ETZETERA - April 2024

APRIL 2024

ISSUE 4

Inside This Issue

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

PAGE 8

Passover schedule of services

Letters from our leaders

Updates from our community groups

Contents 3

Join us for Passover Services

4

Clergy

Letters From Our Leaders

6

TEC Education

8

TEC Community

Rabbi Ari Averbach Interim Cantor Kenny Ellis Associate Chaplain Benny Sommerfeld Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel Rabbi Emeritus Simon Paskow (z”l)

10 April Calendar 11

Birthdays & Anniversaries

12 B’nai Mitzvah 13 TEC Tributes 14 Torah Fund 15 Memorial Receptions Available 16 End of Life Care and Planning 17 Learn about the Ezra Network 18 Upcoming Events 25 Solidarity Mission to Israel 26 Kids’ Corner 28 Support Our Community: Small Business Highlight

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.

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 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

Passover SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

DAY

SERVICE

LOCATION

TIME

MON, 4/22/24

Taanit B'chorim

Chapel

8.30 am

TUE, 4/23/24

1 Day Pesach

Sanctuary

9.30 am

TUE, 4/23/24

2nd Seder

Social Hall

6.00 pm

WED, 4/24/24

2 Day Pesach

Chapel

9.30 am

WED, 4/24/24

Minyan

Online

7.15 pm

FRI, 4/26/24

Kabbalat Shabbat

Sanctuary

7.00 pm

SAT, 4/27/24

Shabbat Morning

Sanctuary

9.30 am

SAT, 4/27/24

Havdalah

Online

8.15 pm

SUN, 4/28/24

Minyan

Sanctuary

8.30 am

MON, 4/29/24

Shacharit 7th day

Sanctuary

9.30 am

MON, 4/29/24

Minyan

Online

7.15 pm

TUES, 4/30/24

Shacharit 8th day Yizkor

Sanctuary

9.30 am

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Letters from Our Leaders Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

When my parents moved to Agoura Hills in the mid-1980s, their friends from the old country (Tarzana) thought they were becoming farmers. Agoura was horses, cows and orange groves, plus the occasional Renaissance Faire. It felt so far away, even though it wasn’t.

When I asked about applying for the job here, a colleague noted that Rabbi Paskow (z”l) had the vision of taking on the role of rabbi when Thousand Oaks was nothing but a 7-11 and a gas station, and he helped build the community into the thriving suburb it is now.

Our membership is growing, owing in large part to our incredible ECE and religious school, and the vision of so many who have volunteered their time to continue breaking ground here.

And still, sometimes it feels like we are cloistered way out here, disconnected from the benefits of being this close to Greater LA. We feel lucky that we have our own unique community, far away from the traffic and hubbub on the other side of the hill.

But it is also important to remember that we have access to some of the resources that the big city offers. Through Federation’s Ezra Network, we can take advantage of the incredible resources – job counselors, legal counselors, and social workers – who are specially trained in helping people in need.

The goal of a community is to take care of each other during difficult moments. With the assistance of the Ezra Network, we have access to what we need, while living in the beautiful Conejo Valley. For more information: jewishla.org/ezra

Benny Sommerfeld, Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org

Spring has arrived and with its season one of our most celebrated holidays. Yes, you might have guessed it, it is Pesach and Shavuot.

The beginning of our peoplehood, we are redeemed, liberated out of Egypt from slavery and the journey begins. Seven weeks later the Israelites arrived at the foot of Mt Sinai for the revelation, the receiving the Torah. Every year we are reliving these events, to remind us that this is an everlasting experience from generation to generation.

We are cleaning our homes from breadcrumbs and chametz. Some of us will take this purifying activity to heart and turn our homes upside down, to rid our home from chametz. However, this is the physical preparation for Passover. The spiritual preparation starts on the second day of Pesach, the counting of the Omer. Each of the seven weeks has an attribute that refines our soul. Since all these attributes are individually focused it is up to us to translate what it means for you.

