Trustee, Religious Education Adya Riss Trustee, Security Paul Dryman Trustee, Social Action Pam Friedman
Trustee, Sustainability Ely Jacobsohn Trustee, Ways and Means Judy Gindi Trustee, Rachel Carmona
President, Men’s Club Mark Goldstein
President, Women of TEC Phyllis Dankberg
Letters from Our Leaders
Rabbi Ari Averbach rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org
For so much of my life, I was taught that the Jewish God is an angry God, a vengeful God, a judgmental God. I lived in some fear of this all-powerful deity. Until I started studying Judaism more in-depth and realized that our God is a loving, nurturing, present God. A comforting presence in this broken world.
I also learned that most of the people who denigrated God, who claimed to know the truth of our Lord, were not themselves Jewish. They espoused these words as scare tactics, as ways to convert our ancestors to other religions, with the consequence of eternal damnation. They took the holy words of our Bible and twisted them to convince us that our God is not good.
And they did. So many people fled Judaism, searching for a theology of love in another house of worship.
And so many people who stayed in Judaism swallowed the rhetoric being promoted, learning to despise our religion and our peoplehood (everything but our culinary traditions).
Psalm for the New Year 5785 : The time is here, what do we fear, continued upheaval on our global sphere. It is hard to forgo, that to be a Jew, one has to endure antisemitic shmear. A voice for justice we declare, a voice for justice we must bear. To not forget our brothers and sisters in Eretz Israel. We hope and pray, that we will say, that our future will be brighter night and day. We wish for peace in mind, soul and heart. Happy new year, easy fast, together we can do our part.
The New Year is upon us and with it the High Holiday season. It stretches over three weeks with family dinners, fasting, throwing away our sins, building a Sukkah, and dancing with the Torah scrolls. How do I best prepare for all the festivals especially when Oct 7 raises a dark cloud with the anniversary of the war. It is still a nightmarish scenario for most Israelis who have been mourning most of the past year. Our universities have become a fertile ground for antisemitism. Worldwide, the Jewish population are feeling the reverberation of the wave of hate that has been generated by radical elements in our society. Let us pray that 5785 can change all of that, to a more peaceful coexistence on a global scale and specifically in the middle east.
Rosh Hashanah invites me to make a change, to improve on myself, to ask questions, and to seek out God. We can find God in the
For these High Holy Days – perhaps the most important ones of our lifetime, as Israel hangs in the balance – I want to recommend three books that might change our perspective on true Judaism.
• This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation, by Rabbi Alan Lew. Heartbreak, contemplation, re-birth. It is an approachable and deep way to understand these holidays.
• Judaism is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life, by Rabbi Shai Held. Profound and provocative. A new look at our ancient theology.
• The A men Effect: A ncient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, by my teacher Rabbi Sharon Brous. How to find God in our community, by showing up for each other.
Shana Tova – year of goodness, and year of peace, a year of blessings.
smallest of sound, a whispering of a voice. We read in our Machsor from one of our core prayers, Unetane Tokef:
“The great shofar is sounding, and a thin whispering voice is heard.” We read in Kings 19:12 when Elijah heard God’s voice as a thin whispering voice. Can I take some time to listen to that small whispering voice inside of me and seek a connection with my soul? Can I connect with Godly soul and my good inclination, to change my persona just a little, towards the good side? I can take stock of my own self and go from Benny version 1.0 to Benny version 2.0. I encourage you to take advantage of our holiday season to grow spiritually in a similar fashion.
Next year’s first Shabbat is Parasha Bereishit. We have seven great women and men who have over the course of a year and half, for most, journeyed to celebrate their adult Bnai Mitzvah. I hope you can make it on October 26. See flyer on page 5. I wish for all of you to be inscribed in the book of life החייםספר Sefer Hachaim.
Shanah Tova Umetokah – a sweet New Year.
Felicia Toporoff, President ftoporoff@templeetzchaim.org
Generally, most people think of spring as the season of new beginnings. Animals, plants, and even humans (depending upon where you live) come out of winter hibernation to get ready for better weather and the new growth that comes with it. But for Jews, the fall, not the spring, is truly the beginning for us with the high holidays right around the corner. We get the benefit of a 6 month jump start on everyone else to ponder where we are, where we hope to be in the future, and what we are grateful for.
This fall, one of our own is having a new beginning. Cindy Goldberg has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, taking the helm over our administrative functions and ensuring that our temple runs smoothly and efficiently. I want to express my gratitude to her for stepping up to fill this role, which is such a benefit to our community. Cindy pours her heart into everything she does, and we are thankful for her leadership. I would also like to express my gratitude to our amazing clergy, staff, Board of Trustees, and countless volunteers who are working so hard to make the high holidays a beautiful and spiritual experience for everyone.
