Issuu

DECEMBER 2023

ISSUE 10

Inside This Issue

PAGE 4 Letters from Our Leaders

PAGE 10 PAGE 13 Supporting Our Community

More about our Community Garden

Contents 4 6 8 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 30

Letters From Our Leaders TEC Education TEC Community TEC Supports Our Community TEC Social Action: Ways to Give Community Garden Fundraiser Memorial Receptions Available Torah Fund September Calendar Birthdays & Anniversaries TEC Tributes Simchas Upcoming Events 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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December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

Letters from Our Leaders Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

Dear TEC Family, You all are keenly aware of how difficult this month has been. From the international news to the local news, it has been heartbreak after heartbreak. The news from Israel, the news from Gaza, the news from college campuses, the news from our community’s street corners – it has been a lot. We watched as hundreds of thousands of supporters of Israel gathered at the National Mall. And we held each other in tears as hundreds of us stood together in our sanctuary. We lit extra Shabbat candles and dedicated services to people held hostage. And yet we have found the ability to celebrate. B’nai mitzvah, baby

namings and weddings. And people are still choosing to convert to Judaism! We have found strength with each other and with others in our community who want to let us know that they care. I know that there is a long journey ahead. But in the darkest moments, our job is to be what the prophet Isaiah calls, “A light unto the nations.” As we light the Shabbat candles each week, and the Hanukkah candles this month, let us showcase our brightness in our neighborhoods. Let’s proudly put a hanukkiah in our windows to remind our neighbors that we are strong and we have stood up to hate before. May we hold onto that hope in these dark nights.

Benny Sommerfeld, Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org

Hanukkah Sameach, It is hard to believe but Hanukkah is already here. Candles are burning bright and sufganiyot are part of the pastry tray. The magic of the lights should shine in our homes to celebrate the miraculous victory of the Maccabees - the spiritual miracle of finding oil to burn and illuminate the Beith Hamikdash for eight days. Kislev/December is our darkest time of the year. The week after Hanukkah ends, we turn from the winter solstice darkness and move to the light making our days longer. We wish for more miracles in these times when Israel still is under duress in the south, west and north. Antisemitism has ruled its ugly face across our universities and Ivy league schools that are supposed to be safe haven for our children.

candles shining brightly in our homes. Oh, Hanukkah come and light our menorah. And let us say Amen.

We are standing stronger and more united against our enemies. It is hard to find peace within and be in a celebratory mood. Hanukkah is however a time of miracles. We must turn to Hashem to ask for an outstretched arm to shield and guide us. Here is a prayer for Hanukkah: Oh, Hanukkah come and light our menorah. With bright light ushering in a time of safety for all of us and all of Israel no matter where we are. Grant us, Hamakom, the Place, where we can come together and celebrate with joy in our hearts and peace of mind. Bring all captives home, heal their wounds, and provide hope to our souls. Bring back the joy of song and dance sharing the wonders of life. The wonders that we see when lighting the 4

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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Eric Feigenbaum, President eric@templeetzchaim.org

Looking at the news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with anxiety, frustration and despair. This isn’t an easy time for Jews and one of the most uncomfortable in modern American and Israeli history. I have heard from so many in our congregation – and elsewhere – who are deeply aggrieved. Then arrives Hanukkah – a minor festival holiday in Israel that in the United States largely acts as the Jewish kid’s bulwark against an oversized Christmas. This year maybe there’s a little more to take from Hanukkah than usual. Unique among our holidays, Hanukkah is predominately a celebration of a military victory – a story of Jews not just surviving, but vanquishing our oppressors. Hanukkah was actually a gateway moment to Jewish self-rule under the Hasmonaean Dynasty that lasted roughly 150 years. For which we now fry potatoes, donuts, and give out coin-shaped chocolates. Perhaps this year between arguments about applesauce vs sour cream and “eight crazy nights” of presents, the underlying message and story of Hanukkah is exactly what we need. Jews don’t just have to persevere, stay resilient, commemorate and keep our antennae up for danger – we can be strong and shape the world, or at least our

