Issuu

Clergy

Rabbi Ari Averbach

Hazzan Noam Fields-Meyer Gould

Chaplain Benny Sommerfeld

Rabbi Emeritus Richard Spiegel

Staff

Executive Director Cindy Goldberg

Early Childhood Education Director Debbie Blumenthal

Religious School Director Joyce Bronstein

Early Childhood Education Asst. Director Keri Loventhal

Office Manager Shane Silverstein

ECE Administrative Assistant Jessica Jacoby

RS Administrative Assistant Sarah Karamas

Clergy Assistant Jill Rosenberg

Musical Director Mariano Dugatkin

Board of Trustees

President Felicia Toporoff

Vice President Dan Lubetkin

Immediate Past President Eric Feigenbaum

Treasurer Arnie Blitstein

Secretary Brianna Abrams

Trustee, Bingo Michael Roberts

Trustee, Building and Grounds Steve Plotkin

Trustee, Early Childhood Education Josh Atlas

Trustee, Endowment Jeff Landau

Trustee, Financial Consideration Neal Arons

please send an email to: communications@templeetzchaim.org

Trustee, Membership, Sarica Klein

Trustee, Personnel & Legal Affairs Josh Hopstone

Trustee, Religion and Worship Cheryl Math

Trustee, Religious Education Adya Riss

Trustee, Security Paul Dryman

Trustee, Social Action Pam Friedman

Trustee, Special Projects Paula Lefko

Trustee,

President,

Past

Coordination Evan Robichaud

& Means Donald Zimring

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Letters from Our Leaders

Rabbi Ari Averbach

rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org

When God creates the world, the Torah quotes God as saying “It is good” over and over. The light is good and the water is good and the stars. All of these are tov — good. God looks over this creation and realizes that it is better now than before.

And then one person is created. God breathes sacred breath into this new being, who we know as Adam. Adam is frolicking in the Garden of Eden — everything seems perfect. But then God notices something that the text doesn’t make obvious: Adam is alone. And this is not good — Lo Tov.

Since that mythical moment, it has been incredibly apparent that it

is not good for someone to be too alone. (Though a little personal time is wonderful!) Judaism formed from its very beginning with the idea that loneliness is not good for people. We need a minyan to pray, we need a hevruta to study Torah, we are not to go on this journey by ourselves.

Synagogue life was created to foster community. This summer we are trying something new: Pre HaGafen – a play on words with the blessing we say over wine, so that people can have a sip and a nosh and schmooze before services on Friday nights. It’s a way to meet new people and form deeper connections with the ones we already know.

Summer has a way of settling over synagogue life like a long exhale — the calendar quiets, the pace slows, and there’s a welcome spaciousness to our days together. But “quieter” is not the same as “quiet.” Behind the scenes, we remain hard at work ensuring that Temple Etz Chaim continues to be a source of vibrant Jewish community, meaningful resources, and caring pastoral presence for each of you — all summer long.

Before we fully turn the page to these warmer months, I want to pause and offer a heartfelt mazal tov to our 10th grade Confirmation

class, who were honored on Erev Shavuot in a ceremony that was nothing short of beautiful. These students brought their whole selves to the bimah and watching them publicly affirm their commitment to Jewish life — on the very holiday that celebrates our receiving of Torah — was deeply moving. May we all find ourselves as committed to our continued Jewish learning and growth as they are.

Wishing our entire TEC family a joyful, restful, and meaningful summer. L’hitraot — we’ll see you soon.

Noam Fields-Meyer Gould, Hazzan

Felicia Toporoff, President

ftoporoff@templeetzchaim.org

In the blink of an eye, two years have come and gone. As my presidency of this congregation comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on these past two years, where we were and how far we’ve come. We’ve experienced unprecedented challenges but have come through stronger than before. Due to the amazing efforts of our Board of Trustees and our incredible staff and clergy, we’ve become more fiscally responsible and sound, expanded our programming, grown our schools, and continue to remain a beacon of conservative Judaism in our community. I would like to thank the sage wisdom of many of our past presidents who have guided me in this role, Dan

Lubetkin for being such a reliable partner in this journey, and the rest of the Board of Trustees for their ongoing work and dedication to our community. In the first days of this role, Wendy Margolis told me that when she was president it was the most difficult thing she’d ever done, but without a doubt was the most rewarding. She was one hundred percent correct. Although times were difficult, it’s been an absolute privilege serving this congregation as your president. I love Temple Etz Chaim and feel most at peace within its walls and among its congregants. Thank you for your trust in me and the Board to guide this community forward. It’s been an honor.