Beginnings can also mean growth and for our community, it continues to grow and grow. It seems every week I receive an email informing me that more families have decided to join our congregation and our family of families. That Temple Etz Chaim is the community they
most want to belong to fills me with joy and humility. There are many other options for people looking for a Jewish spiritual home, and I am so grateful that ours is the one they’ve selected. I believe that to be a testament to our programs, our staff, and frankly our people. What we have at Temple Etz Chaim is truly special. I encourage all of you to introduce yourselves to unfamiliar faces and continue the temple’s feeling of inclusivity and community for everyone who walks through our doors.
If you are a new family, I welcome you and look forward to getting to know you in the coming days, weeks and months. For our existing families, I can’t wait to see you again soon. If you are able to volunteer during the High Holidays, we’d love your help. Helping with our programs ensure that everything runs smoothly during these days of awe. My family and I look forward to worshiping with you as we welcome the year 5785 and ask that it be inscribed as a good one in the Book of Life.
L’shanah Tovah!
We had an amazing turnout and beautiful service for our Tailgate Shabbat, August 23, 2024. See more photos om page 7.
TEC Education
Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director debbieb@templeetzchaim.org
Rosh Hashanah is coming! We can see signs of the holidays all around the preschool. Last Friday at our morning Shabbat, Miss Bobbie sang songs about apples dipped in honey and Rabbi Ari brought his shofar and taught us about the blasts of the shofar, sometimes slow and sometimes fast. This week we look forward to a special program, The shofar Factory. We will all learn about Rosh Hashanah and the shofar. We will learn where the shofar comes from and why it’s important to hear the blast of the shofar on the High Holidays. Our Pre-K students will have the opportunity to make their own ram’s horn shofar and take it home.
After Rosh Hashanah, we will all look forward to hearing the stories of Yom Kippur, Jonah and the Whale, and the Hardest Word, (I’m sorry!). We all what to think about ways we can do better in the New Year. The children are learning about all the holidays through art, literature, tasting foods, and singing songs. Following Yom Kippur, we will look forward to decorating the
TEC sukkah on the patio and enjoying snacks and lunches with our classes inside the sukkah. We look this holiday as it gives us the opportunity to do outdoor activities inside the sukkah all week long.
Our September Tot Shabbat is on Friday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m. We will all have fun dressing in our colorful tie-dye clothes and enjoying dinner together outdoors on the Warren Lawn. Rabbi Ari and Miss Bobbie will lead us in fun songs and blessings, and we share the good Shabbat feeling together with our TEC community.
Parent & Me classes have begun! We are offering classes on Thursday mornings in the school rotunda led by our music specialist, Miss Bobbie. TEC parents and children have enjoyed her musical class for years and we look forward to welcoming a new group of young children to our program.
The Temple Etz Chaim ECE staff and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, Shanah Tova!
Joyce Bronstein,
Religious School Director
We look forward to celebrating the High Holidays with your family, creating lasting memories and enriching experiences. Our special programming provides meaningful activities to nurture our children during these Holy Days.
For Rosh Hashanah on Thursday, October 3, and Yom Kippur on Saturday, September 12, we have designed age-appropriate programs for students in kindergarten through seventh grade to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of this special time.
High Holiday Children’s Programming
Family Friendly High Holiday Services:
Geared towards families with younger children, these services offer a creative and inspirational service from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. No tickets are required—everyone is welcome!
High Holiday Hangout:
Before High Holiday Experience and Junior Congregation in the Wolfson Auditorium.
This is a relaxed gathering area for students in grades K—7 to enjoy time together with games and crafts. Snacks and activities will be provided.
High Holiday Experience (Grades K-4):
This program is specifically designed for children too old for childcare and not quite ready for junior congregation. Students will enjoy a creative service and inspiring activities. Please bring a dairy or parve lunch labeled with your child’s first and last name and grade level. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required.
Programming & Youth
Cindy Goldberg, Programming & Youth Director cindy@templeetzchaim.org
Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director (continued)
High Holiday Junior Congregation (Grades 5-7):
An interactive service emphasizing participation and learning about the significance of the High Holidays. Please bring a dairy or parve lunch labeled with your child’s first and last name and grade level. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required.
Neila Service (children of all ages):
We invite your children to be part of this concluding service on October 12 at 6:50 p.m. (sharp). The sanctuary will be lit dimly as the children walk from the back of the sanctuary to
the Bima, holding a light stick. This moment is an emotional time for the congregation.
Please ensure your children are registered for their respective programs, as there is a lot of preparation. A flyer detailing each program can be found in this bulletin.
I, along with my husband Leo, children, and grandchildren, wish everyone a very Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, peace, fulfillment, and lots of memorable moments.
