Executive Director, Programming & Youth 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
you are interested in placing an
please send an email to: communications@templeetzchaim.org
Secretary Sarica Klein Trustee, Bingo Michael Roberts Trustee, Building and Grounds Steve Plotkin Trustee, Early Childhood Education Chad Hampton Trustee, Financial Consideration Neal Arons
Trustee, Inclusion Paula Lefko Trustee, Membership Rachael Pugh Trustee, Personnel & Legal Affairs Josh Hopstone Trustee, Programming Evan Robichaud Trustee, Religion and Worship Cheryl Math Trustee, Religious Education Adya Riss Trustee, Security Paul Dryman Trustee, Social Action Pam Friedman Trustee, Rachel Carmona Trustee, Shira Soria
President, Men’s Club Mark Goldstein President, Women of TEC Phyllis Dankberg & Elissa
Past
Past President, Board Member Gary Katz
Past President, Board Member Myles Simpson
Past President, Board Member Marshall Scherr
Past President, Board Member Shari Mark
Past President, Board Member Wendy Margolis
Letters from Our Leaders
Rabbi Ari Averbach rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org
At the (wonderful) “High Five” Celebration a few months ago, there was a section of the sanctuary that was reserved for my parents. Several rows. Someone made a joke that I must have a lot of parents! And I certainly do.
My family tree is a bit confusing, to be sure. How often a congregant tells me that they know my cousin, and then they name someone, and I have to explain the convoluted way we are related.
But my parents also raised me to know that family is not merely defined by biology. Their friends became surrogate parents for me, quasi-aunts and uncles. Which also allowed my friends’ parents to become proxy parents. All these amazing people showed up to my theater performances, my movie screenings, celebrations and devastations. I learned early on that I could rely on a whole host of people for support.
It’s been another great month here at TEC, and I’m glad to be here. I feel really lucky that I get to do the work I do—creating meaningful musical experiences, helping shape the spiritual soundscape of our community, and making room for more voices to be heard.
One recent Shabbat that’s stuck with me was led entirely by members of the Men’s Club and WOTEC. What made it so special wasn’t just the logistics of participation—it was how people showed up with what they had to offer. Some led prayers. Some read English reflections that brought the room to stillness. Everyone leaned in from their own place of experience, knowledge, or curiosity. That service reminded me why I love what I do. My favorite moments on the Bema happen when it’s not just “me up there,” but many voices shaping the flow—when a service starts to sound
With Mother’s Day this month, I am reminded how grateful that I have so many mothers – biological (Hi Mom!), as well as mothers through marriage and through loving friendships. So many people who helped me become who I am.
When we say the Amidah, the central prayer of each of our services, we remind ourselves of our connections through millennia, through generations, of the Avot v’Imahot, all the people who made us who we are. The biblical foremothers and forefathers who shaped Judaism, down to us who still shape it.
When I think about the loving people who raised me (and continue to raise me), I am reminded of a quote attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.: “A child’s education begins 100 years before they are born.”
Thank you to all my parents – and their parents, and theirs – for the lineage of learning and love.
like us. The more people involved in leading, the more ways we create resonance—across generations, backgrounds, and levels of familiarity. It stops being “the service” and starts being our service. That includes our bar and bat mitzvah students—not only on the day of their ceremonies, but in the weeks leading up, and during our Sunday morning minyan. Watching them step in, participate, and add their voices to our communal prayer life has been beautiful. So I want to say this clearly: if you’ve ever had an idea for how you’d like to be involved—whether that’s reading a poem, chanting a blessing, playing an instrument, or sharing a memory—I want to hear from you. Reach out. Let’s talk. Help me and Rabbi Ari build services that feel like home to more of us.
The voice on the Bema doesn’t have to be mine. It can be yours.
Felicia Toporoff, President ftoporoff@templeetzchaim.org
Generosity. According to the Oxford English Dictionary it is defined as “readiness to give more of something.” Whether it is money, belongings, or time, this congregation has never withheld generosity when called to act. You always show up, each and every time.
At the last minute (really 2 months before, so roughly the same thing) the Board of Trustees planned a Spring fundraiser to coincide with Passover. We worked with a company called Clothes4Cash who collect donated shoes, clothes, purses and linens and pay organizations for every pound of goods brought in. Those items are then donated to impoverished communities in Africa and South America and if any items can’t be donated, they are recycled into the backings of rugs, floormats or other goods. We asked all of you to do your Spring cleaning a little early and bring in anything you’d wish to donate to help benefit the Temple. Honestly, we had no idea how it would turn out. Would we get 10 bags or 100? In the end, through your generosity, we collected 400 bags for this fundraiser! The Board of Trustees truly thanks all of you who donated. Because this fundraiser was such a success, we plan to do this as a yearly event. I would be remiss in not thanking Cheryl Math
for taking the reins and organizing the whole event. It went seamlessly due to her efforts.
