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 Inside ETZetera February l 2016 Shevat/Adar I 5776 HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TOGary Katz, President 5 TEMPLE Contributions DAH RABAH ETZ CHAIM president@TempleEtzChaim.org COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN he end of this month will mark the end of my two-year term as president of Temple 7 Upcoming Events FUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH Etz Chaim. Despite hours of meetings, email, phone calls, and conversations, this TEMPLE ETZ 8 CHAIM ReligiousCOMMUNITY School has been a most personally rewarding two years. I have shared the bima with our FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNfantastic clergy and countless numbers of TEC families. Your Board of Directors has ING TORAH TZEDAKAH 10 FUN Community Seder HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZpassionately innovated and implemented a range of programs to serve our congregation CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIPand community, and our professional staff has gone above and beyond to support our many TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAHsacred and social tasks. As I move into the Past-President’s role, I know that Sherri Finn will RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COM-step into her presidency confident and will steadfastly lead TEC in March as we continue to MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAMgo from strength to strength. LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH I want to thank my family – Lynne, Jonathan, and Joshua – for their patient understanding HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIPand tireless support over the past two years. Thank you also to Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAHour staff, Board of Directors, and our congregation for placing your trust in me. “It is not FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAHyour responsibility to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it either.” RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM– Rabbi Tarfon. B’Shalom, LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE Gary S. Katz 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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Gary Katz Shares His Memories
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From the Rabbi
Joyce’s Special Gift Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org
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n the Talmud it is written “It is not the place that honors the person, but the person who honors the place.” This past week we enjoyed a wonderful weekend honoring our Education Director, Joyce Bronstein, for twenty years of dedicated and devoted service to our Temple. But even more than our Temple has honored Joyce, Joyce has honored our Temple. As we move from this special celebration, I would like to thank Joyce once more for all that she has given our Temple. She has brought so much kindness and love to our Temple as well as enormous concern for the well-being of each and every member. Of course, above all, Joyce has demonstrated so much care for every child who has entered our Religious School whether for one day or for thirteen years. To me, that is Joyce’s special gift. She is a fabulous educator who makes certain that all of our children learn Hebrew reading, Jewish customs, holiday observances, how to perform mitzvoth and much, much more. She is fully aware of how important it is to teach our children as much about
Jewish life as is possible in the few hours a week that we have them. But above all, our wonderful Joyce knows that a really great Religious School touches the heart of every student. Joyce truly enables our children to love our Jewish heritage and to fully embrace Jewish living. So, thank you, Joyce for honoring us with your love of our Jewish Faith and of our congregation. May you be blessed with good health and much happiness for years and years to come.
social action
Help Make a Difference Today for Tomorrow Doron Schnaid SocialAction@TempleEtzChaim.org
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e are just a month away from one of our biggest events of the calendar year: The Walk to End Genocide. On March 13, TEC will, once again, play host to the Fourth Annual Walk in support of The Jewish World Watch and their continual fight to end the atrocities & oppression of the people in the Congo & Sudan. Please sign up today @ www.WalkToEndGenocide.org, to help make a difference. (Be sure to click on Conejo Valley Walk, and scroll down to the Temple Etz Chaim team). Please call Amy Cecil at 818-501-1836 to help with the Walk. For more information on Social Action activities, and how to become involved, please visit our link on the website or contact Doron Schnaid at SocialAction@TempleEtzChaim.org.
