Etzetera - June/July 2016 by Temple Etz Chaim

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 CHAIM COMInsideETZ ETZetera June/July 2016 Iyar/Sivan/Tammuz 5776 MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING 2TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH Shavuot Program HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM5 COMMUNITY FRIENDContributions SHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TOSherri Finn, Temple President RAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TO7 Upcoming Events president@templeetzchaim.org DAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN m ein Kemach ein Torah, “If there is no flour, there is no Torah.” This was the ancient 8 B’Nai Mitzvot OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN rabbis’ way of telling us that if we do not sustain our houses of learning economically, TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH we will not be able to maintain our learning of our sacred Torah. TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARN- The rabbi mentioned this quote to me at this time because a group of people in our ING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAV-Temple have truly taken this notion to heart. This spring, we are celebrating the 30th ERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIPanniversary of our Temple’s Thursday night Bingo. Bingo is, of course, a lot of fun for TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAHpeople of all ages ranging from our youngest children to our most senior adults. But at FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAHTemple Etz Chaim, Bingo has been a source of revenue that has enabled us to maintain our RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAMTemple and all of its many activities for the past 30 years. The work that our Bingo volunteers do is simply amazing. They run a huge game every LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZweek almost without flaw. They walk the floor of our social hall until their feet hurt taking CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAHcare of the players. They do public relations for our Temple. Our volunteers always have a FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAHsmile on their faces as they offer the warmest, friendliest, most enjoyable game anywhere. RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COM- Above all, our Bingo volunteers have worked hard to bring in an enormous sum of money MUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAMto keep our Temple going over the past three decades. So, thank you Bingo volunteers—past, LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLEpresent, and future—for all that you have done and continue to do to make Temple Etz ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIEND-Chaim the wonderful synagogue it is. Yasher koach for a job more than well done! 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

ETZ

etera

Thank You Bingo

From the Rabbi

You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself Rabbi Richard Spiegel rabbi@templeetzchaim.org

ecently in the Torah portion “Kedoshim,” we read one of the most famous verses in all of the Torah: “V’ahavta lirayecha kamocha,” (“You shall love your neighbor as yourself ”). These are beautiful words that teach us to love ourselves and from that love to reach out to others and love them as well. I thought of this mitzvah when Linda and I attended services at our neighbor, the United Methodist Church, this past month. I was there in order to represent our Temple and to offer some personal words in honor of Pastor Steve Peralta, who, after 10 years as their pastor, is being assigned to a different Methodist Church. At Temple Etz Chaim, we are truly fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors. We not only share a parking lot with the church, but even more, welcome a friendship that goes back over 50 years. The past 10 years, with Pastor Steve guiding as their spiritual leader, our relations with the church have been particularly close. He is, for me, a close friend, and I enjoyed each of the Thanksgiving services we led together

as well as many other cooperative endeavors. It was my honor and pleasure to speak at his service (and to give him a gift of a shofar) and to express the respect and warmth I feel personally toward him. Speaking of neighbors…I hope that you have noted the special event we are holding on the eve of Shavuot (Saturday, June 11th, beginning at 7:30 p.m.) along with Temple Adat Elohim. The Tikkun Leil Shavuot will be at our Temple and the study session will focus on the 6th commandment: “Thou Shall Not Murder.” In particular, the discussion will center around capital punishment, and we will have a rabbi, a criminal court judge, and a defense attorney, who has defended a death row inmate, talk about their insights on this most important contemporary matter. I hope to see you there with our neighbors from Temple Adat Elohim.

tikkun leil shavuot Service, Study Session and Blintzes

Tikkun Leil Shavuot

Saturday, June 11th in the Chapel

A Special Night of Torah Study ~ Repairing the World One Letter of Torah at a Time Saturday, June 11th

