Thousand Oaks, CA -By John Phane - December 5, 2008

For the fourteenth year, Temple Adat Elohim of Thousand Oaks will host its Annual Conejo Community Christmas Dinner at Thousand Oaks High School from noon until 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25. There is no cost to attend the dinner, and Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe said they are expecting up to 400 people or more to enjoy the day and meal.

“We do this because it is part of our mission to give back and to connect with the community,” Dubowe said. “Not only does it bring our community of Temple Adat Elohim together, but it helps us to be a part of the larger community here in the Conejo Valley.”

Dubowe said members of the Greater Thousand Oaks-area business community donate the food for the dinner. For example, the rabbi said that COSTCO opens its doors an hours before closing on Christmas Eve and gives the Temple any pies that have not sold.

Seniors traditionally comprise a large contingent of those who take advantage of the Temple’s offering. “Sometimes it is the first hot meal they have had in a long time,” Dubowe said. “We understand how fortunate we are and we see this as an opportunity to do a mitzvah, or a good deed, for the community.” Dubowe said the greatest challenge the Temple faces is getting the word out to people who need or would enjoy a place to go on Christmas Day, and who would enjoy a hot meal of turkey with all the traditional trimmings.

She hopes people who read this story will pass the information along to anyone who might enjoy a day of feasting and comradeship. For more information, please call the Temple at (805) 497-7101 . Thousand Oaks High School is at 2323 N. Moorpark Rd in Thousand Oaks.