ETZETERA - May 2024

Clergy

Rabbi Ari Averbach

Interim Cantor Kenny Ellis

Associate Chaplain Benny Sommerfeld

Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel

Rabbi Emeritus Simon Paskow (z”l)

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, Ways and Means Judy Gindi

VP, Youth Ilana Sweet

Trustee, At-Large Rachel Carmona Trustee, Bingo Arnie Blitstein

Trustee, Governance Steve Plotkin

Trustee, Programming Dan Lubetkin Trustee, Security Paul Dryman Trustee, Sustainability Ely Jacobsohn

President, Men’s

President, Women of TEC Linda Hutchings

Past

Past President, Board Member Gary Katz

Past President,

Past

Myles Simpson

Member Marshall Scherr

Letters from Our Leaders

Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

The students in our preschool’s Room D (4–5-year-olds) put on a Pesach play each year. During the intense casting process, the teachers assigned one of the kids to play Pharaoh. Later that day, this little girl was in the corner, crying. The teacher crouched down and asked what was wrong. “I don’t want to play Pharaoh! I don’t want to be mean to the Jewish people!”

The role was recast, and another student thespian was assigned the part of Pharaoh. Until he ALSO refused it, citing the same reasons of not wanting to appear antisemitic! (If only the rest of the world worked the same way!)

These days have been perilous, with each hour bringing news that

is painful or hopeful or devastating. I know that in the days between me writing this and you reading it, so much has changed.

And despite all of this, how proud I am at what we are teaching at Temple Etz Chaim – to our youngest students in our ECE, to our religious school students who sing “Hatikva” with full voice, to our high school students who are grappling with major issues on their campuses, and to the community at large.

I am hopeful that Israel will once again be a land of peace, and I am hopeful that the next generation grows up with a love of the land of Israel and the people of Israel.

Benny Sommerfeld, Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org

I hope you all had a meaningful Pesach this year. It was hard to fully celebrate freedom when we have a war in Israel, and hostages still not been able to safely return home. Our cycle of festivals continues whether the world events are in our favor or not. I am sure that under similar circumstance in our troublesome history this feeling of not being fully free has been an experience that we have lived through before, and we have always prevailed. However, it is remarkable that we don’t despair, and that we despite the situation at hand, celebrate our holidays with meaning. The Month of May, Nissan and Adar, is leading up to our spiritual pinnacle in mid-June, the festival of Shavuot. I hope that you are taking some time to prepare spiritually for Shavuot, the commemoration of receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. I mentioned in last month’s ETZ, the 7 characteristics that dominated each week leading up to Shavuot. Four of them are in May, discipline, beauty, endurance, and beginning of humility.

May has many modern time festivals and remembrance days on its calendar, besides Lag Baomer. Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzmaut face the same dilemma as Pesach of being holidays in war time. We have to embrace them as best as we can as proud Jewish people remembering the blessings that we have and the miraculous times we are living through.

May is also the time where our schools are winding down and we can start looking forward to the summer activities. The official kickoff for the BBQ season rounds off the month and we move outside to the backyard for dinners. Spring is in full bloom so, enjoy (unless you are allergic to pollen) the beauty of mother nature. Happy Birthday to Israel, we pray for her, and that peace will arrive soon.

Eric Feigenbaum, President eric@templeetzchaim.org

In the almost two years now that I have been Temple President, I have learned so much. One of those things is how much so many people care for their shul. Temple Etz Chaim has so many stakeholders – different groups and individuals who come for multitudes of reasons and take from it just as many different things. Some come for services, others programming or religious education for their children – or maybe for themselves. They come for infant care and preschool – or maybe just high holidays or a place to turn in times of crisis and loss. They are part of a havurah or leadership or they volunteer. They celebrate life cycle events. They find connection and community. They come for a place to be Jewish – whatever that means to them. And what they come for may change at different moments in their lives.

Coordinating a place that serves so many important functions and means so much to so many people is no small feat. For all the things TEC does – the many holidays, classes, pastoral care, services, minyans, bingo, concerts, speakers, family events, babies pushed through the parking lot in giant strollers – it’s done by a shockingly small group of very dedicated people.

With more than 475 member families, Temple Etz Chaim is in an awkward spot – too big to operate like a small shul, too small for the budget of a big one. In my opinion, we’re about four full-time staffers short of an ideal complement, but financially we just can’t

make that leap YET.