Should Capitol Punishment Be Permitted? 7:30 p.m. - Erev Shavuot Service 8:00 p.m. - Introduction to a Tikkun 8:10 p.m. - The Jewish View of Capital Punishment: What does Judaism say about the morality and justness of capital punishment — Rabbi Dalia Samansky 8:45 p.m. - The Sixth Commandment states “Thou Shall Not Murder.” But how should we punish one who murders? Is capital punishment ever moral? Just? Proper? Hear from the perspectives of a judge and defense attorney who deal regularly with these issues in their professional lives. —Judge Karen Nudell and defense attorney Dan Kuperberg 9:30 p.m. - Delicious blintzes and other Shavuot Delicacies 2

T C F T L T F T H T T C F T

Calendar

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

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

8:30 AM Minyan 9:30 AM Carrie’s Going Away Party 9:30 AM Judaica Store Gift Shop Sale 11:30 AM Summerfest Shavuot

Shavuot Yizkor

8:30 AM Minyan 9:45 AM Congregational Meeting 11:30 AM Women of TEC Luncheon

5 PM Bingo

Candle Lighting 7:46

Candle Lighting 7:48

7 PM Book Club 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting

7:15 PM Minyan

Women of TEC Judaica Store Gift Shop Sale Sunday, June 5th 9:30 am - 1:00 pm Enjoy 20% off most Items

7:15 PM Minyan

9:30 AM Bereavement Support Group 7:15 PM Minyan 8 PM Cigars, Scotch, and Talmud

7:15 PM Minyan

friday

10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi

Summer Smash Camp Begins 10 AM Tuesdays with Rabbi

thursday

7:15 PM Minyan

8:30 AM Minyan 7:15 PM Minyan 10 AM 1st Day Shavuot 10 AM 2nd Day Shavuot Services Services with Yizkor 7:30 PM 10th Grade 7:30 Men’s Club Board Confirmation Services Meeting Temple Etz Chaim closed

8:30 AM Minyan

J une 2016 Candle Lighting 7:42

saturday

Behukotai Leviticus 26:3-27:34 H: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14

7 PM Say Shalom 10 AM Shabbat Services 7:30 PM Father’s Day 10 AM Tobias Taylor Shabbat Bar Mitzvah 5 PM Ethan Rinkov Bar Mitzvah

Erev Shavuot Bamidbar Numbers 1:1-4:20 H: Hosea 2:1-22

Naso Numbers 4:21-7:89 H: Judges 13:2-25

5 PM Bingo 6:30 PM JNET 7:30 PM Shabbat Services 10 AM Shabbat Services 10 AM Sofia Moscovitch Bat Mitzvah 7:30 PM Tikkun Leil Shavuot

7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

7:00 PM “Shabbat Under 10 AM Shabbat Services The Stars” Shabbat Service

Candle Lighting 7:50

Beha-Alotekha Numbers 8:1-12:16

H: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 9:30 AM Bereavement 5 PM Bingo Support Group 7:00 PM “Shabbat Under 10 AM Shabbat Services 7:15 PM Minyan Samuel Cher Bar Mitzvah The Stars” Shabbat 5 PM Joshua Berns in Israel Service Bar Mitzvah

7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

Shabbat Under the Stars Begins June 17th. Join us on the Warren Lawn every Friday in the Summer for an outdoor shabbat experience.

*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 CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM Tikkun Leil SETZ havuot TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING Service and S tudy Session FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH JuneFRIENDSHIP 11th Sign-U p nowFUN HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH 7:30 PMLEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH for Religious TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM HAVERIM TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH S chool June 5th,11:30 AM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM 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

Summer Fest

Calendar

Temple Etz Chaim Calendar of Events sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

J uly 2016

thursday

friday

Candle Lighting 7:50

Independence Day

Shelah-Lekha Numbers 13:1 - 15:41 H: Joshua 2:1-24

7:00 PM “Shabbat Under The Stars” Shabbat 10 AM Shabbat Services Service

Women of TEC Judaica Store Summer Hours On-Call Only

saturday

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan Temple Etz Chaim closed

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

Candle Lighting 7:46

Candle Lighting 7:43

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

Candle Lighting 7:49

6:30 PM Say Shalom 7:00 PM “Shabbat Under The Stars” Shabbat Service Emily Meyer to lead Friday Night Services

