ETZetera April 2025 FINAL

APRIL 2025

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

Passover Schdule

Clergy

4

Letters From Our Leaders

Rabbi Ari Averbach

6

TEC Education

7

TEC Happenings

Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel

8

TEC Community

10

March Calendar

Staff

11

Birthdays and Anniversaries

12

TEC Tributes

14

Upcoming Events

Cantor Noam Fields-Meyer Gould Associate Chaplain Benny Sommerfeld

Interim Executive Director, Programming & Youth Director Cindy Goldberg Early Childhood Education Director Debbie Blumenthal Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein Early Childhood Education Asst. Director Keri Loventhal Office Manager Shane Silverstein

24 Memorial Plaques, Memorial Leaf and SCRIP

ECE Administrative Assistant Jessica Jacoby

26 Kids’ Corner

Clergy Assistant Jill Rosenberg

28 Support Our Community: Small Business Highlights

RS Administrative Assistant Sarah Karamas Musical Director Mariano Dugatkin

Board of Directors President Felicia Toporoff

Vice President Dan Lubetkin

WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS?

Immediate Past President Eric Feigenbaum

Space is available in our Etzetera.

Trustee, Building and Grounds Steve Plotkin

If you are interested in placing an ad, please send an email to: communications@templeetzchaim.org

Trustee, Financial Consideration Neal Arons

Treasurer Arnie Blitstein Secretary Sarica Klein Trustee, Bingo Michael Roberts Trustee, Early Childhood Education Chad Hampton Trustee, Inclusion Paula Lefko Trustee, Membership Rachael Pugh Trustee, Personnel & Legal Affairs Josh Hopstone

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.

Trustee, Programming Evan Robichaud Trustee, Religion and Worship Cheryl Math Trustee, Religious Education Adya Riss Trustee, Security Paul Dryman Trustee, Social Action Pam Friedman Trustee, Ways and Means Judy Gindi Trustee, Rachel Carmona Trustee, Shira Soria President, Men’s Club Mark Goldstein President, Women of TEC Phyllis Dankberg & Elissa Lazarus 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, Board Member Shari Mark

Passover SCHEDULE OF SERVICES 2025 DAY

SERVICE

LOCATION

TIME

THU, 4/10

Minyan for B'chorim

Paskow Sanctuary

8:30am

FRI, 4/11

Kabbalat Shabbat

Paskow Sanctuary

7pm

SAT, 4/12

Shabbat Morning Services

Paskow Sanctuary

9:30am

SUN, 4/13

Pesach Morning Services

Paskow Sanctuary

9:30am

SUN, 4/13

2nd Seder

Spiegel Hall

5:30pm

MON, 4/14

Pesach Morning Services

Paskow Sanctuary

9:30am

MON, 4/14

Minyan

Zoom

7:15pm

WED, 4/16

Minyan

Zoom

7:15pm

FRI, 4/18

Shabbat/Pesach Services

Paskow Sanctuary

7:00pm

SAT, 4/19

Shabbat/Pesach Morning Services

Paskow Sanctuary

9:30am

SUN, 4/20

Passover Yizkor Service

Paskow Sanctuary

9:30am

www.templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 3 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org

Letters from Our Leaders Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

I worry about the future of Judaism. We are facing obstacles and pushback on all fronts. Some of them we cannot easily fight, but there is one that we can.

As Jews around the world, we share a remarkable story, connection, and call to action. Founded by Theodor Herzl in 1897, the World Zionist Congress meets every five years to define the destiny of the Jewish people. They decide how to allocate over two billion dollars annually, strengthening Jewish identity, enhancing communities, and fostering education.

We have another month where we get to vote for American delegates from one of 22 parties. It takes 5 minutes to vote online, and it costs $5 (to ensure there is no voter fraud). Of the 22 parties,

many of them align with aspects of TEC’s vision, but only one of them – MERCAZ – stands out as the voice of our people.

