewish activities. Of course, some are with family and some are with friends. Going to Hebrew School and celebrating Jewish Holidays with family and friends are just some of the ways I have engaged in my Jewish life. In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends both online and in person. Usually, I play video games with my friends, but occasionally we like to just hang out and talk. I also participate in martial arts as an after-school activity. However, coming to this point in my life wouldn’t be possible without my parents and teachers. They have helped me thrive and motivated me to do new things. I am very thankful for their support as it has allowed me to be the person I am today.

Marlo Golove

November 11

Hi, my name is Marlo Golove, and I have been attending TEC since preschool. I have made so many great memories and friendships at TEC. I am now in the 7th grade at Medea Creek Middle School. When I am not in school, I enjoy ballet dancing at California Dance Theater where I have been taking lessons for 9 years. I would like to thank my friends, my parents, and especially my Bat Mitzvah tutor Betty Zonshine, Rabbi Averbach, and all of my Religious School teachers for helping me as I become a Bat Mitzvah.

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November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

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Talia Alon

November 18

Hi, I am Talia Alon. I live in Oak Park, California. I started going to Temple Etz Chaim Preschool when I was a toddler and later to the Religious School where I have met lots of great people. I am now in the seventh grade at Medea Creek Middle School. I have always enjoyed traveling (especially to Israel where I have a lot of family). I want to thank my teachers, Joyce, Rabbi Ari, my tutor Rivka, and of course my parents for helping to put together my Bat Mitzvah.

Emily Wachs

November 25

Hi! My name is Emily Wachs, and I am in the 7th grade at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth. I have been a student at TEC since the 3rd grade and I have learned so much throughout my years studying with the incredible teachers at TEC. I love to draw, play with my dog, hang out with my friends and family, watch TikTok videos, and make them too. I would like to thank Rabbi Averbach, Joyce Bronstein, my amazing tutor, Betty Zonshine, and all the wonderful staff at TEC who have helped me throughout my journey to become a Bat Mitzvah. I would also like to thank my parents for always being there for me and for their support. I am very much looking forward to celebrating my big day with those nearest and dearest to my heart.

www.templeetzchaim.org

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Dates to Remember

November SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1

2

3

SAT

4

Bim Bam Shabbat Matthew Brusseau Bar Mitzvah

5

Mitzvah Day

6

Blood Drive MACHAR

12

TECY/USY

7

KADIMA

8

Security Town Hall

9

10

11 Marlo Golove Bat Mitzvah

WOTEC Program

13

14

15

16

17

18 Talia Alon Bat Mitzvah

Lori Gottleib

19

Temple Etz Hayyim, Sibling Synagogue Class 1

26

Sunday Stick Around

14

20

21

Book Club via Zoom

22

23

Interfaith Service@ TEC

Thanksgiving

28

29

30

Board Meeting

25 Emily Wachs Bat Mitzvah

Feed the Hungry

27

24

November 2023 | Cheshvan - Kislev 5784

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

November 1 Erika Farber Michael Gollub Sarah Knight Ronia Rosen 2 Layla Farber Stacey Kane 3 Cindy Stelman Lisa Eidman Aubrey Elson Lisa Goodman Todd Morton Cindy Stelman Steven Stelman 4 Susan Mellon Mason Moradian Noah Scop David Silverman 5 Natalie Hopstone Stuart Lazarus Katya Schwartz Jean Virtue Jonah Waters Jacob Wohl Ava Wohl 6 Liam Lefko Tracy Sanders Max Stokols Aryel Tenenbaum 7 Mia Label Aaron Shapiro 8 Elijah Geller Layla Wellen 9 Talia Alon Mila Gutman Maxton Margolis Simone Moscovitch Diane Rudman Ian Raskin Brian Tepfer

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10 Sherri Finn-Werber Laura Graham Ellie Lelie 11 Alessandro Corona Duncan Forsythe Kelly Murphy Georgie Werner 12 Jacob Carmona Leah Farber 14 Robert Charnaw Julie Silverman Micah Smith 15 Jessica Birnbaum Fran Curtis Jared Graham David Lelie Karen Roberts Daniel Wachs 16 Ilene Barney Jason Kaminsky Jesse Weiner 17 Lauri Arons Dov Lutzker Dava Slomowitz Cathy Sternstein 18 Steven Kaminsky Jason Schwartz Erin Stein Mark Stokols Rachel Wells 19 Leslie Alon Steven Borochoff Talia Marx Eileen Sachs Michelle Waters 20 Zach Cohan Ian Hutchings Katia Lysobey 21 Mark Birnbaum Adrian De Salay

Atticus Kaiser Durkee Lisa Firestone Richard Koppel Daniel Raskin Shealen Wynner Ethan Wynner 22 Jacob Axelrad Eileen Edgar 23 Sarah Ainley Ronny Katz Maccabee Raileanu Harold Rosenfeld Evan Warner Adam Waters 24 Melissa Berg Daniel Levine Paul Norick Emily Wachs