Benny Sommerfeld, Chaplain

benny@templeetzchaim.org

Is the summer here? Not yet but almost, the calendar is still waiting for the 21 of June. Our tradition has made us susceptible to a lot of ups and downs throughout our cyclical year. We are on a spiritual high only to return to a spiritual low. We are coming from redemption, celebrating Passover and then building us up with self-refinement and some sadness through the Omer and then a spiritual high when we receive the Torah, the revelation. The Ten Commandments personifies to some extent our tradition to the rest of the world. One month later we are back in the trenches commemorating the destruction of the Temple. Interestingly enough, it paved the way for the Rabbinic Judaism that has propelled us into the 19th and 20th century Judaism that we practice today. After our saddest day of the year, we start climbing again to the seven weeks of consolation, before arriving at Rosh Hashanah. The 10 days to Yom Kippur

are time for repentance and starting anew. We finalize the holidays season with both Torah and Rabbinic holidays to lift our spirits; Sukkot and Simchat Torah. But let us not jump too far ahead, let’s enjoy the present. We have reached the end of the school year. Ahead, we should savor the months and fill them with meaning, adventures, trips, and family gatherings: go forth!

TEC is closed on most Sundays until the end of August. We are entering our own Bamidbar. The good news is that it will not last 40 years, just a couple of months during the summer. Contact the office for more details so you can come and join us on Sunday mornings.

Happy Summer!

TEC Education

Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director debbieb@templeetzchaim.org

As we come to the close of another wonderful school year at Temple Etz Chaim, the month of June gives us the opportunity to reflect with gratitude, pride, and appreciation for the many people who make our Early Childhood Education program such a special place for children and families.

First and foremost, we would like to thank our incredible ECE staff for twelve amazing months of dedication, creativity, patience, and love. Each classroom has been filled with meaningful learning experiences, exciting curriculum, joyful play, and opportunities to strengthen our children’s connection to Judaism, Jewish traditions, and community. Your energy and commitment help make every day a positive and memorable experience for our students.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful parent organization, PTEC, and especially to Sara Feinsilber as her youngest child leaves preschool and her family moves on from Temple Etz Chaim. Sara has spent years helping welcome new families into our community, organizing fall and winter festivals, assisting with holiday celebrations, and making Teacher Appreciation Week so meaningful for our staff. We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and leadership she has given to our school community.

We are also excited to welcome Colette Kohan as she steps into leadership with a new group of parents to continue the wonderful work already established through PTEC. We look forward to another year of partnership and community involvement.

To all our ECE families — thank you for trusting us with your young children. Thank you for volunteering in classrooms, sharing Shabbat and holiday celebrations with us, reading stories, participating in special events, and becoming such an important part of our school family. Your support and partnership help make our program thrive.

We would also like to express our appreciation to our clergy, Rabbi Ari, and Hazzan Noam, for leading our weekly Friday Shabbat celebrations. Through music, songs, prayers, stories, and joyful participation, you have helped make Shabbat one of our children’s favorite days of the week. Thank you for bringing so much warmth, spirit, and Jewish joy into our school.

A special thank you to Josh Atlas, our current Vice President of Early Childhood Education, for representing the ECE program on the Board of Directors and for always being available whenever guidance, support, or conversation was needed. Your leadership and advocacy for our preschool community are greatly appreciated.

We would also like to recognize and thank the rest of our incredible TEC team, Cindy, Joyce, Sarah, Jessica, Benny, Jill, Shane, and Debbie. Thank you for your team support, dedication, encouragement, and for everything you have done throughout the year to help and support the Temple Etz Chaim ECE Center. Your team spirit and commitment are deeply appreciated and help make our school community stronger every day.