March 13, 2016 11:30 am – 2:30 pm To register visit:
W alk T o E nd G enocide .O rg *Don’t forget to join the Temple Etz Chaim Team at registration 2
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Calendar
Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday
monday
tuesday
F ebruary 2016 wednesday
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7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi
7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 PM Modern Jewish Thinkers
5 PM Bingo
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9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan 7 PM Men’s Club Meeting 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers 8 AM Lifeline Screening
5 PM Bingo
7 8:30 AM Minyan 8:30 AM World Wide Wrap 11:30 AM USY Bake Sale
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Rosh Hodesh Adar-A I
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7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:30 PM Religious School 7:30 PM Sisterhood Board Murder Mystery Meeting
6 PM Men’s Night Out Men’s Club
14 8:30 AM Minyan No Religious School
21 8:30 AM Minyan 9:30 AM Scholar-inResidence Brunch
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Rosh Hodesh Adar-A II
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7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers
5 PM Bingo
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7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi
9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan 7:45 Modern Jewish Thinkers
5 PM Bingo
President’s Day
7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi No Religious School 7 PM Book Club Meeting 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting
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8:30 AM Minyan 9:30 AM Congregational Meeting
7:15 PM Minyan
11:30 AM Machar Community Garden Project
friday
saturday
February 26th Shabbat in the Round 7:30 PM
Judaica Store Hours Monday - Thursday 2:00pm - 5:00pm Friday and Sunday - 10:00am - 12:00pm
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thursday
Candle Lighting 5:08 PM
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Mishpatim Exodus: 21:1-24:18 H: Jeremiah 34:8-23 33:25,26
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9:10 AM ECE Parent Meeting 10 AM Jr. Congregation 5:30 Religious School 3rd 10 AM Shabbat Services Grade Shabbat 7:00 PM TEC Poker 7 PM Say Shalom Tournament/Casino Night 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Candle Lighting 5:15 PM
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9 AM Preschool Grandparent’s Day 7:30 PM Shabbat Services
Candle Lighting 5:22 PM
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Teruma Exodus: 25:1-27:19 H: I Kings 5:26-6:13
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10 AM Risa Goldstein Bat Mitzvah 10 AM Shabbat Services
Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20-30:10 H: Ezekiel 43:10-27
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6 PM Scholar-in-Residence 10 AM Shabbat Services Shabbat Dinner 7 PM Scholar-in-Residence 6:15 Preschool Reception Tot Shabbat 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Candle Lighting 5:28 PM
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6 PM Religious School 1st Grade Program 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Shabbat in the Round
Ki Tissa Exodus 30:11-34:35 H: I Kings 18:1-39
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10 AM Shabbat Services 5:30 PM Havdallah and Hot Dogs
It is a mitzvah to comfort those in mourning Join our Weekly Minyan Every Monday and Wednesday 7:15 pm Sundays 8:30 am
*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 nd LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM May TEMPLE 21st andETZ22CHAIM TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING est LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP ummer TIKKUN OLAM TZEDAKAH OLAM PURIM HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUNune thLEARNING TORAH FUN HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH SHPIEL TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TEMPLE ETZ COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH March 19CHAIM th COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM 8PM FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH Join our Relay for Life Team ! RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY 3 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP
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Sisterhood
Sisterhood Goes Back in Time Elissa Lazarus Sisterhood President, 2014-16 sisterhood@templeetzchaim.org
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isterhood’s January program found us going back in time to about 1912 as we attended “A Meeting of the American Edwardian Tea Society for Downton Abbey Fans and Fanatics.” TEC’s own Diane Mautner was Madame Chair, and her husband, Ray, was at the keyboard. Diane is pictured here along with Connie Korenstein (Lady Florence), Joy Goldowitz (Mrs. Cutler) and Barbara Hilburn (Diana Gibson). We had a lovely tea party prepared by Program VP Linda Wallace. Linda is pictured with Sydelle Goodman on the left and Etta Weinstein on the right. On March 8 we will be entertained by the talents of Jon Dobrer presenting “100 Years of Jewish Humor.” Sisterhood has some exciting plans for the months to come during 2016. Watch your e-mail and bulletin for further details.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to something
special, then we have a fabulous night in store for you!