There are so many generous congregants in our community and the Board couldn’t be more thankful. You give your time and your money without question whenever asked to benefit our synagogue in so many ways. Whether it is so our programs run smoothly or to ensure our Religious School has funds to help those families that need financial assistance to send their children to school, you’ve stepped up. When called upon to help those in need, you are there. You give your time beautifying our campus whether it’s behind the Bima or in making a magical community garden that everyone can enjoy. Your generosity is apparent and appreciated. We truly are CommuniTEC! And for those that wish to volunteer and contribute, just reach out. We will help you find meaningful ways to do so. The more the merrier!
As your President, I want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who contributes big and small to our synagogue so that we can continue to have a Jewish community here serving all of us. This Beit Midrash truly is a home for our family of families, and it’s due, in no small part, to your ongoing generosity.
benny@templeetzchaim.org
I hope that you all had a meaningful Passover celebration. The month of May corresponds to the month of Iyar. Three spiritual days are in my focus for the month, which this year ends with a definitive highlight: the day before Shavuot, when we receive the Torah. The first holiday is Yom Haatzmaot, Israel’s birthday which is celebrated with flyovers and parades throughout the country. The second holiday is in the middle of the month, Lag B’omer, which is the numerical number of the thirty third day of the Omer. It is a day of celebration in otherwise somber times. Weddings are taking place on this day and bonfires are lit all over Israel celebrating one of our great sages, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s (Rashbi) passing. Before he died, he told his students that they should celebrate and not mourn. Years later a plague amongst Rabbi Akiva’s students stopped on this day and the students were able to study again. It is a very spiritual day for many of the
religious groups in Israel who pilgrim to Rasbi’s grave in Maron.
The third day of significance is just a week before Shavuot; Yom Yerushalayim. This is the day when Jerusalem was reunited and liberated in the six-day war, 1967. My attachment to Jerusalem comes from the time Irma and I spent there in 2023. Scout groups and other youth organizations parade through the streets in the city center. When Jerusalem celebrates the entire city takes part in it, and it is very festive.
All three days are connected to the land of Israel, and I hope you can connect with them as well. The calendar and the Omer counting helps us to remember and make us aware of these days, and prepares us spiritually for our next Chag, Shavuot.
With Blessings, Benny
Benny Sommerfeld, Associate Chaplain
TEC Education
Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director
debbieb@templeetzchaim.org
During the month of May, we look forward to celebrating the holiday of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Day of Independence. For young children this means displaying the flag of Israel, singing Hebrew songs, and learning about the county of Israel. This year we have planned a huge outdoor celebration in our beautiful play yards. Some of the activities we have planned include: the Maccabee obstacle course, Kibbutz planting in the garden, Israeli music in the desert tent, an “El Al” airplane trip, and enjoying an Israeli lunch of pita, salad, and falafel. The best part is that parents will be able to volunteer and share in this fun experience with their children. The staff will enjoy a delicious Israeli lunch with pita bread, hummus, falafel and salad.
We want to wish everyone a very Happy Mother’s Day! I’m sure that all our preschoolers will find a way to make your day very special.
Our wonderful, creative PTEC parents are planning a week of Teacher Appreciation in May. Their fun surprises, delicious treats, and gifts from the children will be special for all the hardworking, well-deserving teachers.
Our Pre-Kindergarten graduates are taking their cap and gown photos in May and practicing all the songs and dances for their graduation in June. They have all grown so much and they are ready to spread their wings and move to their new schools.
The ECE Center will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Our last day of the school year will be Friday, June 20th!
We look forward to an amazing month celebrating Israel, wonderful Moms and Teachers!
Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director
joyce@templeetzchaim.org
I hope you had a fun and meaningful Seder, and your Passover celebration was wonderful. During the month of May, we have many exciting programs planned for our students. Here are a few highlights:
Please join us on May 9th at 7:00 p.m. to honor our Religious School teachers. Dr. Abraham Heschel once said, “There is no higher distinction than being a teacher in our teachings. We celebrate teachers. The teacher is essential to Jewish living, present, and future.” Our teachers are dedicated to educating their students by creating an enriching, creative, and positive environment for our students, and we are so grateful for them. On this Shabbat, our 6th-grade students will also lead prayers and sing songs for their grade level program.
