Bazman Hazeh - Temple Adat Elohim
Transcription
Bazman Hazeh - Temple Adat Elohim
2420 East Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 (805) 497-7101 www.adatelohim.org Bazman Hazeh “In These Times” Tammuz - Av 5774 Barry Diamond, Interim Senior Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe, Rabbi David Shukiar, Cantor S VOL. 47 NO. 9 Aliza Goland, Executive Director Marcy Goldberg, Director of Education Donna Becker, ECC Director July 2014 Seth Stevens, President, Board of Directors Alan Greenbaum, Rabbi Emeritus PRIDE ports Illustrated had a College Super Fan contest some time ago. I still remember one of the pictures of four shirtless men, each one with a different letter of their alma mater, O-K-S-T painted across their shirtless chests. Being from Oklahoma State, they were flexing their muscles while wearing oversized, multicolored cowboy hats and yelling a prideful war-chant. I condescendingly thought to myself, ‘What are they so proud of? They aren’t playing, they are just watching from the stands.’ But pride is a funny thing. On one hand we see the need for a modicum of pride for us to have the courage to persevere, doing valuable work in the world; and on the other hand, we recognize the potential for harm from pride gone awry. Psychologists tell us that pride is the emotion we feel when we sense that we are valuable, important, or competent. In the case of these football fans, they felt pride that they are part of a group that is competent and competitive. Emotions themselves are neither good nor bad, but the effect they can have on us can be positive or negative. The rabbis discussed the importance of pride as well as its danger. The danger is not hard to identify and can be seen repeatedly in the Bible. The Book of Proverbs tells us that pride precedes destruction, and a haughty spirit precedes a fall. (16:18). The Rabbis themselves also warned about pride in their own writings: In the end, anyone with a haughty spirit will be diminished. (Sotah 5a). How do we ensure that our feelings of pride will lead to the good? We must first ask if we have an accurate sense of our own importance or competence. We experience hubris when our sense of pride is unwarranted. The first challenge of pride is embracing the unvarnished image of ourselves, something easier said than done. Our sense of pride can benefit us when we use it as an internal measure of the work that we do. If the work of our hands and the work of our community is truly important, then a measure of pride is an emotional reward for our own rewarding actions. When I look around this very congregation and see how we reach out to those who are sick or are recuperating, when I see the way our congregation cares for those in financial crisis by providing shelter and food, when I see the groups of men and women who are studying text and discussing how they can better live a more meaningful life, when I see our congregation helping to improve the world in so many tangible ways … I feel pride. May the work of our hand merit a deep sense of pride and may that sense urge us to continue working for the betterment of ourselves and the betterment of our world. L’Shalom, Rabbi Barry Diamond Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” – Albert Schweitzer JULY 2014 Judaica Shop New Items for BAR/BAT MITZVAH, WEDDINGS, ETC. INCLUDING CASH ENCLOSURE GIFT CARDS • JEWELRY HOLIDAY NEEDS • MEZUZOT PARTY GOODS • FAVORS • GIFTWRAP A few months ago, in these pages, I asked, “What do you get out of it?” Why should we support TAE? My answer included that we support TAE not only because of the wonderful programs and services we get out of participation at TAE, but also to support our vibrant, diverse, loving Jewish community. Because we have heard so many say that TAE is our second home, it might seem cliché, but things only become clichés when they are true. We support TAE not just so that we ourselves have this home, but also so that Judaism will always have a home here in the Conejo Valley. SUMMER HOURS: What I would like to add is also readily apparent. Our community is made up of individuals. Our programs and services are attended and put on by individuals. Yes, we enjoy the quality of these programs and the services are an attractive draw; but the individuals who participate and attend are a large part of the draw as well. We can come to a Shabbat service and rejoice in the prayers and serene peace that comes at the end of a busy week, as well as enjoy the music. But we also see our friends, make new friends, and know that when we are asked, “How are you?” people are really interested in how we are doing. If the answer is, “Not so great,” we are likely to be asked, “How can I help?” or by appointment: Paula Kraft (805) 493-1749 Why do we come to TAE? Why do we go to High Holy Days services? Why are we in the Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Mishpaha or TAE Seniors? Why do we contribute our time and money? Think about where, at any given time, are you likely to come across that ‘someone’ who will rekindle that inner fire, that inner spirit? I say, “Here at Temple Adat Elohim!” FRIDAY Before Shabbat services 6:30 P.M.– 7:25 P.M. Place an ad in the Bazman Hazeh... Business Card size (3 1/2” x 2” size) Monthly . . . .$25.00 Annually . . .$270.00 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” Monthly . . . .$40.00 Annually . . .$430.00 Quarter Page size Monthly . . . .