Etzetera - February 2017

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 Inside ETZetera

February 2017 Shevat/Adar 5777 LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH 3 RABAH Calendar HAVERIM TODAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TO5 Contributions RAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TOLaurence Harris, Executive Director DAH RABAH ETZ CHAIM 7 TEMPLE Upcoming Events laurence@templeetzchaim.org COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN alling All Congregants….During the weekend of February 24th-26th, Temple 8 B’Nai Mitzvah TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH Etz Chaim is hosting 150 amazing Jewish teenagers to study, pray, socialize and TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY have fun together. You can be part of this incredible experience. You can be part FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAV- of this weekend in many ways.

ERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ Choice #1- House some of these fabulous teenagers during the weekend. It would CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP involve having them sleep in your house for two nights, driving them a few times to TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH the Temple and providing breakfast and dinner on Saturday. The teenagers do not need RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COM- beds…just a room to sleep in (they bring sleeping bags).

MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM Choice #2- Join us all for Friday night/Saturday morning/Sunday morning services LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH led by the teenagers. These services will be uplifting, spiritually engaging and full of HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP ruach!

TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH Choice #3 – Help volunteer anytime during the weekend as a chaperone, food server, FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH driver, etc.

RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMPlease send an email to Shannon Tepfer at youth@templeetzchaim.org or call her MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH at 805-494-3648 to extend your hand in friendship and hospitality to our Jewish Youth HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIEND- coming to Temple Etz Chaim – We are counting on you!

SHIP 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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Calling All Congregants

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From the Rabbi

The Good Work Israel is Doing for the Holy Land Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org

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s we begin the year 2017, the universe feels very unsettled.

We are worried about the entire world: about Israel, about America, about peace, about security, about maintaining freedom, and about financial well-being. We need some good news with no hesitation.

This month we celebrate the glorious Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat—the New Year for the trees. As a child, that meant for me that I could plant a tree in Israel for $2. Today, Tu B’Shevat is our Jewish Earth Day. Israel, proudly, is leading the way in technology which helps the environment. Consider these uplifting facts: • Over 83% of Israeli homes use solar energy for hot water, the highest percentage in the world.

• Israel is the first country to host a national electric car network.

• Israel’s reverse osmosis facility in Ashkelon is the world’s largest water desalinization plant.

• Israel treats 92% of its wastewater and reuses 75% in agriculture, the highest rate in the world.

• An Israeli company pioneered the use of drip irrigation in agriculture, helping to implement it throughout the developing world.

• Thanks to balanced diets and the latest scientific innovations, Israeli

cows produce more milk per cow than any other in the world.

• An Israeli company based in a religious kibbutz is the world’s largest producer of natural pesticides.

• Israeli scientists developed a bacteria that “eats” petroleum, helping to clean up oil spills on land and sea.

• Israel is the only country that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees. Even more remarkably, in an area that is mainly desert. In the past 50 years. Israel has planted over 260 million trees.

Not only is Israel an international leader in environmentalism, but they are known for sharing their technology with countries throughout the world, particularly in the third world where these innovations are literally saving lives through clean drinking water, improved agricultural practices, and more.

So while we worry about so many matters, let us take heart from the progress that Israel (surrounded by violent neighbors) continues to make. On Tu B’Shevat, let us continue to plant trees in Israel and to recognize the good work that Israel is doing for the Holy Land and for the entire planet.

membership

Join Us for “Bless Your Heart Shabbat” Kendra Jones, VP of Membership membership@templeetzchaim.org

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reetings, Members!

I am happy to report that we kicked off January with a warm welcome to new members!

We had a full house with over 90 members, including 15 new member families for Say Shalom. The evening began with Rabbi Spiegel welcoming new members and leading prayers. Hazzan Pablo then invited us to all join in a circle and we sang the familiar Shabbat melodies we all love. Aaron Brentwood came away with a large jar of candy, and Hannah Shulman received a lovely blue orchid.

We had a delicious dinner full of Israeli and pasta dishes to choose from followed by evening services where all new members were invited to the bima for honors!

Our next Say Shalom event is on Friday, February 3rd at 7:00 PM, and is themed “Bless Your Heart Shabbat.” Come by

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and learn CPR. Light snacks and drinks will be served.

Also, mark your calendars for our “Gratitude” Say Shalom event on Friday, June 2nd at 7:00 PM. This event will be a dinner recognizing our Temple volunteers and all of the excellent work they do.

