TEC Community

Looking to Get Involved and Make A Difference? WOTEC needs you!!! We are looking for a Membership Chairperson. This rewarding volunteer position has you welcome new synagogue members to WOTEC and help plan our annual paid up membership luncheon. In addition, the Membership Chairperson puts together our WOTEC Membership Booklet. We have helpers who can assist with the booklet and luncheon. This is a great way to be involved and meet new synagogue members!

We are also looking for a new Programming Chairperson. Want to be in charge of planning WOTEC events and working with our WOTEC Board to coordinate some fun and engaging events? What a rewarding way to have fun and interact with our synagogue community.

Have great technical skills with Excel that are not being put to use? We are looking for helpers to assist with our High Holiday Booklets. This is our biggest fundraiser for the synagogue every year. Your help will make a true difference!

Game Night is Back by Popular Demand: Tuesday, June 6th (6-9pm). Enjoy Mahjong and other games like Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, etc. Refreshments provided. Please RSVP to LindaH@TempleEtzChaim.org

Hello Temple Etz Chaim!

The Clergy Search Committee had a sad set back when Cantor Noah Rachels accepted a position in Northern California to be close to his family, rather than accepting our offer, but we’re a resilient group! We picked up right where we left off, and started making calls! It’s very late in the year for the search committee to expect that a candidate will miraculously materialize, but we’re not giving up hope. We’re continuing to interview and vet potential candidates.

We’re also working on a plan which will help organize the cantorial duties and roles for next year while we continue our search. This would allow us to help distribute some of the administrative tasks and help lighten the load for Rabbi Ari. We realize that the search hasn’t been as easy as any of us have hoped for thus far. But, persevere we will!

Wishing you all a wonderful summer of fun and relaxation!

In April, the Men’s Club and WOTEC coordinated and participated in services for Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach. Both Friday evening and Shabbat morning services were well attended with about 50 people participating in the services. Yasher Koach to Jonathan Hops, Cynthia Koepcke, and Linda Hutchings for arranging such a meaningful and enjoyable Shabbat celebration.

Our Scholar in Residence weekend took place on April 28 – April 30. This year’s scholar was Rabbi Daniel Cohen. He speaks nationally inspiring people to maximize every moment while leading a life of impact and legacy. He shared his thoughts on the subject at four sessions held throughout the weekend. I hope you were able to attend all the sessions and am sure that you learned a great deal from those that you were able to. Thanks to all those that helped with the weekend activities. Also, on behalf of all that attended, a special thank you goes to Mark Zucherman whose work began in June 2022 to arrange for and coordinate this weekend of learning.

Plans are underway for a Hollywood Backlot Tour event to take place on May 21. More information will be provided as the plans are finalized.

Last, May 14 is Mother’s Day. As you know, the traditional Friday night blessing for a daughter is “May G-d make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah” in honor of our four matriarchs. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!

Feeding those in need is something that Social Action has been doing for years. This is a need in our community that keeps growing. With recent reductions in State and Federal food assistance programs, families in need in Ventura County are receiving half the amount of subsidies they received in the past. This reduction of funds has had a devastating effect on our families and seniors. Obtaining food has become a daily struggle for many.

Harbor House is a community support group that provides meals and services to the Conejo Valley. They provide food for those in need every day of the year. Each day ninety sack lunches and fifty hot meals are provided. Social Acton supports Harbor House’s Feed the Hungry program with the help of the congregation. Once a month, we reach out to you asking for donations of food, money and volunteers for this important program. We package meals and deliver them to Harbor House for distribution.

The Harbor House Feed the Hungry program makes a huge difference to those who are food insecure. For those that are hungry, knowing that they can get food every day without judgement means everything. Support this mitzvah by committing to donate food, pledge money or help package meals. Look for the Constant Contact email coming your way and in the weekly Shabbat handouts. Our next Feed the Hungry dates are Tuesday, May 30th and Tuesday, June 27th.