ETZETEREA - February 2023

C H A I M

ISSUE 2

E T Z

FEBRUARY 2023

T E M P L E

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3. Letters From Our Leaders 4. TEC Education 5. Construction Update 6. Events Calendar 7. Birthdays & Anniversaries

THIS

MONTH'S SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER SERIES

SEE PAGE 10

8. TEC Tributes 9. TEC Community 10. Upcoming Events CLERGY Rabbi Ari Averbach Interim Cantor Kenny Ellis Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

STAFF Executive Director Gideon Manzur Early Childhood Education Director Debbie Blumenthal Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein Programming & Youth Director Cindy Goldberg Programming & Events Coordinator Shane Silverstein ECE Administrative Assistant Linda Starr RS Administrative Assistant Sarah Karamas Accounts Receivable 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 David Yodkovik Corresponding Secretary Elissa Lazarus Recording Secretary Rachael Pugh VP, Building & Grounds Dan Wachs VP, Communications Rachel Carmona VP, Early Childhood Education Chad Hampton VP, Personnel & Legal Josh Hopstone VP, Project Funding Wendy Margolis* VP, Religion & Worship Benny Sommerfeld VP, Religious School Education Adya Riss VP, Social Action Pam Friedman VP, Youth Ilana Sweet Trustee, Bingo Marshall Scherr* Trustee, Community Outreach Mark Goldstein Trustee, Governance Steve Plotkin Trustee, Programming Dan Lubetkin Trustee, Sustainability Ely Jacobsohn President, Mens 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

LETTERS FROM OUR LEADERS

RABBI ARI AVERBACH

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

There is a Jewish saying: when we begin the month of Adar, our joy increases. While some people believe that it happens automatically, that God provides us with more joy towards the start of spring, I believe we have to work for it.

We recently lost my wife’s grandfather, Arnold M. Patent. Aside from being a wonderful part of our family, he was an author and lecturer. In one of his books, he writes, “As you express joy, you draw it out of those you meet, creating joyful people and joyful events. The greater the joy you express, the more joy you experience.”

From his purview, it is our task to bring this sense of gratitude and delight into the world. If we create it, if we join others with it, it increases exponentially. We have this overwhelming power to be the ones who add simcha, happiness, into the world.

And I know it’s not easy. We want it to just happen, as if by magic, by Divine force. Inertia is devastating, as we all prefer to just keep doing what we have always done.

So we will work with you. We develop programs where you can just show up and increase your joy. There are speakers and physical activities and musical events and moments of learning to spark joy. We have opportunities to check in with those who are home-bound, hoping to bring joy to those who most need it in our community.

I look forward to working with you, adding joy into the world.

ERIC FEIGENBAUM

PRESIDENT

eric@templeetzchaim.org

Most months those of us who write monthly messages theme to the calendar – using whatever Jewish holiday or season we’re in for a focal point. In this awkward time between latkes and hamantaschen, we have Tu B’Shevat to think about – which has important themes of life, environmentalism and support for Israel. Thanks to my great-grandmother and a handful of other older relatives, there’s what amounts to a small forest in Israel planted in my honor.

In my life and the lives of so many people I know, the beginning of January was a time of loss. People who were hanging in to get through the holidays let go once they were over, leaving a rash of funerals. In most cases they were older or suffering from chronic illness – but I knew of one very sad case where mental illness claimed a life. Rabbi Averbach mentioned to me that it’s not uncommon for deaths to follow major events and moments.

American culture seems to look at grief as something linear: the most pain is at the time someone passes and It gradually lessens with time. So we show up and support people right away – funerals, shiva, and the weeks and months afterward.

Jews are particularly great at making sure there’s food flowing through a house of mourning. You can practically count love in babkas and deli trays. And when you’re the one in mourning, that can feel very good.

But grief isn’t actually linear. We experience it in fits and bursts for years – maybe even the rest of our lives. We don’t miss people every minute of every day, but in the moments when we feel their absence - a holiday, a lifecycle event, when you see their favorite something, that moment you want to tell or show them something or ask a question. I once broke down in tears at a gas station ten years after my aunt died when I had the fleeting thought that she wouldn’t be at my wedding.

Tu B’Shevat reminds us to plant trees. That’s really just the beginning. Once they’re in the ground, there’s a lifetime of tending and caring for them ahead. Some of the most important work of being a friend or family member is long after the babkas are gone – in the days and moments far down the line when your day is fine and someone else’s might be very hard. This year, I’m going to mark some dates far out in my calendar to check in with the people whose trees lost leaves or maybe even major limbs this January and beyond. www.templeetzchaim.org

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DEBBIE BLUMENTHAL In our ECE Center we all had non-stop fun in January, and February is looking to be much of the same!