I am also in the process organizing more member events.

So please stay tuned – more community fun is around the corner!

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Calendar

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday

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F ebruary 2017 wednesday

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Enjoyable, ongoing class that welcomes new participants anytime.

Tuesday Mornings, 10:00 am —11:00 am at the Cohen Library Annual fee of $25.

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7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

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8:30 AM Minyan 8:30 AM World Wide Wrap 9:45 AM Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 11 AM Camp Open House

7:15 PM Minyan

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo 7 PM JNET

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8:30 AM Minyan 9:45 AM Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 10:30 AM Scholar-inResidence Brunch

7:15 PM Minyan

8 AM Lifeline Health Screening 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi

7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

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9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7 PM Choir 7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

Lincoln’s Birthday

19 8:30 AM Minyan 9:45 AM Adult B’nai Mitzvah class 10:30 AM Men’s Club Speaker and Brunch

26 USY Kinnus Weekend 8:30 AM Minyan 9:30 AM Congregational Meeting 9:45 AM Adult B’nai Mitzvah class

Presidents’ Day

10 AM Maya Zilberstein Bat Mitzvah 11 AM Caregiver Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7 PM Book Club

Washington’s Birthday

Candle Lighting 5:10 PM

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7 PM Say Shalom 7:30 PM Bless Your Heart Shabbat Services

Candle Lighting 5:17 PM

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9:30 AM Preschool Tu B’Shevat Planting 6 PM Scholar-inResidence Dinner 7:30 PM Shabbat Services Candle Lighting 5:23 PM

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7:30 PM Shabbat Services

Candle Lighting 5:30 PM

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USY Kinnus Weekend 7:30 PM Shabbat Services

Administrative Office, Preschool and Religious School Closed

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saturday

Women of TEC Gift Shop regular hours: Monday through Thursday: 2 PM - 5 PM Sunday: 10 AM - Noon Gift Shop also offers “shop by appointment.”

Please call the Temple office to arrange.

Tuesdays with Rabbi led by Rabbi Spiegel

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Bo Exodus 10:1-13:16 H: Jeremiah 46:13-28

10 AM Asher West Bar Mitzvah 10 AM Shabbat Services

Tu B’Shevat Beshalah Shabbat Shira Exodus 13:17-17:16 H: Judges 4:4-5:31

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10 AM Shabbat Services 10 AM Shabbat Morning J.A.M. in the Wolfson 7 PM Scholar-in-Residence Reception

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Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23 H: Isaiah 6:1-13; 7:1-6, 9:5-6

10 AM Shabbat Services 10 AM Kevin Longobart Bar Mitzvah 5 PM Sophia Heirshberg Bar Mitzvah

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Shabbat Shekalim Mishpatim Exodus: 21:1-24:18 Maftir: Exodus 30:11-16 H: II Kings 12:1-17

USY Kinnus Weekend 10 AM Shabbat Services 6 PM Religious School Party

28 It is a mitzvah to comfort those in mourning Join our Weekly Minyan Every Monday and Wednesday 7:15 pm Sundays 8:30 am

7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi 7:45 PM Men’s Club Board Meeting 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting

*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 Daniel MFUN att TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH LEARNING TORAH RABAHarnival TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM urim TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING Scholar -in- TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZarch th FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM and LEARNING TORAH avdalah ilm TZEDAKAHresidence HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN pril th TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN February TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TEMPLE ETZ 10CHAIM th-12thCOMMUNITY 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 3 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP

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women of Tec & Z’havah

Entertaining and Engaging Events Elissa Lazarus Sisterhood President, 2014-16 sisterhood@templeetzchaim.org

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omen of TEC had a Happy New Year gathering in early January at Ciscos in Westlake Village.

Coming up in March will be Big Band Night on March 6th at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks.

Even if you don’t want to dance, come have drinks, dinner and enjoy the great music.

Sunday, March 5th will mark the 70th anniversary of Pacific Southwest Region of Womens League for Conservative Judaism and the 75th anniversary of Torah Fund. The all-day event will be held at the AJU. The Annual Open WLCJ Board meeting will take place at the same time. Anyone interested in attending can contact me at womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org. Watch for further details.

March 17-18 will be Women of TEC/Mens Club Shabbat.

It is always a beautiful, spiritual weekend. Get involved! Make your membership count!