A vote for Mercaz is a vote against extremism, as so many other parties are trying to limit who can be considered a Jew. A vote for Mercaz is a vote for egalitarian values, where men and women get equal voice as Jews here and in Israel. A vote for Mercaz is a vote for rebuilding Israel in the wake of October 7 and helping families of hostages. A vote for Mercaz is a vote for our synagogue (WoTEC, Men’s Club, youth programs), as well as non-Orthodox summer camps, having access to funding and resources.

It is an easy choice, and it is easy to do. More info: mercazusa.org – or ask me.

Noam Fields-Meyer Gould, Cantor Noam@templeetzchaim.org

Passover is coming up, and I’m so looking forward to spending it with this community—sharing in the traditions, singing the songs, and finding meaning in the rituals that connect us across time.

One of my favorite things about Passover is its deep emphasis on asking questions. Beyond the well-known Four Questions that we invite children to recite, the entire Seder is an invitation to wonder and explore. Every detail—the foods, the symbols, the storytelling—is basically saying, “Ask me why I am the way I am.” I hope this year we all ask a lot of questions. I hope we lean into curiosity, not just for answers but for conversation, insight, and connection.

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When it comes to music, Passover is absolutely one of my favorite holidays. It’s just so full of singing! From Mah Nishtana to Chad Gadya, Dayeinu, Echad Mi Yodeia, and so many more, there’s a joyful momentum to the songs that builds as the night goes on.

One song I really encourage everyone to learn if you don’t know it already is Vehi Sheamda, in the setting by Yaakov Shwekey. It’s a powerful, stirring melody paired with a meaningful text that I’ll be singing here at synagogue—it captures the feeling of strength, hope, and continuity that defines the holiday for me.

Wishing you all a joyful, musical, and question-filled Passover.

Thank you for a beautiful month here at TEC—I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

www.templeetzchaim.org

Felicia Toporoff, President ftoporoff@templeetzchaim.org

Although by the time you read this it will be April, I am writing this month’s TEC article in March right after Purim. I am still thinking about the fantastic job our Inclusion Committee has done in putting together and delivering Mishloach Manot to our community!

Yashar Koach!!!! And how amazing was our annual Purim carnival this year? What a fun day and its success is directly attributable to the amazing small but mighty army of volunteers who helped to plan, organize, set up and tear down the many moving pieces that make a carnival a carnival. Without our ticket takers, bouncy house monitors, game runners, Knish Club, and silent auction organizer, we would not have had such a wonderful event. Thank you so much.

As I have stated many times, so bear with me if you’ve heard this before, none of this happens without our extensive network of volunteers, our CommuniTEC; people who give of their time, the personal resources, and effort. Our people is what makes our temple a truly special place.

I just attended a morning long event organized by the Religious School for future B’Nai Mitzvah, parents and kids included, since my youngest daughter is embarking on the beginning of her Bat Mitzvah journey which will occur in 2026. During one of the sessions, Rabbi Ari discussed the meaning of becoming a B’Nai Mitzvah. As he spoke interactively with the group of parents and kids, a question arose of when exactly is the moment when one becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, which was defined as being called to the Torah for the first time. Ultimately, the moment happens when a person is counted as part of a Minyan; to be included in the number needed for a community to pray together. Rabbi Ari

pointed out that in a beautiful act, Judaisim makes it a requirement that at one of the most formative moments of a young Jew’s life requires the involvement of a community. You can be Jewish and follow all of the commandments of the Torah by yourself, but in order to complete one of the most important moments in a Jewish person’s life, becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you cannot do it alone.

This sense of community is why I love our congregation and our yearning to volunteer. It is an integral part of being Jewish.

One of the critical groups within our Temple life may be one you are unfamiliar with. Almost every week, a small but mighty group of amazing volunteers runs our Thursday Night Bingo. From as early as 4 pm all the way through the last game at 10 pm, our core group of volunteers provide an amazing experience for close to 100 players who come from all over Ventura County and beyond to play. These players are fed, provided a fun evening and most importantly, are a major component of our Temple’s fundraising for the year. Without Bingo, our annual financial commitment as members of this synagogue would be much higher.