We start with loving-kindness, chesed, focusing on being more loving to our dear ones and our surroundings. The second week is justice and discipline, gevurah, challenging ourselves to stick to our promises and goals without being too harsh when things don’t

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go our way. The third week is about harmony and beauty, tiferet, the midpoint between loving kindness and discipline. The fourth week is all about endurance, netzach, hanging in there knowing that the halfway mark is past. Week five is focused on humility and modesty, hod. The belief that weakness is part of humility is not true. Instead, it is trying to move your ego out of the way, to be open to encounter the other. Week 6 is foundation, Yesod, we are building ourselves up for the moment of receiving the Torah, creating a foundation. This is leading up to the last week, which is Majesty or kingship, malchut, the attribute that usher’s in festival of Shavuot.

I recognize that this is a lot to absorb being that the descriptions are short and on a high level. Try to see if you can pivot between the different attributes during the seven weeks of the Omer. This yearly opportunity to refine our spiritual character is unique and I hope it elevates you to a higher spiritual level. I hope and pray that that the Omer period can usher in peace in Israel.

Chag Kosher Pesach Sameach.

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Eric Feigenbaum, President eric@templeetzchaim.org

If the High Holidays are the time we each reflect on who we are individually, Passover is the time we reflect on ourselves collectively. What does our world look like? Is it free? Are people safe? Can they be them? What can we be grateful for – and who doesn’t have our blessings? Who can we help?

We welcome strangers into our homes, consider all the people who lack the incredible freedoms and prosperity we have and wonder what we can all do to have “next year in Jerusalem.”

Growing up, our Haggadot always mentioned the USSR as the primary place of people – especially Jews – without freedom including the freedom of religion. We needed to celebrate Pesach for them. Today whatever few Jews left in Russia may have the ability to celebrate Pesach – but how truly free is Russia? And thanks to Operation Exodus, many if not most of those Jews are celebrating Passover in Israel – maybe some in Jerusalem.

Nowadays, it’s easy to miss the simplicity of the binary world of two superpowers – one representing freedom and other repression.

I can’t think of a time in my life more so than now where the freedom and relative safety we enjoy is more precious. Beyond the

obvious hot spots of Israel, Ukraine, Haiti and Sudan so much of our world lives under authoritarianism and restricted freedoms.

From our backyard in places like Honduras, El Salvador and Venezuela to places most Americans rarely venture or discuss like Myanmar, North Korea, Cameroon, Yemen, Somalia and Libya – so many of our fellow human beings live in the same kind of oppression that Moses and our ancestors fled.

Passover is a North Star – reminding us what is essential and where the work of Tikkun Olam is waiting to be done. Sure, we all have the struggles of our lives. We’ll bicker among ourselves about the proper density of matzah balls, whose brisket is best and is potato kugel still relevant in our world today? This year, our kids may gripe about the Pesadich lunches they have to take to school (although I personally loved the years when that happened to me – my mom, who may be reading, made awesome lunches during Passover). All the same, by any reasonable standard throughout all of human history – we are blessed with an incredible quality of life, freedom and opportunity. And if we’re lucky and persistent, maybe we’ll be able to help someone else – maybe even a group of people – find their way to freedom too.

Gideon Manzur, Executive Director gideon@templeetzchaim.org

As families around the world gather to celebrate Passover, they commemorate the ancient Exodus from Egypt, an event symbolizing liberation from oppression and the journey towards freedom. This festival is a time-honored tradition where the story of the Israelites’ escape from slavery is retold, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish people.

Passover is not just a reflection on the past but a relevant observance in today’s context, especially as we face the resurgence of antisemitism in various forms. In this modern era, the shadows of hatred and bigotry still loom, challenging us to stand firm against those who seek to harm or eliminate Jewish communities. The celebration of Passover becomes an act of defiance against oppression, a reaffirmation of Jewish identity and continuity.

This year, the festival is particularly poignant, given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As we sit at our Seder tables, recounting the ancient tale of liberation, we are reminded of the current turmoil and the hundreds of Israeli families whose celebrations are marred by pain and uncertainty. These families await the return of their loved ones, taken amid the conflict, making this year’s Passover a somber occasion for many.

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The story of Passover encourages us to reflect on the themes of freedom and redemption, which are deeply resonant in the context of these families’ experiences. It urges us to not only remember the struggles of the past but also to acknowledge the ongoing battles for security and peace in the present. The narrative of the Exodus becomes a lens through which we view our current challenges, inspiring us to pursue justice and peace in our world.