On June 17, we will celebrate four classrooms of our intermediate students as they prepare to leave Temple Etz Chaim and begin Transitional Kindergarten in the fall. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and know they are ready for this exciting next step.

We will also celebrate our TK class graduation on Wednesday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a delicious brunch with families and friends. We look forward to honoring this special milestone together as a community.

Finally, I would like to offer a very personal and heartfelt thank you to my Assistant Director, Keri Loventhal. Thank you for standing by my side every step of the way this past year. I truly cannot imagine getting through the year without your help, partnership, and unwavering support. I deeply value your commitment to Temple Etz Chaim, your confidence in leadership and decisionmaking, and the care you show to our staff, families, and children every single day. I know without question that you will be a wonderful ECE Director, and I leave Temple Etz knowing the school is in excellent hands.

Wishing all our families a joyful summer filled with love, laughter, relaxation, and wonderful family memories. Thank you for being part of another meaningful year at Temple Etz Chaim.

With great appreciation, Debbie Blumenthal

Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org

In June, Debbie Blumenthal will be retiring. I want to thank Debbie for being my partner in nurturing children and supporting families with endless patience, kindness, and heart. She has touched many lives with care and guidance. Our TEC family will miss Debbie. Debbie, as you begin this exciting new chapter of retirement, I wish you endless happiness, relaxation, adventure, and beautiful moments.

As the Religious School year concluded, it is my personal hope that especially our students had a wonderful and fulfilling educational experience at TEC Religious School.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you, our families, for your support throughout the year. Your participation in our programs, from holiday celebrations to special events, has been instrumental in creating memorable experiences for our students. Seeing our students’ smiling faces and hearing their positive comments truly warms our hearts. I feel complete gratitude and appreciation for everyone who has helped make our school a vibrant and nurturing community.

I sincerely thank Felicia Toporoff, our outgoing Synagogue President, for her dedication and commitment to Temple Etz Chaim. During her term, Felicia worked tirelessly to support the TEC community, and her commitment to our students, families, and staff is truly appreciated. I genuinely thank Felicia for her leadership. Yasher Koach!

A warm welcome to our incoming President, Dan Lubetkin. Dan has always shown a strong commitment to strengthening our synagogue. He has served on the Board of Directors for many years. Dan has volunteered many hours and is not only dedicated to his new role but also has a vision for the future of TEC. I know he will be a heart into this new board position.

I also want to express a huge thank you to Adya Riss, Trustee of Religious School Education, for his exceptional leadership and dedication over these past years. Adya has worked tirelessly to ensure that our Religious School continues to thrive, and his commitment is truly amazing. Adya represented the Religious School well. He was always willing and able to help at any time. I know in his new position as V.P. of our synagogue, he will be great. Thank you, Adya, for all you did for the students, parents, and teachers these past years. I appreciate Adya very much!

The new Trustee of Religious School will be Leah Neiderman.

Personally, I am thrilled Leah stepped forward to take on this position. Leah grew up at TEC and knowing her since she was a young child is truly the best. Interestingly, I attended high school with her father. I very much appreciate Leah taking this important position on the Board of Directors. Prior to this role, Leah served on the Religious School Education Committee for many years. The Education Committee meets monthly throughout the school year and has played a vital role in shaping our school’s direction. I want to express my sincere gratitude to each member of this committee for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions these past years. Welcome to Leah!

Rabbi Averbach, Hazzan Noam, and our outstanding Religious School teachers genuinely deserve recognition and a huge thank-you for their dedication to providing our students with meaningful and enriching learning experiences. Their passion for education and Judaism is truly inspiring.

I also want to express my gratitude to Sarah Karamas, our Religious School Administrative Assistant, for her help in the school and with all the programming. We have worked together for many years, and I appreciate her dedication.