Amazingly, the team we have from our clergy to office staff to education leadership to maintenance team work exceedingly hard trying to make all the things we value happen as seamlessly and invisibly as possible. Until you’re behind the scenes and in the mire, you have no idea how much goes into making the machinery work.

That also includes many dedicated, core volunteers who work bingo, our kitchens, staff a variety of events, garden and even put the little signs with your name on them on your seats at High Holidays. Surprisingly, I sometimes receive complaints! Nothing works right all the time. Sometimes for reasons beyond anyone’s control, sometimes because someone, somewhere missed a detail, failed to communicate or dropped a ball. We are an organization and community of human beings – and in my opinion, some of the best intentioned, most dedicated human beings I know.

I just want to say thank you to everyone – paid and unpaid –who work tirelessly to make Temple Etz Chaim happen. If you come to campus and things all go the way they should, and the day or experience go smoothly – hopefully great, but maybe even unremarkably – that’s a result of the hard work and dedication of myriad people who put their love and passion to work for you each and every day.

Gideon Manzur, Executive Director gideon@templeetzchaim.org

As we bid farewell to the celebration of Passover and transition into the challenges that lie ahead, we are reminded of the importance of community and support in navigating life’s journey. In these uncertain times, Temple Etz Chaim stands as a beacon of strength and solidarity, offering a sanctuary of solace and connection for all who seek it.

Passover, with its themes of liberation and renewal, has reminded us of the resilience of our faith and the enduring bonds of our community. As we return to our daily routines, we carry with us the spirit of unity and hope that permeated our Passover celebrations.

Now more than ever, it is vital to lean on the support of our temple community. Whether you joined us for our Passover services, participated in our community Seder, or celebrated in your own homes, we invite you to continue to seek refuge and strength at

Temple Etz Chaim.

Our doors are open, to welcome you into the embrace of our community. Through our Shabbat services, programming, and social events, we offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and support. Together, we can find solace in our shared traditions, draw strength from one another, and navigate these challenging times with resilience and grace.

As we move forward, let us remember that we are not alone. Within the walls of Temple Etz Chaim, we find not only a place of worship but also a family—a community united by faith, compassion, and a shared commitment to supporting one another.

Join us this Shabbat and beyond as we continue our journey together, finding comfort, camaraderie, and renewed strength in the embrace of our temple community.

TEC Education

Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

During the month of May, we look forward to celebrating the holiday of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Day of Independence. For young children this means displaying the flag of Israel, singing Hebrew songs, and learning about the country of Israel. This year we have planned a huge outdoor celebration in our beautiful play yards. Some of the activities we have planned include: the Maccabee obstacle course, Kibbutz planting in the garden, Israeli music in the dessert tent, an “El Al” airplane trip, and enjoying an Israeli lunch of pita, salad, and falafel. The best part is that parents will be able to volunteer and share in this fun experience with their children.

Our May Tot Shabbat will be on Friday, May 17th on the Warren Lawn. This will be a Pajama Night so find your favorite jammies and join us! We will be serving dinner; the cost is $36.00 per family and enjoying a service outdoors with our ECE families and friends. RSVP to Debbie Blumenthal if you would like to join the Shabbat fun in May.

Teacher Appreciation Week will be observed the week of May 6th. Our PTEC group has planned 5 days of appreciation activities for the ECE staff. Our PTEC group has worked hard all year fundraising so that they can spoil the staff. We are grateful for the support of all our parents.

Our Pre-K students will venture out to the Thousand Oaks Public Works Open House in May to see all the jobs our city workers do to help our community. We want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day! I’m sure that all our preschoolers will find a way to make your day very special. The ECE Center will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. We look forward to an amazing month of May!

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director

joyce@templeetzchaim.org

I can’t believe that I am already writing my May bulletin. The school year is zooming by! I hope that you had a fun and inspirational Seder and your Passover was terrific.

Please join us for “Yom Hamoreh – Teacher Appreciation Day” on Friday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m., when we honor and recognize our Religious School Teachers. Dr. Abraham Heschel once said, “There is no higher distinction than being a teacher in our teachings. We celebrate teachers. The teacher is essential to Jewish living, present, and future.” Our teachers create a positive educational environment where our students enjoy learning and being at Temple Etz Chaim. On this Shabbat, our 6th-grade students will also lead prayers and sing songs.

“Living Voices” provides an interactive play between Anne Frank and her best friend Miep. It is an inspirational story that leaves a significant impact on our students. This unique and meaningful experience is for students in grades 6 and 7. Anyone is welcome to attend. It will take place on May 5th at 10:00 a.m.