Korah Numbers 16:1-18:32 H: I Sameul 11:14-12:22

10 AM Shabbat Services

Hukkat Numbers 19:1-22:1 H: Judges 11:1-33

5 PM Bingo 6:30 PM JNET 7:00 PM “Shabbat Under 10 AM Shabbat Services The Stars” Shabbat Service

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan

7 PM Book Club 7:30 PM Executive Board Meeting

7:15 PM Minyan

5 PM Bingo

8:30 AM Minyan

7:15 PM Minyan B’Not Mitzvah of Isabella and Alexandra Appel, and Abigail Ebroon during Rabbi’s trip to Israel

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

5 PM Bingo

Balak Numbers 22:2-25:9 H: Micah 5:6-6:8

7:00 PM “Shabbat Under 10 AM Shabbat Services The Stars” Shabbat Service

Candle Lighting 7:30

Pinhas Numbers 25:10-30:1 H: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

7:00 PM “Shabbat Under 10 AM Shabbat Services The Stars” Shabbat Service

8:30 AM Minyan

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 CancerOLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN awareness OLAM LEARNING FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH support Tisha B’ATEMPLE v TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING Shabbat TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH Service August 14th TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM October 28th 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 4 TIKKUN OLAM LEARNING TORAH FUN TZEDAKAH HAVERIM TODAH RABAH TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP

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

Rabbi Richard Spiegel Discretionary Fund

Rabbi Spiegel, Thank you for my Pesach honors, Herbert Wexler In Memory of Lester Sachs, David Sachs Bonnie Rothman, Our deepest sympathy, Susan & Allen Kanner Bonnie Rothman, Condolences on the loss of Stan, Liz & Ron Groden In Memory of Bertha Malchick, Sandra Fine In Memory of Norman Malchick, Sandra Fine In Memory of Dora Borenstein, Jeffrey Borenstein In Memory of Israel Borenstein, Jeffrey Borenstein Dr. Ralph Weiss, In honor of your 90th birthday, Rick & Barbara Rosenberg Bonnie Rothman and Family, May Stan’s name be for a blessing, Phyllis & Saul Dankberg In Memory of Leonard Halpern, Joy Rosenberg In Memory of Sadie Alperson, Bonnie Garfinkel In Memory of Harry Rudman, Ronald Rudman In Memory of Michael & Mary Wexler, Herbert Wexler Mark Cher, Condolences on the loss of June Cher, Liz & Ron Groden In Memory of Claire Zelkowitz, Lawrence Storch In Memory of Eli Storch, Lawrence Storch In Memory of Yetta Storch, Lawrence Storch In Memory of Toby Yoskowitz, Lawrence Storch Rabbi Spiegel, With thanks, In memory of June Cher, Mark Cher In Support, Lou Schotland Rabbi Spiegel, With appreciation, Marla Dishman Wein Rabbi Spiegel, With appreciation, Dmitry & Laura Volshonok

Hazzan Pablo Duek Discretionary Fund

In Memory of Maurice Zealand, Helene & Michael Gollub In Memory of Myrtle Zealand, Helene & Michael Gollub In Memory of Selig Spero, Lynda Kessler In Memory of Max Portnoy, Ed Portnoy Howard Spanier, Sorry for your loss, we will miss Naomi too, Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky Wendy Halpert, Sorry to hear about your loss. Keep the good memories alive, Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky Hazzan Pablo, In appreciation for the beauty, warmth, love & soul you brought, Sandy Lasarow In Memory of Johnnie Bruun, Judy Sneed In Memory of Abraham Ratzan, Dr. Jerome Ratzan In Memory of Edward Bernstein, Shari Mark In Memory of Reba Stelman, Myna Stelman Mark Cher, Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky Marsha Rosenblum, Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky In Memory of Aghdass Harounian Safani, Shanna & Michael Safani Marla Wein & Family, In memory of your beloved mother, Aimee Grunseich Maurie Samson, Every day you should get better. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Dorothy Rosengard Wendy Halpert, Condolences on the loss of Betty Welch, Liz & Ron Groden Hazzan Duek, With thanks, in memory of June Cher, Mark Cher