Z’Havah 3rd annual “Night of Chocolate” Date: Thursday, February 9th Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Temple Etz Chaim - Adult Lounge Cost: $10 RSVP: zhavahtec@templeetzchaim.org by February 5th Get ready to learn about chocolate and treat yourself to delicious samples.

It’ll be a fun night and one your tastebuds will thank you for!

Not on the Z’havah evite list?

Send an email to zhavahtec@templeetzchaim.org today!

LOOKING FOR CAMP/ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIPS? We have an app for that! Women of TEC offers scholarships for Jewish summer camp and youth trips to Israel. Applications and guidelines for applying are available on the Temple website https://templeetzchaim.org/community/sisterhood/scholarship_fund Deadline for submitting applications is March 19, 2017.

Any questions? Contact Helene Sicherman at WomenofTEC@templeetzchaim.org.

Men’s Club

17th Annual Scholar-in-Residence Program Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President mensclub@templeetzchaim.org

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he month of February starts out on February 5, 2017, when we will be participating in the FJMC’s seventh annual WORLD WIDE WRAP. We invite our entire TEC community to participate with us and fellow Jews across the globe in the World Wide Wrap and share with us in this Mitzvah.

Then we roll right into our 17th Annual TEC Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Program February 10-12, with Dr. Daniel C Matt for an engaging weekend of discovery around “The Kabbalah on God, Torah, and Creation.” Among other accolades, Dr. Daniel Matt is the author of The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, a groundbreaking translation and commentary on the crown jewel of Jewish mysticism. Be sure to join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as you won’t want to miss a day as Dr. Matt challenges us on Kabbalah’s mystical meanings of the Torah. A big Todah Rabah to all the SIR Sponsorship contributors and Volunteers who help to keep this an annual tradition and help support bringing world-class speakers and Scholars to our community.

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Contributions to our synagogue We record with sincere appreciation the following donations:

Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund

Myles and Gail Simpson and Family, Condolences, Ken Elfand Myles and Gail Simpson, Condolences, Liz and Ron Groden Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for the honor, Dorothy Rosengard Rabbi Spiegel, In appreciation, Linda and Carl Friedlander In Memory of Leo Mahler, Harvey Mahler In Memory of Jylian Mendelson, Beau Mann Susan Bernstein, Condelences, Liz and Ron Groden Rabbi Spiegel, In appreciation, Mark and Heidi Birnbaum In Memory of Helen Perel, Israel Perel In Memory of Louis Weiss, Ben Racowsky In Memory of Sylvia Samson In Memory of Joseph Markowitz, Bonnie Garfinkel In Memory of Ann Rudman, Ronald Rudman In Memory of my grandson, David Bray, Sarah Olsen In Memory of Aaron Zilberstein, Darryl Zilberstein In Memory of Nyman Shanblum, Marilyn Wroobel In Memory of Sarah Wank, David Wank In Memory of Sigmund Gubner, Michael Gubner In Memory of Maury Samson, Dorothy Rosengard In Memory of Bonnie Rothman’s brother, Susan Bernstein In Memory of Albert Bernstein, Susan Bernstein Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for maintain the Torahs, Debra and Jay Levine In Memory of Susan Benjamin, Jonathan Benjamin Donald Samson and Karen Samson Smith, Condolences on the loss of Maurie Samson, Liz and Ron Groden

Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund

In Memory of my grandson, David Bray, Sarah Olsen Sarah Olsen, Condolences, Liz and Ron Groden Hazzan Duek, Thank you for your support, Linda and Carl Friedlander In Memory of Hilda Presser, Francine Finkelstein In Memory of Doris Levine, Gary Levine In Memory of Rachel Levy, Daniel Levy In Memory of Josephine Berman, Cynthia Urbach In Memory of Susan Benjamin, Jonathan Benjamin Hazzan Duek, Thank you for all of your spirit, Heidi and Mark Birnbaum In Memory of Marcel Mendel Perel, Israel Perel In Memory of Anne Platt, Ronald Groden In Memory of Cecilia Friedman, Marvin Friedman In Memory of Tom Sneed, Judy Sneed Robyn Lazarus, Condolences on the loss of Janet Fink, Liz and Ron Groden