little parts of it. There is hope and it is within our means to achieve. I’m not suggesting we form a patriarchal militia and physically take back college campuses. We can leave the military action to the brave men and women of the IDF. But we can fight antisemitism in many ways from small, everyday choices to activism to how we donate. We can speak out. We can maintain strong relationships with our non-Jewish friends and community members and help them understand. As Thousand Oaks Chief of Police Jeremy Paris told us at our Standing Together: A Night of Community gathering, we have far more allies than enemies in our community. However you want to do it, there are choices in your hands. We can hold our ground, fight back and affect change – however unnerving the situation may feel. Hanukkah refers to the rededication of the Second Temple. This Hanukkah is a great time to ask how we can rededicate ourselves to our beliefs, convictions, our Jewish community, our larger community and our power within – individually and collectively. Just like we remember the Maccabees, our children and grandchildren will remember the example we set in this time. Let’s show them what strength looks like. And choose sour cream.

Gideon Manzur, Executive Director gideon@templeetzchaim.org

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a cherished Jewish holiday that holds a special place in the hearts of families around the world. It’s a time for celebrating miracles, sharing cherished traditions, and coming together with loved ones. In my family, Hanukkah has always been a time of joy and togetherness, where we pass down the traditions of making latkes, eating sufganiyot, and family gathering from generation to generation. As I watch my children embrace these customs, I am reminded of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. One of the most beloved traditions in my family is latke making. The process of making latkes is a labor of love that has been handed down through the generations. As a child, I would stand on a stool next to my father, carefully grating potatoes and onions by hand, and mixing them with eggs and flour. The sizzle of latkes frying in hot oil filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma that signaled the start of the holiday season. Today, I find myself in the same position, teaching my own children the art of latke making. Their small hands grate the potatoes and mix with excitement, and their smiles light up the kitchen as we fry the latkes together. Sufganiyot, are another delicious Hanukkah tradition that my family eagerly anticipates each year. These sweet treats symbolize the sweetness of the holiday and the miracles that took place during the Maccabean Revolt. My children eagerly wait for them, knowing that these delectable doughnuts are a special part of the Hanukkah celebration. We share www.templeetzchaim.org

them with family and friends during our Hanukkah gatherings, passing around plates of sufganiyot while sharing stories and laughter. Perhaps the most cherished aspect of Hanukkah in my family is the tradition of coming together. Hanukkah is a time when family bonds are strengthened, and the warmth of our traditions brings us closer. Each year, we gather with family to light the menorah, recite blessings, and sing traditional songs. The menorah’s flickering candles remind us of the miracle that occurred in the Temple, and the unity of our family reflects the unity of the Jewish people. Sharing a meal together, including our homemade latkes and sufganiyot, is a time of joy and reflection, where we express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. As I watch my children participate in these traditions, I am filled with a overwhelming sense of continuity. I see the flame of Hanukkah being passed from one generation to the next, preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring that these cherished customs will endure. In a world that is constantly changing, these traditions provide a sense of stability and a connection to our roots. Hanukkah is a time when we remember the miracles of the past, celebrate the joys of the present, and pass on the flame of tradition to the generations that will follow. As we pass down these traditions to our children, we ensure that the flame of Hanukkah continues to burn brightly in our family for generations to come. It is a reminder that, like the oil that miraculously burned for eight days, our traditions will endure, bringing light and joy to our lives year after year. May the light of Hanukkah always shine brightly in your hearts and homes.

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

As I write this article, our ECE Center is beginning our countdown to Hanukkah at Temple Etz Chaim Preschool. We are planning all different ways in which we can experience Hanukkah such as learning how to play dreidel, reading stories, and reenacting the story of Hanukkah, singing songs, tasting latkes and sufganiyot, making decorations and menorahs, and classroom parties. We are learning throughout this school year how to make the holidays fun in our classrooms with the children and their parents. Temple Etz Chaim ECE Center will be having a Scholastic Book Fair in the school rotunda from November 27th – December 1st!