On May 14th, we will host Yom HaAtzmaut . Learning about Israel is part of our fifth-grade curriculum. Students make posters on various aspects of Israel. Their posters are amazing! That day, we will have falafel, Israeli dance, music, and an adult who grew up

in Israel will speak. Rabbi Averbach will talk about his journey to becoming a member of the clergy. We will conclude with cake, Hatikvah, and everyone singing Happy Birthday to Israel.

The promotion ceremony for our Seventh-Grade students will be on May 21st. These outstanding young adults have worked hard to reach this day. Most of these students will continue their Jewish education in our Confirmation Program, strengthening their Jewish identity during the important teenage years.

On the last day, students will celebrate Lag B’Omer. They will participate in games and enjoy time with their TEC friends. It is especially fun because we provide a BBQ with hot dogs and potato chips. It is a great day to reflect on the past year and look forward to the following year.

Please let me know if you know of any families looking to join TEC and register their children in Religious School. I always enjoy meeting new potential congregants and speaking with them about our beautiful TEC community.

If you have any questions or want to “Schmooze,” my door is always open. L’hitraot, Joyce

Programming & Youth

Highlights from our TEC Community Shabbaton at Camp Alonim, March 29-31. Thank you to Karen Garelik, Heidi Birnbaum, Joyce Bronstein, Rabbi Averbach for helping plan an amazing weekend of community! Looking forward to doing it again in the future.

TEC Community

Linda Hutchings, President, Women of TEC

WOMEN of TEC NEEDS YOU! We are looking for volunteers to help with committees and members to come forward to serve in leadership roles on our board. There is lots to be done and we are always looking to widen our audience and improve our programming. It is truly a rewarding experience and a wonderful way to get more involved at Temple.

Did you know each year we consistently lead in auxiliary sponsored donations to the synagogue community and we are honored and proud to do so. Our High Holiday Booklets take many hours of hard work to put together each year and the income helps provide funding for our annual contributions to the synagogue, the religious school, the ECE and Youth programs. In addition, we are always looking forward to the Jewish Overnight Camp Scholarships we provide each year.

March was a busy month and a big thank you to all of the volunteers that made the Arts and Crafts Booth we hosted at the

Purim Carnival such a terrific success! It is always a joy to see all of the smiling faces at the carnival and the camaraderie enjoyed by all who participated.

Please mark your calendars for our very special Woman of Valor Luncheon honoring the amazing Bonnie Rothman on Sunday, May 5th at 11:30am. We are also looking forward to the upcoming Synagogue Celebration of Yom HaAutzmaut on Tuesday, May 14th starting with a nosh at 6:30 followed by Israeli Dancing being led by the fabulous Maya Tenenbaum. Also, Women of TEC Members will be voting on our 2024-2025 slate of officers at the Yom HaAutzmaut event.

As always, please keep checking your WOTEC Constant Contact updates and please reach out if you would like to get to contribute with WOTEC leadership by serving on our board or volunteering for a committee position.

Susan Kane, Chairperson, Inclusion Committee

Check out the recently added listing of Community Resources under the ‘CONNECT’ tab on the TEC website. Among these are organizations that provide information and/or support in the areas of addiction, medical crises, special needs, social services and for the LGBTQ+ community. If there is an organization that you think should be included as a Community Resource, please let us know.

A variety of social services and support are available through THE EZRA NETWORK. These include mental health counseling, job search support and legal assistance, among other things. Please see the flyer included in this month’s bulletin. In addition, if you need help navigating services or are not sure where to call, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles has a hot line at (855) JFED-HLP.

Magnifying sheets are now available to support those with vision impairment. They will be available in the lobby to be used during

services. Please return them to the lobby at the conclusion of services. Should you need them for any other temple related activity, please notify the office in advance to make arrangements.

Mark your calendars and join us for these upcoming events:

June 7th – 8th Pride Shabbat. Join us and our guest speakers during Friday night services. Information and resources for the LGBTQ+ Jewish Community will be available in the lobby.

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... where can we improve and what are we doing well...

Pam Friedman, VP, Social Action

Thank you to everyone who donated to our April Manna Food drive. We received a warm welcome from the staff at the Food Pantry. As we were unloading the bags of food the Pantry Staff member got a big smile on his face when he saw the bags of food, assembled by the children at the Purim Carnival. Manna was very grateful for our generous donation.

