TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM Inside ETZetera January l 2016 Tevet/Shevat 5776 COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TODAH Contributions TZEDAKAH5HAVERIM RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY USY FRIENDSHIP6 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVDoron Schnaid , Vice Pressident Social Action ERIM TODAH ETZ 8 RABAH TEMPLE B’nai Mitzvot SocialAction@TempleEtzChaim.org CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM TORAH 11 LEARNING Poker Tournament he Walk to End Genocide is early this year — March 13, 2016, at TEC. Help us FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH kick start our Biggest and Best Walk Ever and sign up today! RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM At www.WalkToEndGenocide.org, be sure to click on Conejo Valley Walk, and LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH scroll down to the Temple Etz Chaim team. The kids who raise the most donations will be HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP invited up on stage and recognized at the Walk. If you’d like to help organize and volunteer TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH at the Walk, please reach out to Amy Cecil at 818-501-1836 or Rebecca Haimowitz-King FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH at rebecca@templeetzchaim.org or 805-497-6891. RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMFor more information on Social Action activities and how to become involved, please MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH visit our link on the website, or feel free to contact Doron Schnaid at HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE SocialAction@TempleEtzChaim.org. ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks Ca 91360 (805) 497-6891 www.templeetzchaim.org TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM
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From the Rabbi
Great Modern Jewish Thinkers Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org
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t is hard to believe that in only a few days we will be saying goodbye to 2015 and ushering in a new year. Time really does fly. For so many of us, it seems like yesterday when we were worrying about Y2K causing our computers to crash and who knows what else. Now we are entering the second half of the second decade of the 21st century. Even as time marches forward, I would like to offer you a chance to delve into the minds of Jewish thinkers who wrote almost a century ago about questions that still challenge us today. My course in “Great Modern Jewish Thinkers” on Wednesday evenings beginning January 13th, will give us all an opportunity to glean from the wisdom of some of the greatest Jewish philosophers of the 20th century (Leo Baeck, Martin Buber, Mordechai Kaplan, and Franz Rosenzweig) as they merge an ancient tradition with modern concerns. I hope you will join me! In the meantime, have a happy and healthy New Year and wonderful 2016! Rabbi Richard Spiegel
Great Modern Jewish Thinkers with Rabbi Spiegel Beginning January 13th, 7:45-9 p.m., TEC Library Wednesday nights for six sessions Join Rabbi Spiegel as we learn about the ideas of early 20th century Jewish thinkers and how they continue to influence Jewish life today. This course will cover writings by Leo Baeck, Martin Buber, Mordechai Kaplan, and Franz Rosenzweig. No charge. Please RSVP to Rebecca at rebecca@templeetzchaim.org or (805)497-6891.
Bingo marathon 50 games all pay $250•Free international buffet•Pull-tabs galore
Marathon Sunday, January 17, 2016 Noon (doors open at 10AM) 2
bingo@templeetzchaim.org
805-373-0776
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Calendar
Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday
monday
J anuary 2016
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
Candle Lighting 4:36 PM New Year’s Day
It is a mitzvah to comfort those in mourning Join our Weekly Minyan Every Monday and Wednesday 7:15 pm Sundays 8:30 am
3 8:30 AM Minyan
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4 Summer Smash Registration Opens 7:15 PM Minyan
Rosh Hodesh
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8:30 AM Minyan 7:15 PM Minyan 9:45 AM Sisterhood 7:30 PM Religious School Meeting Murder Mystery 11:30 AM 7th Grade Murder Mystery Religious School
17 8:30 AM Minyan 12 PM Bingo Marathon Social Hall
24 8:30 AM Minyan
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
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7:15 PM Minyan
Tu B’Shevat
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9:15 AM Preschool Tu B’ Shevat Ceremony 7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 Men’s Club Board Meeting
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10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:30 PM Sisterhood Board Meeting
7:15 PM Minyan
5 PM Bingo
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10 AM Tuesdays with 9:30 AM Bereavement Rabbi Support Group 7:30 PM Sisterhood 7:15 PM Minyan Evening Tea Program - 7 PM Men’s Club Meeting Social Hall 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers - Library
5 PM Bingo
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10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7 PM Book Club Meeting 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting
7 PM Bette Alkazian Parenting Talk 7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers - Library
5 PM Bingo
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9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers - Library
5 PM Bingo
10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:30 PM Z’Havah: Laughter & YogaWolfson
Holocaust Remembrance Day
31 8:30 AM Minyan 9:45 AM Leah Shechter Book Signing - Social Hall 11:30 AM B’Nai Family Mitzvah ProgramWolfson & Chapel
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7:30 PM Shabbat 10 AM Shabbat Services Services (Wolfson)
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saturday
Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1 H: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23
Judaica Store Hours Monday - Thursday 2:00pm - 5:00pm Sunday - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Candle Lighting 4:42 PM
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9:10 AM ECE Parent Meeting 7 PM Say Shalom 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Candle Lighting 4:48 PM
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Vaera Exodus: 6:2-9:35 H: Ezekiel 28:25-2921
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10 AM Eli Silberman Bar Mitzvah and Shabbat Services 10 AM Jr. Congregation 6:30 PM Havdalah and Bowling Bo Exodus: 10:1-13:16 H: Jeremiah 46:13-28
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Beshalah Exodus 13:17-17:16 H: Judges 4:4-5:31
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6:15 PM Preschool Tot Shabbat 10 AM Shabbat Services 4:15 PM Layla Anderson Bat Mitzvah 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Candle Lighting 4:55
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7:30 PM Shabbat Services 7:30 PM Friday Night Honor for Joyce Bronstein Candle Lighting 5:01
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10 AM Shabbat Services 7 PM TEC Gala Celebrating Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein’s 20th YearSocial Hall
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Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23 H: Isaiah 6:1-13, 7:1-6, 9:5-6
6 PM Religious School 2nd Grade Program 10 AM Shabbat Services 7:30 PM Shabbat Services 4 PM Connor Friedman Bar Mitzvah
Parenting Talk Series Parenting Expert Bette Alkazian January 20th, 7 PM, Wolfson “How to grow your child’s self-esteem” with
*Times for events may change after publication date; visit www.templeetzchaim.org for the most up-to-date event information.
Save the date
TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM World TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITYA FRIENDSHIP pril 23 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH WRABAH ide TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP C TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN ommunity HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH W rap Passover TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH F ebruary 7 WalkTORAH to End Genocide March 13 Seder COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY 3 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP
Sisterhood
Sisterhood Welcomes 2016 Elissa Lazarus Sisterhood President, 2014-16 sisterhood@templeetzchaim.org
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appy New Year! May 2016 bring nothing but the best to you and your families. Sisterhood finished up 2015 in great style. In November we had a successful Holiday Boutique spearheaded by Cindy Scherr, Debbie Reshew and Wendy Margolis. December 6th was a combined Sisterhood/Men’s Club Brunch, where we learned about volunteer opportunities in Israel from Karl Kwiat of Volunteers for Israel SAR-EL, and Janice Orlowski and Dave Munowitch of TEC. Thanks to Wendy Margolis and her committee for the delicious food. We start off 2016 with two great programs. On January 12th at 7:30 PM Connie Korenstein will be presenting “The Edwardian Tea Society for Downton Abbey Fans and Fanatics.” Then on the evening of January 26th we will be joining with Z’havah in LAUGHTER YOGA. Finally, look for some exciting news in the coming months on the rebranding of Sisterhood!!! Let me know if you want to be involved.
Z’Havah
Laughter For the Health of It Samantha Sherman and Tracy Kitzman, Co-VP’s, Z’Havah zhavahtec@yahoo.com
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isterhood and Z’Havah are giddy about their combined, upcoming event in January 2016, Laughter Yoga! Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. No traditional yoga poses are performed, just a lot of laughing. We all love to laugh, so why not enjoy the health benefits?! Come laugh your way to better health on January 26th at 7:30pm in the Wolfson Auditorium. All women of Sisterhood and Z’Havah are welcome. Yoga mats are not necessary; chairs and water will be provided. The class will be led by Shelley Bell. Shelley was trained through Dr. Madan Kataria’s Laughter Yoga International University as a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader in June 2011 and then as a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher in March 2012. She is all about happy - healthy - and holistic, and is passionate about helping people to build up their laughter muscle and rediscover their inner joy. There will be a $5.00 donation to participate.