$45.00 Annually . . .$475.00 Half Page size Monthly . . . .$65.00 Annually . . .$660.00 Full Page size Monthly . . . .$130.00 Annually . . .$1300.00 L’Shalom, Seth Stevens President Our Mission: DID YOU KNOW? You can learn more about volunteer opportunities, as well as sign up to be a volunteer on our Temple Adat Elohim website. From our home page, open the “Community” drop-down menu and go to the “Volunteer” tab. You can alternatively contact me through email at president@adatelohim.com. You will get more out of your relationship with all of us at TAE, the more you get involved! Bdiamond@adatelohim.com Rdubowe@adatelohim.com Dshukiar@adatelohim.com Agoland@adatelohim.com Marcy Goldberg: Donna Becker: Youth Group: Accounting: Reception Desk: Temple Adat Elohim is a welcoming and fulfilling Jewish community embracing those who seek spirituality, knowledge, and a desire to heal the world. Bazman Hazeh E-MAIL ADDRESSES Rabbi Diamond: Rabbi Dubowe: Cantor Shukiar: Aliza Goland: TUES. thru THURS. 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Bazman Hazeh is the newsletter of Mgoldberg@adatelohim.com Dbecker@adatelohim.com youthgroup@adatelohim.com accounting@adatelohim.com office@adatelohim.com Temple Adat Elohim 2420 East Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 A Reform Jewish synagogue, affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. It is published monthly. JULY 2014 Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 3 BAR/BAT MITZVAHS July 5, 2014 Luke Tribe son of Gayle and Trent Tribe Luke will be going into the 8th grade this fall. Luke’s Mitzvah project is to raise money for children with serious diseases. He is collecting new and used video games; and will donate these games to a charity, “Donategames.org,” which raises money for these children and their families. Luke is an avid golfer, and plays AYBA basketball. His parents, Gayle and Trent, offer their blessings, congratulations, and love to Luke on his Bar Mitzvah! July 12, 2014 Emilie Lesser daughter of Tamara and Joshua Lesser Emilie is an honor roll student who will be entering 8th grade and enjoys painting, horseback riding, singing and skiing. Emilie is active in her middle school’s Leadership Program. She is very caring, responsible, and loves animals. For her mitzvah project, Emilie donated her time to worthy causes such as face painting at “Let’s Bake a Difference,” raising funds for cancer research. In addition, Emilie held a silent gallery auction and sold her oil paintings to friends and family, donating the proceeds to Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, a non-profit organization providing horseback riding to adults and children with disabilities. Emilie has worked very hard to prepare for her Bat Mitzvah and we look forward to celebrating this special day with her! We couldn’t be prouder! Love you, Em!! Mom, Dad, Daniel, Bud and the cats July 19, 2014 Chloe Feinberg daughter of Julie and Larry Feinberg Chloe will be entering 8th grade in the fall and is a talented musician. Chloe loves playing piano, traveling, playing with her dog Sammy, and hanging out with her friends. She also plays trumpet in the school band. For her mitzvah project she has been preparing and serving meals at the temple’s homeless shelter. Chloe is very excited to be celebrating her special day with her friends and family. We hope that this day will hold very special memories for you. We love you so much and are very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, and Sammy July 26, 2014 Caleb Siff son of Lisa Siff and Anthony Siff Caleb has just completed 7th grade, and has succeeded in being on the Principal’s Honor Roll at his middle school for the past two years. He is an intelligent, passionate, fun-loving, humorous individual who is also a caring older brother. Caleb is very musical and plays percussion in his school band. He is interested in watching and playing all sports, especially baseball. For his Mitzvah project, Caleb volunteered at the Shelter Hope Pet Shop. Caleb, we love you with all our heart! Mazel Tov on becoming a Bar Mitzvah! Love, Mom, Dad, and Noah Special thanks and yasher koach to Maya Kaman, Griffin Krawitz, Abriannah Aiken and our other Tzofim (peer tutors) who have helped to guide these students through the process of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Cantor David is leading a trip to Poland and Israel from October 20 – November 3, 2015 We will begin in Krakow, exploring the Jewish community that existed before World War II, including the oldest Synagogue in Poland. We will experience the darkness that is Auschwitz, walking the same steps that so many did during the Holocaust. We will move to Warsaw and experience the Ghetto and learn of the people who were forced to live there. We will experience and interact with the Jewish community there today, experiencing a Shabbat with a local Jewish community. Then, we will move to Israel and experience the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, including a stop at Independence Hall where Israel was declared a state, and the munitions factory hidden beneath a laundry facility. We will tour ancient ruins thousands of years old, and we will live for a couple of days on a Kibbutz. We will be able to reach out and touch Syria and dine with IDF soldiers who are serving on the Lebanese and Syrian borders. We will experience all that the Old City of Jerusalem has to offer, including the Western Wall, the Western Wall tunnel, walking the Ramparts and the Rooftops of the Old City. We will experience Yad Vashem. We will walk the fortress at Masada and float in the Dead Sea. This will be the trip of a lifetime. We are limiting the total number of travelers to around 25. Currently, there are only about 10 more spaces open on the trip and we expect it to sell out quickly. If you have any questions or wish to see a detailed itinerary and register, contact Cantor David at dshukiar@adatelohim.com. Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 4 JULY 2014 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER It’s off to Kindergarten! Some tips of the trade for parents: When it is time to send your little one off to kindergarten it can be a very emotional and challenging time. So it is off to the local discount store for the latest, greatest, favorite character lunch box and backpack. That is just the beginning of preparing your little one for the first days of elementary school. During your summer downtime, call the grade school and ask for a drop-by and take a sneak peek at the school and the kindergarten classrooms. Maybe the playground will be open and you can stop by to play on the yard or shoot some baskets. When it gets closer to the first days of school, begin to introduce new morning routines. In that way your child will get acclimated to ‘rising and shining’ each morning. He can select their new clothes the night before and give a helping hand in packing their lunch goodies. Be the strong one and try not to send mixed messages to your kindergartener. Be strong and focus on the grown-up that your ‘baby’ is now, the new activities that only a kindergartener is allowed to do in school, as well as the excitement level that those activities generate. If your child needs it, you can always send a note, photo or little love item for confidence. Be alert that your child might want to keep this object in the bottom of her backpack for confidence and for reassurance. Have fun the night before and celebrate with a special dinner in honor of the beginning of the school year. All of your kindergartener’s favorites might be included in the menu for dinner. Talk, talk and more talk. Professionals believe that sharing your stories about school is most effective for parents to boost their children emotionally. There is nothing that a child loves more than hearing stories from your childhood. If your child will be participating in after- or before-school hour care, try to ease into the schedule. If you will be using one of many programs, contact them during the summer and see if it is possible to spend a summer session or at least to visit. Try to eliminate as many surprises as possible. Make sure to review the rules on who will be helping them after their regular school hours and where to go and what to expect during the extended hour before and after school. If you have a chance and your kindergartener is not from the same community as his/her school is, spend some time finding a new friend before school begins. Schedule a play date in the park or just a walk together in the community. Knowing a friendly face on the first day of school really can make the difference in the level of comfort your child feels. Read, read, and read some more. Plan a trip to the local library or to the bookstore for other stories about kindergarten that are in print. One of my very favorites is “The Kissing Hand,” by Audrey Penn. Then, when your little one is settled in, your next job is to get involved. Research has proven that one of the factors in students who do well is parent involvement. So even if you are a working parent as I was, there is always a little something that you can contribute. So volunteer and find that little extra time to help out at your child’s school. A few more responsibilities for each parent along the way over the next 13 years or so: Make sure that your child is geared up and ready to go each school day with lots of sleep and lots of nutritious choices. Make a promise as a parent that you will provide your child with guidance, moral support, and – when necessary – the discipline needed to stay the course. Most of all relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey that begins with kindergarten. L’Shalom, Donna Becker Director, ECC JULY 2014 Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 5 CANTOR’S NOTES You are sitting there in the dark theatre. As the movie progresses, you are starting to feel your heart beat faster… You move to the edge of your seat as the excitement and drama grow, and you can feel yourself gripping the armrest tighter and tighter. And for those two hours you are transported to a world where the cares and worries of life seem to disappear for awhile. But imagine this scene without music supporting the drama. e You may not even realize it, but in a theatrical experience music defines the emotions felt by the audience. A horror movie without the scary music to heighten the drama would not be nearly as scary. The action sequences we all love to watch would not be as exciting without the music supporting the drama. The love stories we experience would not be as sentimental and beautiful without the lush scores supporting the actors. Without a soundtrack, movies would be simply ordinary. In Judaism, we see the first mention of music in Genesis 4:21, linking to the very beginning of humanity. Throughout many of the