Temple General Fund

Myles and Gail Simpson, Condolences, Marshall and Cindy Scherr In Memory of Lisa O’Brien, Myles and Gail Simpson Myles and Gail Simpson, Condolences, Susan and Allen Kanner In Memory of Betty Honigsberg, Max Honigsberg In Memory of Regina Munowitz, Gloria and Irwin Katz In Memory of Nadine Lavi, Ray Lavi Gail and Myles Simpson, Condolences, Rebeccah and David Schwartz In Memory of Aristides Saiez, Rebeccah and David Schwartz In Memory of Lisa O’Brien, Judy Sneed In Memory of Seymour Feldman, Sarah Olsen Gail and Myles Simpson, With sympathy, Rick and Barbara Rosenberg

Religious School Fund

In Memory of Beatrice Speiser, Robin Goldfinger In Memory of Abraham Goldstein, Susan Cohen In Memory of David Maultasch, Barry Maultasch In Memory of Saul Abrams and Annette Abrams, Allan Abrams Joyce Bronstein, Thank you, Linda and Carl Friedlander Ian Simpson, Deepest sympathies, Lesley and Mitchell Schneider Gail and Myles Simpson, Deepest sympathies, Lesley and Mitchell Schneider In Memory of Susan Benjamin, Jonathan Benjamin In Memory of Elvin Greene, Beth Perel Joyce Bronstein and Sarah Karamas, Thank you, Heidi and Mark Birnbaum

In Memory of Abram Avremel Perel, Israel Perel In Memory of Manuel Label, Lorne Label In Support, Morris and Dale Brill In Memory of Elisa Feldman, Karen Sugarman The Simpson Family, Condolences, Ed Jotkowitz and Evie Alpert

Jack Kirby Memorial Fund

In Memory of Anna Zerlin, Lenore Feldman

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Lillian Bettman Kluber, Lou Kluber Susan Bernstein, Condolences, Dorothy Rosengard Susan Bernstein, Condolences, Bonnie Rothman

Dunaier Music Fund In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of

Jacquelyn Elbling, Ronald Elbling Sylvia Elbling, Ronald Elbling Lillian Wolfe, Ronald Elbling Lucille Deutsch, Frances Deutsch

Barbara and Harvey scherr memorial fund

In Memory of Dora Bigley, Ferne Blaugrund

Scholar-in-Residence Fund

In Memory of Norma Smith, Andrew Smith In Memory of Lisa O’Brien, Linda and Carl Friedlander

Sisterhood Torah Fund

Lucille and Bernard Rest, Reva Kern Lowell Benjamin, Lisa Benjamin Celia Greene, Beth Perel Joseph Helfand, Stan Helfand Sylvia Mahler, Harvey Mahler Murray Gilman, Janice and Manny

In Memory of my grandson, David Bray, Sarah Olsen Gail and Myles Simpson, Condolences, Caroline and Neil Bordofsky In Memory of Sophie Tenenbaum, William Tenenbaum In Memory of Katherine Spero, Lynda Kessler In Memory of Marcia Marks, Kenneth Marks, Judy Sneed In Memory of Bernie Silverstein, Gari and Richard Saly In Memory of Wilma Saly, Gari and Richard Saly

Warren Bodow, Janice and Manny

Silverstein Humanitarian Fund

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of In Memory of Perlman In Memory of Perlman

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

Lipnick Relgious School Scholarship Fund

In Memory of June Cher, The Mavin Chavurah In Memory of Bertha Winterstein, Susan Goldberg In Memory of Lillian Gurien, Harvey Gurien

In Memory of Joseph (Bernie) Silverstein, Ellen Levitt

Caring Connections

Sheri and Jeff Schoenwald, Thank you for your donation in helping provide our care packages Warren Family, Thank you for sponsoring the Celebrate Life Shabbat Theme Service

*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.

Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 26th, 9:30 AM We will be voting on a new Slate of Officers.

Please make a note of the date and plan to attend our congregational meeting.

Israel Unity Day - Sunday, February 5, 2017 A day of Untiy for Israel for Jewish Teens in Grades 8-12 in the Conejo Valley.

Unite and show support for Israel on 9:30 AM - Registration & Refreshments 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Program Chabad of North Ranch 1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite C2

Visit israel200.com 5

Preschool

The Relationship Between Grandparent and Child 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.

In our early childhood environment here at Temple Etz Chaim, we value the connection between children and grandparents, and children and the elderly in general.

Children who learn from a young age to care for others end up growing into caring adults. Just like caring for pets, or giving to the needy, caring for the elderly can have a longlasting influence on the character development of children.

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. It really fills the school with lots of love seeing the children engaging with their grandparents. This year we are inviting Grandparents to join us on Friday, February 17th for a day of fun with the children!