Ritual Fund

Sherri, Jacob, Noah & Zachary Finn, In memory of Jeff Finn, Myrna Stelman

Temple General Fund

Sherri Finn and Family, Sincere condolences, Gloria & Dr. Irwin Katz The Finn Family, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Ellen Stahler The Finn Family, Our thoughts are with the family to keep Jeffrey’s memory alive, Toby & Jerry Penn

In Memory of Benjamin Weiss, Dr. Ralph Weiss In Memory of Charlotte Lichtmann, Martin Lichtmann Sherri Finn, With our deepest sympathy. We love you and we are here for you, Your Wood Ranch girlfriends Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Robert Merck Sherri Finn, In loving memory of dear Jeff, my MetLife colleague. He will always be remembered in my heart, Love, Kathryn Sherri Finn, In memory of Jeff Finn, Bunny Goodman Sherri Finn, In Jeff ’s memory, Michael Janov Sherri Finn and Family, May Jeff ’s memory be a blessing. Our hearts go out to you and your family, Lisa & Steven Millman Sherri Finn and Family, We’re sending our love and healing prayers to you and the family during this time of transition, Love, Jon, Nicole & Mark Braverman Sid Sherman, Hope your operation is a total success and all comes out well. Love you, Jerry Sherman Sherri Finn, In memory of Jeff Finn, Victor Garcia Sherri Finn, In memory of our dear friend Jeffrey Finn who we recently lost. May his memory be a blessing & may he rest in peace, Susan and Irwin Singer Sherri Finn, Our deepest condolences to Dr. Finn and his entire family, Genevieve Vo (a patient of Dr. Finn (brother to Jeffrey). Sherri Finn, Please accept my donation in memory of my most respected colleague at MetLife, Bill Markey Sherri Finn, In Jeff ’s memory, Love, Dee & Taya Radman Temple Etz Chaim, In honor of the Spring Blood Drive, our blood donors are heroes, Debra Levine Sherri Finn and Family, In memory of Jeffrey, Ann & Marvin Friedman Sherri Finn and Family, With deep condolences for your loss, Judy Sneed Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Arnold & Jacqueline Stern In Memory of Johnnie Bruun, Judy Sneed In Memory of Rachel Woinsky, Tziporah Lutzker In Memory of Aaron Gerson, Myron Funk In Memory of David King, Paul King Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Greg Hill Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Niaz Hakim, Lisette Martinez & Helen Berroya Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Mark & Meagan Braveman In Memory of Elliot Wax, Barbara Wax In Memory of Joe Shanblum, Marilyn Wroobel Sherri Finn and Family, In Memory of Jeff, The Polkes family Wendy Halpert and Family, In Memory of Betty Welch, The Polkes family Mark Cher, In Memory of June Cher, Jennifer Alterman Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Leland Shapiro In Memory of Morris Marks, Kenneth Marks In Memory of Jean Kanner, Allen Kanner Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeff Finn, Marla Choslovsky & Paul Greenberg

Ner Tamid Education & Community Center Fund

Sherri Finn and family, Condolences on your loss. We honor Jeff ’s loving nature, Larry & Dava Slomowitz

Barbara and Harvey scherr memorial fund

In Memory of Harvey J. Levine, Dr. Jerome Ratzan

Religious School Fund

Sherri Finn and Family, May Jeff ’s name be for a blessing, Phyllis & Saul Dankberg In Memory of Maurice L. Fine, Lila Oberman In Memory of William Horwitz, Doreen Horwitz In Memory of Jerry Schneider, Mitchell Schneider In Memory of Eva Maultasch, Dr. Barry Maultasch

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

Sherri Finn, My condolences, Sarah Orlin Bonnie Rothman, My condolences, Sarah Orlin

Wendy Halpert and Family, With deepest sympathy, Rick & Barbara Rosenberg In Memory of Rebecca Atterman, Denise Coleman In Memory of Celia Wolff, Nanci Cooper In Memory of Margaret Cooper, Dr. Charles Cooper In Memory of Morris Freed, Nomi Freed

USY Youth and Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Lillian Galatz, Arri Gubner In Memory of Morris M. Spitzer, Leonard Spitzer In Memory of Goldie Greenberg, My beloved Aunt, Bonnie Pomush