As we break the matzah and share the bitter herbs, let us remember the bitter taste of oppression and the fragility of freedom. Let this Passover be a time of solidarity and strength, where we commit to fighting against antisemitism and supporting those who face threats to their safety and freedom. Let us also pray for the safe return of those who are absent from their families, hoping that next year’s Passover will be celebrated in a world of peace and security.

In commemorating Passover, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of the Jewish people, who, through centuries of trials and tribulations, have maintained their identity and faith. Let this festival renew our resolve to stand against hatred and violence, and let it inspire us to work towards a future where freedom and justice prevail for all.

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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

April is here and Pesach is near and so our preschoolers will begin their preparation for this favorite Jewish holiday. This spring holiday preparation means that our classes are cooking and tasting Passover foods like matzah, matzah-brei, charoset and matzah ball soups. The children are acting out the story of Moses, and learning about the ten plagues, the four questions, and the Passover Seder.

In each classroom, the children will participate in a model Seder, complete with the telling of the Passover story, familiar Passover songs and blessings. Our Early Childhood Education Center will be

closed Monday, April 22-Wednesday, April 24th.

Our classes for the 2024-25 school year are all just about filled. If you are planning on attending and have not registered yet, please contact Debbie Blumenthal for more information. We are already filling our school calendar for next year with amazing programming.

The early childhood staff and I would love to wish everyone a wonderful Passover holiday! Happy Passover!

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org

I have many thoughts as we anticipate Passover. First, of course, the work. Oy! The cooking, the setup, and the cleanup. But I also think about the Israelites long ago being enslaved people in Egypt. Now is a time to celebrate and be free. How can we rejoice, however, when over 130 hostages are currently being held in Gaza? I can’t imagine what they are thinking and how their captors are treating them.

When will they be freed? Are they still alive? I continue to pray for their safety and release. Our tradition teaches us that G-d wants all people to be free worldwide. Hopefully, this will happen soon.

This year, unlike all previous years, I will add a new symbol on our Seder plate, a dove to remember the hostages. This year, it will be that 6

much more important to spend time during the Seder to read poems and talk about the people who are held captive and cannot experience the happiness of celebrating Passover with their loved ones.

We wish for all people who suffered immense loss on October 7th to truly be free, both physically and mentally. As we observe Passover with our loved ones, let’s celebrate the greatness of freedom.

The staff and I wish you and your family a meaningful, memorable, and peaceful Passover. Am Yisrael Chai!

Chag Sameach, Joyce

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated in the Saturday night 80s shpiel, Megillah reading and costume parade on Sunday morning and our carnival. Everyone really came together,

www.templeetzchaim.org

and a great time was had by all. Now, on to Pesach fun! Save the date of 4/23 for the community Seder. More details on page 3.

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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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.

Our previously scheduled beach event with Men’s Club is being postponed as TEC is looking forward to hosting a special speaker, Rachel Lester, on April 14th, who will explain about the work she does creating digital content for social media in support of the IDF and combatting the disinformation that is unfortunately so prevalent in the digital world.

Please mark your calendars for our very special Woman of Valor Luncheon honoring the amazing Bonnie Rothman on Sunday, May 5th at 11:30am. A Save the Date has gone out and invitations to follow. As always, please keep checking your WOTEC Constant Contact updates and please reach out if you would like to contribute with WOTEC leadership by serving on our board or volunteering for a committee position.

Irwin Barney, President, Men’s Club March was a very active month for the Men’s Club. On the evening of March 16, Ryan Winthrop lead a class on cocktail making with a Purim theme including drinks named The Mordechai Mash and The Grogger. Attendees made their own cocktails using the provided recipes, supplies, and cocktail making kits. Of course, everyone enjoyed the benefits of their labor.

On March 17, Steve Friedman led an Adventure in Learning focused on photography. Participants learned the difference between a snapshot and a picture. The event took place in the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden that included a scavenger hunt of plant life to photograph and to apply what was learned in creating a picture.

On March 24, the Men’s Club continued the tradition of hosting a Beer Garden at the TEC Purim Carnival. Thanks to Gary Katz for 8

leading this activity.

