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 [email protected]. You will get
more out of your relationship with all of us at TAE, the more you get involved!
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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 [email protected].
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.
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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 [email protected]. 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!
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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 [email protected].
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
[email protected]. 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 [email protected].
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
[email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected]
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
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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
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Temple Adat Elohim
JULY 2014
PAGE 13
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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