most dramatic moments in our history, music played a key role, including the crossing of the Red Sea … leaving Egyptian bondage behind and experiencing freedom for the first time in generations. I am so proud to be able to provide the soundtrack to our community. Music plays a central role at Temple Adat Elohim. But what is that role? Why is music so important to our worship? Plain and simply, our music is important because it adds depth and meaning to our liturgy. Even if you do not know Hebrew or really understand the text we are chanting together, the music helps to support a feeling and allow you to connect on a much deeper level. This is not an easy task. Our musicians and choirs spend countless hours TAE COLLEGE OUTREACH COMMITTEE SENDS CARE PACKAGES TO OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS Temple Adat Elohim has a wonderful committee to work on outreach to our college students who are away from home in the hopes that they can still feel their connection to our community. If you are a member of our congregation and your child is a student who would like to receive such a package, please send their name, address, dates they will be home from school for summer break, winter break and spring break to Cantor David at dshukiar@adatelohim.com. In addition, we are looking for other volunteers to help with our committee. You can also contact Cantor David about our Facebook page dedicated to sending periodic messages to our college students. Thank you for helping to maintain this important connection! working to be able to present the most meaningful and beautiful music possible. All of the music you hear at TAE are unique arrangements created specifically for our singers and instrumentalists. The music we select to include in our worship is specifically chosen to help take you on a journey through our service, where each prayer, each melody builds on the one before. We incorporate music from deep within our tradition, sometimes hundreds of years old, and add it to more contemporary compositions, from serious choral music to camp-like melodies, from lush music written in multi-voiced harmonies to songs that contain a single melody line. You will not hear music like this anywhere else; and we are so proud of the sound that defines Temple Adat Elohim! e In August, the Adult Choir, the Band of Milk and Honey and the Junior Cantors will attempt to create a recording that will allow you to bring our unique sound home with you. And over the next few months I will try to offer some insights into Jewish music to help you connect on a deeper level to the sounds you hear during our services. If you have an interest in joining our unique and nationally recognized music program, let me know and I am happy to share the opportunities with you. We are in the midst of preparations for the upcoming High Holy Days. Please support the Band of Milk and Honey as they help to lead our music on Friday, July 25th, as we experience Shabbat Under the Stars; and be sure to be with us on Friday, August 22nd as the Adult Choir and Band of Milk and Honey elevate our Shabbat worship. L’Shalom, Cantor David Shukiar Join TAE’s Very Own Shofar Corps! There is nothing that moves a congregation like the sound of the Shofar during the High Holy Days! This year we will be assembling our very own Shofar Corps to participate leading up to and during our High Holy Days services. Those in our Shofar Corps will participate in the Shabbat services on August 29th – September 5th, 12th, and 19th – S’lichot services on Friday, September 19th – Tashlich on Friday, September 26th – and Ne’ilah on Saturday, October 4th. If you are interested in having this honor, please contact Cantor David Shukiar as soon as possible. Having your own Shofar is helpful, but not necessary, as we have a few that we can lend you. You can contact Cantor Shukiar at (805) 497-7101 or at dshukiar@adatelohim.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our Corps! PAGE 6 Temple Adat Elohim SISTERHOOD NEWS JULY 2014 JULY 2014 Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 7 BROTHERHOOD NEWS The June issue of the Bazman had our outgoing President Richard Zeman saying some very kind words about the Board he was leaving behind; but with the onset of a new fiscal year for TAE Brotherhood, it is now time to introduce our new Board: President Executive Vice President VP Administration VP Programming VP Membership VP Religious Practices Secretary Treasurer Social Action Chair Good and Welfare Immediate Past President – Ron Harris – Stuart Goodman – OPEN (Please contact me if you are interested in filling this position) – Bob Salfi – Steve Forman – Ed Rich – Herb Shukiar – Ron Harris (Please contact me if you are interested in filling this position) – Larry Braun – Bernie Entin and Stan Steinberg – Richard Zeman I know I speak for the entire Board when I say THANK YOU to Richard Zeman for an outstanding job as President over the past 2 years. Your “Man of the Year” recognition was well deserved, and you’ve inspired us to continue on in your stead! During the slower summer months, your Brotherhood is not taking a vacation. We are going to the Reagan Library and Museum on Sunday, July 13th at 1:00 p.m. to experience “Baseball, the Exhibition.” For more information, please contact Ron Harris at (805) 807-3615 or email him at toreas@earthlink.net. Then, on Sunday, August 10th, we will be exploring the latest exhibits at the