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For all your invitation needs Contact Ann Ross at 805-499-4200 Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Wedding Invitations, Birth Announcements and imprinted kepots Excellent vendors to choose from with a 25-30% discount. Proceeds from invitation orders will help to support TEC Sisterhood.
Contributions to our synagogue We record with sincere appreciation the following donations: Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund
Rabbi Spiegel, In appreciation, Elaine Bercy In Memory of Samuel Groden, Ronald Groden In Memory of Alice Horowitz, Seymour Horowitz In Memory of Leah Besbeck, Claire Solomon In Memory of Alice Wasserman, Ted Wasserman In Memory of Chaim Bugaisky, Lawrence Bugaisky In Memory of Anne Platt, Ronald Groden In Memory of Jylian Mendelson, Beau Mann In Memory of Joseph (PaPa Joe) Markowitz, Bonnie Garfinkel
Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund
In Support, Richard & Barbara Rosenberg In Memory of Esther Jean Tansky, Sharon Jeffress In Memory of Rachel Levy, Daniel Levy In Memory of Cecilia Friedman, Dr. Marvin Friedman In Memory of Henry Zonshine, Bob Zonshine
Temple General Fund
Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund
Zona & Barry Pidgeon, Thank you, Debbie & Les Feldman Debbie & Les Feldman, In honor of Pinney Kantor’s birthday, Nanette & Jeff Sigel In Memory of Solomon Stockell, Bonnie Rothman In Memory of Seymour Feldman, Debbie & Les Feldman In Memory of Elisa Feldman, Karen Sugarman David Miller, Our condolences, Debbie & Les Feldman Rebeccah Schwartz, Our condolences, Debbie & Les Feldman Denise Coleman, Our condolences, Debbie & Les Feldman In Support, Richard & Barbara Rosenberg
In Memory of Wilma Saly, Richard Saly
Sisterhood Tribute Cards
Claire and Barry Maultasch, Birth of grandson, Elissa and Steve Lazarus Claire and Barry Maultasch, Birth of granddaughter, Elissa and Steve Lazarus Rose Horowitz, Get well, Elissa and Steve Lazarus
Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund
Arnold Organ Memorial Fund
In Memory of Aaron Marcus, Susan Cohen In Memory of Frank Spencer, Linda Starr
Silverstein Humanitarian Fund
In Memory of Rose Silverman, Dr. Kevin Axelrad In Support, Richard & Barbara Rosenberg Wendy & Peter Margolis, In honor of becoming grandparents, Rabbi Jack & Leah Shechter In Memory of Marcelle Carlin, Dr. Jerome Ratzan In Memory of Lillian Genison, Janice & Manny Perlman In Memory of Joseph Helfand, Stan Helfand Roben & Fred Gerson & family, Our condolences, Rosalie & Ken Fromberg
Early Childhood Education Fund
In Support of the Argentina Seminary, Judy Sneed In Memory of Leonard Krupin, Barbara Krupin In Memory of Perle Gil, Barbara Krupin In Memory of Sophie Tenenbaum, William Tenenbaum
USY Youth and Scholarship Fund
Jack Frye, Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah, Gloria & Irwin Katz In Memory of Philip Lipman, Jan Lipman In Memory of Beverly Schwartz, Jan Lipman In Memory of Myrna and Zena Bernick, Joan Bernick In Memory of Nyman Shanblum, Marilyn Wroobel Gillian & David Miller, Condolences, Ellen & Ron Stein Larry & Terrie Irvin, Condolences, Ellen & Ron Stein In Memory of Joshua Alpern, Cindy Alpern & sons
Sisterhood Torah Fund
The Organ Family, Our condolences, Natalya & Moshe Tarakanov The Organ Family, Our condolences, Robert & Catherine Fudurich
Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund
Religious School Fund
Jack Frye, Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah, The Hops Family In Memory of Sylvia Schneider, Mitchell Schneider In Memory of William Gould, Larry Gould In Memory of Rachel Levy, Daniel Levy In Memory of Saul Abrams, Allan Abrams In Memory of Joel Rosen, Meredith Teck In Memory of Irving Dallek, Bruce & Susan Cohen
In Memory of Joseph Lerner, Elinor Fienberg In Memory of Bertha Winterstein, Susan Goldberg
Tzedakah Fund
In Memory of Lillian Bettman Kluber, Lou Kluber
Barry Cantor Memorial
In Memory of Leo Mahler, Dr. Harvey Mahler
*Memorial Plaques – A dear one’s name inscribed permanently on our Memorial Board. Temple Members $300 or Non-Temple Members $400. Please call the temple office at (805) 497-6891 for more information.