If I had one hope for our community it would be that everyone in our membership roster (age 18 and up) would stop by and lend some help to this core group of amazing volunteers. I know that for some of you it would be the start of a new Bingo volunteerism establishing the next generation of community to take over this important Temple function. Plus, I can guarantee that you’ll have a lot of fun and make new connections.

Benny Sommerfeld, Associate Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org

Pesach is coming like a freight train and the question is, are you ready? My wife Irma made a major discovery, Shmurah Matza, which is hand baked during an 18 min process, was on sale just for a fraction of what it normally costs. She bought 8 boxes! Not that we will consume them all, but they make for a great gift. This is our month of liberation, becoming a free people. We have an opportunity to free ourselves from our narrow places, our Mitzrayim.

Our tradition has developed a calendar that allows us to refine ourselves twice a year. The one most of us would think of is of course Yom Kippur where we ask Hashem to forgive our sins and start again. However, Pesach is the other opportunity. We are liberated from Egypt; we are leaving the slavery behind us and are starting our journey to Mt. Sinai. We are about to experience God’s revelation to us, the giving of the Torah. To get ready for

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this miraculous event we count to 49 days and on the 50th day we celebrate Shavuot. The seven weeks that are between these two bookends are called the Omer!

Each of the seven weeks have a theme in accordance with the Kabbalistic Sefirot. They are attributes that represent the spiritual world that Hashem has revealed to us. Each week has a special spiritual attribute that is in focus. These sefirot provides a path for renewal and it starts on the second day of Pesach. If you are coming on the second day of Seder at TEC, you will hear the special blessing that we will read for the first day of the Omer.

May this Pesach season bring you blessings of gratitude, love, and personal renewal.

Chag Pesach Sameach! ‫חג פסח שמח‬

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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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 open during the Pesach holiday.

and art, reading stories about Tikun Olam and more. Even though everyday should be Earth Day, we are going to do special activities on the actual day.

On April 22nd, the preschool will be celebrating Earth Day with outdoor activities such as planting, using recycled items for building

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

Yom Ha Atzmaut is at the beginning of May and so we will spend time at the end of April learning all about Israel.

Our classes for the 2025-26 school year are 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.

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org

Passover will be celebrated in the month of April/Nisan, with Seders being held around the world. It’s awe-inspiring to think about the continuity of the Passover Seder throughout the centuries. The Torah tells us that the first Seder took place on the eve of the Israelites’ swift departure from Egypt—what we know as the Exodus. This ceremony represents another link between our shared traditions of the past, present, and future.

In Religious School, our students will also participate in a Seder in their classrooms. Depending on their grade level, various Haggadot will be used, each one tailored to their age group. I find it truly inspiring to watch teachers and students enjoy this holiday together. Everyone at the table has the opportunity to share their thoughts and insights about the significance and symbolism of Passover, which adds to the richness of the experience.

As your child grows, they will understand more of the meaning behind the Seder. This year, I encourage you to involve them in the preparation process—whether it’s cleaning the house, making haroset, searching for chametz, or setting the Seder plate. These activities are wonderful ways to engage children in the tradition and help them feel connected to the holiday.

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There are many different types of Haggadot available. If you’re looking for a new one this year, visit a Jewish bookstore and choose one that best suits you and your guests. Whether you prefer a traditional Seder or one with a more creative approach, the order and symbolism of the Seder will remain the same. While the people at your table may change, the meanings and discussions will continue to evolve and grow, deepening the experience each year. The rituals, the food, and the symbolism remind us of the strength and determination of our ancestors and help us celebrate the joy of freedom.

I believe it’s essential to create lasting memories for our children.

One day, they will also become parents and carry on these same traditions. The Seder experience, both at home and in school, offers our children special moments to share with the next generation.

The cycle of tradition continues, the memories grow, and the Jewish community remains strengthened. How wonderful!

From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful Passover filled with moments of joy, meaning, and treasured memories.