On the third Tuesday of each month, Social Action’s Feed the Hungry Program makes 70 lunches for people in need. We work closely with Harbor House to make sure that each lunch is nutritious and that the clients will enjoy eating the lunches that we provide each month. In each lunch, we provide a PBJ or turkey sandwich to give each client a protein choice. Next, we put in a fruit cup and a bag of trail

mix. Then, we add a bag of Welch’s fruit snacks and a granola bar. At the end we include a bag of chips and cookies or brownies to finish off the lunch. When we deliver the lunches at Harbor House, we also drop off fresh fruit and water. Our hope is that our lunches will provide enough food for a meal and maybe a snack later.

How can you help us with this mitzvah? We need food items to build our lunches including individually sized bags of trail mix, chips, Welch’s fruit snacks, and chewy granola/protein bars. You can drop off your donations at the Temple Office anytime. If you would like to donate money to our Feed the Hungry Program, you can donate using Shul Cloud by clicking on Donations then Social Action and writing Feed the Hungry in the payment notes. Thank you for your continued support to Social Action.

Irwin Barney, President, Men’s Club

The Men’s Club experienced two of our major annual events in April. The 24th Scholar in Residence program took place the weekend of April 5 to 7. This year’s speaker was Shira Telushkin who is a religion writer and reporter living in Brooklyn. The events enabled a substantial number of the TEC community to experience a wonderful weekend of learning. Activities began on Friday evening with a well-attended kickoff dinner followed by services and a presentation by our scholar. The learning continued during Shabbat morning services and again after Havdalah. The final session took place at brunch on Sunday morning. Thanks to Mark Zucherman, our Scholar in Residence chair, who coordinated the program, and to all of those that provided their support.

Our second event involved the celebration of Pesach this April.

On the weekend of April 26 and 27, the Men’s Club and WOTEC lead services during Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach. Yasher Koach to all those that participated in the services. Thanks to Jon Hops and Cindy Koepcke for their leadership.

Last, on May 21, the Men’s Club will hold its annual Cigars, Scotch, and Talmud dinner in memory of our friend and Men’s Club leader Jeff Finn. This event is limited to Men’s Club members and is sponsored by Jeff’s brother, Dr Richard Finn.