TIME TO ORDER YOUR 2016 MAH JONGG CARDS Regular size cards Large print cards
$8.00 $9.00
Please make your check payable to: Sisterhood Temple Etz Chaim And mail to:
Sheila Chadroff 3342 Crossland St., Thousand Oaks, 91362 No Checks accepted after January 19, 2016 Questions? 805 241 1153
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Preschool
Promoting Peace and Happiness at Preschool Debbie Blumenthal, Director of Early Childhood Education debbieb@templeetzchaim.org
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e love to learn and celebrate the Jewish holiday Tu B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees. We have so many educational and fun-filled activities to identify, explore, and experience related to trees, fruit, and caring for the earth. We talk about ways in which trees help people and how planting trees is a mitzvah. January is a great month to talk about peace and to facilitate activities that foster children’s self-esteem, promote cooperation and nonviolence. This is the month to celebrate the life and triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children love to brainstorm ideas on how they can be good friends or make peace within their school. In the sanctuary each Friday we put our arms around the friends sitting next to us, and Hazzan Pablo leads us in singing “How happy we are to be all together, like sisters and brothers, how happy we are to be all together…” The words and feelings that go along with this song sum up how we feel about being with the children in our school. Happy 2016 everyone!
USY
USY is Growing Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org
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appy New Year!! TEC USY has had an amazing 2015! We have successfully started an amazing new program called Machar for K,1,2 kids, and we currently have 33 members!! Our Kadima/Jr/Sr USY group is also growing strong in numbers! We currently have a total of 107 members! If your children are looking for a place to hang out with their friends and have fun, look no further! Start the New Year off right and join TEC’s USY! Highlights of last month include: “Havdallah and Han Solo” TEC sleepover, Maccabiah Machar, USY chapter Hanukkah Hangout, Shabbat dinner and services, For the Troops wish list drive, and Federation Toy drive! This month we have very exciting things planned for our USYers. All lounges include lunch or dinner, fun activities, and priceless moments and connections with friends old and new. We have two Kinnus’ this month as well for Kadima (4th-6th grade) and Sr USY (9th-12th grade). Sign up ASAP, all info is on our bulletin board and on facebook! Email or call the Youth Department for all RSVP’s and
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info: youth@templeetzchiam.org or (805)494-3648. January Events 01/05: 6:15-7:45pm Jr/Sr lounge event 01/10: 11:30-1:15pm Kadima/Jr lounge 01/12: 6:15-7:45pm Jr/Sr lounge 01/20: Kids Helping Kids- Casa Pacifica 01/22-01/24: Sr USY Kinnus @ Sinai Temple 01/26: 6:15-7:45pm Kadima/Jr lounge 01/29-01/31: Kadima Kinnus @ Camp Ramah, Ojai 01/31: Bouncing, Bubbles, and Bags of Care Machar
upcoming events
Summer Smash Registration 01/4/2016 Temple Etz Chaim’s Youth Department is opening Summer Smash registration in January!! Now offering MondayFriday camp dates! Online registration will be available soon! CIT forms are also available. Camp start and end date: June 14th - July 22
Say Shalom 01/8/2016 7 PM Remembrance Hall Come say “Shalom” before Shabbat services; be our guest, enjoy a nosh, a glass of wine and lively conversation with a new friend, an old friend, or a board member. Services following at 7:30 PM.