Early Childhood Education Fund

In Memory of Howard Landun, Doreen LandunQuerido Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeffrey Finn, Jeffrey Marconi In Memory of Jack Goldberg, Dr. Harvey Goldberg In Memory of Parvin Rostamian, Zoe Abdolrazagh In Memory of Bob Landun, Doreen Landun-Querido

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

Fannie Lind, Lynn Wallack Abraham Bass, Dr. Jerome Ratzan Ronald Levine, Elva Levine Julius Kaplan, Pauline Kaplan Julius Kaplan, Janet Kaller

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Eli Levine, Barbara Kluber In Memory of Blanche Kulik, Morry Kulik Bonnie Rothman, With love to you and your beautiful family, Susan M. Bernstein

Dunaier Fund

Mark, David, Michael, Dan & Ron Cher, On the loss of your wife & mother, Myrna Stelman Mark Cher and Family, In Memory of June Cher, Lynne & Stan Rosen In Memory of Frances Wroobel, Marilyn Wroobel

Inbar Israel Travel & Education Scholarship Fund

Sherri Finn and Family, Our deepest condolences on your loss. May Jeff ’s memory be a blessing, Cousins, Geoff, Debbie, Sarah & Evan In Memory of Albert Goldenberg, Bonnie Goldenberg

Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund

In Memory of Leslie Leo Bernick, Joan Bernick In Memory of Albert Nathanson, Lois Girsky

Lipnick Religious School Scholarship Fund In Memory of Yetta Edelstein, Judi Gill

Torah Fund

In Memory of Edna Gray, Sandy Tenenbaum In Memory of Louis Gray, Sandy Tenenbaum In Memory of Lillian Reuben, Sandra Reuben Sherri Finn and Family, With our deepest condolences, With love, The Rashba family In Memory of Ruth Rabin, Marcia Waldman In Memory of Mollie Chadroff, Sheila & Ed Chadroff

Sisterhood Tribute Cards

Wendy and Leslie Halpert, Loss of mother, Etta Weinstein Bonnie Rothman, Loss of husband, Etta Weinstein Susan and Alan Flaschner, Loss of son-in-law, Elissa and Steve Lazarus

Scholar-in-Residence Fund

In Memory of Allen Sigel, Jeffrey Sigel Sherri Finn & Family, In memory of Jeffrey Finn, Jeff & Nanette Sigel Gary Katz and Family, Condolences on the loss of Jeff who defined true friendship, Larry & Dava Slomowitz Sherri Finn, In Memory of Jeffrey, Helene Sicherman & Jay Hellinger Bonnie Rothman and Family, Our condolences, Lynne & Stan Rosen Mark Cher and Family, Condolences on the loss of June, Marc and Carole Firestone

Preschool

Sail Into Summer! Debbie Blumenthal, Director of Early Childhood Education debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

ur school year is ending and we are looking forward to summertime! Our 10-week summer camp program begins on June 20th with a week of “Summer Sports,” including water play, an obstacle course, PlayBall, soccer and t-ball. Each week following our activities will be centered on a theme such as Reptiles, Pirates & Princesses, Bubbles & Concoctions, Clowning around, and Pets to name a few. The children will explore woodworking, clay, bubbles, a puppy center, sailboat races, fishing fun, water slides, Great Chocolate Factory, and so much more. Congratulations to all our Pre-K and Gesher graduates! We are thankful to your parents for allowing us to share in your early childhood years with you, and we look forward to hearing about your successes as you “spread your wings” and take off for elementary school! We hope that you will remain or become members of Temple Etz Chaim Religious School so that we can be a part of your formal Jewish education in future years. Have a fun and safe summer!