Come “Z’Havah Uncorked,” a wine tasting event where you’ll have a chance to “unwined” and enjoy a night out with friends. You don’t want to miss a night like this! Look for an evite soon with details. If you would like to be added to the evite list for Z’Havah events, email zhavahtec@yahoo.com. and experience
Elissa Lazarus President, TEC Sisterhood
Men’s club
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Nathan Stelman, President, Men’s Club mensclub@templeetzchaim.org
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e’re rapidly approaching that exciting time on our temple’s calendar, the Scholar-in-Residence weekend. Since 2001, this annual program has featured renowned Rabbis, authors, professors, and thought leaders engaging us in discussions and reflections on topics of interest to the Jewish community. Following in this proud tradition, for 2016 the TEC Men’s Club is honored to introduce Robert Silverman, US State Department Director for Regional and Multilateral Affairs in the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau. Mr. Silverman is currently the lead US State Department diplomat engaging on diverse issues such as the Arab League, Syrian refugees, and Middle East energy. From the streets of Cairo, to the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, to post-Saddam Hussein Iraq, as a top US State Department Arab linguist with close personal ties in both Israel and the Arab World, Mr. Silverman will share his insights and experiences around the timely and critical issues facing Israel and the region today. Your generous help will enable Temple
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Etz Chaim to bring this unique insider’s perspective to our 2016 program with the theme: “The Middle East Today; A Diplomat’s View from a Career in Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Cairo, and Baghdad.” Our SIR weekend program, scheduled for February 1921, 2016, begins with Shabbat evening and morning services, continues with a keynote Saturday evening reception, and concludes at our Sunday brunch. Please consider becoming a sponsor of our Scholar-inResidence program this year. There are two sponsor levels to consider: the “Family of Scholarship” for $136 (Includes Shabbat Welcome dinner for two) and the “Scholar Benefactor” for $300 (Includes shabbat welcome dinner with seat at honnor table for two). Please contact us at 805-497-6891 or via e-mail at mensclub@templeetzchaim.org if you have any questions. B’Shalom, Nathan Stelman, TEC Men’s Club President Mark Zucherman , TEC Men’s Club Vice President
Contributions to our synagogue We record with sincere appreciation the following donations: Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund
In Support, Heidi Birnbaum Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you, Dorothy Rosengard Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you, Liz & Steve Wexler Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you, Robert & Brenda Kriger In Memory of Irwin Einsohn, Allen & Mairead Simmer, Larry Simmer In Memory of Irving Peisner, Robert Peisner In Memory of Edward Issie Tansky, Sharon Jeffress In Memory of Doris Levine, Gary & Maureen Levine In Memory of Sigmund Gubner, Michael Gubner In Memory of Ben Malin, Karen Seligman In Memory of Louis Weiss, Ben Racowsky In Memory of Esther Goldenberg, Ben Racowsky In Memory of Bertha Weiss, Ben Racowsky In Memory of Bernard Isidore Becker, Marc & Michelle Tuchman In Memory of Leona Sachs, David Sachs In Memory of Irving Peisner, Robert Peisner In Memory of Yetta Storch, Lawrence Storch In Memory of Zisla Shtiluvaser, Sarah Olsen In Memory of Hilda Stein, Felix, Selena, Wendy, York & families
Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund
In Support, Heidi Birnbaum Hazzan Duek, Thank you, Robert & Brenda Kriger Hazzan Duek, In Memory of Irwin Einsohn, Allen & Mairead Simmer, Larry Simmer In Memory of Katherine Spero, Lynda Kessler In Memory of Hilda Stein, Felix, Selena, Wendy, York & families In Memory of Isadore Racowsky, Ben Racowsky In Memory of Tom Sneed, Judy Sneed In Memory of Hilda Presser, Francine Finkelstein In Memory of Zalman Leibovich, Anna Friedman In Memory of Yosef Shtiluvaser, Sarah Olsen
Temple General Fund
In Appreciation, The Nussbaums In Memory of Sarah Wank, David Wank In Memory of Morris Kanner, Allen Kanner In Memory of LillianWolfe, Ronald Elbling In Support, Myrna Stelman In Memory of Lowell Benjamin, Lisa Benjamin In Memory of Phyllis Zell, Nanci Cooper In Memory of Sofia Roisman Weinstein, Sofia Kobrin
In Memory of Kobrin In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of
Rebecca Weinstein Cornelio, Sofia Marcia Pomush, Steven Pomush Betty Honigsberg, Max Honigsberg Oscar Honigsberg, Max Honigsberg
Early Childhood Education Fund
In Memory of Jacquelyn Elbling, Ronald Elbling In Memory of Brent Monetatchi, Dr. Harvey Goldberg In Memory of Shirley Zeitlin Lubetkin, Daniel Lubetkin