Skirball Museum, starting at noon. For more information, please contact Larry Braun at (818) 879-9267 or email him at larry@4travelnow.com. We are looking forward to another exciting year. Our renowned monthly Bagel Brunch calendar is quickly filling up with interesting topics and dynamic speakers. What better way to start our Bagel Brunch season on Sunday, September 7th than with our very own Interim Rabbi Diamond. Other topics we are actively planning are California water issues, the dangers and strategies to avoid massive meteor strikes, the Middle East, and United States defense policy, to name a few. The Brotherhood is only as strong as the participation of our members. If you have an idea for an exciting event, either on- or off-site, please don’t hesitate to approach Bob Salfi at rsalfi@alumni.stevens-tech.edu or any of the Board members listed above. Also, our Membership drive will be starting shortly as well. For past members, when you are invited to renew your membership, please respond quickly, as your membership helps to sponsor so many of the programs and services/contributions your Brotherhood provides to TAE throughout the year. Our main focus this year will be growth, by encouraging fathers of our religious school students to join the Brotherhood and help us to expand in the years to come. Help us to help you enjoy the fun, fellowship, and camaraderie that a vibrant Brotherhood has to offer. I welcome your suggestions, feedback, and ideas. Thanks, and kol tuv (all the best), Ron Harris President ADULT EDUCATION AT TAE In July we begin with a NEW list of Jewish Values for Everyday Living that you will see, study and perhaps practice throughout the year. Here is a preview of our list of Soul Traits: July & August September October November December January February March April May June L’Shalom. Michele Matis Jackman Pride/Ga’avah Judging Favorably/Machri’o L’chaf Zechut Giving Justly/Tzedakah Caring for Animals/Tza’ar Ba’alei Chayim Faith/Emunah Learning for the Sake of Learning/Talmud Torah Responsibility/Achrayut The Power of Speech/Koach Hadibur The Understanding Heart/Binat Ha’lev Love/Ahavah Pride in Our Community/K’lal Yisraeyl PAGE 8 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 YOUTH GROUP Dear Friends, After an extensive search, we are so excited to introduce our new Assistant Director of the Religious School, B’nai Mitzvah Facilitator and Youth Advisor: Jacelyn Gluska. We know that you will join us in welcoming Jacey with open arms to her new fulltime position within our community. We received numerous resumes from interested candidates; and after considering each carefully, we interviewed four of the applicants. Two of these clearly stood out to us. We had those two meet with the leadership of our senior youth group, AETY, so that they could get a sense of both candidates and that we could witness the interaction between the applicants and our youth. With their feedback and our observations, it became clear that Jacey would be the perfect fit for our community. Jacey was born and raised in West Hills, California. She has four brothers, who are responsible for turning her into the great hockey fan that she is; and one older sister, who helped to instill a love of Judaism within her. She has her certificate in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching preschool for the past 7 years. By day, she loved working on preschool playgrounds, and by the time afternoon hit, she would prepare her Judaic and Hebrew lessons for the elementary, middle and high school students she taught. Jacey has taught religious school in many synagogues throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Temple Aliyah, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, Temple Judea and here at Adat Elohim. She has also worked as a USY Advisor and spent time at Camp Ramah, teaching and training others to work with campers with special needs. She grew up in an orthodox home, which she feels has set the foundation for exploring her Jewish identity. She finds Jewish education to be an integral part of one’s journey, and loves providing a space and all the necessary tools to help others develop and explore their own connection. We are so excited to have one person serving as our Assistant Director, B’nai Mitzvah Facilitator and Youth Advisor. We know that with Jacey working alongside us, the leadership of both our Youth Program and our temple, we will continue to raise the prominence of our youth at TAE, regionally and nationally. Come by and meet Jacey when you have a chance. She will be starting full- time on July 1st. We know you will love her warm and welcoming energy as much as we do! Looking forward to a terrific year, David Shukiar Cantor Marcy Goldberg Director of Education The JGSCV will hold a general meeting, co–sponsored with Temple Adat Elohim, on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at Temple Adat Elohim, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Topic: “Genealogy in the Round” Come and share a genealogical success, failure, brick wall, or genealogical artifact! This is YOUR meeting. We all learn from one another—take this opportunity to share your genealogical story—success or failure, ask questions about your brick walls, and more! If you wish to participate in the program, please contact Jan Meisels Allen at president@JGSCV.org. Each participant will be given 5-10 minutes to share—depending on the number of