Books make great gifts for children. Everyone at TEC is invited to visit our book fair. The fair is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The entire ECE Center will be closed from December 25th – January 1st. School and Infant Care will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We look forward to the second half of our school year and more learning fun! Registration for our 202425 school year will begin in February 1, 2024. Look for more information next month! The entire ECE Staff and I want to wish everyone a very Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year! Remember to be safe, stay well, and enjoy the holidays!

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org

In a few weeks, we will celebrate Hanukkah. Today, we think about the Maccabees and their fight for religious freedom, the first battle for religious freedom in the history of the world. Our world today is much more modern when compared with that of the Maccabees. Negative attitudes about Judaism, however, continue to exist. We struggle to be safe and secure as we live as Jews and practice our teachings and prayers. This holiday is an opportunity to talk with your children about the brave Maccabees who fought for the very survival of the Jewish people. Hanukkah symbolizes the fight against totalitarianism in all its facets. This discussion is especially timely given the present state of the world. Children should be able to correlate today’s events to the times of the Maccabees. As we light each candle, let’s stand together as a vibrant Jewish

community on our continued quest to live freely as Jews. Let’s embrace this concept and always be cognizant of our beautiful religion, its teachings, and the ingrained concept that protecting life is essential. As your family lights your Hanukiah, let’s keep the hostages in our hearts as we pray for them, world peace, and religious freedom for all. May the hostages be brought home, free from captivity; may there be no more hate; and may we all enjoy an authentic and everlasting peace. I recently watched the “March For Israel” taking place in Washington, DC. We are living through a difficult time, but the strength of many worldwide unites us. I heard speakers, singers, and dignitaries pray and cry out for the innocent hostages to be free and for the people of Israel to live in peace. Am Yisrael Chaim and Happy Hanukkah!

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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

At the heart of TEC, as is the case with every shul, is a vibrant community. The heart of our community is strong and was front and center this past month. We gather in both joyful and troubled times, showing up for one another in ways big and small. In the face of rising global and local tensions, including increased incidents of antisemitism—and in response to the tragic event on the corner of T.O. and Westlake Blvd—the TEC community once again joined with Temple Adat Elohim and Congregation B’nai Emet to stand with each other united with the greater Conejo Valley Community against hatred. Attendees included members of many local synagogues, unaffiliated members of the Jewish community, members of the Islamic Center, as well as many local church communities. The evening served as powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity. We sent a clear message that intolerance and hatred have no place within our congregation, community, or the broader society. The event came together because of the dedication of people with whom I am honored to work every day. Thank you to Ricardo Delgado and his amazing team, Joyce Bronstein, Jonathan Bronstein, Gideon Manzur, Shane Silverstein, Mariano Dugatkin, Cantor Kenny Ellis, Eric Feigenbaum, and Rabbi Averbach for rolling

up your sleeves and giving of your time and talents to create a powerful event – and a lasting memory. Another way to build community is through joining us at the Shabbat Hanukkah celebration on December 8. Come for the creative fun with Create Studios and other fun games and activities. There will be latkes (courtesy of Men’s Club) and sufganiyot (courtesy of WOTEC) at 5:15 pm. Stay for services at 7 and then celebrate with us some more by having more latkes (this time with a latke bar...) and sufganiyot and dancing the night away with some Israeli dancing. TECY/USY is another great way to build community. Building friendships outside of the confines of Religious School strengthens the bond between our youngest members and instills a sense of Jewish identity and pride and develops a strong, interconnected community. We look forward to seeing people in grades K-2 (Machar) on December 3 for a Hanukkah themed lounge. Kadima (grades 3-5) will be held on December 5 and Middle School TECY/USY lounge will be held on December 10. All lounges will be held immediately following Religious School.

Miracle of Miracles, it’s Lounge Night! Tuesday, 12/5/23

Miracle of Miracles, it’s Lounge Day!