On May 6th, we will host our interactive and fun Israel Day for grades 3–7 in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. As part of our 5thgrade in-depth study of Israel, students created posters on multiple subjects about Israel, exemplifying their enriched learning about our homeland. The day will be filled with Israeli food - falafel, Israeli salad, hummus, and pita. Students will also participate in Israeli dance, music, and the opportunity to hear from someone who grew up in Israel. We’ll sing Hatikvah and celebrate Israel’s
birthday with delicious cake, as we wish Israel a Happy Birthday!
On May 20th, we will celebrate our seventh-grade students at their promotion ceremony. Most of these outstanding young adults have attended TEC since preschool. Most of them will continue their Jewish education through our Confirmation and Post Confirmation Programs. Both of these educational programs are especially meaningful during their teenage years, helping to strengthen their Jewish identity as they navigate this important time in their lives.
On May 27th, we will celebrate Lag B’Omer with fun games, activities for the students, and a BBQ - hot dogs and potato chips. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy being together with their friends, conclude the school year, and look ahead to the next school year!
The Confirmation Ceremony for our 10th-grade students will take place on Erev Shavuot, June 1st. These incredible young adults have explored many different aspects of Judaism over the years, and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them. They represent the future of Judaism, and I feel truly confident knowing they have a strong foundation and feel their Judaism in their heart. A huge thank you to the parents for giving your children the gift of being
TEC Happenings
April Happenings including Passover and Yom HaShoah
Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director (continued)
part of TEC and our beautiful TEC community. As we wrap up the school year, please let me know if you know of any families who are interested in joining TEC and enrolling their children in our Religious School. I love meeting new families and introducing them to our synagogue.
On a personal note, getting to know our families is such a joy. Watching our students grow up and celebrating their joys and milestones with them is truly most rewarding. My door is always open, so please feel free to stop by and visit throughout the summer.
TEC Community
Phyllis Dankberg & Elissa Lazarus, Co-President, Women of TEC
As I sat down to write this article for the May Etzetera, Passover is winding down. We had an absolutely fabulous Friday Night Service and Saturday Morning service with the Men’s Club as we do twice a year to give the clergy a little breathing room at holiday times. We have had some fabulous programs starting with a Torah Fund Ice Cream Social in September followed by a speaker from the ADL on Anti Semitism and our annual PaidUp Membership Lunch, Latkes and Vodka at a member’s home, a Knish Klatch, a Tu B’Shevat Seder and the phenomenal “The Ever Present Past” with Jill Rosenberg. We hope to conclude in June with an afternoon of Bunco. More details to follow. We are trying to appeal to people at all ages and stages of life. WE NEED YOU! Try coming to a program. We promise you won’t be sorry. In addition to attending programs we need some people to work
with us on events, work on the awarding of scholarships, or try volunteering for a committee. Our Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at TEC at 7 P.M. There is a place for you. WOTEC does many things for the synagogue such as awarding scholarships to students for Jewish overnight camps and trips to Israel; we make annual donations to ECE, Religious School and Youth to further their activities; we make an annual donation to TEC and we run a fabulous Judaica Shop under the leadership of Ann Ross and Phyllis Dankberg just to mention a few items.
Please contact Co-Presidents Elissa Lazarus or Phyllis Dankberg We would love to hear from you.
Elissa Lazarus: elazarus@templeetzchaim.org
Phyllis Dankberg: phyllis@templeetzchaim.org
Shalom All! In April, Men’s Club co-led shabbat services during Passover with WoTEC. Thank you Steve Friedman and Cynthia Koepcke for coordinating all the parts and thank you to all who participated in the service. In addition, Men’s Club delivered yellow candles to support observance and education around Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Thank you to Marc Cohn, Myles Simpson, Irwin Barney and others for packing and distributing the candles.
Men’s Club was proud to host the 25th Annual Men’s Cub Scholar in Residence Weekend. The theme of the weekend was Learn, Grow, and Stay Connected with the State of Israel. Speakers from StandWithUs, visiting clergy and experts led presentations and discussions to foster a sense of community and camaraderie, strengthen our bonds with each other and with Israel. Thank
you to Rabbi Averbach for moderating some of the discussions and enhancing the event. Thank you to all who contributed as sponsors of the weekend – we could not provide this important programming without you. And big thanks to Mark Zucherman for producing the event.