We begin the month with Groundhog Day activities, searching for shadows, measuring and exploring their shapes. Next up will be celebrating our 100th day of school, learning about Presidents, Dental Awareness, Tu B’Shevat and getting ready for our annual TEC Grandparent Days!

On Tu B’Shevat we love to celebrate trees and all they give us. This holiday falls on Monday, February 6th! Our entire preschool (parents are invited too) will be celebrating at 9:30 a.m. in our garden area with songs, blessings, and planting!

The Preschool and Infant Centers will be closed on Friday, February 17th at 3:00 for our next staff development afternoon. The ECE Center will be closed on Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents’ Day. At the end of February, our classes will begin introducing the next Jewish holiday, Purim! Our lessons will begin with a Purim Puppet Show on February 28th. We look forward to the TEC Purim carnival on Sunday, March 5th!

I would like to write about one of my weekly highlights: the TEC Confirmation and Post Confirmation Programs. After our seventh-grade students become B'nai Mitzvah, I am always so proud to see them return to the classroom to complete their seventh-grade year. Most of our Religious School graduates continue their Jewish education in TEC's Confirmation Program. The first hour of the program is a core class with a specific curriculum for each grade level. The second hour consists of elective choices.

Students who continue their education after their B'nai Mitzvah also have the opportunity to work as Religious School aides. Some students elect to be paid (minimum wage is $15.50 per hour) while others volunteer and earn community service credit. Our

PROGRAMMING & YOUTH DIRECTOR

Happy February! Machar and Kadima had great lounges in January. Additionally, many of our USYers and our intrepid leader Adam attended the regional Shabbaton at Camp Ramah. From all accounts, everyone had a phenomenal time.

February Kadima and Machar Lounges are being planned and USY is planning a February night out.

Stay tuned!

We will celebrate Tu B’Shevat beginning at 8 AM on February 5 in our own TEC Community Garden. Help the morning’s planting efforts and stay for a dedication at 10:30 (time approximate). Thank you to Michael Lysobey and his team of dedicated volunteers for creating an opportunity for meaningful participation in this wonderful holiday by helping plant an olive tree and other plants in our garden.

Bim Bam Shabbat will be held February 4 on the Gesher play yard, weather permitting. If the rain returns, we will move to the Rotunda. Either way, Mr. Steve will be with us again as we celebrate Shabbat together. This song-filled morning is geared for families with young children.

Do you love movies? Is it a value add if the movie is made by Jews or centers on Jewish themes? Then we have a new group just for you! On February 9, at 7 PM, we will watch Groundhog Day, and follow it with a discussion. Both in-person and Zoom options are available, but if you join us in person, we will make the popcorn for you.

www.templeetzchaim.org

Our Parent & Me class meets on Friday mornings in the school building. Contact the school office for more information.

Shalom, Debbie Blumenthal

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Rabbi Averbach teaches our 11th and 12th graders.

He discusses many important and sensitive topics in his class. Rabbi addresses issues that are on our students' minds. As our students begin their college years, they can fall back on the values and insights that he provides. As part of the Confirmation Program, TEC also hosts Dinner Seminars where guest lecturers present diverse and fascinating topics.

We invite parents and students to come and learn together.

CINDY GOLDBERG

Setting the stage for Tu B’Shevat, the muchanticipated annual Havdalah & Hot Dogs will be held at 5 PM on February 4. Joyce and her team have planned an evening of creativity and Tu-getherness - creating memories that will last a lifetime.

debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

We have started registering for the 2023-24 school year. Classes are already filling up. Call Debbie at 805-497-6852 if you would like information or to schedule a tour of our preschool or infant classrooms.

JOYCE BRONSTEIN Have you signed up for Havdalah and Hotdogs? In just a few days, on February 4th, I hope that you will come experience a wonderful evening of fun and exciting activities for all ages!

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Get your summer vibes started a little early! Come meet representatives from local area Jewish summer camps to learn more about opportunities for this summer! Representatives from each camp will be on

joyce@templeetzchaim.org

aides enjoy helping the younger students and our office, and deepen their connection to TEC. It's a winwin!

I hope our children are inspired to cherish their Jewish experiences throughout their lives.

With encouragement and a positive attitude, we can strengthen our childrens' Jewish identity and the Jewish community. As they leave our school, I hope they will feel Judaism in their hearts and know that Temple Etz Chaim will always be there for them. We love our students and families!