Women of TEC & Z’Havah

Celebrating the Summer Elissa Lazarus, President, Women of TEC womenoftec@templeetzchaim.org

hen you receive this publication, it will be time to celebrate the summer. What better way than to join your friends and acquaintances at an end of the year event: Celebrate Summer 2016 with Women of TEC on June 26 at 11:30. We promise you a fun-filled afternoon featuring lunch, auction and raffles. You should already have your invitation. RSVP by June 10 to secure your place. See your invitation for further details. On June 7th our new Board will be installed. Please get involved. We need help on the Membership Committee to plan our annual lunch on September 25. Wendy Halpert will be VP of Programs and Education, and she has an exciting slate of programs and could use assistance. Get to know people by being on a committee. Volunteer a few hours a month in our Judaica Shop if retail is your thing. Remember, TEAM: together everyone achieves more! Women of TEC is for women of all ages and women at all stages!

Celebrate

2016 with

Women of TEC

Join Us for a Fun Filled Afternoon Featuring Lunch,Auction & Raffles Sunday, June 26, 11:30 AM Social Hall, TEC Cost $20.16 RSVP by June 10, 2016 by Sending Checks to: Women of TEC 1080 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Attn: Barbara Ungar

upcoming events

Say Shalom 06/03/2016 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. Future Say Shalom, July 8th in the Wolfson.

Father’s Day Shabbat 06/03/2016 7:30 PM Sanctuary Before you get bogged down with all those ties, come celebrate an early Father’s Day at a beautiful Shabbat service with special attention for the favorite dad or father figure in your life.

Carrie’s Going Away Party 06/05/2016 9:30 AM Social Hall TEC’s beloved Adminstrative Director is “Movin’ On Up” to Oregon! Join us in wishing her all the best for her future with a going-away party. Drop by to say goodbye. Sponsored by Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo, and the Board of Directors.

SummerFest 06/05/2016 11:30 AM Warren Lawn Family fun: Arts and crafts, waterslides, food, games, and so much more. Bring your family and bring your friends, and bring your swimsuit. We are also auctioning off four (4) Park Hopper Disneyland tickets. Membership Open House at SummerFest. Invite your friends and family to check us out!

Cigars, Scotch & Talmud! 06/08/2016 8 PM Warren Lawn Temple Etz Chaim’s Men’s Club Invites All Temple men (21+). Join us for the event you’ve been waiting for - Our Annual Season Finale Tradition….A lively Talmud discussion over scotch and cigars outside on the TEC Lawn. Bring your favorite cigar, and we’ll bring the scotch..(or BYOB and BYOC favorite to share).

Tikkun Leil Shavuot 06/11/2016 7:30 PM Sanctuary A Special Night of Torah Study: Repairing the World One Letter of Torah at a Time Shavuot Service followed by Panel Discussion “Thou Shalt Not Murder: Should the Death Penalty be Allowed?” featuring views from a judge, prosecutor and defense attorney.

1st Day of Shavuot Services 06/12/2016 10 AM Chapel Join us for festive Shavuot services as we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

10th Grade Confirmation 06/12/2016 7:30 PM Sanctuary Please join us as our confirmands lead a beautiful service.

2nd Day of Shavuot Services 06/13/2016 10 AM Sanctuary TEC will conclude the festival of Shavuot with services and Yizkor.

TEC Book Club 06/21/2016 7:00 PM Scherr Conference Room Book Selections: June - The Devil in Jerusalem by Naomi Ragen July - The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure Liz Groden via the Temple Office (805) 497-6891 or adult-ed@templeetzchaim.org.

Women of TEC Luncheon 06/26/2016 11:30 AM Social Hall Join Us for a Fun-Filled Afternoon Featuring Lunch, Auction & Raffles. RSVP no later than June 10, 2016. Please send a check to Women of TEC 1080 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Attn: Barbara Ungar. Cost: $20.16 7

We proudly congratulate our b’nai Mitzvot Tobey Taylor

06/04/2016 Hi, my name is Tobey Taylor, and I’m a 7th grader at Colina Middle School. At school, I like to have fun and hang out with my friends. My favorite subjects are history and science. A big thanks to my parents and my brothers Elliot and Jonah for lending their support. Also a tremendous thank you to Joyce, all of my past and present religious school teachers, Jessica Dennis, Hazzan Pablo and Rabbi Spiegel.

Ethan Rinkov

06/04/2016 My name is Ethan Rinkov, and I am a 7th Grade student at Medea Creek Middle School. I have been at Temple Etz Chaim since Pre-school and looking forward to this day for a long time. I also want to thank all my extended family who will be joining me on my special day. Finally, the biggest thank you to my parents for their love, support and patience in making this experience a memorable one.