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Open Your Homes to the Best Teens Around Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

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e need wonderful families like yours to open up your homes to some of the best teens around! We are hosting a teen weekend at Temple Etz Chaim on the weekend of February 24-26 and are looking for housing for up to 200 teens. Host families are responsible for: •Picking up the kids from TEC on February 24 after Shabbat dinner and services •Feeding the kids breakfast Saturday morning •Driving them to TEC Saturday morning •Pick up at TEC and feeding them dinner Saturday night •Driving them to an event location in Westlake Village on •Saturday night and pick up at 11:30pm •Feeding them breakfast Sunday morning and driving them back to TEC with all of their luggage.

We need volunteers for: •Friday Shabbat dinner set up/shopping/cooking/serving/ clean up •Sunday activities table set ups/ running the stations/break down of the stations

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These teens travel all over the west coast to different Temples for awesome weekend experiences and to meet the different people in the Jewish communities that are hosting.

We know that with your help, this weekend will be a great success and definately one that you and these kids will remember always. Thank you so much for your support!

February Events: 2/5 Camp Fair - 11:00-12:30 2/5 Machar - 11:30-1:15 2/7 Kadima Lounge - 6:15-7:45 2/14 USY Lounge - 6:15-8:15 2/17 Shabbat Dinner - 6:30-8:30 2/24-2/26 Sr USY Kinnus

Camp Fair Join us on February 5th 11:00am-12:30pm on the Warren Lawn (Wolfson if it’s raining) We will have many Jewish Summer Camps available to speak with you and your children about their summer activities.

upcoming events

“Bless Your Heart Shabbat” 02/03/2017 7:30 PM Sanctuary In honor of American Heart Month, please join us for “Bless Your Heart” Shabbat services. Prior to Shabbat services, the Ventura County Emergency Medical Services Agency will provide a special hands-on CPR lesson at 7:00 PM during “Say Shalom, Save a Life.” Open to the community. Please wear red in honor of American Heart Month

“Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas” Informational Meeting 02/05/2017 9:30 AM & 02/07/2017 7:30 PM Wolfson Informational meetings about the “Guess Who is Coming to Shabbas” Friday night dinner program. The event will explain the details for hosting and the duties that hosting entails.

Scholar-in-Residence 02/10/2017 - 02/12/2017

17th Annual Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Weekend.

Professor Daniel C. Matt, “How the Kabbalah Understands God, Torah, and Creation.” Everyone is welcome!

RSVP and further information: mensclub@templeetzchaim.org • (805) 497-6891

Shabbat Morning J.A.M. 02/11/2017 10:00 AM Wolfson Join us at this fun-filled Tu B’Shevat and kibbutz-themed Shabbat morning program focused on families with children ages 2-8, led by Hazzan Pablo Duek and educator Steve Ormond. We will participate in singing, dancing, storytelling and more! Complimentary lunch is also served.

Caregiver Support Group 02/20/2017 11:00 AM Conference Room If you are caring for an aging loved one, then come to share!

Learn and get support in a safe group of other caregivers where tears are permitted, humor is encouraged, and hugs are easily accessible. Meets monthly - the third (3rd) Monday of every month.

TEC Book Club 02/21/2017 7:00 PM Conference Room

February: Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave March: The Muralist by B.A. Shapiro For information about TEC Book Club, contact Liz Groden via the Temple Office at (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org.

USY Kinnus 02/24/2017 - 02/26/2017 This weekend will be filled with magic and wonder! Join us at TEC to get started on your journey to empowerment, selfreflection, and life-changing experiences. We will have guest speakers, a fun Saturday night, and Israel programing!

Cost: $120. Get ready for a weekend to remember!

RSVP to youth@templeetzchaim.org.

Purim Carnival 03/12/17 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Silent auction, food, games, dunk tank, face painting, pie toss, bungee jumping, arts and crafts, puppy petting zoo, hamentashen, bounce houses, cotton candy, popcorn, Checkone2 entertainment and more. All tickets are $1.00.

How to Avoid Money Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft 03/15/2017 9:00 AM Social Hall Join us in the Social Hall with speakers Betty Berry and Charna Posin. Topics include: how to protect yourself from becoming a victim, hear some of the latest scams out there, how to recognize a scam, and more.

Free event and open to the community.