Stay tuned for more fun educational moments!

L'hitraot, Joyce

cindy@templeetzchaim.org site for a Camp Fair on February 12 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on the Plaza.

With the rise in antisemitism globally, nationally, and locally, TEC is proud to be part of the Tri-County ADL Walk Against Hate on February 26. Many of us have witnessed hateful slurs and assaults targeting Jews, as well as seen increased antisemitic vandalism and graffiti in our public spaces, and some of us even received virulently antisemitic flyers that were distributed in Moorpark and Thousand Oaks. #NeverAgain is now. The Walk begins at Conejo Creek North Park at 1 PM. For more information, or to register, go to https://www.walkagainsthate.org/vc.

Be on the lookout for opportunities to volunteer for and/or attend the Purim Carnival (3/5/23), Pop-Up Purim Pizza Party, and other Purim events. Also coming up: Fiddler on the Roof ( 3/16/23 1:00 PM), our new Global Thought Leaders Speaker Series (4/2/23), and a group trip to the Ronald Reagan Library's Auschwitz exhibit on the Sunday (4/16/23) preceding Yom HaShoah.

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GIDEON MANZUR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

gideon@templeetzchaim.org

I am pleased to report that construction is progressing smoothly and we are on schedule to complete the renovation during the Spring of this year.

WHERE'S GIDEON? SEE IF YOU CAN FIND HIM HIDING IN A PHOTO

www.templeetzchaim.org

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FEB 2023

DATES TO REMEMBER SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

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2

3

4 BIM BAM SHABBAT HAVDALAH & HOT DOGS

5 PLANT A TREE FOR TU B'SHEVAT

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6

7

8

TU B'SHEVAT

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9

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MOVIE NIGHT

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WORLD WIDE WRAP

CAMP FAIR

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BOARD MEETING

TEC TOWN HALL

CAMPUS CLOSED

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USY - MACHAR

28 USY - KADIMA

ADL WALK AGAINST HATE (CONEJO CREEK NORTH)

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TEC'S COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL

PURIM 2023

SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH 11:30AM - 2:30PM

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T E C Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund In Memory of Louis Bigley Ferne Blaugrund In Memory of Leon Noel Blaugrund Ferne Blaugrund

T R I B U T E S Rabbi Averbach's Discretionary Fund In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach performing the baby naming of our grandson on 1/1/2023 Janis Kummer In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach Nomi Freed

Ritual Fund In Memory of Aristides Saiez Rebeccah Schwartz In Memory of Bela Kalinski Zvi & Yola Kalinski

Dunaier Music Fund In Memory of Lucille Deutsch Frances Deutsch

In Honor Marriage of Julie Reizes & Jesse Barritz Susan Reiter Simowitz

Early Childhood Education Fund In Honor of the Birth of Lev Isaacs Scott & Debbie Blumenthal

In Honor Marriage of Noah Levine & Morgan Miller Susan Reiter Simowitz

In Honor of Sarah Orlin's 100th Birthday Mark & Phyllis Fishman

In Honor of Marshall Rosen's Bar Mitzvah Gary & Maureen Levine

In Memory of Myer Greenberg Janis Leshnov

In Memory of Leo Mahler Harvey Mahler

In Memroy of Fern Starr Jay & Debra Levine

In Memory of Katherine Spero Lynda Kessler

In Memroy of Manuel Label Lorne Label

In Memory of Marcia Pomush Steve Pomush

In Honor of a Speedy Recovery for Julie Slater Andy & Ellen Smith

In Memory of Sarah Wank David Wank

In Memory of Charles Arthur Koppel Richard Koppel

In Memory of Murray A. Reiter Susan Reiter Simowitz

In Memory of Beatrice Foster Sylvia Koppel

In Memory of Annette "Honey" Reiter Susan Reiter Simowitz

Temple General Fund In Honor of Marshall Rosen's Bar Mitzvah Irwin & Gloria Katz

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In Appreciation of Joyce and the TEC RS teachers for their roles in teaching Jewish values and contributing to the future of the the Jewish tradition in America and the world Alan Horwitz