I would also like to thank our teenage aids who help at the Religious School in both classrooms and in the office. All our aides attend our Confirmation/Post Confirmation program, and their role in the Religious School is significant. Knowing they represent our future is heartwarming. Together, our students’ participation makes our school a vibrant and welcoming community.

Thank you to Susan Goldberg for sewing all the book covers for our third-grade program and all the tallitot (more than one tallit) for our fourth-grade program. Todah Rabah to Carl Friedlander for tying the tzitzit on each tallit. Also, thank you so much to you and Linda for preparing the delicious nut-free charoset for our grade-level model Passover Seders.

Todah Rabah to everyone who has helped make this past year truly memorable.

We will miss seeing our families and can’t wait to see our students’ smiles in September!

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and wonderful summer... Enjoy! L’hitraot, Joyce

TEC Community

Mark Goldstein, President, Men’s Club

Hi Everyone! Now that it’s summer, we will soon announce Havdalah hikes to enjoy the sunsets together. And there’s lots more too...

We’re continuing regular, monthly Men’s Night Out meetups. The sixth Wednesday Men’s Night Out at Naughty Pine Brewing Co. in Westlake Village will be Wednesday, June 10 from 7 pm – 9 pm. Come for a few minutes or all two hours. It’s a good opportunity to meet other men from TEC.

All are welcome at Men’s Club Board Meetings typically held the third Tuesday of the month at 7 pm with the next meeting set for June 16. Plus, this will also be a General Meeting where

next year’s board will be confirmed.

Please join us on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 for the Jeff Finn Memorial Dinner where we toast, eat and learn in honor of former men’s club leader Jeff Finn. Details to come.

You are invited to participate in planning our activities and priorities for the next year at our Annual Planning Meeting and BBQ at a member’s home, on Sunday, July 12 at 5pm.The home address will be provided when we receive your RSVP.

A new Men’s Club TEC Cycling Club is forming. Events to be announced. Please email if you’re interested. Get ready to roll!

Phyllis

Dankberg & Elissa Lazarus, Co-President, Women of TEC

Pam Friedman, Trustee, Social Action

I wanted to give you an update on our exciting Recycle Beyond the Bag program. Both Steve and I want to thank you for all the stretchy plastic. By working together, we have collected an astounding amount of stretchy plastic in a truly short amount of time. As of May 7th, we have logged in 54.6 lbs. of plastic. We will continue to collect plastic all through the summer. We come in once a week to collect plastic from the bins. So, keep up the excellent work. Remember this is a year-round project.

Everyone has done a wonderful job remembering what to put in the bins. Just a few reminders:

If your package or bag passes the stretch test put it in.

If you have a plastic clam shell or egg carton or other crunchy/ crinkly plastic items recycle it at home.

Pam and Steve Friedman, Your Recycling Team Leaders

B’nai Mitzvah

Alie Toporoff June 6

Hello! My name is Alexandra Toporoff, but every calls me Alie, for short. I’m a student at Redwood Middle School. My favorite things to do include drawing, playing flute in my school’s marching band, and just being with my friends and family. I want to thank everyone at Temple Etz Chaim, especially Rabbi Ari, Hazzan Noam, Joyce, Ellen, all of my teachers, and my family and friends who have supported me throughout the years. I am so excited to become a Bat Mitzvah and to see what the future holds for me!

Sennen Feigenbaum June 13

I am Sennen Feigenbaum, a 7th grader at Lindero Canyon Middle School. Etz Chaim has been my Jewish home since preschool where I met many of my closest friends. Temple is a very special place to me and I’m happy to say I know a lot of adults and kids here. Because of my dad’s involvement in leadership, I’ve come to enjoy volunteering and being more active around Temple. I like to cook, travel, play music in my school band, play tennis and spend time with my friends and family. There are many people here at Etz Chaim who have helped me on my way to my Bar Mitzvah. Thank you to Rabbi Ari, Hazzan Noam, Joyce Bronstein, Cindy Goldberg, Rivka Moskovich, Cantor Kenny Ellis, Toby Love and all the teachers I’ve had since I was little. Also thank you to my parents, grandparents, aunts and cousins and my valued Religious School friends who all support me and helped to me get to this special day.