presenters. Whether you are a JGSCV member or a potential member—we’d love to hear your genealogical story. The Jewish Genealogical Society of the Conejo Valley and Ventura County is dedicated to sharing genealogical information, techniques and research tools with anyone interested in Jewish genealogy and family history. There is no charge to attend the meeting. Anyone may join JGSCV. Annual dues are $25 for an individual and $30 for a family. Those individuals joining at this time will have their memberships good through December 2014! For more information, contact: information@jgscv.org Jan Meisels Allen@ 818-889-6616 See: www.JGSCV.org JULY 2014 Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 9 THE TAE SENIORS (formerly The Greatest Generations) Your TAE Seniors will continue to bring to our community, educational and entertaining programming throughout the summer months: Last month, we sold all of the tickets that we had purchased and went to see Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” at the High Street Arts Center in Moorpark. It was a terrific, well-produced show that all of the attendees thoroughly enjoyed. In addition, the senior group truly relished the musical talents of “Michael Preddy & His Friends.” It is amazing to see and be entertained by these wonderful young talented musicians. In addition, Michael put together a special portion where he accompanied, on piano, clips of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton silent movies, as well as a skit that he had performed on the Smothers Brothers TV Show, “Dueling Banjoes.” What a treat and what a terrific talent! Many thanks again to Michael for assembling this show for our enjoyment. Coming up this month will be our “Lunch & Learn” on Tuesday, July 1st at 2:00 p.m., under the supervision of Marilyn Kramer. We will enjoy a delicious potluck luncheon brought in by our wonderful volunteers, plus we’ll celebrate July birthdays and anniversaries, and learn some Jewish knowledge as shared by a member of our clergy. On July 15th at 2:00 p.m., our group will be entertained by the song stylings of “Dave Winstone – Music & Entertainment.” Dave returns to us once again, and we’ll look forward to another tune-filled program. A reminder that the TAE Seniors programs are open to all in our community, so please bring along a friend and enjoy the company of your fellow seniors. There is no charge to attend or fee to belong. If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please contact me. L’Shalom Bob Grossmann President – TAE Seniors PAGE 10 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 Invites you to our Open Houses We invite all our members to join in our free open house celebrations for the entire family. Celebrate with wine, cheese and great fun. Meet other families and stay connected throughout the year. Mark your calendar and reserve your space accordingly. Scheduled Dates: Join with us as we honor our fabulous congregants and their families: New Member Families Friday, August 22, 2014 Havurah Families Friday, April 17, 2015 ECC and Religious School Families Friday, May 15, 2015 Our Open House events are available to the entire community. Each event is held at Temple Adat Elohim 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks and is FREE to attend. Please call or visit our website to RSVP or receive further information. Dates subject to change. Due to the popularity of these events, RSVP is required. www.adatelohim.org 805.497.7101 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 PAGE 11 RABBINIC SEARCH COMMITTEE: JULY UPDATE On Tuesday, June 24th, approximately 60 congregants attended our fourth Town Hall Meeting, which was held to describe the candidate evaluation process. More importantly, the RSC had an opportunity to illustrate the thoughtful steps it is taking toward evaluating rabbinical candidates, ultimately leading to the selection of our permanent rabbi. To be sure, the committee has been taking thoughtful steps throughout this entire process. At this stage, one of our primary goals is to establish a fair, unbiased way to evaluate all candidates by constructing comprehensive criteria and rubric. At the same time, it is critical to reflect the congregation’s needs, priorities, and concerns as established in 18 focus groups, 4 town hall meetings, 3 Q&A sessions, and private letters and emails. It’s clear that during the last eleven months, the RSC actively listened to hundreds of Support TAE when you shop at AMAZON! 1. Log onto the TAE website; 2. lick on the Purchase button at the top of the page; 3. Follow the link to AMAZON. A portion of your purchase will be donated back to TAE PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER engaged, vocal members of our congregation. Your ideas informed and guided the RSC in developing our criteria and rubric. During July, we will again turn to the words of our congregation when we complete the Senior/Solo Rabbi Application to the Rabbinic Placement Commission of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. The most important part of the application is the five questions to which hundreds of YOU responded. We will return to those most frequent responses in order to communicate your aspirations for the future of Temple Adat Elohim. L’Shalom, Jan Iscovich Chair PAGE 12 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 PLEASE SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS WHO SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 PAGE 13 Wood Ranch Proudly Supports Temple Adat Elohim DINE IN TAKE OUT CATERING Like woodranch.com Direct: 818.707.3091 Bev: 818.424.5998 DRE License: #798361 Saul: 818.406.7285 DRE License: #926228 OVDAT@sbcglobal.net www.OVDATTEAM.com BEV, SAUL & TAMI OVDAT TEAM The Leading Edge In Home Marketing 100 N. Westlake Blvd., Suite 100A Westlake Village, CA 91362 PAGE 14 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 Temple Adat Elohim JULY 2014 JULY YAHRZEITS JULY ADULT BIRTHDAYS July 1-7 Ken Bragar Gia Moody Devin Schneider Samantha Forusz Judy Levine Anita Rose Arianne Walker Lisa Elbaum Mark Rains Juli Rycus Sonia Banon Alexis Bercy Cory Jakl Rodney Kesner David Krawitz David Ravetch Michael Green Jill Greenblatt Allison Wachtel Emily Wachtel Jerry Asher Jack Herrguth Rob Hinderstein Debbie Ravden Julie Solomon Lorin Stein July 8-15 Marcia Price Rachel Roth Rebecca Chirchick Kenneth England Robert Miller Susana Rubinstein Barbara Calnitz Jason Black Alison Geller Alan Roll Fran Rosenfeld David Zasloff Natt Alschuler Michael Barton Arielle Dubowe Steven Princenthal Dustin Akhlaghi Sharon Hill Maud Pincus Lisa Roberts Michelle Roll Robert Walker Corinne Zemliak Lina Boardman Michael Cohen Daniel Murray Steve Taylor Carolyn Beer Selma Feldman J. Corey Friedman David Hirsch Myrna Lee Jonathan Miller Jill Pizitz David Stuart July 16-23 Robin Berman Ellen Franklin Marilyn Novak Audrey Rich Ryan Rosen Evelyn Smith Kailee Graham Dianne Gralnick Heather Moch Marilyn Kramer Julie Morrow Rachel Morrow Cheryl Rose Steven Bookbinder Michael Cohen Adam Gilbert Stephanie Goldstein Lindsey Greenberg Percy Mestman Alfred Miller Jim Stankowski Tracy Caltabiano Michael Leicht Ellen Nadel Dean Prober Steven Grossmann Alec Arsht Cherryl Goldstein David Freihon Lauren Glicksteen Randy Knox Mitchell Kramar Steve Orens Scott Star Gil Tobias PAGE 15 July 24-31 Lauren Alkazian Carole Brownstein Donald Lucove James McComb Sandy Phillips Susan Sandberg Sharleen Bergman Bryan Herring Michelle Morrow Jocelyn Selter Barry Cooper Jeremy Duim Karrie Lopshire Cinda Roffman Ken Skeate Katharine Werber Preston Beckman Ruthanne Begun Bruce Bluestein Steven Cohen Harold Hertzberg Steve Kay Sarah Reines Michele Blum David Rand Mark Phillips Lynda Rose Sandra Sadikoff Mark Stern Vera Adler Fannie Benezra Jerome Berg Ann Berger Lee Berkelhammer Julius Berkowitz Flora Berniker Jenny Bernstein Molly Borg Ernest Bruell Lawrence Canin George Coan Ruth Cohen Sophie Cohen Irwin Cohn Ralph Cone Dorothy Epstein Lawrence Finland Shirley Fradkin John Frerichs Margaret Friedland Marilyn Gams Anna Gelber Philip Glanzer Lewis Glassner Edward Glick Frances Goldner Deborah Gough Carol Green Celia Greenblatt Dora Haber Samuel Herzlinger Susan Hill Rose Horan Sidney Jackman Jack Kapnek Rita Kaye Cyrus Roe Kealer Harry Kofsky Sarah Kofsky Dorothy Kraft Herb Krauss Charles Kronen Esther Landfield Allen Larin Lars Larson Mitzie Leff Freda Lehrer Lewis Lester Leslie Levin Myrna Levine Peter Levy Marsha Lipman Beatrice Loew Helene Lopez Frances Low Donna Lynn Sam Maltz Adolf Manes Sophie Manes Tom Martin Beatrice Miller Rose Miller Lili Modell Herbert Morris Sylvia Mosley Isadore Nemeroff Beverly Ossen Lillian Pizitz Joe Powers Ryan Priske Gladys Reitelman Bertha Rishe Samuel Rishe Max Rosenhart Lillian Ross Bernard Salz Richard Sandleman Joseph Satz Natalie Schlosser Frieda Schram Jacob Schreiber Lawrence Schulner Jennie Seavey Michael Shallman Leonard Shapiro Ben Sheanin Charlotte Sherman Pauline Simon Joseph Snyder Bernard Solomon Morris Spritzer Sadie Steinberg Eliezer Surmani Betty Thompson Nathan Trost Roberto Vivante Irving Weinper Sadie Weisenfeld Lena Wissotsky Marvin Yawitz Kenneth Zemansky Jake Zerman JULY CHILDREN BIRTHDAYS July 1-7 Jack Gilbert Ben Goldberg Ryan Cohen Hannah Tempkin Tara Farkash Max Smith Gregg Lavin Melanie Plutsky Ava Banoun Ashton Levy July 8-15 Sophie Berman Ryan Bleau Benjamin Rosenblum Kyra Josephson Garrett Chen Daniel Cohen Phoebe Dorval Ava Shapiro Philip Oseas Maxwell Oliver Josh Bennett Gavin Mazur Addison Black Lili Chao Dylan Kaseno Isabella Ravden Aiden Weitzman July 16-23 Ezra Alcon-Kirshman Jennifer Bluestein Andy Papazian Jacob Rothschild Zachary Shayne Kyle McKee Jacob Rosenblum Lily Cohen Joshua Strausman Michael Gralnick Skylar Novak July 24-31 Mallory Akhlaghi Benjamin Moody Noah Fischer Jonah Landsberg Brandon Hoffman Benjamin Bynder Max Markow Eden Gallo Lindsey Minassian JULY ANNIVERSARIES Linda and Jeffrey Abell Dorothy and Harry Angel Sondra and William Berger Diane and Eric Bidna Arlene and Kirk Bloom Joyce and Steven Bloom Eric and Michele Blum Jodi and David Bynder Rebecca and Adam Chirchick Amparo and Stephen Davis Gail and Scott Dennison Sandy and Barry Diamond Erin and John Ellington Tammy and Bryan Fox Lori and Alan Glazer Carrie and Robert Glicksteen Dina and Norman Gonor Debbie and Arthur Heisman Denise and Todd Helfstein Leona and Harold Hertzberg Elisa and Robin Hirsch Donnamae and Bernard Huberman Jodye and Joel Kirshman Sylvia and Jay Lieberman Suzanne and David Lynn Jodi and Chris Matro Dorothy and Percy Mestman Gloria and Robert Meyerson Jennifer and David Model Jamie and Brent Novak Wendy and Philip Oseas Sandy and Mark Phillips Michelle and Robert Princenthal Sarah and Daniel Reines Adria and Jeremy Resnick Audrey and Edward Rich Christy and Howard Rosen Debra and David Satz Stacey and Joe Schlosser