Religious School Fund
In Support, Heidi Birnbaum Barry Erdos, In memory of your sister Diane, Dr. Jerome Ratzan Emily Wallack, In honor of your Bat Mitzvah, Amy & Ari Wallack In Memory of David Maultasch, Dr. Barry Maultasch In Memory of Sylvia Samson, Maurice Samson In Memory of Beatrice Foster, Sylvia Koppel In Memory of Ann Rudman, Ronald Rudman In Memory of Bernard Mezey, Gail Simpson
Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund
In Memory of Ira Goldberg, Susan Goldberg
Inbar Israel Travel & Education Scholarship Fund
David Yodkovik, In memory of Leila Yodkovik, in our hearts forever, Freda & Paula & the Salpeter family Maurie Samson, Sorry for your loss, in memory of Sam Samson, Dorothy Rosengard
Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Emil Altenburg Lipnick, Myrna Stelman In Memory of Anny Levin, Barbara Shannon
Tzedakah Fund
In Memory of Lillian Bettman Kluber, Lou Kluber In Memory of Abraham Goldstein, Susan Cohen In Memory of Myer Greenberg, Janis Leshnov
Sisterhood Torah Fund
Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund
Ann Moore Ross, Condolences to you and your family, Janice Orlowski Irwin Haas & family, Our sincere condolences, Lynne & Stan Rosen & family In Memory of Sylvia Mahler, Dr. Harvey Mahler In Memory of Marcia Marks, Sandra Reuben & Kenneth Marks In Memory of Pauline Herskovits, Evey Liebman
Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
Scholar-in-Residence Fund
Ben Racowsky, In honor, The Label and Orlin family Ann Ross, Our deepest sympathy, Barbara & Rick Rosenberg Silverstein Humanitarian Fund In Memory of Manuel Label, Dr. Lorne Label In Memory of Bernie Silverstein, Richard Saly In Memory of Sylvia Weissman, Dr. Charles Cooper In Memory of Bernie Silverstein, Ellen Levitt In Memory of Bernard L. Samson, Maurice Samson In Memory of Abraham H. Samson, Maurice Samson Jack Kirby Memorial Fund In Memory of Seymour Axelrad, Dr. Kevin Axelrad In Memory of Manuel Label, Dr. Lorne Label In Memory of Evelyn Gould, Larry Gould In Memory of Herman David Crane, Linda Kulik
Dunaier Music Fund
In Memory of Herman Dunaier, Howard Dunaier In Memory of Benjamin Elbling, Ronald Elbling In Memory of Lucille Deutsch, Frances Deutsch
Barbara and Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund
In Memory of Leon Noel Blaugrund, Ferne Blaugrund In Memory of Louis Bigley, Ferne Blaugrund
In Memory of Jack Treger, Shirley Lipkini Men’s Club, In appreciation of your support, Nanette & Jeff Sigel
Sisterhood Tribute Cards
Sydelle Goodman, Grandaughter’s wedding, Shirley and Alan Lipkin Steve and Ann Ross, In memory of Steve’s Father, Shirley and Alan Lipkin Dr. and Mrs. Leeland Shapiro, In honor of new grandson, Shirley and Alan Lipkin
*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.
machar community garden project
Sunday, February 28th 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM elp Machar (K,1,2) create a serene scene in our TEC Community Garden. Grab your tools and join us for this fabulous community Tu b’Shevat project. We are looking for volunteers and donations (tools, dirt, seeds, plants, fruit trees) to help make this a success. Email the Youth Department at youth@templeetzchaim.org or call (805)494-3648 to volunteer. L’dor v’dor, from one generation to another.
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Preschool
The Preschool Welcomes Grandparents This Month Debbie Blumenthal, Director of Early Childhood Education debbieb@templeetzchaim.org
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hen a child is born, several important relationships are created—including the relationship between grandparent and child. Like all relationships, the actual nature of the grandparent/grandchild relationship is ever-changing from that moment on. The beauty of the grandparent-child relationship is that children can benefit from the wisdom of their elders, develop a sense of respect, compassion and caring for the elder generation. It also helps children learn from experience that aging is an acceptable process. Every year the ECE staff and I consider the month of February to be Grandparent Month around our preschool. During the month we want to encourage quality interactions by involving the grandparents for one day during the month in the children’s preschool activities. Grandparents love to see life through the eyes of a child. From block building, challah baking, painted handprints, singing Shabbat songs, to having lunch together, each of these moments will be precious memories for both the children and their grandparents! Even
the children without a grandparent or guest easily connect and engage with other adults and have a great time on these days. It really fills the school with lots of love seeing the children engaging with their grandparents.
