Seeing the Sounds - Visual Interpretations of Biblical Text and the Holidays
Dr. Revital Somekh-Goldreich
An award-winning scholar, educator, stained-glass artist, and community builder who uses art and sensory experiences to make Jewish studies more interactive and relevant.
SEEING BEYOND THE TEXT: BUILDING BRIDGES OF MEANING FROM PURIM TO PASSOVER THROUGH VISUAL THEOLOGY
SATURDAY EVENING
7:00PM Havdalah and Interactive Presentation (with refreshments) Are Exile and Diaspora Synonyms?
Explore this question by examining the Purim and Passover story-cycles and their rich visual interpretations.
SUNDAY MORNING BRUNCH
9:30 AM, Meaning-Making Workshop
So Many Bridges, So Little Time! Join us for a dynamic, co-creative workshop where we’ll discover and test relevant Purim-Passover connections, bringing our weekend of visual theology to a powerful close.
Saturday Evening and Sunday Brunch: $10 pp (no charge for SIR Sponsors, Legacy level &above, and students
Please visit our Scholar-In-Residence website often for updated agenda information, details and sponsorship opportunities.
Rabbi Ari Averbach rabbiaverbach@templeetzchaim.org
I look at the Jewish world and wonder how we got here. How we live Jewishly is not directly from the Torah – it took millennia of sages interpreting the words of the Tanakh (Bible) in each generation, as the world changed.
Twenty-six hundred years ago, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah preached their understanding of Judaism to anyone who would listen. Two thousand years ago, the rabbis of the Mishna and G’mara (Talmud) shared wisdom as they argued about how to keep Judaism relevant in a world that looked nothing like the one they inherited from their parents.
In time came interpreters like Rashi and Rambam and Radak. Mysticism and the Enlightenment and the Holocaust, each demanding a change in how we uphold our end of the eternal covenant.
A generation ago, two rabbis took the reins of the conversation: Mordecai Kaplan and Abraham Joshua Heschel. The Judaism
Happy Secular New Year! As January brings its own energy of renewal—similar to yet distinct from the spiritual reflection we experience at Rosh Hashanah—we here at TEC are embracing this season as an opportunity to refresh and enhance what we offer. Our focus in the coming months is simple: creating more value in your experience as members of this community. That means making our services more musical, our events more organized, our lifecycle celebrations more participatory, and our choir more experienced with an expanding repertoire.
We are entering a season rich with B’nai Mitzvah, one after another filling our Sanctuary in the weeks ahead. What I love most about these celebrations is how they reveal the many ways TEC touches families across generations—parents,
we know today was shaped by them, which they, in turn, handed to others. Rabbis Jonathan Sacks, Sharon Brous, Bradley Artson, among others. And, of course, one of my teachers, Rabbi Ed Feinstein.
You might not have time to read the works of the leaders of each generation. You might not have time to listen to my podcast where I speak with so many of these modern thinkers. But I want to recommend a class that Rabbi Feinstein is teaching about Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan. It’s free, it’s on zoom, and it is only three sessions starting February 12. A great way to learn about Kaplan, and how Judaism got to where we are now. Because, in Judaism, we never stop learning.
children, grandparents—all gathered together. I am deeply proud of our Religious School students and the progress each of them has made over these past months in learning prayers and improving their Hebrew. They should all be proud of themselves. I encourage every congregant, even if you don’t know the Bar or Bat Mitzvah personally, to attend one of these services. It is a beautiful encapsulation of what it means to belong to this family.
And looking ahead: Purim is coming! We have a lot in store for Purim night—lots of music, lots of songs to sing together. Stay tuned.
Thank you for helping to make this community what it is. I am deeply grateful to belong to a congregation that shows up, week after week.
Rabbi Feinstein’s Class
Felicia Toporoff, President ftoporoff@templeetzchaim.org
February is famously known for Valentine’s Day where pink and red fill the stores in the form of cards, stuffed animals, and candy. We walk down the aisles picking up little gifts for our spouses, significant others, friends, and children to let them know how much they are loved. Although a completely commercialized holiday (I have no idea of what its origins are), the sentiment is a sweet one we can all get around. It’s nice to shower people we care about with gifts and sweets and it’s nice to know we are loved and appreciated in return. What I love about Temple Etz Chaim is that these sentiments are found among our community all year round, especially during difficult times. We are a community that cares for one another, and it shows every day with actions big and small. We offer each other support in times of need, a shoulder to cry on in times of grief and sorrow or celebrate each other during times of joy. We don’t need a commercially invented
holiday to show our care for one another. It’s in our DNA and is evident every time we see each other. It makes me feel so very fortunate that you are all my community and are there for me just as I am there for you.
