Temple Adat Elohim > Fire Updates

Update on Temple Clean Up

Nov 26, 2018 | Fire Updates

Dear Temple Adat Elohim Family:

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday spending time with people you love. We are very thankful to be part of such a wonderful temple community, and can’t wait to be back together with you at our facility. To that end, we wanted to provide you with an update about the effort to clean up smoke and ash damage at TAE from the recent fires.

Our insurance adjusters have completed their damage report and we now understand that, unfortunately, our facility had more damage than we originally thought. This is because of our close proximity to the fire and the extra hazardous particulates that the neighboring cars and houses emitted when they burned. The entire campus needs a more thorough cleaning to comply with regulations and ensure everyone’s complete safety. We know this is disruptive and we are doing our best to reopen as soon as possible.

We are very fortunate that Camp Alonim has opened its doors to our preschool and religious school in the meantime. We spent many days trying to find a location that would accommodate our entire school and are lucky to have found such a beautiful campus. We now expect to be able to return to our buildings according to the schedule below.

SCHEDULE FOR CAMPUS REOPENING

  • This week (Week of Nov. 26): Reopen administration building
  • The administration building is open for business effective today, Nov. 26. Meetings and classes scheduled in this building will resume.
  • We will complete cleaning of the sanctuary, social hall and classrooms.
  • We will continue the work already underway to repaint and install new flooring in all classrooms, with the goal of completing downstairs classrooms first.
  • We will begin carpet installation in the social hall, with the goal of being able to use the room on Dec. 2 to host the Winter Shelter.
  • Starting Nov. 26, preschool classes will be held at Camp Alonim, 1101 Pepper Tree Lane, Simi Valley. Donna and Doreen already sent an email to preschool parents with more details.
  • On Nov. 27-28, religious school classes for 8th-10th graders and 4th-6th graders are cancelled. Seventh grade tutoring will go forward as planned in the Youth Lounge.
  • On Nov. 30, we will hold Shabbat services in another location to be announced later in the week.
  • On Dec. 1, 7th graders will lead Shabbat Tefillah at Camp Alonim. Marcy will send a separate email soon with more details.
  • On Dec. 2, religious school classes for kindergarten-6th grade will be held at Camp Alonim. Marcy will send a separate email soon with more details.

Next week (Week of Dec. 3): Gradually open rest of campus

  • We will finish painting in the social hall, sanctuary and upstairs classrooms.
  • We will finish carpeting the sanctuary and installing new flooring in the classrooms.
  • We will reinstall pews in the sanctuary and return furnishings to the classrooms.
  • On Dec. 4-5, we currently expect that religious school classes for 7th-10th graders and 4th-6th graders will resume at TAE. On the 4th, students will meet in the Social Hall for dinner at 5:30 p.m. On the 5th, students will meet in the Youth Lounge at 3:45 p.m. to begin Chanukkah celebrations.
  • On Dec. 5, we expect that the social hall will be open for the Seniors Chanukkah party–to which all are invited. See this week’s TAE email newsletter for more details.
  • On Dec. 7, we will rededicate our sanctuary with Chanukkah Shabbat services. We are planning a very special celebration in the social hall after– be sure to read this week’s TAE email newsletter for more information!
  • On Dec. 9, we expect that religious school classes for kindergarten-6th grade will return to the classrooms at TAE in time for a Chanukkah celebration.

Week of Dec. 10: Preschool classes return to TAE

CAMPUS CLEAN-UP OVERVIEW

For those who are interested, here is an overview of what we are doing to sanitize our facilities. It will be wonderful to return to new carpets and fresh paint!

Sanctuary and Social Hall

  • Cleaning all vents and ducts and replacing filters
  • Removing and replacing the carpets in all rooms (gift shop, Brotherhood and Sisterhood closets, Seniors closet, Bride’s Room, Clergy room, Shalom room)
  • Cleaning, sanitizing and repainting walls
  • Vacuuming ceiling and beams with a hepa vacuum
  • Vacuuming and shampooing pews and social hall, choir and bima chairs
  • Cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces in the restrooms
  • Cleaning audio and sound equipment

Classrooms

  • Cleaning all vents and ducts and replacing filters
  • Removing and replacing all carpets with new flooring
  • Cleaning, sanitizing and repainting walls
  • Cleaning and sanitizing nap mats and linens with free and clear detergents
  • Cleaning and sanitizing all toys and supplies inside and outside
  • Cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces in the restrooms
  • Cleaning the entire play yard including replacing the sand in the sandbox

Administration Building

  •  Cleaning all vents and ducts and replacing filters
  • Vacuuming and shampooing flooring with a hepa vacuum
  • Cleaning and sanitizing walls
  • Vacuuming, cleaning and shampooing all upholstered furniture
  • Cleaning all loose items (books, desk equipment, pictures, art work, computers, monitors, etc.)