Chag Pesach Sameach

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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TEC Happenings Purim Carnival 3.16.25

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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TEC Community Phyllis Dankberg & Elissa Lazarus, Co-President, Women of TEC One of the many goals that the Women of TEC has is to promote Jewish family life and to enhance Jewish rituals. One way to accomplish this is to provide interesting and varied programming.

We have had some really good programs this year that I hope you have been able to attend.

Another goal is to help raise funds for Torah Fund. Along with other Conservative Temples Women’s groups and with the support of our parent Women’s League Organization, we have raised $953,595.00

toward the $1.125 million goal for this year that supports scholarships for future Rabbis, Cantors and Jewish Educators at the various seminaries worldwide. We here at WOTEC have contributed $8,272.00 so far this year.

Adding the 8 camp scholarships that we have awarded to our TEC youth for this year we have achieved three of our main goals.

Women of TEC has so much to offer to you and to our community.

Chag Sameach!!

Susan Kane, Chairperson, Inclusion Committee We hope everyone enjoyed the sweets, treats and warm Purim wishes in the Mishloach Manot gift bags. A great big THANK YOU to the many sponsors of our Mishloach Manot FUN-raiser as well as the countless volunteers that helped plan and order the contents, solicit sponsors and volunteers and those that assembled and distributed the bags. It truly takes a village, and it was heartwarming to have so many members participating to make this project a success.

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

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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.

The Inclusion Committee seeks to expand the opportunities for full participation and support by listening to congregants’ needs and experiences so we can advocate for positive changes. We certainly don’t have all the answers, so we are leading with curiosity and welcome your thoughts and suggestions – where can we improve and what are we doing well. Email us at hurykne@mac.com

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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Mark Goldstein, President, Men’s Club Shalom All! In March, Men’s Club was out and about, leading a Hike and Havdallah with over 40 attending! We were lucky to see deer and coyotes in the beautiful Satwiwa area in Newbury Park.

On site, Men’s Club welcomed thirsty parents and volunteers at its annual Purim carnival beer tent.

for adults. Plus, a Hearing Men’s Voices program to address challenges of being a dad and grandfather is being scheduled. We welcome your participation in organizing, leading or assisting in these programs.

Please email mensclub@tempeetzchaim.org to volunteer.

Men’s Club has packed and has ready to be delivered yellow candles to support observance and education around Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, on April 24, 2025. Please light this candle in your home on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at sundown and recite one of the meditations provided with the candle.

During Passover, Men’s Club will be leading shabbat services along with WoTEC. Please volunteer for your favorite parts of the service or propose a reading or song by contacting Steve Friedman, who is coordinating the service via email to mensclub@tempeetzchaim.org.

Men’s Club is excited to host the 25th Annual Men’s Cub Scholar in Residence Weekend, April 25 – 27, 2025. The weekend is titled Learn, Grow, and Stay Connected with the State of Israel and will include speakers from StandWithUs, visiting clergy and experts leading presentations and discussions to foster a sense of community and camaraderie, strengthen our bonds with each other and with Israel.

There is still time to sponsor the weekend. See the temple website or visit https://tec.shulcloud.com/form/mc-sir-2025.html.

Upcoming events being planned include a game night for adults with special Israeli drinks, a Dragon Fruit Orchard Visit, and a magic night

All are welcome to our Men’s Club Board Meetings held the third Tuesday of the month @ 7:00 pm. The next meeting is April 15, 2025.

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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Dates to Remember

April SUN

MON

6

7

Blood Drive

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

8

5

10

11

15

16

17

18

19

23

24

25

26

12

Erev Pesach

Spring Clean

13

14

20

21

Community 2nd Seder

27

10

28

Book Club via Zoom

22

29

Board Meeting

Purim

30

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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Birthdays & Anniversaries