1 Gary & Lynne Katz William & Cynthia Koepcke Irving & Jeanne Weiss 3 Marshall & Cindy Scherr 10 Rob & Shane Silverstein 12 Michael & Sarah Golden Brian & Shannon Tepfer 14 Kenny & Laura Ellis

25 Ellis Grosslight Bryan Lichtman Lark Schwartzbach Elliana Tenenbaum

15 Michael & Jennifer Ghozland

26 William Raskin Samantha Robinson

18 Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky

27 Sara Berger Toni Friedman Max Honigsberg Timothy Mellon Jennifer Reynolds Carol Schoenkerman Leah Theune 28 Gabriele Bugaisky Scott Goldstein Jeffrey Math Linda Moskowitz Emma Dankberg Atara Raileanu Lauren Saul Elan Tenenbaum

21 Geoffrey & Laura Graham 23 Paul & Toni Friedman 24 Scott & Andrea Smith 25 Harvey & Cyndi Mahler Larry & Judy Mayer 30 Lawrence & Karen Levine

30 Rachel Revai Daniel Rosenfeld Jessica Rutten Daniel Love

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Tributes

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund In Honor of Barbara Anik Cheryl Peretz

In Appreciation of The High Holidays Michael and Lorraine Raileanu In Memory of Irving Garvin & Other Family Members Laurel Warner

Dunaier Music Fund In Memory of Julia Deutsch Frances Deutsch

In Memory of Babe Dunaier Howard Dunaier In Memory of William Deutsch Frances Deutsch

Early Childhood Education Fund In Memory of Gloria Cohen Martin Cohen

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Scott & Debbie Blumenthal In Memory of Ruth Rosen Stan & Lynne Rosen In Memory of Carol Spiegel John & Sandra Lutzker In Memory of Abram Avremel Perel Israel & Beth Perel

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In Honor of A Speedy Recovery to Jeff Schoenwald Nomi Freed In Memory of Carol Spiegel Nomi Freed

In Memory of Rae Fink Sara Sturman In Memory of Felicita Saiez Rebeccah Schwartz In Memory of Alfred Morris Elizabeth Groden In Memory of Harriet Wise Oberman Robin Oberman In Memory of Paul Fireman Rivka Moscovitch In Memory of Kenneth Sachs David Sachs In Honor of Ken Warner’s Birthday In Honor of Buzz Schoenkerman’s Birthday Patricia Kaye In Memory of Paul Greenberg Jessica Dennis In Honor of Candy Portman’s Grandson’s Bar Mitzvah In Honor of Candy Portman’s Grandchildren Receiving Their Hebrew Names Nomi Freed In Appreciation of Letting our Family Participate in the TEC Community Drew & Brianna Abrams In Honor of Our High Holiday Honors John & Sandra Lutzker

In Memory of Lillian Klapper Bonnie Goldenberg

In Honor of Bert Schoenkerman’s Birthday In Memory of Ron Shannon Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Israel & Beth Perel

In Memory of Morris Ratzan Jerome & Dawne Ratzan

Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship Fund In Memory of Carol Spiegel Leland Shapiro

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

Sandee Tischler RSSF In Memory of Stuart Bass Jerome & Dawne Ratzan

In Memory of Frida Edelman David Wank

Social Action Fund

In Memory of Maye Natalie Greene Israel & Beth Perel In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House Myles & Gail Simpson In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House Perry & Susan Pierce

Temple General Fund

In Appreciation of The Kol Nidre Service on YouTube Gershon Weltman In appreciation of Aria McCollough’s Farm Day Field Trip Adam McCullough & Inbal Lapid In Memory of Esther Sloate Comis & Other 2023-2024 Yahrzeits Stuart Comis In Memory of Amiram Manzur Edward Peek & Lynda Manzur-Peek In Memory of Israel Weinstein Sofia Kobrin In Honor of The High Holidays 5784 Glenn & Janet Lipman In Honor of Yizkor Jacky Miriam Schoenfeld-Cohen and Ezra Cohen In Memory of Ira Goldfinger Robin Goldfinger

In Memory of Hilda Stein Ron Stein

In Memory of Ric Landau In Memory of Sam Neustadt In Memory of Carol Spiegel Jay & Debra Levine