L’shana Tova Tikatevu
We had an amazing turnout and beautiful service for our Tailgate Shabbat, August 23, 2024. More photos on page 5.
Many came out for our CPR class on September 15th, led by Jeffrey Prince.
B’nai Mitzvah
BRENDAN RUBINSTEIN SEPTEMBER 28
My name is Brendan Rubinstein. I am an 8th grader at Viewpoint School in Calabasas. As a newcomer to TEC, the welcoming and nurturing atmosphere and culture, fostered by the incomparable Joyce Bronstein, the wonderful, encouraging, and approachable Rabbi Averbach, and our cantor, Kenny Ellis, have made me feel as though I have been here for my whole life. My friends and classmates are so much fun and make Jewish learning a highlight of my busy week. Outside of TEC, I enjoy performance piano and play the sax for my school’s concert winds. I like team sports, and am an avid golfer for my school, but I really enjoy rounds whenever I can with my family and friends. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the people who have helped me throughout my journey to become a Bar Mitzvah, including those I’ve already mentioned, but also wish to give special thanks to my parents, my brother, my Granny, all of my friends, and of course Rivka Moskovitch, who teaches with such kindness, encouragement and a sense of fun, and whose lessons have made my Jewish learning a joy. I appreciate everything everyone has done to help me in my efforts in becoming a Bar Mitzvah; I couldn’t have done it without you!
BRYN FARIS OCTOBER 19
Hi, my name is Bryn Faris, and I am in the 7th Grade at Redwood Middle School where I am proud to be a member of the ASB Leadership class. I have been at TEC since preschool and have enjoyed my years learning and making friends. I love to play soccer, run track, and hang out with my friends and family. 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 their love and support. I am looking forward to celebrating my big day with all my family and friends!
Congratulations on the birth of Baby Mason
Hayes Goldblatt
Born August 7, 2024
Parents: Carly and Ben Goldblatt
Big Sister: Reagan
Congratulations to the Bader family on the birth of
Sadie Beth Bader
Born on September 3, 2024
Congratulations to the Scherr family on the birth of
Jordyn Goldie Scherr
September 5, 2024
Parents:
Grandparents:
Lori and Bob McKenna
Stacy and Stu Miller
Parents: Kimmie and Jason Bader
Big Brother: Jordan
Sammi and Mike Scherr
Big Brother: Simon
Cindy and Marshall Scherr
Birthdays & Anniversaries
1
Hailey Gerin
Samuel Goldenberg
Max Gorney
David Lessman
Debbie Margolis
Monika Mendelson
Rivka Moscovitch
2
Bradley Kraus
Harold Lacy
Lexi Lurie
Oryan Raday
Rebecca Raskin 4
Aaron Ellis
Courtney Groden
Inbal Lapid
Kathy Levit
5
Derick Levine
Arlene Norkin
Alysa Polkes
Emmet Pugh
Hannah Rivkin
Marsha Roberts
6
Daniel Eidman
Jennifer Halpert
Cecilia Rustam
Matthew Weiner
Hunter Yuro 7
Logan Erster
Charles Friedman
Sara Gerstel
Alex Hettena
Rebecca Jacobs
Sophie Rubin
8
Alma Lantsman
Keri Loventhal
Michael Rosenberg
Samuel Slomowitz
Ian Toporoff
Brian Graham
Robin Friedman
Bev Futterman
Michael Karamas
Joshua Schoenwald
Paul Sklar
Sloane Cohen Payton Loventhal
Kevin Axelrad
Naomi Sommerfeld
Linda Spiegel
Dove Bunkin
Marc Heber
Robin Oberman
Lorraine Raileanu
Etta Weinstein
William Green
Larry Levit Alexander Plotkin
Vanessa Averbach
Maxwell Byer
Laurel Lichtman
Brian Lotterman
Edward Norick
Steven Peisner
Dylan Rosen
Rhonda Averbach
Michael Bunkin
Dylan
Ethan Anderson
Mark Fireman
Shai Goldberg
Laura Peisner
Sheri Schoenwald
Eric Simpson
Carl Slomowitz
Madeleine Dem Maxwell Freund
Eliana
Jacob
Grayson
Rebeccah
Tributes
Early Childhood Education Fund
In Memory of Lenore Adler
Joyce Goldberg
In Honor of the Birth of Mason Hayes Goldblatt
Scott & Debbie Blumenthal
In Memory of Viv Krieger
Bev Futterman
In Honor of Keri Loventhal
David Perren
In Memory of Earl Greinetz
Lynne Zuckerman
Elisa Feldman Memorial RSSF
In Memory of Abraham Klapper
Bonnie Goldenberg
In Memory of Sophie Schein
Bonnie Goldenberg
In Memory of Gertrude Barney
Irwin Barney
In Honor of the Birth of Sadie Beth Bader
William & Cynthia Koepcke
In Memory of Eugene Reiser
Patricia Kaye
Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund
In Memory of Samuel Jacob Slomowitz
Larry Slomowitz
In Memory of Edward Kaufman
Harvey Kaufman
Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship
In Memory of Henia Rutberg
Barbara Nemet
In Memory of Penny Meth
Merrill Goldenberg
In Memory of Mel Lefko
Paul Lefko
Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Bessie Glanzberg
Davina Anderson
In Memory of Beatrice Cohen
Susan Cohen
In Memory of Joseph Greenstein
Davina Anderson
In Memory of Mel Lefko
Paul Lefko
In Memory of Bertram Dallek
Susan and Shoshana Cohen
Kiddush Fund
In Memory of Maybelle Braden
In Memory of Roger Braden
In Memory of Evelyn Schoenkerman
In Memory of Bert Schoenkerman Sr.
