Booth Brothers: A Virtual Sukkah-thon

Join our Booth Brothers, Rabbi Diamond and Cantor Shukiar, for a virtual Sukkah sleepover!!!

Get your screens ready for an event to be remembered!

Monday, September 20th, 4:00 p.m.
to Tuesday, September 21st, 10:00 a.m.
via Zoom

 


Activities include interactive games and contests, bedtime stories, lullabies, snacks, and of course, the blessings for Sukkot and the shaking of the Lulav and Etrog.

Get your supplies ready for our

Paper Chain Contest, Monday at 4:15 p.m. (Virtual)

Campfire S’mores, Monday at 8:00 p.m. (Virtual)

A complete schedule of events will be available soon!

CLICK HERE to sponsor this sleepover experience today!!!

Schedule:

Subject to change

Monday, September 20th

4:00 p.m. Welcome
4:15 p.m. Decorate Sukkah: Paper Chain Contest
4:40 p.m. Shofar Blast
5:00 p.m. Minute to Win It – Game 1
5:15 p.m. Online Charades – Heads Up
5:30 p.m. Minute to Win It – Game 2
5:45 p.m. Twister
6:00 p.m. Dinner & Dialogue
6:30 p.m. Hide and Find Lulav and Etrog and Blessings for Sukkot
7:00 p.m. Bedtime Stories and Lullabies
8:00 p.m. Campfire S’mores
8:30 p.m. Never Have I Ever
9:00 p.m. Exotic Desserts
Sleep

Tuesday, September 21st

8:00 a.m. Sukkot Song Session
8:30 a.m. Water Balloon Toss
9:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt 

Click here to join the Booth Brothers in the Sukkah!

Relgious School Teachers

Rikki Fayne 

Rikki Fayne grew up at TAE, and became a Bat Mitzvah and was confirmed here.  She has two daughters, Madeline and Sophia, who have also attended TAE Religious School.  During the week, she teaches 2nd grade, and looks forward to Sundays when she gets to spend time with our kindergarten class learning about our Jewish community.   

Melanie Berman 

Hello, my name is Melanie Berman and I am very excited to be teaching at TAE! My family and I have been members of TAE for over 13 years. My husband Brian and I have three daughters who have all attended  the preschool and are currently in the religious school. I have been teaching for over 20 years. This year I am very excited to be working with 8th and 9th graders!  I am really looking forward to bringing  my passion of teaching and Judaism to the classroom. 

Bilha Samuel 

Shalom, 

My name is Bilha ( BIL-HA) Samuel. I am very excited to be teaching at Adat Elohim this year .  

I was born in Israel . I came to the United States with my family as a teenager and  I attended Fairfax High School. I continued my education and received my B.A in Hebrew Literature and M.A in Education from the American Jewish University. I have taught  in day schoosl and religious schools for over 40 years . I look forward to teaching 6th grade class on Sundays and making the classroom an interactive learning environment. I look forward to meeting the students and the families of Adat Elohim .  

 Carolyn Cunningham 

Hi! My name Is Carolyn Cunningham and I have been involved at Temple Adat Elohim for 30 years. I started as a student, then became a madricha, and finally a teacher. This is my 21st year teaching Religious School at this incredible temple. Last year, I also became the youth group adviser for all 3 youth groups and couldn’t think of a better or more fun job as I am one of the founding members of our Temple youth group.  

I love to cook and have a passion for kids to learn in creative and fun ways. I have been married to the love of my life, Shaun for the last past 3 years.   

As an answer to Covid’s educational challenges, I started my own pod of preschoolers and ran my own summer camp. Temple Adat Elohim is my home away from home and I can’t wait to share all the amazing things it has to offer with my students and their families!. 

Bruce Udelf 

Although Bruce is new to Adat Elohim, he previously taught Religious School for 45 years at synagogues in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and Oakland areas. He has taught every grade from Kindergarten to tenth grade, and was named a Lanier Distinguished Educator (“Educator of the Year”) by the Los Angeles BJE in 2009. Bruce is retired from a career in the field of aging. He has two adult children, and lives in Newbury Park. 

Erin Goldberg 

Hello! My name is Erin and I am so excited to be your teacher this year! I have been teaching religious school for about five years and preschool for seven!  I have my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I am married to my husband Daniel and we have an almost 4 year old named Livvy and a 7 month old named William. We also have two dogs, Rudy and Zuma! In my free time I love to read, draw, paint, and go hiking! I am looking forward to this school year with everyone! 

Rabbi Lotker Zoom Classes – July and August

TWO Classes:

Introduction to Kabbalah

Wednesday evenings, July 14th, 21st, and 28th at 7:00 p.m.

Children of Abraham: Comparing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Wednesday evenings, August 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th at 7:00 p.m.