Building Exteriors/Shed

  • Power washing building exteriors, walkways and parking lot
  • Cleaning all items stored in the shed (including supplies used for the Winter Shelter)

Landscaping

  • When insurance approves: Removing and replacing burned trees and shrubs

We will continue to provide updates as needed to keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any questions about specific scheduled events or other concerns, please call the temple office at 805-491-7101.

Thank you again for your patience and support.

Sandy Greenstein, President
Aliza Goland, Executive Director
Rabbi Barry Diamond
Cantor David Shukiar
Marcy Goldberg, Director of Education
Donna Becker, Early Childhood Center Director

Fire Recovery Resources & TAE Updates

Nov 14, 2018 | Fire Updates

Dear Temple Adat Elohim Family,

Over the last few days we have been making calls to every member to check on your safety and well-being. Thankfully it appears so far that we are all safe, though we are still assessing the extent of damage to members’ homes. While we continue to make calls, we invite you to reach out to us at the main temple number (805-497-7101) if you have suffered losses and need help. All calls are being forwarded to our staff off site.

If You Need Fire Recovery Assistance

Our community cares about each other. We are compiling a list of goods and services, such as cleanup and childcare help, that TAE members are willing to offer each other during this difficult time. Please click here to offer your support or request support.

Also, here are a few other resources available to any who need fire recovery support, with more to come in future updates:

    • Counseling, Legal Services, Free Loans: Call the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles Emergency Hotline at 323-761-8100 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. A dedicated professional will connect you with social services, as well as legal and financial assistance. You can also meet with a professional in person Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Federation’s Valley offices, 19710 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills.
    • Clothing and Other Household Items: Community members have collected clothing, bedding, baby items (diapers, wipes, etc.), toys and household items. Please stop by 950 Hampshire Rd #104, Westlake Village, to pick up what you need. You may be asked to provide proof of residency.
    • Cleanup Help: Our neighbors at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints have kindly offered the services of some of their older teenage members to assist with property clean-up. Please contact Angela Rockwood at 805-418-0699 or angelarock@yahoo.com to request help.
    • Gift Cards for Groceries, Restaurants, and More: Temples from around the country–many of which have been through other natural disasters– have reached out to offer gift cards for groceries, restaurants and more. Please contact the temple office at 805-497-7101 for information about this support.

Other Ways You Can Offer Help
If you would like to donate money to help fire victims, here are three options:

  • Temple Adat Elohim has established a disaster fund for our members who have suffered losses in their homes. Please click here to donate.
  • The Jewish Federation has set up a fund to help families and local Jewish institutions burned by the fires to rebuild. Click here to donate.
  • The Ventura County Community Foundation is collecting funds for victims of both the Borderline shooting and the fires. 100% of all funds that are donated will go to victims. Click here to donate.

We will continue to share additional resources as they become available. Please call the main temple number at 805-497-7101 with any questions.

Together we will rebuild our community.

Barry Diamond
David Shukiar
Aliza Goland
Marcy Goldberg
Donna Becker
Sandy Greenstein

Update on Facilities and Various Activities/Events

Nov 14, 2018 | Fire Updates

Dear Temple Adat Elohim Family,

Yesterday our leadership team was finally able to walk the TAE campus with environmental specialists to conduct comprehensive interior and exterior inspections of each of the buildings. As shared before, our buildings did not suffer any structural damage, but there has been extensive smoke damage. The temple will need a deep cleaning and this has already started. However, to protect the health and safety of our members and staff, our campus will remain closed until Monday, November 26. There will be NO services, preschool, religious school, youth group or other classes and meetings on campus during this time. In addition, the Holiday Boutique scheduled for November 18 will be rescheduled to another time.

As the cleaning team ramps up its work, we may find that it is necessary to keep parts of the campus closed beyond Nov. 26. We are working to prioritize the clean up to expedite fully opening our campus.

Gathering Together to Support Each Other

This is hard news after we have already been through a lot in the last week. Community is everything during hard times. We want to be here for you to offer love and support. Please join us for stories, hugs and prayers this Thursday evening, November 15, from 6-8 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 3955 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village. TAE has reserved the patio outside and the pizza and soda are on us.