April 1 Monica Borochoff Dina Torgan Michelle Welch

Elijah Friedman Mackenzie Friedman Sophia Lysobey Leah Shechter

2 Joshua Hopstone Daniel Kaiser Esme Kempler Daniel Schwager

10 Jeffrey Gelfound Maya Ghozland Elad Goren David Israel Tobi Love Josh Lurie Michael Scherr

3 Rachel Good Aiden Katz Maya Katz Robert Wynner 4 Ricki Averbach Emily Bush Michael Golden Aaron Nagy Brooke Roberts Jeremy Seiden Amy Toveg 5 Nina Ishibashi Jacob Oberman Yoni Oren Presley Pollack Sarah Sklar Kenneth Starr 6 Scott Blumenthal Michael Grosslight Boris Gutman David Mahler Jude Morris Shanna Pullan Blake Pollack 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 Helene Gollub Sarah Fireman

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11 Mindi Faris Devin Landes Daniel Lotterman Amy Scop Kendra Sternberg Jason Weber 12 Libat Hoffmann Lawrence Wallach Herb Wexler 13 Edye Ash Grace Levin Michael Lichtman Gillian Mellon Marshall Scherr 14 Jacob Finn Meredith Goodkin Daniel Margolis 15 Madelyn Greenberg Jordan Hopstone Dawne Ratzan 16 Lisa Gurien Carrie Karamas 17 Merrill Goldenberg Sylvia Weiss Hannah Zucherman 18 Wendy Alexander Joshua Fireman Andrew Gerin Zachary Gilbard

19 Jason Bader Ian Friedman Melissa Kaplan Linda Wolfson 20 Elissa Lazarus Lennon Pollack Ellen Portman Avi Simpson 21 Jennifer Jacobs Elizabeth Groden Michael Roberts 22 Jonathan Benjamin Hannah Meyer Zachary Miller 23 Jamie Burke Bernard Gero Judi Gill Shayna Israel Gonen Shterenberg David Zimring 24 Matthew Barukh Eliana Cowan Toby Hopstone Jared Weintraub 25 Rachel Brusseau Jared Goldberg Samara Lerner Stephanie Lessman Colin Pullan Evan Robichaud Max Wasserman 26 Dalton Bush Miriam Carmona Aaron Dem Noah Katz David Heber Richard Seinfeld Russell Wolf Ronan Winthrop 27 Sara Goss Zoey Elkins Emily Goodman Lawrence Bugaisky Perry Pierce Jerry Landes

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

1 Jeremy & Melissa Berg Peter & Wendy Margolis 4 Colin & Esther Pullan 6 Ian & Aubrey Friedman Ryan & Kimberly Winthrop Leon & Larisa Sassoon 8 Scott & Debbie Blumenthal 9 Scott & Jennifer Levin 14 Vladislav & Rachel Bekerman 25 Jeffrey & Sheena Gelfound Andrew & Debra Byer 28 Michael & Pamma David

28 Julia Stelman Teri Irvin 29 Linda Hutchings Adam Spiegelman Daniel Soria Adeline Lerner Arthur Harris Patricia Kaye 30 Harold Seiden Zoey Greenberg Jacob Vener Beverly Adler Michal Mingura

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Tributes Community Garden & Bird Sanctuary Fund

Men’s Club

Dunaier Music Fund

In Honor of Myles Simpson, on the 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah Mitchell Ross

Early Childhood Education Fund

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Barbara Radke

In Memory of John ( Yonni) Tollman Lisa Tollman In Memory of Howard Landun Doreen Landun-Querido In Memory of Jose Liberman Rebecca Lascoe In Memory of Toba Greinetz Lynne Zuckerman

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund In Memory of Albert Kaye Patricia Kaye

In Memory of Benjamin Barney Irwin Barney In Memory of Betty Wechsler Ilene Barney In Memory of Elisa Feldman Leslie Gold In Honor of Myles Simpson, on the 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvahand in Memroy of Helen Finkelstein Sheri Schoenwald In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Nomi Freed In Honor of Les Feldman’s 70th Birthday Larry Slomowitz In Honor of Alan Flaschner’s 2nd Bar Mitzvah Gary & Lynne Katz In Honor of Les Feldman’s 70th Birthday Larry & Judy Mayer In Honor of Les Feldman’s 70th Birthday Irwin & Ilene Barney