Havdalah and Film 04/08/2017 7:00 PM Sanctuary and Social Hall Havdalah service followed by the screening of “There are Jews Here,” an intimate look at four once-thriving American Jewish communities now fighting for survival. Reception with coffee to follow film screening along with a Q&A with Janet and Mickey Radman,who are featured in the film.

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Religious School

Religious School Celebrates Tu B’Shevat Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Eduation Joyce@templeetzchaim.org

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s we begin the month, Religious School students will be celebrating Tu B’Shevat.

Although Tu B’Shevat is known as “The New Year of the Trees,” its literal meaning is “the 15th day of the month of Shevat.” The Torah itself is called a “tree of life” as is our synagogue, Temple Etz Chaim. Trees are a symbol of life and rebirth. The act of planting a tree represents an investment in the future. In Israel, when our ancestors first observed this holiday, Tu B’Shevat fell at the time of year when trees seemed to be born, or to come to life. Years ago, our ancestors also realized that things that grow, such as flowers and trees, are very important to all human beings. Although Tu B’Shevat is not mentioned in the Bible, in ancient times it was the custom to plant a cedar tree for a new baby boy and a cypress tree for a girl.

The Jewish National Fund has traditionally made Tu B’Shevat a time in which Jewish people all over the world purchase trees to plant in Israel. Your children will be bringing home a packet which will give your family the opportunity to

plant trees in Israel. Please consider planting a tree in honor of a friend or relative or in memory of someone. Tu B’Shevat is an important time to consider our connection to the earth and the need to take care of it. Please support this worthwhile endeavor.

In a hot, dry country like Israel, trees make the difference between an unfriendly desert and a welcoming land. By holding the moisture in the soil, the roots of trees help many other plants grow. Our tradition teaches that when the Israelites entered Israel, G-d commanded them to plant trees. So, it became a tradition to plan trees on Tu B’Shevat.

It is especially important for all Jewish people to purchase trees in Israel to help the forests flourish.

We proudly congratulate our b’nai Mitzvot Asher West 02/04/2017

I’m Asher West, and I play Tenor Saxophone at Sinaloa M.S. I also perform the Bugle Calls in Boy Scouts. My hobbies include Builder’s Club and Mock Trial. For my Bar Mitzvah Project, I am working with the VFW Post 10049 and their Museum located at the Simi Valley Town Center, and help with collections for the V. A. They need new socks and undergarments. They also need gently used sport jackets and slacks. Any help is appreciated.

Kevin Longobart 02/18/2017

I’m a 7th grader at River Oaks Academy. I like reading Hebrew, studying the Torah, helping to lead Temple services, playing the guitar and singing with the TEC Choir. I enjoy doing volunteer work. For the past two years, I have been a volunteer at the Somis Food Pantry. I want to thank the Temple Etz Chaim family for their guidance and kindness. I am excited about my Bar Mitzvah, where I will be reading the Ten Commandments from the Parshah Yitro.

Sophia Heirshberg 02/18/2017

My name is Sophia Heirshberg, and I am a 7th grader at Redwood Middle School. I play the viola in the Redwood Orchestra, and I’m on an AYSO Challenge soccer club team for Camarillo. For my mitzvah project, I volunteered as a youth soccer referee for 6-8 year olds. I have been working hard preparing for my Bat Mitzvah.

I would like to thank my tutor Rivka Moscovitch and my family for their help and support.

Maya Zilberstein 02/20/2017

My name is Maya Zilberstein, and I’m a 7th grader at Medea Creek MS. I love spending time with family & friends, being around animals, art, and volleyball. Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is an important milestone for me.

I want to thank my tutor Marv Friedman, Rabbi Spiegel, and Hazzan Pablo for all of their support. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for always encouraging me on this exciting journey.

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Purim Megillah Reading and shpiel

Purim Shpiel

Saturday, March 11, 2017 7:45 PM

Please come join us for a great night of fun and wine beginning with the Megillah reading at 6:30 PM followed by the Purim Shpiel.

Piano Man Uptown Girl This year we will be telling the Purim story according to Honesty Allentown She’s always a woman

Billy Joel

Do you have singing and acting skills? Volunteers needed (no experience necessary) for the Purim Shpiel. Contact Hazzan Pablo at hazzanpablo@ templeetzchaim.org or Rebecca at rebecca@templeetzchaim.org to sign up.

Guess who is coming to shabbas?

Guess Who is Coming to Shabbas?