TECY/USY Lounge! December 10 • 11:30-1 PM

December 3, 2023

TECY/USY — Save the Dates!! Machar (Grades K-2) December 3

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Kadima (Grades 3-5) December 5

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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

TEC Community Linda Hutchings, President, Women of TEC Shalom, I am looking forward to our Women of TEC Membership Paid Up Luncheon on Sunday, December 3rd at Noon in Spiegel Hall. We will be enjoying a professional music performance and have live prize drawings throughout the event. It is a great time to also make a donation to Torah Fund so you can receive this year’s pin -- we will have them available at the event. Please bring cash or check to purchase prize drawing tickets. We want to give a special Thank You to our own Cheryl Wolf, Regional Development Director for Chai Lifeline West Coast for her speaking engagement last month. It was fantastic to learn about how they are making such a tremendous impact helping families and children that are dealing with a severe illness. It was truly moving. If you have not heard of Chai Lifeline, I encourage you to look them up online or ask Cheryl to share details. This is a wonderful philanthropy to support as well. 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. We are getting excited for January’s WOTEC Event: Havdallah, Wine Tasting & Appetizers on 1/20/24 @ 5:30pm. We are looking for

committee volunteers to help with this event and our upcoming Babka Bake. Please reach out to me if you are interested to get involved. A special congratulations to this year’s Woman of Valor recipient, Bonnie Rothman. We are excited to honor Bonnie at a very special luncheon event in May of 2024. Bonnie has spent countless hours year after year devoting much of her free time for Women of TEC. Also, please remember the WOTEC Gift Shop for your Judaica needs, Hanukkah gifts and a wonderful selection of Tallitot. In Solidarity and wishes for the prompt and safe return of the hostages and that peace may be on the horizon very soon, Linda.

WOTEC Calendar of Events 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 The Men’s Club participated in Mitzvah Day, November 5, through two activities. As last year, we worked with WOTEC at the Feed the Hungry station to prepare bag lunches. Once again, everyone had a good time. Thanks to Alan Horwitz for leading the Men’s Club effort and to Mark Zucherman for delivering the lunches to the drop-off site. We also manned the e-Waste collection site. Several bins were filled. Men’s Club members who helped had ample time to kibbitz between drop-offs. Thanks to Myles Simpson for leading this project. We have two activities planned for this month. On the evening of 8

December 5, Gary Katz will be leading a session of Hearing Men’s Voices. The program will be geared to younger men in the Temple Etz Chaim community. The Men’s Club will continue its annual practice of preparing latkes for the celebration of Hanukkah. This will take place on Friday evening, December 8 with latkes being served both before and after services. Last, I hope you enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to seeing everyone at our Temple Etz Chaim Hanukkah celebration.

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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Pam Friedman, VP, Social Action Mitzvah, an act of human kindness given to another person in need. Social Action members give Mitzvot with every outreach project we do. We ask, “How can I help?” Then we work to make it happen. I recently was scheduled for major surgery. As a result, I was put in the interesting position of being someone who was asked “how we can help you?” Here are some of the Mitzvot that brought me comfort these past few weeks. Before I went in for surgery, Rabbi Averbach contacted me. We talked for a few minutes. This alone brought me a feeling of peace. The Rabbi sent me a prayer to say before my surgery, I felt comfort and strength every time I read the prayer. Even now after nearly three weeks, I am overcome by this kindness. At the hospital, the staff were kind and caring. The hospital clergy came by and sang Mi Shebeirach to help with my healing.

The hospital staff continued to provide kind and caring support throughout my stay until I was ready to come home. Once I was home, my support circle made sure that my husband, Steve, and I would not go without dinner and formed a meal train. This has been a god send for both me and especially for my husband Steve who has been working so hard taking care of me. It has been so wonderful to feel the love and caring that each dinner brings us. It is an interesting perspective to be the person who is on the receiving end rather than giving end. I will treasure the kindness I have felt these past few months and as I continue to heal. When you give a mitzvah, try to imagine the comfort and joy you are giving that person. You are giving the sweetest of gifts.

Susan Kane, Chairperson, Inclusion Committee The 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.

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. 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.