Inbar Israel Travel & Education Scholarship Fund In Memory of Sophie Goldenberg Merrill Goldenberg

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Diana Kealer’s Brother Rosalie Fromberg

Lipnick RSSF

In Memory of Emil Altenburg Myrna Stelman In Memory of Jacob Stelman Myrna Stelman In Memory of Stan Rothman In Memory of Sylvia Rothman Bonnie Rothman In Memory of Walter Michelson Barbara Shannon

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In Honor of Myles Simpson, on the 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah Yaakov & Janice Orlowski

In Memory of Julian Robert Saly Richard & Gari Saly In Memory of Nanci Lewin Frank Lewin

In Memory of Israel Borenstein Jeffrey Borenstein In Memory of Justin Koppel Richard Koppel In Memory of Kari Munowitch David Munowitch & Emily Habib In Memory of Lawrence Cohen Stephanie Shipow In Memory of Lawrence Oberman Robin Oberman In Memory of Lillian Reuben Sandra Reuben

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund

In Memory of Maurice Zealand Michael & Helene Gollub

Mishloach Manot Fund

In Memory of Morris Rosen Stan Rosen

In Honor of Myles Simpson’s Birthday and the 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah Joyce Edelstein Roger Young & Deborah Wenkert

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund In Memory of Ruth Slomowitz Vogel Larry Slomowitz

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund In Memory of Abe N. Kessler Gil Kessler In Memory of Alice Shragai Ruth Rose In Memory of Arlyn Pomush Steve Pomush In Memory of Betty Marko Reuben Finkelstein In Memory of Bob Eisenoff Larry Joshua In Memory of Cecil Moll Francine Finkelstein In Memory of Celia Gorman Sandy Rosenfeld In Memory of Dora Borenstein Jeffrey Borenstein In Memory of Earl Lutzker John Lutzker In Memory of Eddie Weisman Sherill Weisman In Memory of Esther Gollub Michael & Helene Gollub In Memory of Florence Renny Golditch Stephanie Shipow In Memory of Frank Winer Mark & Linda Wolfson

In Memory of Morris Moskowitz Harvey Moskowitz

In Memory of Myrtle Zealand Michael & Helene Gollub In Memory of Paula Winreb Robert & Betty Zonshine In Memory of Phil Marko Reuben Finkelstein In Memory of Rachel Sender Fine Lila Fine Oberman In Memory of Richard Ganstwig Ronald & Liz Groden In Memory of Richard Manes Randy, Debbie, Reed & Florence Manes In Memory of Robert Byer Andrew Byer In Memory of Robert Treisman Robin Oberman In Memory of Ruth K. Waters Hattie Wolf In Memory of Sara Litmanovich Miriam Carmona In Memory of Shirley Zeitlin Lubetkin Dan & Lori Lubetkin In Memory of Sidney Reuben Sandra Reuben In Memory of Sylvia Groden Ronald Groden In Honor of The Birth of Alexander Leon Mesnik Myles & Gail Simpson In Honor of Robin Oberman - Heal quickly and thoroughly. Know that we all love you.

Bonnie Rothman

In Memory of Gabriella Raileanu Lorraine Raileanu

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach for officiating our wedding Alex & Rachel Bogart

In Memory of Harold Gilbard Steven Gilbard

In Appreciation of Mitzvah Committee Art Pfefferman

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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Thank you for the Mishloach Manot Marie Rubens

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Janice Miller

Thank you for your Melton Class Marsha Roberts

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Jay & Sheli Friedman

Josh & Melissa Lurie

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Michelle Ferber

Religious School Fund

In Memory of Bernard Isidore Becker Marc Tuchman

In Memory of Sarah Jacobs Harold Jacobs

In Memory of Don Rennick Stacy Borsuk

In Appreciation of Mishloach Manot Patricia Kaye

In Memory of Lily Malchicoff Sheldon Malchicoff

In Appreciation of Mishloach Manot Herb Wexler

In Memory of Roslyn Dallek Susan Cohen

In Honor of Myles Simpson, on the 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Howard & Jessica Simpson