Upcoming events being planned include the Jeff Finn Memorial Dinner, a Dragon Fruit Orchard Visit, and a magic night for adults. We welcome your participation in organizing, leading or assisting in these programs. Please email mensclub@tempeetzchaim.org to volunteer.
All are welcome to our Men’s Club Board Meetings held the third Tuesday of the month @ 7:00 pm. The next meeting is May 20, 2025.
Be well, Mark
Mark Goldstein, President, Men’s Club
Barukh Fund
In Memory of Allen Carl Kanner
Susan Kanner
Community Garden & Bird Sanctuary
In Appreciation of Lee Shapiro for his kindness, wisdom and generosity
Barry Goldberg
In Memory of Sherry Goldman
Yakov & Janice Orlowski
Dunaier Music Fund
In Memory of Jack Saul
Ken & Julie Saul
Early Childhood Education Fund
In Memory of Bob Landun
Doreen Landun-Querido
Elisa Feldman Memorial Religious School Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Alfred Agranoff
Eileen Sachs
In Memory of Edward Hernandez
In Memory of Celia Scherr Avol
In Memory of Meyer Scherr
Marshall Scherr
In Honor of Debbie & Les Feldman’s Birthdays
Marc & Carole Firestone
In Memory of Morris Freed
Nomi Freed
In Memory of Leonard Mendel
In Memory of Roberta Mendel
Valerie Knight
Inbar Israel Travel and Education Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Albert Goldenberg
Merrill Goldenberg
Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Pearl Witkin
Leah Shechter
In Memory of Bernice Greenstein
Davina Anderson
Kiddush Fund
In Memory of Leopold Sommerfeld’s 2nd Yahrzeit
Benny & Irma Sommerfeld
Lipnick RSSF
In Memory of Katie Goldberg
Susan Goldberg
Men’s Club (Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project)
In Memory of Roman Mandel
In Memory of Ann Mandel
Craig & Danielle Brogan
Chuck & Penny Sterling
In Memory of Relatives Who Have Passed Away
Israel & Beth Perel
In Honor of Yom HaShoah on April 23-24, 2025
Steven & Pamela Friedman
Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence
In Memory of Beatrice Forman
Harriet Shrater
In Memory of Steve Ross
Shirley Lipkin
Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund
In Honor of Myles Simpson’s Birthday and 65th Anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah
Joyce Edelson
Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund
In Memory of Gary Levine
Maureen Levine
In Memory of Matthew Schoenwald
Jeff Schoenwald
In Memory of Stan Rubens
Marie Rubens
In Memory of Daniel Presser
Francine Finkelstein
In Memory of Jack Borgen
In Memory of Samuel Agranoff
Eileen Sachs
In Memory of Marvin Natlin
In Memory of Max Natkowitz
Linda Natlin
In Memory of Abe Lutzker
John Lutzker
In Honor of Maurice Lion Fine
Lila Fine Oberman
In Memory of Selig Spero
Lynda Kessler
In Appreciation of Rabbi Averbach’s kindess in honoring Myles and his family
Myles & Gail Simpson
In Memory of Joseph Merjan
Jay & Tobi Love
In Honor of Lee & Ruth Forman’s
63rd Wedding Anniversary
David Cohan & Barbara Anik
In Memory of Raquel Saranga
Rivka Moscovitch
In Honor of Selling Chametz
Patricia Kaye
In Memory of Stanley Klein
Steven Gilbard
In Memory of Sadie Alperson
Bonnie Garfinkel
Eliah Atlas
In Memory of Steve Ross
Steven & Pamela Friedman
In Memory of Marilyn Seiden
Harold & Sharon Seiden
In Memory of Eileen Peisner
Robert Peisner
In Memory of Irwin Marco
Fran Curtis
In Memory of Steve Ross
Elissa Lazarus
In Memory of Gloria Kaminsky
Ellen Stein
In Memory of Florence Kinsbruner
Jodi Greenberg
In Memory of Alfred Blum
In Memory of Florence Blum
Sheri Wechsler
In Memory of Edward Bernstein
Shari Mark
Religious School Fund
In Memory of Anna Konigsberg
Shirley Bressler
In Memory of Jerry Schneider
Lesley Schneider
Social Action Fund
In Honor of Lor i Oberman’s Birthday
In Honor of Gideon Manzur’s Birthday
In Honor of Dave Munowitch’s Birthday
In Honor of Joel Shrater’s Birthday
In Honor of Mark & Julie Goldstein’s
Anniversary
Patricia Kaye
Tributes
In Honor of Peter & Wendy Margolis’ Anniversary
In Honor of Helene Gollub’s Birthday
In Honor of Tobi Love’s Birthday
In Honor of Leah Shechter’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
In Memory of Judy Stockell
Bonnie Rothman
Temple General Fund
In Memory of Florence Renny Golditch
Dale Cohen
In Memory of Arnold Plotkin
Steve Plotkin
In Memory of Blanche Kulik
Morry Kulik
In Memory of Aghdass Harounian Safani
Michael Safani
In Memory of Sherry Goldman
Eric Feigenbaum
In Memory of Sherry Goldman
