Shavuot Study Events

WHY DO I FEEL WHAT I FEEL ABOUT ISRAEL?
Taking a deep dive into the origins of the October 7 war in Israel and our relationship with it.

During Shavuot we think about God, Torah, and Israel. While the tradition of Shavuot is to study Torah, this year we believe it is important to talk about Israel. Join us as we welcome Uri Feinberg, who will help us gain an understanding about the October 7 attack on Israel, reflect on its past, present, and future, and uncover the unprecendented challenges we have been facing.

Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30 PM | Yizkor & Program
Friday, June 14 | 7:00 PM | Kabbalat Shabbat & Program
Saturday, June 15 | 3:00 PM | Program, Dinner (RSVP Required), & Havdalah

Please RSVP for the dinner by Monday, June 10 >>



About Uri Feinberg: Uri Feinberg is an Israeli educator, guide, and historian known for his expertise in Jewish history and the history of Israel. He often leads tours and educational programs, sharing his deep knowledge of the land, its history, and its significance to the Jewish people. He has been our exclusive tour guide for our Adat Elohim Israel trips.

Feinberg’s work often emphasizes the connection between Jewish traditions, historical events, and contemporary Israeli society, making him a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of Israel through a historical and educational lens.



Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Shavuot Study

  • 6:30 – 7:00 PM ⇾ Yizkor 
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM ⇾ Program

Eight Months Since October 7: Making Sense of Turmoil
October 7 was an unprecedented moment in the history of the State of Israel and we are forever changed because of what unfolded. While we will stand again, we have not yet had time to mourn the tragedies as we are still in the midst of the fight. In the immediate wake of the attack many questions arose such as: How did this happen? Why did this happen next? What will happen? Who are we and who will we be? We will be addressing some of these questions, examine the events that led up to October 7, and explore how the American Jewish community might respond.




Friday, June 14, 2024 – Kabbalat Shabbat & Program

  • 7:00 – 7:30 PM ⇾ Kabbalat Shabbat
  • 7:30 – 9:00 PM ⇾ Program


When the melody doesn’t change, but the words make all the difference.
How an iconic song in the history of Israel has hit a powerful chord, helping frame where Israel and Israelis are ‘at.’



Saturday, June 15, 2024 – Let’s Get Real About Israel

3:00 – 4:00 PM ⇾ Session I, Jewish and Ambivalent – What to do with harsh criticisms of Israel that come from the Jewish community? We know many Jews are questioning Israel’s actions in Gaza and some are even questioning the legitimacy of Israel itself. Let’s explore these questions together with facts, respect, and love.

4:00 – 6:00 PM ⇾ Session II, Everything is on the Table Because We Have Everything to Lose – We will engage in an open conversation about the war in Israel erven though the conversation isn’t easy and finding answers is difficult. Bring your hardest questions.

6:00 – 6:45 PM ⇾ Stonefire Dinner (RSVP deadline has passed)

6:45 – 7:00 PM ⇾ Havdalah in the Courtyard



If you have questions, please call the temple office at (805) 497-7101.

Mishloach Manot Distribution – 2024

Religious School:
Purim gifts will be distributed to Religious School on March 10, 12, and 13, 2024 during school hours.

Early Childhood Center (ECC):
Purim gifts will be distributed to ECC families during the week of March 11, 2024, during school hours.

Congregation:
► Drive-thru: You may pick up your gifts from Cantor and Rabbi on March 19 and March 21, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
► Shabbat: You may pick up your gift at our Purim Shabbat on March 22, 2024.
► Anytime after March 10, 2024: If you do not have a child attending the ECC or Religious School you may pick up your gift after March 10, 2024, from the main office Monday – Friday, between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. 

Last Day for Pick-Up:
The last day to pick-up your Mishloach Manot gifts from the office is Friday, March 22, 2024.

I do not have transportation to get to the temple… What do I do? If you do not have transportation to get to the temple, live locally, and would like to receive a Mishloach Manot gift, please call the temple office at 805-497-7101, and let us know how we can help.

If you need assistance, please call the temple office at (805) 497-7101.

Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Woke Culture: Are They Connected? 

BOOK GROUP
Exploring “Cynical Theories,” by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay
Selected Wednesdays, at 7:00 PM, at TAE
Dates are listed below.

Facilitated by Rabbi Diamond

Join us at the synagogue for an engaging, highly philosophical exploration into the roots of contemporary conflicts affecting the Jewish community. In our group, we will delve into the book “Cynical Theories,” examining the intellectual underpinnings of ideologies contributing to antisemitism and anti-Zionism, which have emerged in various spheres including college campuses and among traditional allies. 

As we navigate through the pages of “Cynical Theories,” we will confront the intersection of these ideas with concepts like diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the nuances of woke culture. Together, we will critically assess which elements of these ideologies merit preservation and which demand reevaluation within our community. 

Come be a part of this thought-provoking dialogue as we seek to deepen our understanding and forge a path forward rooted in knowledge, introspection, and collective wisdom. 

April 10, 2024 – Introduction and Chapter 1 & 2
Postmodernism: The Modern is So Yesterday or Things Aren’t Getting Better

May 2, 2024 – Chapter 3 & 4 
Post-Colonial Theory: White Guys=Jewish Guys=Bad Guys?  
Queer Theory: I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be 

May 29, 2024 – Chapter 5
Critical Race Theory: Fighting Racism with Race

June 19, 2024 – Chapters 6 & 7
Feminism and Gender Studies: Patriarchs & Matriarchs 
Disability and Fat Studies: I’m good just the way I am 

July, 2024 (exact date is TBD) – Chapter 8, 9 & 10 
Social Justice in Thought and Action: At least it sounds good on paper 
An Alternative to Social Justice: Don’t Throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater Join the Book Group Here