USY
Community Projects With USY Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org
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t’s February already, where has the time gone? Machar is really coming into its own; we are so proud of our K,1,2 crew and all of their accomplishments, most recently making 100 care packages for the homeless! Are you in need of a night out with your friends? Let’s get pumped for Pump It UP on 2/21!! Everyone is invited to this event. Our KHK (Kids Helping Kids) group is teaming up with Casa Pacifica to work with a local foodshare, packaging and sorting foods for the community. The second opportunity is USY SATO (Social Action/Tikkun Olam) Bake Sale! Calling all 8th-12th graders, it’s time for Into The Night! Sign up now for a wild ride around town on 2/20. The party starts at 8pm and ends 8am on 2/21. Got Camp? TEC’s Camp Fair is on 2/28 at 11:40 am for all parents interested in finding out about some great summer opportunities for your kids! The theme for Machar this month is Tu B’shevat and our activity is planting in our community garden. We would love some help with this project. As always feel free to email or call the
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Youth Department for any details on events and activities as well as any questions you may have about getting involved! youth@templeetzchaim.org or (805)494-3648. February Events: 02/02: 6:15 pm- 7:45 pm Jr/Sr lounge 02/03: 5:45-7:45pm KHK “Food Share” Community Project 02/07: SATO (Social Action/Tikkun Olam) Bake Sale 02/09: 6:15 pm- 7:45 pm Kadima/Jr Israeli Dance Lounge 02/16: 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Jr/Sr 02/20: 8pm- 8am “into the night” 8th grade-12th grade 02/21 11:30- 1:15 pm Kadima/Jr/Sr “Pump it up” 02/28 “Camp Fair” 02/28 11:30-1:15 Machar - Community garden planting project- Tu b’shevat
upcoming events
Say Shalom 02/05/2016 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.
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. Tefillin available to borrow.
Poker Tournament/ Casino Night 02/06/2016 7 PM Social Hall
Poker Tournament and Casino Night with more than $1,000 in prizes. Casino includes poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. Poker Tournament - $100 Casino - $25. Includes two drink tickets and refreshments.
Bake Sale 02/07/2016 11:30 AM Front Gate Got snacks? Help support SATO (Social Action/Tikkun Olam) by bringing a little something extra with you to Religious School on Sunday the 7th to buy goodies from TEC USY. What’s SATO? It’s a program where USY’ers come up with different opportunities for our community to raise money for Charity. Email youth@templeetzchaim.org or call (805) 494-3648 for more details.
Men’s Night Out 02/07/2016 6 PM 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.
Scholar-in-Residence 02/19 - 02/21/2016
Senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer Robert Silverman “The Middle East Today; A Diplomat’s View from a Career in Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Cairo, and Baghdad.” Please join us on the following dates for presentations and discussions with Mr. Silverman: Shabbat service: Fri.,Feb. 19th, 7:30 PM Shabbat morning service: Sat., Feb. 20, 10:00 AM Keynote: Sat., Feb. 20, 7:30 PM. $15 per person / $28 couple Brunch: Sun., Feb. 21, 9:30 AM $10 general admission / $8 Men’s Club Members
Havdallah and Hot Dogs 02/27/2016 5:30 PM Sanctuary and Social Hall Enjoy Havdallah service together & a Hot dog dinner, too! Experience “Shabbat Village.” Hot dog dinner served promptly 5:30pm-6:15pm followed by Havdallah Service and evening program/festivities. $7.00 per member, $12.00 per non-member. Children under two free. Mail your reservation with your check to: Temple Etz Chaim (Please note Havdallah and Hot Dogs on your envelope).