As a reminder, the Men’s Club annual Scholar in Residence program will take place the weekend of April 5 to 7. This year’s speaker is Shira Telushkin who is a religion writer and reporter living in Brooklyn. We are honored to debut a speaker with intergenerational appeal who has an engaging and charming approach to a wide range of relevant contemporary topics that touch our lives today.

Thanks to Mark Zucherman, our Scholar in Residence chair, who is coordinating the program.

As you know, we celebrate Pesach this month. On the weekend of April 26 and 27, the Men’s Club and WOTEC will lead services during Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach. We hope that you will be able to join us. I wish everyone a Chag Pesach Kasher.

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Pam Friedman, VP, Social Action Social Action will be starting off the month of April with a food drive for the Manna Food Pantry April 1st-7th. Rabbi Averbach and I were so happy to see that the Manna bins already have been filling up. It is so heartwarming to see so much kindness. We will have tables set in the lobby near the Temple office for your donations. Thank you for joining us.

Our next community outreach project will be teaming up with the Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN) to support Many Mansions. Many Mansions is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing for low-income seniors, families, veterans, and disabled individuals in Southern California. In addition, Many Mansions provides on-site support services for adults and families. With this continued stabilizing guidance, residents can move and manage their lives.

Social Action and WIN will be asking for donations for Many Mansions Villa Grande apartments in Thousand Oaks. Villa Grande is home to families and adults that have transitioned from homelessness. They need basic household cleaning supplies for the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. A complete list will be sent out soon. Look for the flyer around mid-April and thank you again for your continued support.

Manna food donation list canned spaghetti sauce canned pasta: raviolis, spaghettiOs canned soup canned fruit dry/uncooked rice or pasta

box instant potatoes canned tuna shelf stable drinks: almond milk hot cereal or cold cereal fruit juice any flavor

Susan Kane, Chairperson, Inclusion Committee On March 18th TEC had the privilege of hosting several young people, nonspeakers with autism, along with their practitioners, that use the Spell to Communicate (S2C) method, as well as viewing of the award-winning documentary, SPELLERS. S2C empowers and teaches individuals with motor challenges to overcome traditional oral communication barriers by pointing to letters on a board as an alternative means of communication.

Using the letterboards or a special keyboard, our guests shared their experiences as well as answered questions and educated all that attended, including our Confirmation students, about this impactful and powerful communication method. To learn more about S2C, visit https://i-asc.org/s2c-spelling-to-communicate.

Special thanks to Paula Kaplan-Lefko and Cindy Goldberg for bringing this program to TEC and raising awareness around an important topic.

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 warm line at (855) JFED-HLP.

Check out the newly 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.

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 on where can we improve and what are we doing well. Email us at Inclusion@templeetzchaim.org.

www.templeetzchaim.org

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 Pride Shabbat (June 7-8th:). Stay tuned for details.

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Dates to Remember

April SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

1

2

3

4

8

5

10

11

Manna Food Drive 4/1-7

7

Blood Drive

FRI

SAT

5

6

12

13

Men’s Club: Scholar in Residence 4/5-7

Maya Ghozland - Bat Mitzvah

14

Guest Speaker, Rachel Lester of the IDF

15

16

Feed the Hungry

17

18

24

25

19

20

26

27

4th Grade Led Shabbat

Book Club

ISRAEL

21

28

Community Fun Day at Camp Ramah

10

22

23

Erev Pesach

Community Seder

29

30

Board Meeting

Bingo closed for Passover

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

April 1 Monica Borochoff Dina Torgan 2 Joshua Hopstone Esme Kempler Daniel Schwager 3 Aiden Katz Maya Katz Robert Wynner 4 Ricki Averbach Michael Golden Aaron Nagy Brooke Roberts Jeremy Seiden Amy Toveg 5 Maya Bagg Emily Frydrych Jacob Oberman Yoni Oren Sarah Sklar 6 Scott Blumenthal Michael Grosslight Boris Gutman David Mahler Jude Morris Shanna Pullan Hayley Ratzan-Wank Kenneth Stelman 7 Michael Lieber Jenna Lotterman Beth Meyer Lily Perlmutter Jennifer Seery 8 Alexander Forsythe Amy Gerstel Chloe Rivkin Aidan Shechter 9 Sarah Fireman Elijah Friedman Mackenzie Friedman Helene Gollub Sophia Lysobey Leah Shechter 10 Jeffrey Gelfound Maya Ghozland Elad Goren www.templeetzchaim.org