Areas of specific focus for this committee include: • Interfaith and Differing Backgrounds • Accessibility • Communication • Gender and Sexuality • Racial Justice

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

At Etz Chaim we are grateful for the diverse journeys that bring people to our community which includes those who have been 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

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... Email us at Inclusion@ templeetzchaim.org

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December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

TEC Supports our Community

The community came together in a big way to support various initiatives for Mitzvah Day, on November 5th.

UPDATE:

Coins for Courage Starting October 15th, our Junior Social Action Committee came together to start collecting Coins for Courage to support the IDF. Many families donated week after week online and in-person. The result...

For more information:

youth@templeetschaim.org

$2,221

raised for Friends of IDF December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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JOIN US AT TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM

STANDING TOGETHER A NIGHT OF COMMUNITY

Join us at

TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks

LIVE STREAM

https://tec-to.org/standing-together

Stand with us for the endurance, resilience, and compassion of our community.

On November 8th, State Senator Henry Stern and the broader Jewish community of Conejo came together in the presence of family members and friends at TEC to remember Paul Kessler.

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December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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S U PPORT OUR C OMMUN I T Y GA R D EN Community Garden

Amphitheater Fundraiser

Originally founded by in 2014, the TEC Community Garden has six 16 ft by 4 ft raised beds and raises fruits and vegetables that are donated to the Westminster Clinic. The Garden also has 14 trees, with a focus on Biblical fruit, including apple, orange, lemon, fig, pomegranate and olive. The garden is a place of peace and tranquility for all –offering educational opportunity for kids fantastic opportunities for B’Nai Mitzvah looking for a Mitzvah Project.

We need your help.

The Garden Crew’s current project is to create an amphitheater off the path into the Garden, which would provide for three levels of seating in a natural amphitheater under shady trees. We are currently fundraising to purchase the seating. We are looking for ten $250 donations for bench-naming, but any and all amounts are welcome.

Donate Today

https://tec.shulcloud.com/form/community-garden

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA- Tevet 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org 13 December 2023 | Kislev 5784

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

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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HELP US REACH OUR ANNUAL GOAL

SPONSORED BY

WOMEN OF TEC Announcing our

2023-2024

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh Campaign All the people of Israel are responsible for one another

e 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. 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.

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.

GIVE NOW: INSPIRED.JTSA.EDU/TORAHFUND

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO GIVE TO TORAH FUND

TORAH FUND GIVING LEVELS KETER KAVOD (14K SPECIAL PIN).......... $5,000

ASSOCIATE PATRON (RUBY).................... $600

SCHOLARSHIP PATRON (EMERALD)....... $2,500

GUARDIAN (PEARL).................................. $300

PATRON (DIAMOND)............................... $1,200

BENEFACTOR........................................... $180

Click on GIVE NOW above. 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.

QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT:

Esther Pullan: (818) 585-6890, esthercolor49@gmail.com or Phyllis Dankberg: phyllis@dankberg.com

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA- Tevet 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org 15 December 2023 | Kislev 5784

Dates to Remember

December SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Bim Bam Shabbat Noah Fenton Bar Mitzvah

Town Hall

WOTEC Membership Luncheon

Jewish Filmmakers’ Movie Night

Men’s Club Hearing Men’s Voices

MACHAR

TECY/USY

KADIMA

Christmas Day

Feed the Hungry

Board Meeting

Be the Light Hanukkah Celebration

9 Jacob Artof Bar Mitzvah

Chaverut’s “9th” Night

New Year’s Eve

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

December 1 Jacob Artof Naomi Dvir Gregory Korn Nicole Lelie Linda Leon Ariella Manzur Thea Sharon Hannah Urbach 2 Aden Goldberg Emily Hops Leo Kierman Paul Shrater Levi Smith 3 Bruce Polkes 4 Andrea Arons Joey Lelie Lindsay Leon Lisa Stollman 5 Nili Perlmutter Solly Werner 6 Helene Cohen Carl Weiss Andrea West 7 Hannah Blitstein Jade Falkenberg Andrea Smith 8 Mike Carmona Sybil Goldstein Phoebe Raileanu 9 Randi Cohn David Greenbaum Rachel Knight Pamela Rooks 10 Ava Benjamin Mila Grosslight Hunter Kahn Andrew Mahler Stephen Rosenfeld 11 Nico Corona Wendy Halpert

