Thousand Oaks-based Temple Etz Chaim continues to create opportunities for community to come together
THOUSAND OAKS — It’s been nearly seven months since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel claimed more than 1,200 lives and led to the abduction of hundreds of people. Since the devastating attack, it’s been reported that the number of antisemitic incidents surged heavily in the months following. Amidst the tense climate, Temple Etz Chaim (TEC) has remained focused on creating a safe space to come together, connect, educate one another and heal as the Jewish community navigates the current global climate.
In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack, Temple Etz Chaim hosted a vigil for community members to come together and grieve the devastation. It wasn’t long after that the synagogue experienced a loss closer to home, as news of Paul Kessler’s death — a member of the larger Temple Etz Chaim community — at a Pro-Palestine rally rippled through the Conejo Valley, Ventura County and the nation. Understanding the importance for unity and solidarity as it mourned another loss, TEC, in partnership with Temple Adat Elohim and Congregation B’nai Emet, organized a “Standing Together” event in November 2023 to welcome all those who support the endurance, resilience and compassion of the Jewish community.
And while the entrance lobby is adorned with photos of the Jewish hostages whose safe return weighs heavy on the hearts of temple and community members alike, TEC knows that the path forward in these unpredictable times is rooted in the strength of its connection to its community.
Tikkun Olam are the Hebrew words for repairing the world. TEC members want to leave the world a better place than they entered it. Another phrase for Tikkun Olam is social action — referring to a commitment to provide extra protection to those at a disadvantage. And, through its Social Action Committee, TEC members do just this — they protect the community. Beyond monthly service acts of giving — like co-hosting blood drives with other local temples, TEC has sponsored local nonprofits such as Harbor House, Many Mansions and Wesminster Free Clinic, and has collected and donated items to James Storehouse, Conejo Community Outreach, Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank and beyond.
Some of its Social Action Committee recurring events include Mitzvah Day, which includes an activity for all ages of the TEC community to help others in need; Social Action Shabbat, which partners with Rabbi Averbach to create a meaningful service that includes speakers that provide programs to help the disadvantaged locally and some, globally; Social Action Webinars, which bring in experts to educate the temple and community on various topics, Habitat for Humanity volunteer projects; and more.
Recently, TEC completed a weekend of Purim festivities in March, which included a “Totally 80’s Purim Party” attended by more than 200 members, followed by its annual Purim Carnival, which welcomed more than 500 community members for a day of great food, music and activities. The large attendance is a strong message from the community: we’re still here, we’re still fighting, we’re still united. And it’s this perseverance that shines through in all of TEC’s services, programs and events.
To support the next blood drive co-hosted by TEC and Temple Adat Elohim on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Temple Adat Elohim, contact Debra Levine at dlevine@templeetzchaim.org or call 818-271-1307 to schedule an appointment.
About Temple Etz Chaim — Temple Etz Chaim was founded in 1966 to serve the burgeoning Conejo Valley. For the past 57 years, TEC has sustained an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong pursuit of Jewish learning, the celebration of Jewish culture and repairing the world through volunteerism, activism and good deeds. TEC’s Religious School and Early Childhood Education Center are accredited by the Bureau of Jewish Education and the temple supports an active United Synagogue Youth chapter, numerous havurot and much more. For more information, visit https://www.templeetzchaim.org