10 David Israel Tobi Love Josh Lurie Michael Scherr

22 Jonathan Benjamin Hannah Meyer Zachary Miller

11 Isabelle Carl Devin Landes Daniel Lotterman Mindi Mahler Amy Scop Kendra Sternberg

23 Jamie Burke Bernard Gero Judi Gill Shayna Israel Gonen Shterenberg David Zimring

12 Libat Hoffmann Herb Wexler 13 Grace Levin Michael Lichtman Gillian Mellon Marshall Scherr 14 Jacob Finn Meredith Goodkin Dan Margolis Daniel Margolis Ascher Morton 15 Madelyn Greenberg Dawne Ratzan Bonnie Solomon 16 Lisa Cain Lisa Gurien Caroline Karamas Gabriella Raileanu 17 Merrill Goldenberg Hannah Zucherman 18 Wendy Alexander Joshua Fireman Andrew Gerin Zachary Gilbard 19 Jason Bader Ian Friedman Melissa Kaplan Linda Wolfson

24 Matthew Barukh Eliana Cowan Jared Weintraub 25 Rachel Brusseau Jared Goldberg Samara Lerner Stephanie Lessman Colin Pullan Evan Robichaud Max Wasserman 26 Miriam Carmona Aaron Dem David Heber Noah Katz Richard Seinfeld Ronan Winthrop Russell Wolf 27 Lawrence Bugaisky Sophia Carl Emily Goodman Jerry Landes Perry Pierce Zachary Sweet Eynat Zimon 28 Teri Irvin Julia Stelman

20 Sabrina Cohen Elissa Lazarus Candy Portman

29 Noah Fenton Arthur Harris Linda Hutchings Patricia Kaye Adeline Lerner Daniel Soria

21 Elizabeth Groden Michael Roberts

30 Michal Mingura Harold Seiden

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

1 Jeremy & Melissa Berg Ethan & Rachael Fenton Peter & Wendy Margolis

4 Colin & Esther Pullan

6 Leon & Larisa Sassoon Ryan & Kimberly Winthrop

8 Scott & Deborah Blumenthal

9 Scott & Jennifer Levin

25 Jeffrey & Sheena Gelfound

28 Michael & Pamma David

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B’nai Mitzvah

Maya Ghozland

April 13

My name is Maya Ghozland. I moved to the area about a year and a half ago and my family joined Etz Chaim. I made new friends and became part of this amazing Jewish community. As I become a Bat Mitzvah, I am excited to carry on my family’s Jewish traditions. I am proud to be Jewish and to take this next step to becoming a woman. When I am not studying for my Bat Mitzvah, you can find me on the ski slopes, competing at gymnastic meets or hanging out with my friends. I want to thank my Religious School teachers Toby and Cantor Kenny for teaching me about Judaism and making me a better Jew. I would also like to thank Rabbi Ari, Joyce and my Bat Mitzvah tutor Betty for taking this journey with me. want to thank my parents, brother, and sister for being my biggest fans and always supporting me.

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April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Tributes Early Childhood Education Fund

In appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s continued support of our family Paul, Susan, Ryan, Claire & Julia Eisenstadt

In memory of Justin Koppel Richard Koppel

In memory of Bronna Engler In memory of Joseph Engler Richard Engler & Ellen Zucker

In honor of The Birth of Ezra Joseph David Scott & Debbie Blumenthal

In memory of Alan Lipkin Kenneth & Linda Starr

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In memory of Marvin Natlin Marc & Carole Firestone In memory of Alan Lipkin Nomi Freed In memory of Alan Lipkin Les & Debbie Feldman In memory of Albert Kaye Patricia Kaye In Memory of Gabriella Raileanu Les & Debbie Feldman

Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund

In memory of Albert Rosenblatt Linda Rosenblatt In memory of Paula Winreb Bob & Betty Zonshine In memory of Matthew Schoenwald Jeff Schoenwald In memory of Alice Shragai Ruth Rose In memory of Robert Treisman Robin Oberman

In memory of Ruth Slomowitz Vogel Larry Slomowitz

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund

In honor of Peter Margolis’ Birthday Michael & Karen Roberts In honor of Peter Margolis’ Birthday Jeff & Sheri Schoenwald

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund

Religious School Fund In memory of Roslyn Dallek Susan Cohen

In memory of Stanley Friedman Steven & Pamela Friedman In memory of Michelle Rosenberg Richard & Barbara Rosenberg To Leon Bronstien, from the Women of TEC, for making and donating the hand made wooden rolling pins for the WOTEC Babka Bake. Thank you so much!

Randall & Linda Hutchings In memory of Lily Malchicoff Sheldon Malchicoff

In memory of Lawrence Cohen Robert & Stephanie Shipow

Jerrald & Deborah Cohen

With great appreciation for all the support Rabbi Averbach provided me and my family Cheryl Kessler

Toward repair or replacement of Torah Cover George & Susan Kaplan

In memory of Ruth Waters Hattie Wolf

In memory of Marcia Levine Jerome & Dawne Ratzan

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In memory of Francis Kaye, beloved mother of Jerry & Marty Kaye and mother-in-law of patty and julia kaye Patricia Kaye In honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House and to Pam & Steve Friedman and their tireless dedication to TEC Social Action’s Feed the Hungry Program William & Cynthia Koepcke

TEC Garden

Temple General Fund

Lipnick RSSK

Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence

Thank you to Judy Gindi and Beth Perel for the amazing support & caring at the time of my illness Patricia Kaye

In memory of Mala Leichter Zvi & Yola Kalinski

In appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s warmth & support & in memory of Bubbe Shirley Davis David Cohan & Barbara Anik

In appreciation of Scholar-in-Residence Program Steven & Pamela Friedman

Social Action Fund

In honor of the naming of the TEC Garden amphitheater Elliot & Lynne Smith

In memory of Helen Finkelstein Jeff & Sheri Schoenwald

Men’s Club

In honor of Feed the Hungry for Harbor House Bonnie Rothman

In memory of Arlyn Pomush Steve Pomush

In honor of Steve & Elinor Fienberg’s 4th great-grandchild, Eden Jade Barbara Galler In memory of Stan Rothman Bonnie Rothman

Social Action Fund

Ritual Fund

Sandee Tischler RSSF

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

In memory of Daniel Presser Francine Finkelstein In memory of Marv Natlin Hillary Natlin

In honor of the birth of Ezra Joseph David Jay & Debra Levine In memory of Aizik Pivovarov Alik Shulman & Yevgeniya Belenkaya-Shulman In memory of Sam Jacobs Harold Jacobs In memory of Sarah Jacobs Harold Jacobs In honor of Coby Lev Weiner’s Bris Paul & Daphne Horowitz In memory of Dennis “Skip” Ryzow Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky

Women of TEC Schoarship Fund In memory of Dennis “Skip” Ryzow Geraldine Rothenberg

Women of TEC Torah Fund In memory of Lillian Reuben Sandra Reuben

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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

W

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 91360 April 2024 |Oaks, Adar II CA - Nissan, 5784• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org www.templeetzchaim.org

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

MEMORIAL RECEPTION Services offered by Women of TEC Mitzvah Committee

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

We will provide:

Family provides:

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

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

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

Special Instructions for the deli/bakery:

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

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

To ask questions or make arrangements Contact the Temple Office at

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

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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18

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 57

TEC MEN’S CLUB IS PROUD TO PRESENT THIS YEAR’S

24th Annual Scholar-in-Residence Program A P R I L 5  7, 2 024 AT T E M P L E E T Z C H A I M Join us as we spend the weekend looking at some of the most powerful stories in the Jewish tradition that tell our human story, and explore together what it can tell us about being a Jew in Today’s Modern World.