St. Valentine has NOTHING on TEC!
Benny
Sommerfeld,
Chaplain benny@templeetzchaim.org
I feel very emotional when I see pictures from Israel. The 25t1st hostage has been released, and there are no more hostages left in Gaza. What will happen in the future is hard to tell, but I feel for all parents and citizens who have been affected by October 7. Israel is hopefully finding time to breath and over time bring more soldiers back from the frontline. My yellow ribbon that I have worn for the last years will be taken off. On February 2nd one the hostages will be presenting at Temple Adat Elohim.
February is cold and snowy here in the US but in Israel Tu B’Shevat, the 15th Day of Shevat, the New Year of Trees, arrives on February 2nd, this year. Mother nature in Israel is waking up. This day is known as “Chag Ha’Ilanot” (Ilan ןליא = tree), we honor this day when budding trees such as walnuts enters
a new year of life by planting saplings of different trees. This is also a marker for what year a harvest is counted. Everything before Tu B’Shevat belongs to the previous year’s harvest. We celebrate this holiday by making a seder! That is correct, seder is not only for Passover. We are coming together and eat from the seven biblical species, and we drink four cups of wine. The seven species are: Wheat – Chita; Barley – Se’orah; Grapes – Anavim; Fig – Te’enah; Pomegranate – Rimmon; Olive - Zayit; and Dates – Tamar (from the dates honey is made). If you take a closer look at our Bima, you will find all of them represented in the artwork. Enjoy Tu B’Shevat, eat some of the above fruits. Tu B’Shevat is one month away from Purim and Purim is yet another month away from Pesach... start preparing... Happy New Year!
TEC Education
Debbie Blumenthal, Early Education Director
debbieb@templeetzchaim.org
February is a rich and meaningful month in our Early Childhood Education Center, filled with celebration, learning, and joyful exploration.
We will begin the month with a Tu B’ Shevat celebration, led by Rabbi Ari and Cantor Kenny. The children will enjoy a special morning focused on trees and nature, including planting activities, singing songs about trees, and engaging in age-appropriate discussions about caring for our world. In honor of Groundhog Day, we will also explore the idea of shadows and who knows, we may even spot a groundhog in the yard.
Throughout the month, our curriculum will center on the Jewish value of Shomer Adamah — care for the Earth.
Children will learn about trees, taste a variety of fruits, and explore how we care for all living things. As part of this learning, we will incorporate a focus on pets and the important work of veterinarians in our community.
Our artist of the month is Mark Rothko, and children will explore his use of color and expression through hands-on art experiences. All learning will take place through sensory play, music and movement, art, and daily classroom routines.
Please note that the preschool and infant classes will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
We look forward to a month filled with curiosity, celebration, and meaningful learning together.
ECE Winter Festival
Men’s Club Sunday brunch, welcoming Deputy Consul General of Israel, Yulia Rachinsky-Spivakov. More
8.
Joyce Bronstein, Religious School Director joyce@templeetzchaim.org
Many parents at Religious School have heard me say, “It is really a short amount of time that you have to teach your children whatever it is you want them to learn and value.” Parents, please know the staff and I are truly thankful you chose to send your children to Temple Etz Chaim Religious School.
We love having the privilege of making a difference in your child’s life. We recognize that we have only a few short years to help our students feel comfortable with and knowledgeable about their Jewish heritage, culture, and traditions. It is our sincere hope that each child enjoys their time in Religious School and truly feels their Judaism in their hearts.
On a different note, Havdalah and Hotdogs will have already taken place by the time you read this article. I love hearing attendees say, “Havdalah and Hotdogs is my favorite holiday,” or “I can’t wait for Erev Havdalah and Hotdogs!” Knowing that this program continues to receive such an overwhelmingly positive response
from our congregants fills me with fulfillment and joy.
An extravaganza of this nature could not happen without a dedicated team of wonderful and hardworking individuals. Everyone involved in Havdalah and Hotdogs, from conception to fruition, works diligently to make this evening the ongoing success that it is. Programs like these leave a lasting and meaningful imprint on our children.