Jeff & Sheri Schoenwald
Grateful to have survived another tough
tax season
Steve & Gail Altabef
Tzedakah Fund
In Memory of Ernest Kovar
Rita Kovar
In Honor of Selling Chametz
Marie Rubens
In Memory of Eli Levine
Barbara Kluber
USY Youth & Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Ida S. Kaufman
Harley Kaufman
In Memory of Morris Spitzer
Leonard Spitzer
Women of TEC
In Memory of Steve Ross
Robin Oberman
In Memory of Steve Ross
Ken & Julie Saul
In Memory of Steve Ross
Bonnie Rothman
Women of TEC Torah Fund
In Memory of Florence Brookstein
Edward Chadroff
In Memory of Sue Neugroschl
In Memory of Leona Edelstein
Cindy Scherr
B’nai Mitzvah
Devora Hettena May 10
Hi! My name is Devora Hettena. I am very excited for my Bat Mitzvah! I went to a Jewish day school and have lots of great memories celebrating Jewish holidays. My mom and dad have always prioritized Judaism, and I feel so lucky to have been raised with so much Jewish pride! I have two sisters, one older and one younger. I am a competitive softball player, and I enjoy playing in field, first and second base. I also love to watch horror and crime movies. My favorite food is fettuccini alfredo, and I love sour candy! My favorite vacation was to Sedona, Arizona. Sedona is so beautiful! I can’t wait to take this big step in becoming a Jewish adult and celebrating with all my friends and family! Thank you, Rabbi Ari and my tutor, Betty, for helping me prepare for this very special day!
Paige Esqueda
May 17
My name is Paige Esqueda and I am in 7th grade at Medea Creek Middle School where I am a percussionist in the school band and on the cheer team. I love playing soccer, shopping, baking, and spending time with friends and family. I have loved my time here at TEC and I am grateful for all my amazing teachers past and present. I would like to thank Rabbi Ari, Joyce Bronstein, Cantor Kenny, and my wonderful tutor Betty Zonshine for helping me on my journey as I become a Bat Mitzvah. I would like to give a special thank you to my parents for loving and supporting me always. I am so excited for my Bat Mitzvah and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my friends and family.
Devin Landes May 24
Hi, my name is Devin Landes. I am a 7th grader at Sycamore Canyon Middle School, and I’ve been attending Temple Etz Chaim since preschool. I enjoy playing baseball, soccer, trombone, and video games. I also love spending time with my family and friends. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is a big moment in my life, and I want to thank the people who have helped me along this journey. First, a huge thank you to my mom and dad, Makayla and Liam, for always supporting me. Thank you to “Mimi” also known as Joyce Bronstein, for her love and encouragement. I would also like to thank Rabbi Ari and Hazzan Noam for guiding me and helping me grow in my Jewish learning. An extra special thank you to my amazing tutor, Betty Zonshine, I couldn’t have done this without her help and patience. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers and staff at Temple Etz Chaim who have been a part of my journey. I’m really looking forward to celebrating my big day with my family and friends!
Shailee Hoffmann May 31
Hi! My name is Shailee Hoffmann, I am in the 7th grade at Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura hills. I have been a student at TEC since 1st grade and I have learned throughout my years studying with the incredible teachers at TEC. I love to swim, play with my dog, hang out with my family and friends, and watch Netflix TV shows. I would like to thank Rabbi Averbach, Joyce, my amazing tutor Rivka and all the staff that accompanied me on my journey to become a Bat Mitzvah. I would also like to thank my parents for always being there for me. I am very much looking forward to celebrating my big day with those closest to me.
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
• Folding chairs
Have the deli/bakery deliver:
• Platters of food, bread, salads, cakes, etc.
Special Instructions for the deli/bakery:
• Be sure to schedule these items to be delivered at the same time the funeral is scheduled to begin.
• Remind them not to mix meat and dairy on the same platter.
To ask questions or make arrangements
Contact the Temple Office at 805-497-6891 or inquire via email at Shiva@templeetzchaim.org
After hours, please contact Roni Rosen at 818-585-9449