Shira Telushkin is a producer, an editor, a journalist, who is passionate about our

understanding and telling of Jewish Stories in modern times. She writes about religion, fashion, and culture. Her writings have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and many other publications. Shira has a BA in Religious Studies from Yale University, and a Masters of Divinity from the Harvard Divinity School, where she studied early Egyptian Christian monasticism. She teaches at the Newmark Journalism school at CUNY.

Schedule of Events FRIDAY EVENING Delivered during Services Should Moral Differences Ever End a Friendship? A Jewish Perspective of stories that can help us unpack friendships that go awry.

SATURDAY MORNING Delivered during Services Being Holy Does Not Mean Being Good A look back at strange stories about the power of holiness and seeking divine devotion among our saints, mystics and heroes in a world where being useful and serving others all the time can seem like the only way to live a meaningful life.

SATURDAY EVENING Havdalah with refreshments and Q&A 7:00 PM | $18 (no charge for SIR Sponsors any level, and students

Why do Jews Believe in Demons? How do we understand superstitions, angels, and fantastical stories that don't make sense in our modern world.

SUNDAY MORNING BRUNCH (Roundtable and Q&A 10:00 AM, $10 ($8 for Men’s Club members, no charge for SIR Sponsors)

God, Intermarriage, Antisemitism. What 1920s Jewish Advice Columns Can Teach Us Today! Join us for a fun look at historical ways that stories from the 1920s through advice columns and cries for help really resonate with who we are.

www.templeetzchaim.org

Scholar in Residence Weekend 2024 Temple Etz Chaim Conservative Synagogue in Thousand Oaks, CA

Please visit our Scholar-In-Residence website often for updated agenda information, details and sponsorship opportunities.

RSVPs are appreciated.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION https://www.templeetzchaim.org/connect/mens-club/sir2024

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org 19 April 2024Oaks, | Adar CA II - Nissan, 5784

ONLY

$20

FOR PURIM

Why use bitters?

per person

What is better, shaken or stirred?

Is it okay to eyeball or is it best to measure ingredients?

Learn how to make creative drinks to enhance your Purim celebration.

Learn how to make 3 cocktails and 2 "mocktails”.

Open to all temple members

21+

RSVP

BY MARCH 12

s in ure

Lear nin

eries gS

Cocktail Making

Adve nt

MEN’S CLUB PRESENTS

VOL.3

Photograghy

Fun 16

TEC MENS CLUB

CONEJO VALLEY BOTANIC GARDEN

TEC FEEDS THE HUNGRY

In case of rain, the event will be postponed – Date TBD. It’s sort of a scavenger hunt, but with a camera. You don’t need any special camera.

The best camera is the one you have at the moment you need to make a picture.

Bring a digital camera you are comfortable working with. It doesn’t matter. It can be a cell phone or tablet with a camera, a point-and-shoot or high-end digital camera or any other digital photo recording device you have and be ready to photograph. When you get there, we’ll talk a bit about your photography assignment, hand out your scavenger hunt list, and set you on the hunt. Afterward, send your best pictures to szfriedman@templeetzchaim.org, and we’ll build a fun gallery.

This scavenger hunt will be curated by Steve Friedman and Gary Katz. Both Steve and Gary are well experienced photographers and can help you make a picture instead of a snapshot. What’s the difference? Come along and learn.

Location: Conejo Valley Botanic Garden. We’ll meet up near the botanic garden entrance, just west of Conejo Community Park (sometimes referred to as Dover Hendrix Park). Park in the parking lot which is accessible off of CLICKbuilding.

HERETheTO UP AND DONATE Dover Avenue, near the community parkSIGN is located at 1175 Hendrix Ave, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

Google Maps: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A5AA22A6F4C43-48270929-feed https://maps.app.goo.gl/cKMzGWVHrQ9nWAFV9 Note: Rain or soggy trails will delay this event as the garden is closed during those times.

RSVP

2024 SERIES OVERVIEW

Adventures in Learing is a series of family-friendly outdoor activities for the TEC community providing UPCOMING DATES an opportunity to walk and learn. The activities will Email Pam Friedman at social action@templeetzchaim.org be akin to a walkabout with a guide. The guide will VOL. DATE TOPIC be a Men’s Club member with an interest and passion for a particular subject, topic or theme.