Looking ahead, Purim will be celebrated at the beginning of March. There is a Hebrew saying, “When the month of Adar arrives, we increase our happiness.” May this be true for your family! Celebrate Purim together! Please come in costume, listen to the reading of the Megillah, enjoy the sounds of children singing and laughing, and most importantly, take pride in our Jewish traditions, customs, and heritage. Truly, you will not want to miss this special time at T.E.C. Wishing everyone an early Happy Purim. Chag Purim Sameach!
Women of TEC’s Tu B’ Shvat Garden event on January 27, 2026. More details on page 8.
TEC Community
Phyllis Dankberg & Elissa Lazarus, Co-President, Women of TEC
According to an AI overview, when asked what the purpose of Sisterhood at a Temple the answer is a Temple’s Sisterhood’s purpose is to build community, friendship, and support among women, fostering spiritual, social and intellectual growth while serving the temple and broader Jewish community through fundraising, social action (Tikkun Olam) and educational programs, making the synagogue more welcoming and vibrant. They provide a space for women of ALL ages to connect, learn about their heritage, develop leadership and contribute to Jewish life. And WOTEC, here at Temple Etz Chaim does that and more, vastly contributing to the vitality of TEC.
With all that in mind, our last event was a Tu B’ Shvat Garden event.
We saw samples of different tree veneers shared with us by Marsha Roberts. We learned about medicinal trees and herbs, taught by Carol Schoenkerman, an herbalist also known as our herb doctor. Carol taught us about plants for healing. We made our own personalized tea bags and sample different tree teas. We had yummy snacks all made from fruit and nuts. It was a fun filled evening learning and socializing while giving thanks for creation and our connection to the earth.
If you missed our program on Tu B’ Shvat you can join us for a fun evening of Israeli dancing on February 22nd.
In January, more than 20 of all ages, from 8 to 88, participated in a special behind the scenes tour of the Commemorative Airforce Aviation Museum in Camarillo where we learned about planes and aviation history. Big thanks to Andy Smith for helping to coordinate our exciting visit.
To welcome in the new year, we had a Welcome Back Wednesday Men’s Night Out at Naughty Pine Brewing Co. in Westlake Village where 8 of us relaxed over good beer and colorful conversation. Join us for the next Men’s Night Out on Wednesday, February 11 at 7 pm – 9 pm.
And more than 60 attended our first Sunday brunch of the year welcoming Deputy Consul General of Israel, Yulia RachinskySpivakov. We were treated to first hand insights into happenings in and involving Israel. Thanks to Myles Simpson for arranging the visit and managing the brunch. See pictures on page 6.
Join us for the second Sunday brunch of 2026 on February 22, 2026 at 9:30 am when the regional director of ADL Santa Barbara / Tricounties, Joshua Burt, addresses antisemitism in our community and provides techniques for talking about antisemitism and growing allies.
Coming up in February we also have World Wide Wrap on Sunday February 8, 2026 at 8:30 am in conjunction with FJMC International.
All are welcome to participate as Men’s Club educates about tefillin and provides wrapping opportunities.
When Purim arrives, during the Purim Carnival on March 1, Men’s Club will be hosting a beer tasting tent for adults. If you want to meet parents and grandparents of religious school students and like beer, please volunteer to man the booth.
Scholar in Residence Weekend is March 27-29, 2026. This year, we welcome Dr. Revital Somekh-Goldreich, an award-winning scholar, educator, and artist who will use art and sensory experience to present Jewish topics in an interactive and impactful way. The theme, Beyond the Text: Building Bridges of Meaning from Purim to Passover through Visual Theology, promises a weekend of engaging discovery for our community. Please save the date and become a sponsor.
For all of the above, see email and flyers for more information. We welcome your participation in organizing, leading or assisting in these and other programs.
All are welcome to our Men’s Club Board Meetings regularly held the third Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. The next meeting is February 20, 2026.
B’nai Mitzvah
Lucas Gerstel February 7
Hi, my name is Lucas Gerstel, and I am a 7th grader at Lindero Canyon Middle School. I have been part of Temple Etz Chaim since preschool, which makes becoming a Bar Mitzvah especially meaningful to me. Outside of school, I enjoy bringing ideas to life on screen by making movies and computer games. I also love music and play the alto saxophone in my school’s jazz and intermediate bands. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey to becoming a Bar Mitzvah, including my parents, my sister Mia, my grandparents, my Religious School teachers, Rabbi Averbach, and Hazzan Noam. I look forward to celebrating this special milestone surrounded by family and friends.