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Gabriel Huml Randall Rutschman Zach Rutten David Wank Carolyn Zimring 12 Adam Lerner Gil Sklar Lindsey Ta 13 Rachel Karamas Janis Sterling 14 Benjamin Barukh Linda Natlin Marc Perel Jonathan Pullan Hannah Silverstein 15 Brian Zimring 16 Ezra Evans Jordan Yankevich 17 Gil Goldberg Shira Goldstein Robyn Lazarus Andrea Weiss 18 Jerrald Cohen Tom Milhaupt Drew Perlmutter Andrew Richman 19 Sammy Edgar Carly Goldblatt Elinor Fienberg Ruth Forman 20 Joshua Seiden

23 Axel Kaiser-Durkee Alan Lipkin Reed Rosenblum 24 Joann Greenstein 25 Jessica Dennis Ari Geller Jaynee Leventhal Helene Oberman Ruth Rose Daniel Scop 26 Ari Cohen Kay Isaacs Brian Levine Michael Lysobey David Melin Sophie Ormond 27 Marlo Golove Niki Stokols Elizabeth Yankevich 28 Mary Barukh Michelle Hopstone Ari Klein Ryan Leon Jay Levine Joseph Richman Gail Simpson 29 Joshua Katz Jessica Laughrey Marion Lessman

21 Rabbi Jennifer Flam Frank Karamas Maureen Axelrad

30 Talia Atlas Jill Rosenberg Magnolia Rosenblum Adam Silverman Chuck Sterling

22 Shira Dennis Jennifer Levin Lynne Rosen Lisa Tollman

31 Eric Breverman Sheridan Kahn Hannah Mesnik Laurie Volk

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

3 Capt. Ron & Shari Mark 16 Matthew & Karen Garelik 17 Richard & Eileen Edgar Gabor Nagy & Harriet Oberman 18 Spencer & Dina Torgan Jeff & Jackie Longo Michael & Helene Gollub 22 Richard & Sylvia Koppel 23 Leslie & Erika Field John & Sandra Lutzker 24 Gary & Maureen Levine Marc & Carole Firestone 25 Alan & Rickie Whitman 26 Sam & Amy Greenberg David & Rebeccah Schwartz 28 David & Katie Werner 29 Brian Lotterman & Lisa Tollman Jeff & Leah Neiderman Richard & Lisa Eidman Rabbi Ari & Vanessa Averbach

Tributes Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund (continued)

Dunaier Music Fund

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Elliott & Lynne Smith

In Memory of Dora Bigley Ferne Blaugrund

In Memory of Sofia Landau Gina Landau

In Memory of Babe Dunaier Dayna Lemmo

Early Childhood Education Fund In Memory of Al Smith Stan & Lynne Rosen

In Memory of Paul Kessler Scott & Debbie Blumenthal

Elisa Feldman Memorial RSSF

In Memory of Robert Zucherman Mark Zucherman

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach, Thank You! Marie Rubens In Memory of Condolences to the Panzier Family Jo Ganz and Family In Memory of Babe Dunaier Dayna Lemmo In Memory of Frances Greenholt Marie Rubens

Religious School Fund (continued)

In Memory of Alexander Mayer Iris Antell

Ritual Fund

In Memory of Irving Ledereich Larry & Judy Mayer

Sandee Tischler RSSF In Memory of Lillian Borman Harvey Mahler

Social Action Fund In Memory of Paul Kessler Patricia Kaye

Temple General Fund In Memory of Mary Barton Gary Barton

In Memory of Pinney Kanter Les & Debbie Feldman

In Honor of Wishing Nomi Freed a Speedy Recovery Robert & Betty Zonshine

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Bonnie Rothman

In Honor of Elinor Fienberg’s New Great-Grandchild Les & Debbie Feldman

In Honor of Katia Lysobey’s Kristallnacht/David Labkovski Project Presentation Jay & Debra Levine