In Memory of Marcey Schoenkerman
Buzz & Carol Schoenkerman
Kol Nidre Appeal Fund
Zane Averbach and Deborah Davis
Lipnick RSSF
In Memory of Louis Rothman
Bonnie Rothman
In Memory of Wally Michelson
Barbara Shannon
Men’s Club
In Memory of Israel Rosen
William & Cynthia Koepcke
Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Marc & Carole Firestone
In Memory of Herman Shrater
Joel Shrater
Men’s Club Silverstein
Humanitarian Fund
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Myles & Gail Simpson
In Memory of Rona Kaufman
Marc & Carole Firestone
In Memory of Herma Silverstein
Richard Saly & Gari Saly
Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund
In Memory of Ralph Raye
In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach for His Prayers and Support
Pamela Katz
In Memory of Jack Kalinski
Zvi & Yola Kalinski
In Memory of Martin Sturman
Gil & Lynda Kessler
In Memory of Lillian Abber
Mark & Pamela Katz
In Memory of Irving Kessler
Gil Kessler
In Memory of Martin Sturman
Stuart Zangwill
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Robin Oberman
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Ronald & Liz Groden
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Marshall & Roni Rosen
In Memory of Jean O’Connor
Laura Gilbard
In Memory of Terrill Oberman
Robin Oberman
In Memory of Zavel Averbach
Zane Averbach
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Robert & Betty Zonshine
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Jeff & Sheri Schoenwald
In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s
Support and Kindess
Ann Moore-Ross
Irving & Jeanne Weiss
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Nomi Freed
In Appreciation of Benny Sommerfeld’s Support
Ann Moore-Ross
Social Action Fund
In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House
Myles & Gail Simpson
In Memory of Kari Munowitch
David Munowitch & Emily Habib
In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House
Patricia Kaye
In Honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House
Bonnie Rothman
Temple General Fund
In Memory of Andrew “Bandi” Sabolch
Judith Feldman
In Memory of Arnold Landau
In Memory of Eleanor Landau
Gina Landau
In Memory of Shirley Neustadt
Jay & Debra Levine
In Memory of Frieda Freilich
In Memory of Abraham Freilich
In Memory of Stanley Scherr
In Memory of Sue Neugroschl
In Memory of Edward Hernandez
In Memory of Meyer Scherr
In Memory of Penny Neugroschl
In Memory of Mark Scherr
Marshall Scherr
In Memory of Mary Green
William Green
In Honor of Shari Mark, for being a good friend
Jay & Debra Levine
Grateful for Tuesday Evening Al-Anon Space
Harm and Bonnie Vandenberg
In Appreciation of Including us in the TEC Tailgate
Shabbat with dear friends Colin and Esther Pullan
Diana Guth
In Memory of Annette Steinberg
A. Howard and Jane Matz
Tzedakah Fund
In Memory of Michael Wexler
In Memory of Mary Wexler
In Memory of Carol Paskow
In Memory of Moshe Rubinstein
Herb Wexler
In Memory of Charlotte Levine Hammer
Barbara Kluber
In Memory of Maria Sabolch Siegel
Judith Feldman
In Memory of Edward Lewinter
Debra Byer
Women of TEC
In Memory of Israel Rosen
Elissa Lazarus
In Memory of Rona Kaufman
William & Cynthia Koepcke
Women of TEC Scholarships
In Memory of Hardy Warren
Lisa Warren
Women of TEC Torah Fund
In Memory of Steven Seery
Holly Seery
In Memory of Adolf Tiefenthal
Ann Moore-Ross
October 29 at 7pm in Spiegel Hall November 17 at 11am
Dates to Remember September
Brendan Rubinstein
Bar Mitzvah
Selichot
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