In Memory of Stuart Berman Cynthia Urbach

Sandee Tischler RSSF

In Memory of Frances R. Levine Dawne Ratzan In Memory of Sandy Ratzan Dawne Ratzan

Social Action Fund

In Memory of Abraham Shain Tobi Love In Memory of Dorothy Kwartler Linda Moskowitz In Memory of Frances Kaye In Memory of Lois Girsky Patricia Kaye

Social Action Fund

In Honor of Feed the Hugry for Harbor House Donation for Turkey Sandwiches and In Appreciation of Pam & Steve Friedman, who are dedicated to Feeding the Hungry in the Thousand Oaks Community. Thank you for your leadership and hardwork.

William & Cynthia Koepcke

Temple General Fund

Tree of Life Fund

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Jonathan Halabe

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Alter Hy Feig Herb Wexler In Memory of Morris Eisenoff Larry Joshua

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund In Memory of Joel E. Spitzer Leonard Spitzer

Women of TEC

In Memory of Sandy Pfefferman Randi Sorenson Well Wishes to Steve Ross Shirley Lipkin

Women of TEC Torah Fund In Memory of Rosalyn Gleimer Ellen Gleimer-Hustead

In Memory of Louis and Edna Gray William Tenenbaum

In Memory of Aizik Pivovarov Alik Shulman & Yevgeniya Belekaya-Shulman In Memory of Edward Cogan Judith Ross In Memory of Lawrence Cohen Dale Cohen In Memory of Mala Leichter Zvi & Yola Kalinski In Memory of Max Portnoy Ed Portnoy In Memory of Oscar Honigsberg Max Honigsberg In Memory of Ruth Finnerty Judith Ross In Memory of Sam Jacobs Harold Jacobs

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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SUNDAY

4.6 9:30AM-1PM

COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION

Spring Clean It’s time for a

Join us for a Pass ver season TEC fundraiser

Clothes for Cash

We’re Collecting for the organization, Clothes for Cash. TEC makes money on every pound collected so it is a double mitzvah! They need: • Clothes • Purses blankets)

• Shoes • Linens (except bedspread and

Please note: All items need to be put into a 13-gallon bag labeled TEC. Bags can be dropped off April 6 – 11

Last Chance for Chametz! www.templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 15 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org

JOIN THE TEC COMMUNITY

Community Passover

SUNDAY

4.13.25

5:30 pm | Spiegel Hall

Second Seder Let’s celebrate the second night of Passover together as a community! $85 per adult (ages 14+) $40 per child (ages 3-13) Ages 2 & under are free

Register Here https://tec.shulcloud.com/form/ second-seder-2025-.html

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org www.templeetzchaim.org

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 2527

2025

TEC MEN’S CLUB IS PROUD TO PRESENT

25TH ANNUAL

SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND F O R T HE E N T IR E C ON G R E G AT I ON Learn, grow, and stay connected with the state of Israel

Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club is proud to host the 2025 Scholar in Residence weekend event celebrating the State of Israel. Join us for a weekend of inspiring lectures, and thought-provoking discussions.

This year, we are inviting a diverse “Community of Scholars” to address the importance of the State of Israel, and how Antisemitism and recent current events have affected us as a Jewish community and how you can help and take action to help the State of Israel. Event Highlights include an evening discussion with Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway, an Israeli Rabbi, serving Congregation Or Ami, and Speakers from StandWithUs, and Project Shema Friday Evening 7:00 PM Shabbat Evening Service, Followed by Oneg Shabbat

Max Samarov, Executive Director of Research & Strategy at StandWithUs: Reclaiming Our Narrative. Learn how to tell Israel’s story and frame messaging compellingly

Saturday Morning 9:30 AM Shabbat Morning Service Followed by Kiddush Luncheon

April Powers, Co-Founder Project Shema Free Speech and Antisemitism - Explore the boundaries of free speech and how it intersects with antisemitism and anti-Zionism