In Memory of James A. Reiter Susan Reiter Simowitz

In Memory of Sandor Nemet John Nemet

In Memory of Rhoda Simowitz Susan Reiter Simowitz

In Memory of Robert Brenner Jay & Debra Levine

In Memory of Sylvan Simowitz Susan Reiter Simowitz

In Memory of Sara Clara Freed Herb Wexler Michael & Jennifer Ghozland

In Honor of Laurel & Ken Warner, Debbie & Les Feldman, Pam & Steve Friedman and Diane & Arnie Rudman's Anniversaries Patricia Kaye In Honor of Marshall Rosen's Birthday Alan & Susan Flaschner In Memory of Morris Reiser Patty Kaye In Memory of Yona Friedman Nomi Freed

In Memory of Martin Mendelsohn Susan Reiter Simowitz In Memory of Joseph Geller Evy McCauley In Memory of Anne Platt Ronald Groden In Memory of Fannie Sturman Martin Sturman

In Memory of Sara Clara Freed Jeff & Sheri Schoenwald

In Memory of David Sachs Leona Sachs Theodora Aronson

In Memory of Norman Epstein Ilene Barney

In Memory of Dorothy Weiss Irving & Jeanne Weiss

Feeding the Hungry for Harbor House Joseph Bayewitch Perry & Susan Pierce Joseph & Phyllis Bayewitch Bonnie Rothman

In Memory of Herman David Crane Linda Kulik

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In Memory of Edward Jotkowitz Herb Wexler

In Memory if Yona Friedman Ron & Liz Groden Robert & Betty Zonshine

Kiddush Fund In Memory of Sara Clara Freed William & Cynthia Koepcke

In Memory of Arnold Patent Jay & Debra Levine Ron & Liz Groden

Library Fund In Memory of Tom Sneed Judy Sneed

In Memory of Sara Clara Freed Ron & Liz Groden

Men's Club Scholar-in-Residence In Memory of Jack Treger Shirley Lipkin In Honor of Sponsoring the Men's Club Weekend Andy & Ellen Smith Men's Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In Memory of Joe Simpson Myles Simpson

In Memory of Tom Sneed Judy Sneed

Social Action Fund In Appreciation of Pam Friedman and Judy Gindi and their dedication to Social Action in our community William & Cynthia Koepcke In Honor of Pam Friedman, Joyce Bronstein, Susan Pierce, David Schwartz, Cindy Goldberg, Sara Orlin and Stephen Fienberg's Birthdays Patricia Kaye In Honor of Marriage of Noah Levine & Morgan Miller William & Cynthia Koepcke Patricia Kaye In Honor of Sarah Orlin's 100th Birthday Patricia Kaye In Memory of Yona Friedman Patricia Kaye In Memory of Sara Clara Freed Israel & Beth Perel

Tzedakah Fund In Memory of Maury Samson Herb Wexler USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In Memory of Irving Dallek Susan Cohen Women of TEC Wishing Wendy Halpert a speed recovery from her surgery Elissa Lazarus Mazel Tov to Marshal Rosen on the 66th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah Elissa Lazarus Women of TEC Scholarship Fund In Honor of Sarah Orlin Lorne & Caryl Label Women of TEC Torah Fund In Memory of Marcia Marks Kenneth Marks In Memory of Stewart H. Brookstein Edward Chadroff In Memory of Amy Melissa Hagler Ann Moore-Ross

Religious School Fund In Memory of Maurice Samson Donald Samson In Memory of Bernard Isidore Becker Marc Tuchman In Memory of Yona Friedman William & Cynthia Koepcke Ron & Liz Groden In Memory of Phyllis Lipson Cynthia Urbach

Temple Etz Chaim wants to thank you for your generous contributions to our community in honor of those we love and in memory of those we have lost. www.templeetzchaim.org

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PAM FRIEDMAN

LINDA HUTCHINGS

TEC Social Action is so grateful for the amazing support of our congregation. Our Adopt a Family donation drive was able to donate $2,000 in Target gift cards to Harbor House for the local homeless community. Sheri Groenveld explained how this donation will make such a difference in so many lives. Ann Sturman at Many Mansions was overjoyed with our gifts. We dropped off three bikes, and piles and piles of gifts for the families of Many Mansions. All of the beautifully wrapped gifts for Homebound Seniors were excitedly accepted by Senior Concerns and then delivered by the Meals on Wheels Program. Finally, a wonderful collection of unwrapped toys for the families who rely on the Westminster Free Clinic for medical care were dropped off to welcoming arms and smiles. I would like to thank the Social Action team for all their hard work in putting this donation drive together. There are so many things to do including coordinating adopting families and adoptees, packaging, collecting gifts, and delivery of course. A special thanks to the efforts of Judy Gindi and Robyn Zimmet.