Jordan Robinson February 14
Hi, my name is Jordan Robinson, and I am in the 7th grade at Medea Creek Middle School. I have been at TEC since 5th grade, which makes this my 3rd year being part of the community. I like watching and playing hockey, and the San Jose Sharks are my favorite team. also enjoy playing saxophone in the Intermediate Band and Jazz Band at my school. I have three rescue dogs that I love, who we take camping in our fifth wheel. I would like to thank Betty Zonshine, Rabbi Averbach, Hazzan Noam, Joyce Bronstein, and all of my teachers. I really appreciate everything you have done to help me prepare for my Bar Mitzvah. I am excited to celebrate my Bar Mitzvah with my family, friends and community.
Eliana Manzur February 21
Hi, my name is Eliana Manzur, but most people call me Ellie. I am a seventh grader at Medea Creek Middle School and have been part of Temple Etz Chaim since I was two years old. In my free time, I enjoy watching hockey (Go Kings!), cheerleading, tumbling, traveling, and spending time with my friends, many of which I’ve known since preschool. I could not have reached this social milestone without the love and support of my parents and my sister, Ariella. I would also like to thank my tutor, Rivka Moscovitch, Rabbi Ari, Hazzan Noam, Cantor Kenny, and all the amazing teachers in the ECE and Religious School who have helped me learn and grow along the way, including Ms. Debbie with the keys and the office and Joyce with the licorice.
Ramona Freedman February 28
My name is Ramona, and I’m a 7th grader at Bridges Charter School. I love building LEGO, competitive dance, gaming, and baking. I’d like to thank my family, Rabbi Ari, my friends, and my amazing tutor, Betty, for cheering me on and helping me prepare for my Bat Mitzvah. Thank you so much for being here to celebrate with me. Shabbat Shalom!
Dates to Remember February
Tributes
Community Garden and Bird Sanctuary
In Honor of Mike Lysobey’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
Dunaier Music Fund
In Memory of Sylvia Mahler
Harvey Mahler
In Memory of Harvey R. Cohen
William Jacobs & Marilynn Roth
In Memory of Lucille Deutsch
Frances Deutsch
In Memory of Aileen Heller
Julie Saul
Early Childhood Education Fund
In Memory of Beatrice Foster
Sylvia Koppel
In Memory of Charles Arthur Koppel
Richard Koppel
Karthik & Anu Kumar
In Memory of David Lascoe
Ronald Lascoe
Elisa Feldman Memorial RSSF
In Memory of Edith Dicker
William Jacobs & Marilynn Roth
Karen Sugarman
In Memory of Ruth Schoenwald
Jeff Schoenwald
In Memory of Sara Freed
Nomi Freed
In Honor of Andy Smith’s Birthday
In Honor of Harriet Shrater’s Birthday
In Honor of Rebeccah & David Schwartz’s Anniversary
Patricia Kaye
In Memory of Jack Borgen
Eileen Sachs
In Memory of Norman Epstein
Ilene Barney
Fienberg-Lerner Chapel Minyan Fund
In Honor of Marshall Rosen’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
Hazzan Noam’s Discretionary Fund
In Honor of Hazzan Noam Fields-Meyer Gould’s Birthday
In Honor of Erika Field’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
Inbar Israel Travel & Education Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Benjamin Marx
David Marx
Jotkowitz Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Leo Mahler
Harvey Mahler
In Memory of Claire Weiss
Ronald Weiss
In Memory of Lowell Benjamin
Lisa Benjamin
Lipnick RSSF
In Memory of Ira Goldberg
In Memory of Bertha Winterstein
Susan Goldberg
In Memory of Rabbi Shimon Paskow
1st Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class 1978
In Memory of Emil Altenburg
Myrna Stelman
Men’s Club Scholar-in-Residence Fund
In Memory of Benjamin Marx
David Marx
In Honor of Men’s Club 2026 Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
David & Melinda Harris
Men’s Club Silverstein Humanitarian Fund
In Memory of Joe Simpson
Myles & Gail Simpson
In Memory of Bernie Silverman
Myrna Stelman
Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund
In Memory of John Weiss
In Memory of Eleanor Garvin
In Memory of Betty Weiss
In Memory of Irving Garvin
In Memory of Glen Bradley Garvin
Laurel Warner
In Memory of Goldie Warner
In Memory of Alexander Warner
Kenneth Warner
In Memory of Benjamin Marx
David Marx
In Memory of Francine Snyder
Cheryl Cohen
In Memory of Bronna Engler
Richard Engler
In Memory of Henry Zonshine
Robert Zonshine
In Memory of Cecelia Pfefferman
Arthur Pfefferman
Eric Sterling
In Memory of Claire Weiss
Ronald Weiss
In Memory of Rebecca Penso
William Jacobs & Marilynn Roth
In Memory of Evelyn Dubinsky
Jeff Schoenwald
In Memory of Joseph Greene
Israel & Beth Perel
Rabbi Averbach’s Discretionary Fund (cont.)