Sofia Moscovitch

06/11/2016 My name is Sofia Moscovitch, and I am a student at Colina Middle School. I am so excited to share this special milestone in my life with my family and friends. I would also like to thank everyone who has helped me on my way, including all of my previous and current religious school and preschool teachers, Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo and Director, Joyce Bronstein. Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me and encouraging me. Samuel Cher 06/23/2016 Samuel Cher is a 7th grader at Los Cerritos Middle School. Like his grandmother June Cher, who just passed away, he loves music and is an accomplished piano player. He also plays the violin in the school orchestra and sings in the Men’s Choir. He has earned a red belt in karate and is working toward a black belt. Samuel will be having his Bar Mitzvah ceremony at the Robinson’s arch in Jerusalem.

Joshua Berns

06/25/2016 My name is Joshua Berns and I’m a 7th grader at Los Cerritos Middle School. My favorite subject in school is math, and my favorite sport is karate. I enjoy challenging myself in life. I have been at Temple Etz Chaim since preschool. I am excited to finally become a Bar Mitzvah. I want to thank my parents, sisters and teachers who have helped me through this special process.

Emily Meyer 07/08/2016 My name is Emily Meyer, and I’m a 7th grader at Medea Creek Middle School. I’m very excited for my Bat Mitzvah, which will be held at a Synagogue in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. I’m looking forward to my special day, and I want to thank all my teachers who have helped me prepare for this special occasion. I especially want to thank my tutor, Ed, for all the time he has spent with me, and I also want to thank Rabbi Spiegel, Hazzan Pablo and Joyce for all their guidance. Alexandra & Isabella Appell

07/25/2016 Our names are Alexandra and Isabella Appell. We are 7th graders at Viewpoint School and attended Temple Etz Chaim as babies until we were 8 years old. We came back last year to Temple Etz Chaim and re-connected with all of our old friends here. We spend most of our time together with our friends, whether it is in school or outside of school. We take our academics seriously. We are athletic and participate on many teams. We are looking forward to becoming a B’not Mitzvah in Israel with our family by our side. It will be special for us because Rabbi Spiegel, who officiated our baby naming ceremony, will now be officiating our B’not Mitzvah in Jerusalem this summer. We are very thankful for being able to travel with him and our family for this incredible experience.

Abigail Ebroon 07/25/2016 I’m a 7th grader at Santa Rosa Magnet School. I would like to thank my tutor Rivka Moscovitch for preparing me for my Bat Mitzvah in such a loving and patient way, and my Hebrew school teachers Tobi and Ed for teaching me about Judaism. I would also like to thank my parents for taking the time to plan the trip to Israel and making sure we have a great time. I am thrilled and looking forward to becoming a daughter of the commandments. 8

religious school

As The School Year Comes to a Close, Thank You Joyce Bronstein, Director of Religious School Eduation Joyce@templeetzchaim.org

s the school year comes to a close, it is my personal hope that our students have had another wonderful educational experience this year. The staff and I will miss our students’ smiling faces and their words of “I love Religious School” as they take a piece of licorice. Todah Rabah to Jen Sonnenberg Rhim, Vice President of Religious School Education. I thank her for her encouragement and support of all Religious School endeavors. I am extremely fortunate to have her as my V.P. and the Religious School representative to the Board of Directors. As V.P. of Religious School Education, Jen serves as the head of the Education Committee. The committee is composed of a wonderful group of people who are collectively ensuring that a quality Jewish education is provided for all our students. My sincerest thank you to members David Berns, Alison Brandon, Linda Friedlander, Carl Friedlander, Steve Friedman, Cindy Goldberg, Susan Kane, Michelle Kilmnick, Adya Riss, and Teacher Representative Heidi Birnbaum. Our school is that much better because of the dedication of these individuals.