Via Zoom: Rabbi Lotker’s Zoom Room –  https://zoom.us/j/8190896166


“Introduction to Kabbalah (July 14, 21, 28)

A three-week exploration of the world of Kabbalah we will explore the simple (is it kabb-a-LAH or ka-BAL-ah?) to the deep (how does the interpretation of word echad in the Shema affect our understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with God). Learn about the history and practices of Kabbalah. There will be time for questions and discussions. CLASS ONE: An Introduction to some of the key ideas about Kabbalah and its interesting history.  CLASS 2: Introduction to the central text of Kabbalah, The Zohar which is a work of pseudepigrapha (don’t know what that means?  Come and find out!).  Discuss the 10 Sefirot, the world of Gematria, the mystical names of God and more.  CLASS THREE: Explore Lurrianic Kabbalah, the Soul, Angels, Hasidim and focus on enhancing Jewish spirituality.

Children of Abraham:  Comparing Judaism, Christianity and Islam.(August 4, 11, 18, 25)

About half the people of the world worship the God of Abraham as members of faith traditions that trace themselves back 4000 years to this inspired individual.  In four classes, Rabbi Lotker will introduce these three faiths with a special emphasis on their similarities and differences. Read texts from the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Scripture and the Koran relating to the Garden of Eden, Abraham, Moses, and others to help understand the fascinating history and theology that shape our worlds to this day.  Explore differences in beliefs, historical origins and the reasons behind historical and current conflicts.  Take a detailed look at Holy Neighborhood of Jerusalem and the sacred sites to be found there.


Will the sessions be recorded?  Yes and they will be sent to you by email and also posted on my YouTube channel.

Is There a Fee?  No, the classes are sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ventura County and Joel & Barbara Aaronson & The Affordable Living Choices Trust in my role as Community Rabbi.  You can donate to them here at  https://www.jewishventuracounty.org/ways-to-give.

How do I register?  Simply Email Rabbi Lotker lotker@aol.com (you will get class reminders and alerts of changes -if any)

Can Bring a Friend?  Sure!  Just pass along this e-mail

Many Jews are surprised to learn that Judaism has always held that there is something beyond the grave – a life in the “world to come.”  We just don’t know (or teach) the details because no one has come back to tell us and because Judaism’s focus is on this life.   In this class, we will explore the wide range of authentic Jewish beliefs about the afterlife and how these beliefs have affected Jewish traditions of burial and mourning.  In our sessions we will examine what the Bible has to say, the Rabbinic and Talmudic thoughts and commentaries, the amazing world of medieval commentary, mystical and kabbalistic insights and well as what modern thinkers contribute.  We will also explore the world of Jewish funeral and mourning customs and their origins.

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ECC Registration

How to Register:

Temple Adat Elohim, Early Childhood Center, or Infant Center Current Members:

Follow these simple steps!

  1. Go to www.adatelohim.org and select “login” (even if you forgot/don’t know your password – the email address is the one we have on file)
  2. If you know your email and password combo enter the information. If you forgot/don’t know your password select “forgot password” and follow the prompts.
  3. After you login, select the “My Enrollments” box.
  4. Then, find “Early Childhood Center 2021-2022 Open for Enrollments.”
  5. Select “Enroll Now” and follow the prompts to complete the enrollment information.
  6. Last, remember to select “Complete Enrollment.”
  7. Check your email for and automated message confirming your enrollment.
  8. Click here to complete a New Student Packet.

 

NEW FAMILIES: 

Email Donna Becker for a tour or to receive the Registration Forms.

Nar-Anon Family Group

DRUG ADDICTION IS A FAMILY DISEASE

While our nation is in the midst of an epidemic of drug addiction, the addict’s family and friends are also victims as their lives are encompassed with the question of “What To Do?”

As there are recovery programs for the addicts, there are also programs for the families and friends as well.  The Nar-Anon Family Group is a worldwide non-profit organization with a program designed for those who have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of a loved one.  When you join a Nar-Anon Family Group, you are no longer alone, but among true friends who understand your problem as few others could.

We are fortunate to have a Nar-Anon Family group in Thousand Oaks, CA.  It meets every Thursday evening at 7:30 to 9:00 pm on Zoom due to Covid. (previously at Temple Adat Elohim). There are no dues or fees. 

Not only will you find comfort being with people who share their own experiences strength and hope, but you will be introduced to literature that will help guide you in this journey with addiction.

There are no professionals or experts in our meetings. There are only other members who have struggled with the addiction problem of someone they love. All members are treated with respect, confidence, and anonymity. What you hear stays within the walls of the meeting rooms

Please join us at Nar-Anon on a Thursday evening of your choice if a friend or family member is experiencing a problem with addiction.  For further information and our Zoom Link please contact Jack at (805) 852-5333, Michelle at (818) 620-0566, or Jannice at (818) 522-6259