Birthdays & Anniversaries May

Erin Bordofsky

Rebecca Gindi

Leon Sassoon Kyle Tucker

1

Lawrence Grosslight

Ayla Sklar

Judah Sklar

Judith Sneed

2

Steven Golove

John Mc Cauley

Daniel Sturman

Jackson Tucker

Jake Wellen

3

Raz Bagg

Brian Lacy

Mark Scop 4 Noah Dvir

Richard Eidman

Brit Sharon 5

Ethan Bagg

Arnie Blitstein

Natalie Brender

Drew Cowan

Samantha Katz

Gabriel Korn

Sharon Pevsner

Eric Shechter

Alana Silverstein

Jake Simowitz

6

Eden Lazarus 7

Carl Friedlander

Yola Kalinski

Tali Lefko

Ron Mark

Romi Resnik

Natalie Roman

Ella Sabat

Megan Welch

8

Sharon Meiselman

Cyrus Mizrahi

Harvey Moskowitz

Jaclyn Plotkin

Deborah Goldin

Leah Israel

Spencer Morris

Kimi Wohl

Jessica Anderson

Heather Friedman

Logan Gelfound

Jeanna Gindi

Jennifer Golove

Annie Wolfson

Lynne Zuckerman

Jeremy Garelik

Noa Ghozland

Paul Munowitch

Martin Sturman

Leah Tepfer

Rachel Axelrad

Marcel Ghodsian

Alan Horwitz

Stephanie Morgenstern

Hillary Natlin

Ethan Rinkov

Josh Rudman

Robert Sarto

Eli Tischler

Brianna Brownstein

Sarah

Max Cohan

Adam McCullough

David Pevsner

Anita Heber

Michele Salant

Kenneth Saul

Paige Esqueda

Lillian Levine

Alexa Mizrahi

Sol Mizrahi

Gabrielle Polkes

Rachelle Varley

Sloane

Brian

Paula Lefko

Samuel

B’nai Mitzvah

LEAH TEPFER May 11

Hi, my name is Leah Tepfer and I am becoming a Bat Mitzvah on May 11, 2024. I am in the 7th grade at Sinaloa Middle School, I enjoy being in choir and being on the honor roll. I love spending time with my family and friends, drawing, and writing short stories. I have been a part of TEC and Camp Alonim since I was just a baby and they have played a huge role in my Jewish learning, growth and education. I am very grateful to be able to take part in both of these communities, giving me a year round love of Judaism. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me and guiding me when I needed it, all of my grandparents for loving me unconditionally and instilling the pride and confidence that I have. Thank you to my sisters for showing me patience and helping me when I need them. I would also like to thank all of my Religious School teachers and staff for making my studies so interesting and fun, as well as my counselors at camp for being so awesome every summer, ensuring that camp is a family community. I would also like to give a very special thank you to my tutor, Rivka Moskovitch, for teaching and preparing me for my Bat Mitzvah. I appreciate everyone’s love and support, I couldn’t have done this without you.

Tali Lefko May 25

My name is Tali Lefko. I am a 7th grader at Los Cerritos Middle School. I enjoy playing volleyball and any musical art such as singing, dancing, theater and band. I’ve been part of Temple Etz Chaim my whole life, and I’m happy that I got to grow up in and be influenced by this Jewish community. I’ve made a lot of friends throughout my Jewish journey both at Temple Etz Chaim and Camp Ramah. Thank you to all the teachers who have helped to prepare me to become a Bat Mitzvah.

Early Childhood Education Fund

In Memory of Howard Landun

In Memory of Bob Landun

Doreen Landun-Querido

In Memory of Joseph Belzer-Yaffa

Rosemary Tobin

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Morris Freed

Nomi Freed

In Honor of Leah Shechter’s Birthday

Marc & Carole Firestone

Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund

In Memory of Peter Helliwell

Steven & Kendra Sternberg

Lipnick RSSF

In Memory of Phyllis Nathanson

Stan & Lynne Rosen

In Memory of Chaim Cher

In Memory of June Cher

Mark Cher

Melton Conejo West Valley Adult Jewish Learning

In Memory of Gabriella Raileanu

Mark & Jill Shear

In Memory of Gabriella Raileanu

Shirley Lipkin

In Memory of Gabriella Raileanu

Gene & Bobbie Berg

Michael & Patty Melnick

Men’s Club

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Robert Peisner

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Stan & Lynne Rosen

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Bonnie Rothman

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Ron & Ellen Stein

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Patricia Kaye

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Myrna Stelman

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Israel & Beth Perel

In Honor of Yom HaShoah Yellow Candles Project

Steven & Pamela Friedman

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund

In Memory of Ida S. Kaufman

Harley Kaufman

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund

In Memory of Irving Sarto

Robert & Harriet Sarto

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund

In Memory of Alan Lipkin

Ron & Liz Groden

In Memory of Celia Gorman

Sandy Rosenfeld

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s Support

Shirley Lipkin

In Memory of Howard Golove

Steven Golove

In Memory of Alan Lipkin

Bonnie Rothman

In Memory of Abe Lutzker

John & Sandra Lutzker

In Memory of Gloria Kaminsky

Ellen Stein

In Memory of David Sachs

Stan & Lynne Rosen

In Memory of Eileen Peisner

Robert Peisner

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach and the TEC Community for their support during our recent tragedy