I sincerely thank our R.S.V.P. co-chairpersons, Arielle Bowens and Marni Goren. These two extraordinary women have volunteered many hours to ensure that our extra-special activities run smoothly and efficiently. Arielle and Marni greatly appreciate the many, many volunteer parents who set up and prepare, organize and distribute Hanukkah gelt and dreidels, help at “The Party,” cook and set up for grade-level Passover Seders, BBQ and serve hot-dogs and chips for Lag B’Omer, and so much more … Most especially, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our families for everything you do and for participating in the many programs offered throughout the school year. Parents, please return your prefilled registration cards. I am currently planning for the upcoming school year, and your completed registration cards will enable me to prepare appropriately. Wishing you and your family a very happy and safe summer!

usy

Spend Your Summer with Summer Smash

e hope everyone is having an awesome summer! Don’t have plans yet? Come to TEC Summer Smash! We have a great program that your kids will love! We travel each week to different places and give these kids fun-filled weekly experiences, cooking, arts and crafts, games, swimming, and much much more! Contact summersmash@templeetzchaim.org to get more details or check out our TEC website at www.templeetzchaim.org. We are already planning our 2016-2017 Machar/Kadima/USY year! Don’t wait until the last minute, sign up to be a TEC Youth Group Member today. Contact youth@templeetzchaim. org for more details.

Shannon Tepfer, Youth Director youth@templeetzchaim.org

September Events/Activities 9/4- Disney Day with USY (more info to come about prices) 9/6- Jr/Sr Lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm 9/13-Kadima Lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm 9/20-Jr/Sr Lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm 9/23- Chapter Shabbat Dinner *All are welcome (free event, more info to come) 9/25- Machar Kickoff Lounge!! 11:30am-1:30pm

August Events/Activities 8/23- Jr/Sr Kickoff Lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm 8/30- Kadima Welcome Back Lounge 6:15pm-7:45pm

Mount Sinai

Memorial Parks and Mortuary

Ten-Ten program with TEC We are pleased to announce that Temple Etz Chaim along with Mount Sinai Simi Valley have launched the “Ten-Ten” program. This new program provides personal assistance for members of our Synagogue who are considering making advance planning arrangements at Mount Sinai Simi Valley, and helps raise a minimum of $10,000 for the Temple when members collectively purchase ten spaces for the Simi Valley location directly from Mount Sinai. To schedule a confidential meeting to learn more about your options for pre-planning at Mount Sinai Simi Valley, please contact Eric Frank at 805-306-6410 or via email at efrank@mountsinaiparks.org. *program applies only to pre-need property sales and funds will be paid when each contract is paid in full.

“Dedicated to the entire Jewish community as a service of Sinai temple of Los Angeles”

Mount Sinai Memorial Parks Simi Valley, 6510 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93063 800-600-0076

summer smash

it’s

It’s n

ot S

WEEKLY CAMPS FOR EVERY AGE GROUP

r e m

p m Ca

H S A

PreSchool Camp

• June 20 - Augut 26 • 18 months - entering K • Weekly themes • $250 a week • Shabbat Lunch included

Traditional Camp • Starts June 29th • Entering 1st - 3rd grade • Water play • Field trips

Traveling Camp

• Starts June 29th • 3rd - 9th grade • Long Beach Aquarium • Boulderdash

Counselor-in-Training • Starts June 29th • 9th - 10th grade • Leadership training • Traveling Camp

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:

Sherri Finn, President Jeff Solomon, Executive Vice President Gary Katz, Immediate Past President Nathan Stelman, Menâ€™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 Brenda Kriger, VP Communications Shari Mark, VP Early Childhood Education Jeff Sigel, VP Legal and Personnel Karen Levine, VP Membership Howard Pollak, VP Religion and Worship Jen Sonnenberg Rhim, VP Religious School Doron Schnaid, VP Social Action 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.

summerfest

Start Your Summer Here!

Sunday, June 5th, 2016 11:30 AM Join us with your family and friends for our annual start of the summer bash. Bring a guest, Everyone is welcomed! Foamalicious, water slides, games, music, arts, crafts, food, adult-only beer tasting room and more! Special Auction: 4 Disney Park Hopper tickets. No RSVP necessary, just show up! *Donâ€™t forget a suit and towel for all the water play! 12

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