In Honor of Gail Simpson’s Birthday
In Honor of Jill Rosenberg’s Birthday
In Honor of David Schwartz’s Birthday
In Honor of Diane & Arnie Rudman’s Anniversary
In Honor of Vanessa & Rabbi Ari Averbach’s Anniversary
In Honor of Laurel & Ken Warner’s Anniversary
Patricia Kaye
Zackary Bernholtz
In Memory of Elliott Messinger
Marsha Roberts
In Memory of Marcia Marks
Kenneth Marks & Sandra Reuben
In Memory of Marcia Pomush
Steve Pomush
In Memory of Myer Greenberg
Janis Leshnov
In Memory of Aristides Saiez
Rebeccah Schwartz
In Memory of Manuel Label
Lorne Label
In Memory of Sarah Wank
David Wank
In Memory of Amy Melissa Hagler
Ann Moore-Ross
In Memory of Patrick McKenna
Neil & Carolyn Bordofsky
In Memory of Toby Wallach
Daniel & Susan Kane
In Memory of Samuel Agranoff
Eileen Sachs
Religious School Fund
In Memory of Sidmey Cohen
Shari Forsythe
In Memory of Josephine Berman
In Memory of Jacques Urbach
In Memory of Phyllis Lipson
Cynthia Urbach
In Memory of Mary Antell
Marvin Antell
In Honor of Joyce Bronstein’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
In Honor of Vanessa & Rabbi Ari Averbach’s Anniversary
In Honor of Katya Schwartz’s Bet Mitzvah
In Honor of Rebeccah & David Schwartz’s Anniversary
Leah Shechter
In Memory of Irving Dallek
In Memory of Abraham Goldstein
Susan Cohen
Ritual Fund
In Appreciation of of Benny Sommerfeld’s kindness during a difficult time.
Cindy Goldberg
Sandee Tischler RSSF
In Memory of Jerome Ratzan
Dawne Ratzan
Joe Tischler
In Memory of Frances Ratzan
Dawne Ratzan
Security Fund
Jerrald & Deborah Cohen
Social Action Fund
In Memory of Sidney Cohen
Shari Forsythe
In Memory of Maye Natalie Greene
Israel & Beth Perel
In Honor of Pamela Friedman’s Birthday
In Honor of Pamela & Steven Friedman’s Anniversary
Patricia Kaye
Temple General Fund
In Memory of David Lieber
In Memory of Esther Lieber
Michael & Tamara Lieber
In Memory of Richard B. Goldberg
George Kaplan
In Honor of Cindy Goldberg’s Birthday
Patricia Kaye
In Memory of Soltan Elghanayan Lavi
In Memory of Nadine Lavi
Ray Lavi
In Memory of Herman Dav
id Crane
Linda Kulik
Theodore Borkan
In Memory of Sidney Green
William Green
In Memory of Renee Jacobs
William Jacobs & Marilynn Roth
Tzedakah Fund
In Memory of Norma Robinson Smith
Andy & Ellen Smith
In Memory of Sandor Nemet
John Nemet
In Memory of Maurice Samson
Donald Samson
Women of TEC Torah Fund
In Memory of Sylvia Samson
Donald Samson
In Memory of Clara Fleiss
Ann Moore-Ross
In Memory of Doris Lehrman
In Memory of Molly Mansky
Terry & Karen Mansky
Color by letter
Valentine’s Day word search
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