In Memory of Ruth Stabbe Burnett Larry & Terrie Irvin

In Memory of Jack Chislov Rhonda Averbach

In Memory of Sofia Landau In Memory of Paul Kessler In Honor of The Birth of Penelope Shayn Smith Jay & Debra Levine

In Honor of Wishing Nomi Freed a Speedy Recovery Les & Debbie Feldman

Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund In Memory of Mike Brooks Sandra Levy

In Honor of Our Beautiful New Granddaughter Penny Elliott & Lynne Smith

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Larry & Dava Slomowitz

In Memory of Paul Kessler Seth Schrank

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Doris Levine Gary Levine

In Memory of Jack Kern Harvey Kern

In Memory of Phyllis Kline Emanuel & Janice Perlman In Memory of Gerald O. Hayman Ann Hayman In Memory of Myles Odoroff Robyn Krieger

Lipnick RSSF

In Memory of Stubby Kaye Hattie Wolf In Memory of Samuel Groden Ronald Groden In Memory of Esther Natkowitz Linda Natlin In Memory of Charles Stein Ron Stein

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Ron & Sybil Goldstein

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s Recent Concern About Me. I Really DO Appreciate That! Herb Wexler

In Memory of George Winterstein In Memory of Esther Rebecca Goldberg Susan Goldberg

Religious School Fund

In Memory of Solomon Stockell In Memory of Irwin Stockell Bonnie Rothman

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund In Memory of Shirley Arons In Memory of Evelyn Greenberg In Memory of Harold Greenberg Lauri Arons 18

In Memory of Frances Becker Marc Tuchman

In Memory of Patricia Rose In Memory of Sharon May Friedman Steve & Pam Friedman

In Memory of Toby Miller Susan Kanner In Memory of Paul Kessler Robert & Faye Rosenberg

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Carol Spiegel Herb Wexler

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In Memory of Jeannette Spitzer Leonard Spitzer

Women of TEC

In Memory of Harrison Kaufman In Honor of Wishing Nomi Freed a Speedy Recovery Alan & Shirley Lipkin

Women of TEC Torah Fund In Memory of Carol Spiegel William & Cynthia Koepcke In Memory of Carol Joy Spiegel Colin & Esther Pullan In Memory of Paul Ross Ann Moore-Ross Myles & Gail Simpson

Jerrald & Deborah Cohen In Memory of Sylvia Snyder Mitchell Schneider December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

Simchas Congratulations to the Smith family on the birth of

Penelope Shayn Smith Born on October 22, 2023 Parents: Justyna and Scott Smith Grandparents: Ewa Wojcik, Lynne and Elliott Smith

Congratulations to the Fienberg family on the birth of

Eloise Grace Cody Born on October 24, 2023 Parents: Carrie and Matt Cody Big Sister: Juliet Grandparents: Jackie and Joe Fienberg Great-Grandparents: Elinor and Steve Fienberg

Congratulations to the Carmona family on the birth of

Ethan Dylan Carmona Born on November 9, 2023 Parents: Rachel and David Carmona Brother: Jacob Grandparents: Miriam and Michael Carmona Sidney and Sheryl Gutmann

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December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

Join us for our

FRIDAY

DEC

Chanukah Chaverut’s “9th Night” of

5:30 PM

Join us at the home of Ben Math for a Chanukah/Shabbat dinner.

Traditional festivities • Chanukiah lighting • Shabbat prayers Fun music • Laid-back atmosphere Brisket and Chicken entrees will be provided by the Math family. Please RSVP and sign up for a non-dairy side or dessert.

As always, feel free to bring friends! RSVP

https://tec-to.org/Chanukah-RSVP

Questions? Contact Ben Math at ben@templeetzchaim.org or Andrew Kaitcer at andrewkaitcer@gmail.com SPONSORED BY

AGE 21-35

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

Find the Way

Circle the Unrelated Items

December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

Spot 10 Differences

Color by the Dots

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December 2023 | Kislev - Tevet 5784

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