Havdalah and Bowling 01/09/2016 6:30 PM For all TEC Families. (All ages - adults and children) Lots of family fun and no bowling experience necessary… Harley’s Bowl – 480 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley $15 per person includes bowling, shoes, soda, popcorn and pizza. RSVP to mensclub@templeetzchaim.org by Wednesday, Jan. 6th with your name and number of people.
Evening Tea 01/12/2016 7:30 PM Social Hall Sisterhood will have a return performance by Connie Korenstein doing a presentation about the Edwardian Tea Society for Downton Abbey Fans. No Charge, an evening “TEA” will be served. Call Linda Wallace to make your REQUIRED reservation by January 8th. 805-523-8052.
TEC Book Club 01/19/2016 7:00 PM Scherr Conference Room January: The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman February: Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg contact Liz Groden via the Temple Office (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org.
Parenting Talk 01/20/2016 7:00 PM Wolfson
First in a series of several talks, meet parenting expert Bette Alkazian, LMFT, BCPC, who will speak on “What is Self-Esteem and Why Do We Need It?” Why do we need self-esteem? Having a voice, getting your needs met, making healthy choices, and finding happiness -all encompass self esteem. Learn how to grow your child’s self-esteem: let them fail; give them space; allow them to accomplish, and don’t overprotect them. No reservations needed and open to the community.
Discovery: Spotlight on the Inner Life in Poetry, Drama, and Aphorism 01/31/2016 9:45 Social Hall Author Leah Shechter will read selections, share reflections, and invite participation as we explore together her original poetry, drama, and the world of Yiddish wisdom. Book signing following program~a light nosh will be served. Please RSVP to rebecca@templeetzchaim.org.
World Wide Wrap 02/07/2016 8:30 AM Winer Chapel A fast, fun mitzvah! Join Conservative Jews on six continents for the annual World Wide Wrap! No experience needed. Learn the why and how of wrapping tefillin. Everyone is welcome: Women, Men, Girls, and Boys! Breakfast after services.
Men’s Night Out: Danger, Men Cooking! 02/07/2016 Social Hall and Kitchen Guys Only: Bring an appetite and an open mind, and roll up your sleeves. Step into the TEC kitchen and learn some skills your spouse will really appreciate this February! Don’t worry, what happens in the TEC kitchen, stays in the TEC kitchen! To secure your space, email mensclub@templeetzchaim.org. 7
Religious School
Positive Religious School Experiences Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Education Joyce@templeetzchaim.org
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n a daily basis, parents tell me how happy their children are at Religious School. Parents sometimes seem astonished by their children’s positive reactions and experiences. Wondering why parents expect their children to dislike Religious School, I realized that over the years, most parents have expressed very negative memories of their Hebrew School years. Thankfully, parents still feel the desire to provide a Jewish education for their children. Parents, I am thrilled to tell you that Religious School students at Temple Etz Chaim tell me all the time how much they enjoy their Religious School experience. Religious School has changed. I will even go so far as to say that it is a positive experience! Perhaps because I was one of those students who did not have a great experience when I was young and attending Religious School, it is that much more important to me that your children DO have a great time during the hours that they are here. Please think twice about conveying any negative Religious School memories you may have to your children. If someone
ever wants to know how parents feel about a controversial topic, just ask their children. Usually, they will respond with exactly what their parents’ thoughts are. Please remember that Religious School is better than ever before. Share positive experiences with your child. Alternatively, if you really don’t have any…listen to your children talk about their positive experiences in Religious School.
We proudly congratulate our b’nai Mitzvot Eli Silberman
01-09-2016 I am in 7th grade at Los Cerritos Middle School, and my favorite subject is math. I have been studying since summer, and I feel very prepared. To me, becoming a Bar Mitzvah means to become a man. Part of becoming a man is maturing. As I get closer and closer to my Bar Mitzvah, I feel myself maturing and taking things more seriously. I look forward to all the good changes becoming a man will make in my life later on. Outside of school, I enjoy many activities/sports including football and lacrosse.