Camp Fair 02/28/2016 11 AM - 12:30 PM Social Hall Do you know what camp you want your child to go to this summer? Are you interested in trying something new? Join us to meet representatives from: JCA Shalom, Wilshire Blvd, Camp Ramah, Camp Alonim, and TEC Summer Smash. Hear about what they have planned for your kids, collect some camp swag, and start the path to awesome summer memories!
Jewish Humor with Jon Dobrer 03/08/2016 7 PM Social Hall Sisterhood invites you to an evening of fun and laughter. Jon Dobrer will be entertaining us with 100 years of Jewish humor. Look for the flyer for details. Make reservations with Linda Wallace at howlinwall@gmail.com or call 805 523-8052 no later than March 1, 2016. 7
Religious School
#BeJewish24/7 Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Education Joyce@templeetzchaim.org
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s I write this article, I look forward with great anticipation to celebrating with everyone as TEC recognizes me for serving as Director of the Religious School for the past 20 years. At this point, I know nothing about the “plans” for either the Shabbat Service or the “Gala.” I am eager to share with you my reactions to this special weekend in my March article. Please save the date! Havdallah and Hotdogs, our annual family extravaganza, will take place on February 27th. This year’s theme is “#BeJewish24/7.” There will be many exciting activities for both children and adults. Please complete the reservation form on TEC website, and return it to the Religious School office! There’s no time like the present we don’t want any of our families missing out on this great event! Please note that the hot dog dinner will be served from 5:30 pm-6:15 pm before the beautiful Havdallah service led by Rabbi Spiegel and Hazzan Pablo. Thank you to Susan Kane and Karen Garelik, who worked with me to plan this
memorable evening. Programs such as Havdallah and Hot Dogs leave an incredible imprint on our children. We hope that everyone will be able to join us. L’hitraot Joyce Bronstein
We proudly congratulate our bat mitzvah Risa Goldstein
02-13-2016 I am in 7th grade at Sycamore Canyon Middle School. There, I am involved in Builder’s Club, which helps underprivileged children in my community. In my spare time I like spending time with friends and playing with my dog, Dutch. I have been attending Temple Etz Chaim since I was 8-months old. TEC is one of my favorite places besides Camp Alonim. I am looking forward to sharing my Bat Mitzvah with my family and peers. I would like to thank my parents for all their love and support during this process and my tutor Ed Jotkowitz for his patience teaching me my Haftorah.
RSVP by Friday, February 12, 2016 - Your payment confirms your reservation!
Havdallah and Hot Dogs This Year’s Theme: #BeJewish24/7 Saturday, February 27, 2016, 5:30 PM
Featuring exciting crafts and activities for the whole family! Enjoy Havdallah together & a Hot Dog dinner, too! All this and more for only $7 per person! Experience “Shabbat Village.”
We sincerely thank an anonymous donor for sponsoring “Havdallah and Hot Dogs.”
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poker tournament
Saturday February 6, 2016 7:00 PM RSVP by January 29*
Poker Tournament $100
(*$2,500 in chips if paid by January 29 $2,000 at the door)
Casino Night $25
(*$1,500 in chips if paid by January 29 $1,000 at the door)
Includes 2 Drink Tickets and Refreshments *Payment must be received by January 29. Full tournament rules at www.templeetzchaim.org
passover community seder
FAMILY PESACH SECOND NIGHT SEDER Led by Rabbi Richard Spiegel & Hazzan Pablo Duek
Saturday April 23, 2016 6:30 PM
Adults $55/each Children (6-12) $30/each Children (3-5) $18/each RSVP deadline: Monday, April 11th
Dinner catered by Nana’s Catering 10
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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 Howard Pollak, VP Religion and Worship 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.
Purim carnival
Purim
Planning Meeting: FEBRUARY 9th 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
CARNIVAL
Sunday, March 20th 11:30 am-3:30pm
Find out about scheduled activities, ticket pre-sale, sponsorships, volunteering, hamentashen and more‌
Donnors needed for silent auction! If you have access to sporting events, memorabilia, restaurant gift cards, please email youth@templeetzchaim.org
* All donors will be included in the Purim Carnival program! * All donations are tax deductible!
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If you have any questions, please contact the Youth Department at youth@templeetzchaim.org or (805) 494-3648
ETZetera is published monthly by Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360