Daniel Lotterman June 27

Hi my name is Daniel Lotterman, and I have been at TEC since Kindergarten. I am in 7th grade at Colina Middle School. Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my friends, and playing sports, mostly tennis, karate, and swimming, although in truth, you can usually find me on the tennis court! I also enjoy playing the violin, which I’ve been studying for the past 6 years, camping, and more recently, building computers. I would like to thank the wonderful staff at TEC who have guided me since I was 5. Special thanks to my tutor Rivka, Rabbi Ari, Hazzan Noam, Joyce, Ms. Tobi, and Cantor Kenny. I would also like to thank my parents, sister, and family who have been such a significant part of my life journey to becoming a Bar Mitzvah.

Francesca “Frankie” Violet Freund

Born April 29, 2026

Parents:

Ava and Oliver Freund

Siblings: Ruby and Max

Grandparents:

Heidi and Lee Rigney

Howard and Deborah Freund

Dana and Bob Schaffel

Michael Rubin

Parker Aimee Booth

Born: May 6, 2026

Parents:

Brittany and Andrew Booth

Sister: Kenley

Grandparents: Abbe and Stephen Irshay

Annette Booth and Pakrad Kazazian

Tributes

Barbara & Harvey Scherr Memorial Fund

In Memory of Tillie Pearl Touby

David Salzman

Community Garden & Bird Sanctuary

1st Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class | Shavuot 1978

Dunaier Music Fund

In Memory of Harvey Dunaier

Howard Dunaier

Early Childhood Education Fund

In Memory of Parvin Rostamian

Zoe Abdolrazagh

In Honor of the ECE teachers who take such wondeful care of my grandchildren

Patti Jo Wolfson

In Memory of Emily Safani

Michael Safani

In Honor of the Birth of Francesca “Frankie” Violet Freund

Scott & Debbie Blumenthal

In Honor of the Birth of Paker Aimee Booth

Scott & Debbie Blumenthal

Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Jay Shery

In Memory of Daniel Kaffka

In Memory of Dellamae Kaffka

In Memory of Sara Musiker

William Jacobs & Marilyn Musiker Roth

In Memory of Harry Altman

Nomi Freed

Hazzan Noam’s Discretionary Fund

Helping with the Cost of Tuning the Piano

Steven & Pamela Friedman

Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Edith Benjamin

Lisa Benjamin

Lipnick RSSF

In Memory of Dorann Bunkin

In Memory of Cantor Jay Corn

Michael Bunkin

In Memory of Paul Chesnick

Myrna Stelman

Men’s Club

In Memory of Deborah Braden

Buzz & Carol Schoenkerman

In Memory of Maybelle Braden

In Memory of Roger Braden

In Memory of Marcey Schoenkerman

In Memory of Evelyn Schoenkerman

In Memory of Bert Schoenkerman Sr.

Buzz & Carol Schoenkerman

In Honor of the Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project

William Jacobs & Marilyn Musiker Roth

In Honor of The Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project

Eileen Sachs

Men’s Club Scholar-inResidence

In Memory of David Forman

Joel & Harriet Shrater

In Memory of Sue Shrater

Joel and Harriet Shrater

Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund

In Honor of a Speedy Recovery for Harriet Shrater

Marc & Carole Firestone

In Memory of Moritz Lewin

Frank Lewin

In Memory of Magda Chesnick

Myrna Stelman

Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund

In Memory of Jack Yaskiel

Cyndi Mahler

In Memory of Julia Weiss

Mark & Inez Zucherman

In Memory of Dorothy Schoenwald

Jeff Schoenwald

In Memory of Marvin Natlin

In Memory of Max Natkowitz

Linda Natlin

In Memory of Sadie Boegen

Eileen Sachs

In Memory of Martin Sternstein

Cathy Sternstein

In Memory of Murray Bass

Sharon Seiden

In Memory of Jack Arons

Steven Arons

In Memory of Evelyn Peisner

Robert Peisner

In Memory of Angela Kaye

Cheryl Math

In Honor of the Hebrew Naming of Riley Tucker

The Lerman Family

In Memory of Ira Cook

Perry & Susan Pierce

In Honor of Rabbi Averbach Officiating at their Wedding

Brooke Edell

In Memory of Sheila Wallman

David & Rebeccah Schwartz

In Memory of Rose Morris

Elizabeth Groden

In Memory of Fannie Markowitz

Bonnie Garfinkel

In Honor of Emmet Pugh’s Bar Mitzvah

Kevin & Rachel Pugh

In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach for his support during my conversion path to Judaism and a Speedy Recovery to My Mom, MartAnn