Layla Anderson
01-16-2016 My name is Layla Nicole Anderson, and in Hebrew, Laila like Laila Tov. I have been attending Temple Etz Chaim since I was 2 years old, starting in Miss Sylvia’s class. I have loved growing up here at TEC. My favorite activities all involve sports, and my mitzvah project is sharing my softball skills with our very own TEC preschool and donating baseball equipment to inner city schools. I would like to thank my family and the staff at Temple Etz Chaim for all their love, encouragement, and support throughout the years.
Connor Friedman
01-30-2016 I attend Redwood Middle school and I am in 7th grade. I have started the Hebrew Club and Robotics Club at Redwood Middle school, and I play the French horn and percussion. My volunteer work includes feeding the homeless for Thanksgiving dinner, packaging boxes for homeless shelters and assisting in teaching younger children about computers. I would like to thank my parents for always being so supportive and loving throughout the Bar Mitzvah process, as well as my Hebrew tutor, Benny Sommerfeld for being incredibly patient in teaching me my Torah portion. 8
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purim carnival
Purim CARNIVAL
Sunday, March 20th 11:30 am-3:30pm
Donations for our Silent Auction are needed as well! If you have access to sporting events, Planning Meeting: January 10th 9:30AM memorabilia, restaurant gift cards, Find out about scheduled activities, please email ticket pre-sale, sponsorships, volunteering, youth@templeetzchaim.org. hamentashen and more‌ *All donors will be included in the If you have any questions, please contact the Purim Carnival program!* Youth Department at All donations are tax deductible! youth@templeetzchaim.org or (805) 494-3648
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Poker Tournament
February 6th, 2016. 7 PM
RSVP by January 29th
Free!
How to Play Poker Class 6:00-7:00 PM Casino includes: Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps 11
Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360 (805)497-6891
www.templeetzchaim.org
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Clergy
Rabbi Richard Spiegel Hazzan Pablo Duek Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow
Administration
Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director Carrie Friedman, Administrative Director Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director Dena Feingold, Media and Outreach Specialist
Board of Directors:
Gary Katz, President Sherri Finn, Executive Vice President Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Scott Flaschner, VP Buildings and Grounds Brenda Kriger, VP Communications Larry Levine, Corresponding Secretary Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Marshall Scherr, Immediate Past President Jeff Sigel, VP Legal and Personnel Tami Wank, VP Membership
Ken Leon, VP Ways and Means
Nanci Cooper, Past President Linda Friedlander, Past President Myles Simpson, Past President Steve Felsen, VP Project Funding Liz Norton, Recording Secretary Jen Sonnenberg Rhim, VP Religious School Doron Schnaid, VP Social Action Jeff Solomon, VP Temple Development Inna Chernavsky, Treasurer Helene Sicherman, VP Youth Adam Ainley, Trustee Audit Wendy Margolis, Trustee Bingo Steven Friedman, Trustee IT Nathan Stelman, Men’s Club President Lisa Eidman, Financial Secretary Elissa Lazarus, Sisterhood President David Shechter, Trustee Strategic Planning
The Mission of Temple Etz Chaim is to provide a spiritual home for the exploration and expression of Judaism, to foster a warm and welcoming community for celebrating the joy and beauty of our Jewish heritage, and to bring meaning to Jewish lives through religious observance, study of Torah, and performance of mitzvot.
gala Join your Temple Etz Chaim Family as we honor
Joyce Bronstein for her 20 Years as
Religious School Director Gala Shabbat Service
Friday, January 22, 2016 7:30 pm All students and teachers will be participating in the service. Come help us honor Joyce and TEC Religious School. 12
Saturday, January 23, 2016 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - TEC Social Hall R.S.V.P. To Attend By Thursday, January 7th Adults Only - Limited Seating - Cocktail Attire
ETZetera is published monthly by Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360