4 MAY 11, 2024 HAVDALLAH IN NATURE

QUESTIONS?

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

APRIL 16

TUESDAY

MAR

19

ON ZOOM

THE TEC TEC FEEDS THE HUNGRY

3:00 PM

Led by Steve Friedman

mensclub@templeetzchaim.org

Seats are limited. RSVP is required.

RSVP to mensclub@templeetzchaim.org

TUESDAY SUNDAY

APRIL03.17

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

MARCH 19 ON ZOOM

THE TEC

BOOK CLUB

BOOK CLUB

MEETS THE 3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7 PM

MEETS THE 3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7 PM

NEXT DATES ON ZOOM CLICKAPRIL HERE16TO SIGN UP MEETING AND DONATE

MARCH 19

ON ZOOM

ON ZOOM

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A5AA22A6F4C43-48270899-feed

Erasure

by Percival Everett

Tuesday, May 21

The Wolf Hunt Ayelet Gundar-Goshen

Tuesday, June 18

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

We generally meet 3rd Tuesdays at 7 pm unless otherwise indicated.

QUESTIONS?

An Invisible Thread

by Laura Schroff

NEXT MEETING DATES ON ZOOM Tuesday, April 16

Erasure by Percival Everett

Tuesday, May 21

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshe

We generally meet 3rd Tuesdays at 7 pm unless otherwise indicated.

Email Pam Friedman at social action@templeetzchaim.org For information about TEC Book Club or to be put on our mailing list, contact Liz Groden via the Temple Office (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org

For information about TEC Book Club or to be put on our mailing list, contact Liz Groden via the Temple Office (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org

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

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April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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

www.templeetzchaim.org

J O I N U S A T TEMPL E ETZ CH AI M

CONFLICT IN ISRAEL

ENGAGING IN A DIGITAL WAR SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024 5:00PM TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM PASKOW SANCTUARY

1080 E JANSS RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA

Rachel Lester

images courtesy of @idf

Rachel Lester fights for the Israeli narrative as a video editor and social media manager for the IDF. A Los Angeles native and graduate of USC, she enlisted in the IDF at age 22 to put her skills of making videos to convey and simplify complicated messages about Israel to work. She served for four years as the Creative Director in the IDF’s Spokesperson’s Unit International Branch, and has now been back in reserves since October 7. In her free time, she makes

personal videos addressing hard questions she sees the international community asking about Israel on social media (her Instagram is @rachel.in.reserves). She identifies a key part of the conflict in Israel as a “digital war,” combatting disinformation and educating social media users about what’s really happening. Join us as TEC and Temple Adat Elohim welcome Rachel to talk about her efforts to create compelling content online in this digital war.

SPONSORED BY

JOIN THE TEC COMMUNITY

Community Passover

TUESDAY

4.23.24 6pm | Spiegel Hall

Second Seder Let’s celebrate the second night of Passover together as a community! $80 per adult (ages 14+) $40 per child (ages 3-13) Ages 2 & under are free

Register Here https://tec-to.org/Community-Seder

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org April 2024Oaks, | Adar CA II - Nissan, 5784 www.templeetzchaim.org

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.

RSVP 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.”

www.templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CAII 91360 (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org April 2024 | Adar - Nissan,•5784

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OPEN TO THE TEC COMMUNITY

STARTING

SUNDAY MAY 5, 1PM

Stained Glass Class and Project for Our Temple

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!

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

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.

Examples of Joe’s projects

REGISTER TODAY

https://tec.shulcloud.com/form/stained%20glass

Questions? Call Joe Tischler at 805-279-4006 24

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand 91360 • (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org April 2024Oaks, | Adar CA II - Nissan, 5784 www.templeetzchaim.org

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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Find 5 differences

Find the Words PASSOVER MAROR PHAROAH SEDER LIBERATION AFIKOMEN PLAGUES WINE MOSES BASKET 26

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

www.templeetzchaim.org

How’s your Hebrew?

Can you draw the item in the correct location on the seder plate? Feel free to quiz your parents for help.

Write English Translation

Draw the items on the Seder plate

ANSWER KEY

Will the mouse find his way to the matzah?

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2024 | Adar II - Nissan, 5784

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