Saturday Evening 7:00PM Reception and Moderated Discussion. $10 per person, $18 per couple, Students no cost, Complementary for SIR Weekend Sponsors (Family / Scholar)

Sunday Brunch 9:30 AM. $10 general admission, $8 for TEC Men’s Club members, Students no cost, Complimentary for SIR Weekend Sponsors (Family/Scholar)

75 Years Later: Answering the Tough Questions About Israel and Why it Matters.

Moderated discussion with Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway, Congregation Ori Ami Call To Action: Your role in our enduring narrative, and tools you can use to stay connected to the State of Israel Panel discussion with Rabbi Ari Averbach, Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway, and Abby Yosian, Director of High School Outreach, StandWithUs

Please visit our Scholar-In-Residence website for updated agenda information, details and sponsorship opportunities. https://www.templeetzchaim.org/connect/mens-club scholar-in-residence-weekend-2025/

RSVP’s are appreciated.

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StandWithUs (SWU) is an international and non-partisan Israel education organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and backgrounds, challenges misinformation and fights antisemitism.

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org www.templeetzchaim.org

www.templeetzchaim.org

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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TEC CALL TO ACTION: PLEASE VOTE The 2025 World Zionist Congress Elections are taking place from March 10th to May 4th and it's time to get ready to vote for the MERCAZ USA slate. It's critical that the voice of Conservative/ Masorti Judaism is heard.

The World Zionist Congress and its affiliates provide millions of dollars in funding and support the programs that enrich your community and Jewish life in the U.S. Voting for MERCAZ USA is an investment in the future of the Jewish institutions at the heart of our communities. This funding includes Israel education at Ramah summer camps, programming at our congregation, and critical philanthropy objectives supporting hostage families, the global diaspora, and more.

Commit to voting by visiting mercazusa.org/votemercaz2025 and filling out the form, and encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to do the same! Together, we can realize the Zionist vision of a safe, secure, Jewish, and democratic Israel that serves as a home for every Jew. The voting period begins on March 10, 2025, and no preregistration or organizational membership is required beforehand. Any Jewish adult over 18 who lives permanently in the U.S. and didn’t vote in the last Knesset election can vote for MERCAZ USA in the World Zionist Congress elections.

Please direct any questions your MERCAZ USA captains at Temple Etz Chaim.

Adam Lerner - Adamelliotlerner@gmail.com | Maya Tenenbaum - Dr.Maya.Tenenbaum@gmail.com

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1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (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 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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Memorial Plaques & Digital Memorial Library Purchase a bronze plaque or reserve a space for a plaque. $360 for member $500 for non-members

Tree Life of

MEMORIAL LEAF

Purchase a leaf to honor a loved one or commemorate a special occasion.

Leaves are displayed on the Tree of Life located in Remembrance Hall. $180 per leaf

There are also digital memorial library opportunities to add stories and photos to your loved one’s digital plaque viewable online and on our Digital Yahrzeit board outside of Paskow Sanctuary.

sandiisrael.com

Contact the temple office with inquiries.

Contact the temple office with inquiries.

Support TEC with SCRIP By simply using gift cards to pay for everyday expenses, TEC makes money, and you get a $200 tax deduction. That’s a win-win.

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Buy gift cards to places you shop every day like Target, Amazon, gas stations, etc.

Cost for SCRIP is based on the value purchased.

Contact the temple office for more information and to purchase SCRIP.

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April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

www.templeetzchaim.org

V I S IT O U R T E C TEM PL E GI F T SH O P

Stock up for Passover Stop by our Temple Gift Shop 9:30 to 11:30am for all your Passover purchases.

All new Passover novelties: Passover plates, afikoman bags, matza covers

Gift Shop Hours Sundays 9:30 - 11:30am Open for appointments.

Call temple office to contact Ann Ross to schedule.

www.templeetzchaim.org

1080 E. Janss Rd. • Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 25 April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785• (805) 497-6891 • www.templeetzchaim.org

Find 5 differences

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

April 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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 2025 | Nisan - Iyyar, 5785

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