New Locations for Many Activities and Events
Temple staff are working very hard to find alternative locations for as many programs and events as possible. Here are some of the arrangements that have already been made:

    • Friday night Shabbat Family Services November 16: Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Ascension Lutheran Church, we will gather together for prayer at 6:30 p.m. Friday November 16 in the gym at their facility, 1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Ascension Lutheran has been inspected by professionals and is safe to occupy. Temple Beth Torah in Ventura has kindly offered to provide refreshments for the oneg after. For those who are unable to join us in person, our services will be broadcast live again as they were last week on Facebook. Click on https://www.facebook.com/TempleAdatElohim/ to participate in services virtually. Our Junior Cantors and Shirei Elohim, as many as are able to join us, will be participating in this service.
    • Tot Shabbat November 17: Because our little ones–and their parents!–need some “normal” and a chance to be together now, we will hold an outdoor Tot Shabbat at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 17, at Conejo Creek North Park, 1379 E. Janss Road. The Silly Cantor and Rabbi Diamond will be at the playground nearest the lake to sing and share stories with you; look for the TAE flag. Donna, Doreen and our wonderful teachers will be joining us.
    • Saturday Morning Talmud and Torah Study November 17: The Elman family has kindly offered to host Talmud and Torah study with Rabbi Diamond on Saturday, November 17. Talmud study will start at 8 a.m. and Torah study will start at 8:45 a.m. Their address is 3216 N. Blue Ridge Court, Westlake Village. Thank you Elmans!
    • Preschool November 19-21: Donna is working to confirm relocating the ECC to Temple Etz Chaim. There will be a separate communication to our ECC families with the details.
    • Religious School November 18-25: Classes on November 18 are cancelled. Our religious school was already scheduled to be closed during the week of November 19 because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
    • MAETY/JAETY activity November 18: The Fire Glass Chanukah dish event has been moved to the Fire Glass Studio at 8475 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park and will now be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, November 18. This is open to all 4th through 8th graders and their parents. Please RSVP by November 15. Contact Gigi Dictor (gigidictor@gmail.com) to reserve a spot or request further information including cost.

We will provide an update about the preschool tomorrow. Also look for another message to follow soon with information about fire recovery resources and ways we can help each other during this difficult time. In the meantime, please call the main temple number at 805-497-7101 with any questions; all calls are being forwarded to staff off site.

Our entire team sends you love.

L’shalom,

Barry Diamond
David Shukiar
Aliza Goland
Marcy Goldberg
Donna Becker
Sandy Greenstein

Recovering Together and Additional Updates

Nov 13, 2018 | Fire Updates

Dear Temple Adat Elohim Family,

Our hearts are with each of you as our area begins to recover from the devastating fires this past weekend. We know that some of you suffered losses, and we grieve with you. We hold you in love as we all start to heal from this disaster.

TAE staff are forever grateful to the first responders who ensured that our buildings did not suffer any structural damage — and to Temple Judea for taking in our Torahs — but we do have some clean-up to do. We continue to assess the remediation steps needed to ensure all congregants’ health and safety and therefore at this time we have decided to close the campus at least through the afternoon of Friday, November 16. There will be:

  • No preschool through Friday, November 16
  • No religious school for 7th-10th graders tonight (November 13)
  • No religious school for 4th-7th graders tomorrow, November 14
  • No women’s Torah study on November 15
  • No other meetings or classes on campus through November 16

A decision has not yet been made about Shabbat services on Friday evening but we will livestream them again this week regardless of their location and will send out information about how to join the broadcast later in the week.

As we had previously shared, if you or your loved ones need fire recovery information, services, or assistance of any kind, you may call the Los Angeles Jewish Federation’s Emergency Hotline at (323) 761-8100 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can also obtain assistance from:

Jewish Free Loan

Jewish Family Services

Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Some of you may be struggling with how to talk about the fires with your children. Some helpful resources include:

We will continue to provide updates about when the campus will reopen and other recovery resources as they become available. In the meantime, we wish you peace.

Rabbi Barry Diamond

Cantor David Shukiar

Executive Director Aliza Goland

Board President Sandy Greenstein

Early Childhood Center Director Donna Becker,

Religious School Director Marcy Goldberg

New Update

Nov 12, 2018 | Fire Updates

Dear Temple Adat Elohim Family,

We know nearly all of you have been affected by the fires in our area and we hold you in our hearts at this trying time. If you or your family need assistance finding temporary housing or other services, please call the Jewish Federation’s Emergency Hotline at 323-761-8100 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m

If you need spiritual support, please call the temple office at 805-497-7101 and choose option 4 during the “welcome message” to be given the phone number of the clergy on call and either Rabbi Diamond or Cantor Shukiar will assist you right away.

Though evacuation orders have been lifted for Thousand Oaks (at this writing), we know that many of our members and staff remain under mandatory evacuation orders, therefore our campus will remain closed a bit longer.

There will be

·    no preschool tomorrow, November 13th;

·    no Religious School for 7th-10th graders tomorrow, November 13th;

·    no Religious School for 4th-7th graders on Wednesday, November 14th;

·    no women’s Torah study on Thursday, November 15th.

·    All meetings and classes scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th are cancelled.

We will continue to update you on the status of classes and meetings.

For additional updates, please check the:

·    TAE Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TempleAdatElohim/ 

·    ECC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TempleAdatElohimEarlyChildhoodCenter/

 

Wishing safety to all,

Rabbi Barry Diamond

Cantor David Shukiar

Aliza Goland, Executive Director