Do you know about Women's League for Conservative Judaism and how it impacts the intention of Conservative Synagogues' Sisterhoods throughout America?

VP, SOCIAL ACTION socialaction@templeetzchaim.org

This month we will be finishing our First Aid Drive. Look for the email and click on the donation link or use the QR code to bring up the Signup Genius list. Thursday January 19th is the last day to drop off donation items in the yellow donation bin next to the guard station.

Our next Feed the Hungry for Harbor House will be Tuesday, January 24th. A Constant Contact email will be sent out soon.

Thank you for your continued support, Pamela Friedman

IRWIN BARNEY

PRESIDENT, MEN'S CLUB mensclub@templeetzchaim.org

On January 15, the Men’s Club held a “Football with the Rabbi” event.

Rabbi Averbach and a group of TEC family and friends of all ages cheered on their NFL playoff team, enjoyed their favorite beverages, pizza and snacks at Pedals and Pints. Conversation and camaraderie were in abundance.

During February, the Men’s Club will participate in the Federation of Jewish Men’s Club World Wide Wrap. The event’s goal is to try to have all Jews everywhere put on Tefillin on the same day in February. This will take place at our weekly Sunday minyan on February 12 at 8:30 AM. In addition, prior to the World Wide Wrap day, Men’s Club members will work with TEC Religious School students on February 5 to help learn about tefillin and how to put them on.

In mid-December, you should have received a letter from Men’s Club Scholar in Residence Chair, Mark Zucherman, and me informing you of our Scholar in Residence weekend scheduled for April 28 – April 30.

This year’s scholar is Rabbi Daniel Cohen. He speaks nationally inspiring people to maximize every moment while leading a life of impact and legacy. One of his books titles is “What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy.” Please reserve time on your calendar to attend and consider participating as a Program Sponsor. If you have not received the mid-December mailing or would like more information, please reach out to us via the Men’s Club mailbox: mensclub@templeetzchaim.org.

www.templeetzchaim.org

PRESIDENT, WOMEN OF TEC (WOTEC) womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org

The mission of Women’s League is to strengthen and unite synagogue women’s groups and their members, support them in mutual efforts to understand and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism in the home, synagogue and community, and reinforce their bonds with Israel and with Jews worldwide. Women’s League accepts the Jerusalem Program, which is the platform of the World Zionist Organization. Women’s League supports its network of 400 sisterhoods and synagogue women’s groups.

Women’s League is the voice of the women of the Conservative Movement, representing its membership at a wide array of national, international, religious, and social action organizations.

Would you like to get involved? Pacific Southwest Region of Women's League for Conservative Judaism is hosting a Virtual Torah Fund Study Day and Conference on Sunday March 12th from 10am-3pm. This conference encourages Empowering Jewish Women to make a positive difference by Learning How We Can Care for Others and Care for Ourselves. Please reach out for more details.

WOTEC Board meetings are being moved to the SECOND TUESDAY of each month at 7pm and we hold these either in person or on Zoom. If you would like to attend, please feel free. If you are looking for worthwhile causes to donate to, please consider donating to Torah Fund. Torah Fund is the official philanthropy of Women's League of Conservative Judaism that raises funds to support Rabbinical and Cantorial Scholars. Please reach out to Esther Pullan or Phyllis Dankberg for more details.

Please also support TEC's Gift Shop by purchasing Judaica items. Please reach out to Ann Ross or Phyllis Dankberg -- they can help you with tallit, invitations and anything else that you are looking for (even during the construction).

B'Shalom, Linda Hutchings

ANDREA ARONS

CHAIR, CLERGY SEARCH COMMITTEE andrea@templeetzchaim.org

Hello Etz Chaim Chaverim, This month has been delightful in that it's brought us a new candidate to interview! The CSC is exercising cautious optimism, as this candidate has been very frank with us about the fact that they're applying numerous places. While we, the TEC community, realize that Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas are clearly the best place in the world, we have to hope that others who don't already live here can see that same wondrousness. As we proceed through the interview process we will keep you updated with information regarding potential live weekend opportunities to listen to candidates.

The CSC is remaining patient, persistent, and passionate in our quest to find someone stellar to join the clergy at Temple Etz Chaim.

As always, should you have any questions or wish to share any ideas, we'd love to hear from you. CSC@templeetzchaim.org Wishing you a good week.

Andrea Arons February 2023 Shevat/Adar 5783

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FOR ALL ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT TEC COMMUNICATIONS AT COMMUNICATIONS@TEMPLEETZCHAIM.ORG www.templeetzchaim.org

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