Friday, March 24th and Friday, May 12th There’s a new program starting at Temple Etz Chaim and you’re already included!“Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas?” a program that partners congregants with one another for Shabbat dinners in their own homes, kicks off on Friday evening, March 24th. We want to help our members get to know each other and to create meaningful memories. We want to help foster these relationships and know that around the Shabbas dinner table is the perfect place to form and strengthen members’ connections with each other and their Judaism. There are many ways to host a successful Shabbat dinner, and we’ll provide guidelines so that it’s easy and fun! We only ask that you invite one or two Temple families with whom you’re not already close, and be open to making some new traditions.

Please attend one of our information sessions to find out more Sunday, Feb. 5th at 9:30 am and Tuesday, Feb. 7th at 7:30 pm, in the Wolfson; or email questions to guesswho@templeetzchaim.org.

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Bless your heart shabbat service In honor of American Heart Month…“Bless Your Heart” Shabbat Service and Say Shalom, Friday, February 3, 2017

“Say Shalom, Save a Life” - Kick off the evening with a special Hands-on CPR lesson. Learn CPR in 5 minutes…your life or someone else’s can depend on it!

7:00 - 7:30 PM Remembrance Hall

“Bless Your Heart” Shabbat service at 7:30 pm Join us for this heartfelt service wear Red in honor of American Heart Month Purim carnival

● Silent Auction ● Food ● Games ● Dunk Tank ● Face Painting ● Pie Toss ● Bungee Jumping ● Arts and Crafts ● Puppy Petting Zoo ● Hamentashen ● Bounce Houses ● Cotton Candy ● Popcorn ● Checkone2 entertainment and more…….

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Purim CARNIVAL

Sunday, March 12th 11:30am-3:30pm

All Tickets $1.00

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Temple Etz Chaim

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360 (805)497-6891

www.templeetzchaim.org Clergy

Rabbi Richard Spiegel Hazzan Pablo Duek Rabbi Emeritus Shimon Paskow

Administration

Laurence Harris, Executive Director Debbie Blumenthal, ECE Director Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director Dena Feingold, Media and Outreach Specialist

Board of Directors:

Sherri Finn, President Jeff Solomon, Executive Vice President Gary Katz, Immediate Past President Mark Zucherman, Men’s Club President Elissa Lazarus, Women of TEC President Larry Levine, Corresponding Secretary Lisa Eidman, Financial Secretary Debbie Cohen-Sitt, Recording Secretary Terri Zwicker, VP Adult Education Larry Slomowitz, VP Building and Grounds Brenda Kriger, VP Communications Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Jeff Sigel, VP Legal and Personnel Kendra Jones, VP Membership Jen Sonnenberg Rhim, VP Religious School Ken Leon, VP Ways and Means Amy B. Scop, VP Youth David Yodkovik, Treasurer Adam Ainley, Trustee Audit Wendy Margolis, Trustee Bingo Tami Wank, Trustee Community Outreach Steven Friedman, Trustee IT David Shechter, Trustee Strategic Planning Nanci Cooper, Past President Linda Friedlander, Past President Marshall Scherr, Past President Myles Simpson, Past President

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.

scholar-in-residence

Scholar-in-Residence

Professor Daniel C. Matt

February 10 - 12, 2017

How Kabbalah Understands God, Torah, and Creation

Friday, 2/10/17, 7:30 PM - Shekhinah: The Feminine Aspect of God Presentation during the Friday evening service. Oneg Shabbat following services.

Saturday, 2/11/17, 10:00 AM - The Mystical Meaning of Torah: How Kabbalah Understands Torah Shabbat morning drash. Kiddush lunch following services.

Saturday, 2/11/17, 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM - The Mystical Meaning of Torah: The Zohar on the Parasha of the Week The Zohar on Parashat Beshallah (which includes the splitting of the Red Sea, Miriam’s Song, and the attack of the Amalekites). Coffee and cookies.

Saturday, 2/11/17, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM - Raising the Sparks: How Kabbalah Understands God Havdalah, keynote address, and wine and cheese reception. $18 per person. Free for SIR sponsors. RSVP appreciated.

Sunday, 2/12/17, 10:30 AM - God and the Big Bang: How Kabbalah Understands Creation - Presentation and Sunday brunch. $10 per person. $8 for Men’s Club members. Free for SIR sponsors. RSVP appreciated.

Everyone is welcome! RSVP and further information: mensclub@templeetzchaim.org 12

ETZetera is published monthly by Temple Etz Chaim 1080 E. Janss Rd. Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360