Michael & Lorraine Raileanu

In Memory of Stan Rubens

Marie Rubens

In Memory of Stanley Klein

Steven Gilbard

In Memory of Dora Borenstein

Jeffrey Borenstein

In Memory of Israel Borenstein

Jeffrey Borenstein

In Memory of Selig Spero

Lynda Kessler

In Memory of Matthew Salnick

Michael & Donna Salnick

In Memory of Edward Bernstein

Ron & Shari

Mark

In Honor of Passover and the Sale of Hametz

Bonnie Rothman

Tributes

Religious School Fund

In Memory of Anna Konigsberg

Shirley Bressler

In Memory of Francis Jeanette Wolf

Gary & Randee Paller

In Memory of Francis Jeanette Wolf

Randee Paller

Sandee Tischlet Religious School

Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Mac Ratzan

Jerome & Dawne Ratzan

Social Action Fund

In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House

Ron & Liz Groden

In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House

William & Cynthia Koepcke

In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House

Myles & Gail Simpson

Temple General Fund

In Celebration of One Year of Health

David & Rebeccah Schwartz

In Memory of William Sherman

In Memory of Marge Sherman

Jerry Sherman

In Memory of Max Portnoy

Ed Portnoy

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Blanche Kulik

Morry Kulik

In Memory of Alter Hy Feig

In Memory of Bonnie Malchicoff

Herb Wexler

In Memory of Irwin Marco

Fran Curtis

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Joel E. Spitzer

Leonard Spitzer

Women of TEC

Ron & Liz Groden

Women of TEC Scholarship Fund

In Memory of George Garabedian

In Memory of Hilda Garabedian

Melinda Garabedian

Women of TEC Torah Fund

In Memory of Louis Gray

William Tenenbaum

In Memory of Edna Gray

William Tenenbaum

Announcing our 2023-2024

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh Campaign

All the people of Israel are responsible for one another

We strive to make a significant impact through scholarships and programs that benefit students at The Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, Schechter Institutes, Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano and Zacharias Frankel College.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we help committed Jewish students become the rabbis, cantors, educators, synagogue administrators, social workers, scholars, researchers and lay leaders of tomorrow.

This pin highlights the word ‘arevut,’ responsibility. It corresponds to the theme from the Babylonian Talmud, Shevuot 39a, that all the people of Israel are responsible for one another, and we assume that responsibility through our support of the five Conservative/Masorti institutions of higher education.

Under "Affiliates," write: Temple Etz Chaim. Under "City" and "State," write: Thousand Oaks, CA You can also make a donation in honor or in memory of someone for any amount ($5 or more) FOR CHECKS: Make out to "Torah Fund" and leave in Temple Main Office Torah Fund box, or mail the check to TEC and indicate Torah Fund on the envelope.

Let Esther or Phyllis know when you make a donation so we can make sure it goes to the correct place and you and TEC are credited. Although all donations are very appreciated, with any donation of $180 or more you will be gifted with this year’s beautiful pin.

When you support Torah Fund, you help educate students in New York, Los Angeles, Israel, Latin America and Europe—and you align with those who value learning, knowledge and providing the future generation with relevant skills to fortify the Jewish people. QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT: Esther Pullan: (818) 585-6890, esthercolor49@gmail.com or Phyllis Dankberg: phyllis@dankberg.com

The Mitzvah Committee is here to help...

• Large plastic trash bags 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:

• 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

Family provides:

• 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

WOMEN OF TEC PRESENTS

Please join us for our Presentation Luncheon as Women of TEC honors our 2024 Babe Dunaier Woman of Valor

Bonnie Rothman

Sunday, May 5 @ 11:30am Temple Etz Chaim Spiegel Hall

Cost $36.00

Click on the link below to reserve and pay no later than April 26.

Alternately, write a check payable to: “Temple Etz Chaim” for $36.

Mail check to: Women of TEC, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Write on the memo line and envelope: “Woman of Valor.”

Stained Glass Class Stained Glass Class

Oh! I’ve always wanted to do stained glass.

Well Pilgram, now is your chance to throw away those inhibitions and just do it. The objective is to learn how to scribe-and-break straight lines of glass. Then progress to curved lines. Practice, practice, practice. Sweep up the pieces. Then, you will make a project of your choice. Then, as a class we will construct an approved project for the temple. Gideon, the Rabbi, and our temple board will be the sources for approval.

But, but, but. No buts! Come on and join the adventure of learning a craft. Meet people with an inquisitive spirit. Have some pride in acquiring this art and creating a tangible piece of work. Most importantly when we look at our temple project, we really did have a hand in creating it!

How much will this cost?

That is up to you of course. To register, you will invest $25 for the class and most importantly your time. The $25 is a non-refundable escrow type fund, to buy your own supplies for the class. Any amounts remaining will go to the temple scholarship funds. To begin, you will need a glass cutter, some plate glass for practice, grozing pliers, some copper foil or lead came, solder, and a fid. You may want to purchase a soldering iron and other tools and special glass for your personal project, which will come later. Expenses exceeding your initial $25 will be at your own cost. Examples of Joe’s work are shown below. They use the copper foil process as opposed to lead came.

We will make a field trip to a nice stained glass supply store in Pasadena. They have almost everything you might want to pursue your stained glass interests.

Where will this take place and when?

Sunday afternoons at Joe’s place in his garage. We will start Sunday, 5 May, at 1:00 PM for approximately 2 hours and continue with the first and third Sundays of the month. Joe lives 5 minutes from the temple near Glenwood school and you will receive his address when you register. Call Joe Tischler at 805-279-4006

Examples of Joe’s projects

IN HONOR OF YOM HAATZMAUT

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland The

Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen

Lag Ba’Omer

Yom Ha’atzmaut

How will you celebrate Israel’s Independence Day?