Debbie and Keith Schulner Judith and Norman Shapiro Randi and Joshua Shayne Lainey and Scott Slotnick Julie and Jim Stankowski Lindsay and Oze Strausman Kimberly and Rick Swartzburg Ilana and Jeff Sweet Gayle and Trent Tribe Tiffany and Paul Weitzman Marna and Stuart Wensil Karen and David Zasloff Erica and Rick Zide Temple Adat Elohim PAGE 16 JULY 2014 We are grateful to the following for their contributions: CHAI ANNUAL CAMPAIGN GENERAL FUND DONOR NAME Judy and Bob Grossmann Debbie and Art Heisman Debbie and Art Heisman Sandi, Mitch and Colin Stern IN MEMORY OF Myrna Levine, Sister of Judy Grossmann Clara Mazure, Mother of Debbie Heisman Sam Mazure, Father of Debbie Heisman Julius Nussbaum, Father of Melanie Weisenfeld DONOR NAME Alan Henlein Marilyn Jorrie IN HONOR OF DONOR NAME Andrea and Rob Mettel IN HONOR OF Cantor David Shukiar for preparing Jeremy for his Bar Mitzvah EDUCATION AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS MARSHA FAYNE CAMPERSHIP FUND DONOR NAME Aliza Goland Aliza Goland IN HONOR OF Terry Grayson-Sisterhood Woman of the Year Maggi Salfi’s Installation as Sisterhood President RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND DONOR NAME Arlene Bloom Arlene Bloom Eva Larson and Michael Green Stanley Steinberg Patti and Richard Zeman DONOR NAME Arlene Bloom Arlene Bloom Arlene Bloom Aliza Goland Aliza Goland Aliza Goland Aliza Goland Judy and Bob Grossmann Tobi and Sheldon Tilles Sanford Zeman, Paula and Robert Zeman and Leslie Gordon IN MEMORY OF Julius Nussbaum, Father of Melanie Weisenfeld, Father-in-law of Howard Weisenfeld and Grandfather of Allison and Jason Weisenfeld Helen Resnick Powers, Mother of Mark Powers Carol Green, Aunt of Michael Green Rita Steinberg, Wife of Stanley Steinberg Gertrude Goldberg, Mother of Terry Grayson IN HONOR OF Bernie Entin’s 96th Birthday Herb and Marilyn Jacobowitz’s 60th Wedding Anniversary. Richard Zeman, Brotherhood Man of the Year Bernie Entin, “Happy 96th Birthday” Marilyn and Herb Jacobowitz’s 60th Anniversary Ron Harris’ Installation as Brotherhood President Richard Zeman-Brotherhood Man of the Year Jeff Levenson’s Passing the California State Bar Bea Ferber’s Birthday Richard Zeman’s Recognition as Man of the Year DONOR NAME Denise and Todd Helfstein Anita and Martin Horan Aurora and Richard Trogman IN MEMORY OF Judy Foxman, Mother of Eric Scott Rose Horan, Mother of Martin Horan Judy Foxman, Mother of Eric Scott DONOR NAME The Confirmation Class of 2014 Judy and Larry Levine IN HONOR OF Marcy Goldberg for being our teacher this year Marilyn and Joel Sandleman’s 5th Wedding Anniversary YELADIM PRESCHOOL EDUCATION FUND DONOR NAME Donna Becker Aliza Goland OTHER SPECIAL FUNDS MUSIC & CHOIR FUND DONOR NAME Joan Bernick Judy and Barry Krauss Karen and Andrew Surmani IN MEMORY OF Edward Glick, Father of Joan Bernick Myrtle Sider, Mother of Judy Krauss Eliezer Surmani, Father of Andrew Surmani DONOR NAME Judy and Bob Grossmann IN HONOR OF Richard Zeman, Brotherhood President PROPERTY RESERVE FUND DONOR NAME Aliza Goland IN MEMORY OF Julius Nussbaum, Father of Melanie Weisenfeld PRAYER BOOK FUND DONOR NAME Debbie Heisman CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS RABBI DIAMOND’S DISCRETIONARY FUND DONOR NAME Barbara and George Hettler IN MEMORY OF Harry Kofsky, Father of Barbara Hettler DONOR Andrea and Rob Mettel IN HONOR OF Rabbi Diamond for preparing Jeremy for his Bar Mitzvah RABBI DUBOWE’S DISCRETIONARY FUND DONOR NAME Bobbie and Gene Berg Patricia Fenton Barbara and George Hettler Joyce and Bill Knell Jennifer and Dave Model Stephen Sonnenberg IN MEMORY OF Jerome Berg, Father of Gene Berg Peter Fenton, Husband of Greta Fenton and Father of Patricia Fenton Sarah Kofsky, Mother of Brabara Hettler Sophie Moss, Mother of Joyce Knell Marjorie Bruell, Mother of Jennifer Model Thank you for your services, words of wisdom and kindness regarding my parents. CANTOR SHUKIAR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND DONOR NAME Sylvia and Jay Lieberman The Minassian Family Arlene and Paul Plotkin Jennifer and Dave Model Phyllis and Herb Shukiar Phyllis and Herb Shukiar Phyllis and Herb Shukair IN MEMORY OF Sam Lieberman, Father of Jay Lieberman Julius Nussbaum, Father of Melanie Weisenfeld Irving Jacobson, Father of Arlene Plotkin Ernest Bruell, Father of Jennifer Model Bill Beleznay, Brother-in-law of Herb Shukiar, Uncle of Lisa Newnan and Cantor David Shukiar Charlotte Sherman, Mother of Phyllis Shukiar, Grandmother of Lisa Newnan and Cantor David Shukiar Sarina Shukiar, Mother of Herb Shukiar, Grandmother of Lisa Newnan and Cantor David Shukiar IN MEMORY OF Helen Resnick Powers, Mother of Mark Powers Helen Resnick Powers, Mother of Mark Powers IN HONOR OF Rabbi Michael Lotker’s presenting prayers to the U.S. Congress on June 18th SOCIAL ACTION TZEDAKAH FUND DONOR NAME Andrea Goldenberg IN MEMORY OF Samuel Herzlinger, Grandfather of Andrea Goldenberg We Welcome Our New Members: Mati and David Barish Lisa Hillman and Jonathan Corn Celeste and Brian Forster Judy Krieger and Robert Macpherson April and Mark Powers Lindsey and Yale Silverman Vanita and Scott Star Our Condolences to the Families of: Scott Jason Freedman, Brother of Lindsay Strausman Margaret Jones, Mother of Dianne Gralnick Julius Nussbaum, Father of Melanie Weisenfeld, Grandfather of Allison Weisenfeld and Jason Weisenfeld Helen Resnick Powers, Mother of Mark Powers Candi Stern, Beloved friend of Gerri Wissot