In Memory of Dorothy Schotland Tess Wilkoff

In Memory of Robynne Schwartz Katya Schwartz and Family

In Memory of Ron Shannon Bonnie Rothman

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Joan Grossman

Paul & Jen Sonnenberg Rhim

In Memory of Morris Touby David Salzman

In Memory of Pauline Shechter Rabbi Jack Shechter

In Memory of Matthew Wolf Cheryl Wolf

In Memory of Abraham Levy Rosalie Fromberg

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Robert & Betty Zonshine

In Memory of Lillian Moskowitz Harvey Moskowitz

In Memory of Richard Landau Gina Landau

In Memory of Marcel Mendel Perel Israel & Beth Perel

In Memory of Philip Ruvman Gary & Maureen Levine

In Memory of Mary Wexler In Memory of Michael Wexler Herb Wexler

Kiddush Fund

In Memory of Betty Chislov Rhonda Averbach

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund

Buzz & Carol Schoenkerman

Lipnick RSSF

In Memory of William Edelstein Judi Gill

Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence

In Honor of The Marriage of Jonathan and Allison Katz Marc & Carole Firestone In Memory of Albert Treger Shirley Lipkin

In Memory of Elvin Greene Israel & Beth Perel

Religious School Fund In Memory of Alfred Shapiro Barbara Budish

In Memory of Helen Chaya Perel Israel & Beth Perel

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund Ritual Fund In Honor of Shabbat Shuva John & Sandra Lutzker

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In Honor of Lisa Bock’s Birthday Patricia Kaye

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Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Loved Ones Marie Rubens

In Memory of Ben Rutberg Barbara Nemet

In Memory of Carol Joy Spiegel Chuck & Penny Sterling

Women of TEC

In Memory of Jeff Weiss In Honor of Xaxxon Revai’s Bar Mitzvah In Honor of Sending Well Wishes to Steve Ross Alan & Shirley Lipkin

Women of TEC Torah Fund In Memory of Ron Shannon Colin & Esther Pullan

www.templeetzchaim.org

The Mitzvah Committee is here to help... and remember your loved ones.

MEMORIAL RECEPTION Services offered by Women of TEC Mitzvah Committee

What to Expect We will be at your house a day or two before the funeral, or as time permits, for planning and any questions. We will arrive at your house half hour to one hour before you leave for the cemetery to receive any last-minute instructions. Our volunteers will be there to accept all deliveries and complete the set-up.

We will provide:

Family provides:

• Handwashing station to be set up outside, in front of the door, including water pitcher, paper towels, TV tray and trash bag • Hard-boiled eggs (12) • Challah, wine and mini wine cups • Large and small paper plates, napkins, and cutlery • Hot and cold cups • Ice cubes in a cooler • Large coffee maker, coffee, tea bags • Sugar, sweeteners, mocha mix • Large plastic trash bags

• Tablecloth, serving platters and utensils • Cold drinks, water bottles • Folding chairs

Have the deli/bakery deliver: • Platters of food, bread, salads, cakes, etc.

Special Instructions for the deli/bakery:

• Be sure to schedule these items to be delivered at the same time the funeral is scheduled to begin.

• Remind them not to mix meat and dairy on the same platter.

To ask questions or make arrangements Contact the Temple Office at

805-497-6891 or inquire via email at Shiva@templeetzchaim.org After hours, please contact Roni Rosen at 818-585-9449

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Temple Etz Chaim and Temple Adat Elohim Present

Meet Young

WEDNESDAY

NOV

08 5:30 PM

Professionals (age 21-35) from TEC and TAE

at Stonehaus in Westlake Village

November 8 at 5:30p.m.

32039 Agoura Rd., Westlake Village Feel free to bring friends!

RSVP

https://tec-to.org/young-jewish-pros Questions? Contact Ben Math at ben@templeetzchaim.org

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COMING SOON! Join us for an educational experience like no other!

LEAR NING SER IES

SUNDAYS BEGINNING 11.19.23

TEC is connecting with our sibling shul in Hania, Greece - Temple Etz Hayyim – and members of its clergy, leadership (including college professors and historians) and congregation will be teaching an interactive Zoom course to members of our community. This is a 4-part course offered only on Zoom.

Cost for the entire course

$180/person

Cost for each individual course

$54/person

Dates: • 11.19.23: • 12.3.23: • 12.10.23: • 12.17.23:

Jewish History of Crete Jewish Music of Greece Jewish Food in Greece Visual Arts and Memory

Each course will take place 10:30am-11:30am If you would like to participate but also attend Minyan, please let us know and we will provide a private room on TEC’s campus for you to join via Zoom.

SIGN UP TODAY http://tec-to.org/hania

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org

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Color & Complete the Word Puzzle

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Fall Fun Maze Game

Word Search Spot 5 Difference

Word Scramble

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Available:

2 BURIAL PLOTS (side by side) At Mount Sinai, Simi Valley

SECTION: Plains of Abraham LOCATION: Map 33, Lot 5212, Space 1 & 2

ENDOWMENT AND TRANSFER FEE INCLUDED

ASKING PRICE: $14,500.00 Contact Mindy with questions: (805) 368-0481 • mindyyaras@gmail.com