Emilia Page

In Memory of Eva Minarsky

Robert Peisner

Religious School Fund

In Honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut

Richard Engler & Ellen Zucker

In Memory of Reuben Zucker

Ellen Zucker

Sandee Tischler Religious School

Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Gerald Zimmerman

In Memory of Naomi Aminoff

In Memory of Samuel Ratzan

Dawne Ratzan

In Memory of Harry B. Wank

David Wank

Social Action Fund

In Memory of Steven Kleiger

Ean Kleiger

In Memory of Ralph Munowitch

David Munowitch & Emily Habib

In Memory of Howard Feigenbaum

Robin Oberman

Temple General Fund

In Memory of Martin Konigsberg

Shirley Bressler

In Memory of Annette R. “Honey” Reiter

In Memory of James A. Reiter

In Honor of the Baby Naming of the Gero Family’s Granddaughter Willow and Grandnephew Jokali

Lee & Susan Simowitz

In Honor of the Birth of Mara Kane Lehmann

Lawrence & Nina Wallach

The Arnold & Jacqueline Stern Living Trust

In Memory of Max Portnoy

Ed Portnoy

In Memory of Maurice Benchimol

Elaine Scully

Jerrald & Deborah Cohen

Tzedakah Fund

In Memory of Edwin (Ted) Tollman

Brian Lotterman & Lisa Tollman

In Memory of Yefim Gutman

Zinvoy & Tatyana Gutman

In Memory of Sonya Gutman

Zinvoy & Tatyana Gutman

USY Youth & Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Nathaniel I. Goodman

Roger Lifeset

Women of Temple Etz Chaim Scholarship Fund

In Memory of Geraldine Altenburg

Myrna Stelman

IN HONOR OF SHAVUOT, LET’S PLAY A GAME OF

TIC TAC TO-RAH

truth

DURING SHAVUOT, WE READ THE STORY OF RUTH. HOW MANY ENGLISH WORDS CAN YOU THINK OF THAT CONTAIN ALL 4 LETTERS IN THE WORD “RUTH”?

Our History

GRAB YOUR FAVORITE MARKERS, CRAYONS OR COLORED PENCILS AND BRING THIS HISTORIC MOMENT FROM THE MONTH OF JUNE TO LIFE. IN THIS PICTURE, RUTH IS DEPICTED IN ISRAEL AROUND THE TIME OF SHAVUOT TO GIVE HER MOTHER-IN-LAW, NAOMI A SHEAF. HER ACCEPTANCE INTO THE JEWISH FAITH WAS ANALOGOUS OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE

The Mitzvah Committee is here to help...

• Large plastic trash bags and remember your loved ones.

MEMORIAL RECEPTION

Services offered by Women of TEC Mitzvah Committee

What to Expect

We will be at your house a day or two before the funeral, or as time permits, for planning and any questions. We will arrive at your house half hour to one hour before you leave for the cemetery to receive any last-minute instructions. Our volunteers will be there to accept all deliveries and complete the set-up.

We will provide:

• Handwashing station to be set up outside, in front of the door, including water pitcher, paper towels, TV tray and trash bag

• Hard-boiled eggs (12)

• Challah, wine and mini wine cups

• Large and small paper plates, napkins, and cutlery

• Hot and cold cups

• Ice cubes in a cooler

• Large coffee maker, coffee, tea bags

• Sugar, sweeteners, mocha mix

Family provides:

• Tablecloth, serving platters and utensils

• Cold drinks, water bottles