Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship
A Nine-Session Adult Learning Course Exploring Our Relationship with Israel
What place should Israel have in our Jewish lives today?
For many Jews, our relationship with Israel has become increasingly complicated. Love, pride, disappointment, frustration, uncertainty, and even alienation can exist side by side.
In this nine-session course, we will explore a new way of thinking about the meaning of Israel for contemporary Jewish life.
Using lectures and conversations with Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman and other scholars of the Shalom Hartman Institute, we will wrestle with some of the fundamental questions at the heart of the relationship between Israel and world Jewry:
- Why should Israel matter to Jews who do not live there?
- What responsibilities do we have toward Israel, and what responsibilities does Israel have toward the Jewish people?
- How do we remain connected when we disagree with Israeli policies or decisions?
- And what might a mature, meaningful relationship with Israel look like today?
This course is not about defending Israel or criticizing it. It is about developing a deeper Jewish framework through which we can understand Israel, wrestle with it, and consider what role it should play in our own Jewish identities.
Course Dates
- Wednesday, October 14
- Wednesday, November 18
- Wednesday, December 9
- Wednesday, January 13
- Wednesday, February 10
- Wednesday, March 10
- Wednesday, April 14
- Wednesday, May 12
- Wednesday, June 9
SIGN-UPS WILL BE OPEN SOON!
High Holy Days Livestream Troubleshooting Guide
Please review our troubleshooting suggestions below:
Check your internet. Open a website like adatelohim.org. If it does not open, your internet may be down. Please contact your internet provider.
Restart your device. Turn your computer, tablet, or phone completely off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and try the livestream again.
Check your sound. Make sure your device is not muted, and the volume is turned up. If you use headphones or speakers, check that they are plugged in and turned on. You can test your sound by watching a recorded TAE Shabbat Service.
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Refresh the page. Press the refresh/reload button at the top of your browser.
Reconnect to Wi-Fi. Turn your Wi-Fi off and back on, or move closer to your router.
Last step: Restart your router. If nothing else works, unplug your internet router. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
Community Holiday Dinner Planning Committee
Help us continue one of TAE’s most meaningful traditions!
Each year, our Community Holiday Dinner brings together volunteers and community members on Christmas Day for a warm meal, connection, and celebration.
We’re forming the 2026 Community Holiday Dinner Planning Committee and invite you to help make this special day possible. Committee members can get involved in a variety of areas, including decorations, entertainment, food and desserts, gifts, outreach, volunteer coordination, and more.
Meeting Details:
- Monday, September 14, 2026
- 7:00 PM
- Youth Lounge
Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or getting involved for the first time, we’d love to have you join the team!
Interested in joining the Planning Committee? Please email taeholidaydinner@gmail.com.
Christmas Day volunteer opportunities will be shared separately.
Temple Adat Elohim, Thousand Oaks
Chili Showdown & Summer Sendoff
Friday, August 14, 2026
Join us for an evening of great food, friendly neighborhood rivalry, family fun, and community connection as we celebrate the end of summer together!
RSVP to Attend >> ✨ 📝 🌶️ 🔥 Sign Up to Cook >>
Event Schedule
- 4:30 PM – Tot Shabbat
- 5:00–7:00 PM – Chili Showdown & Summer Sendoff
- 7:00 PM – Starlight Shabbat
Join Us For
- Friendly neighborhood rivalry
- Exploring TAEngage groups and havurot
- Chili, hot dogs, beer, and refreshments
- Activities for kids and teens
- Kona Ice for purchase (proceeds benefit the ECC
CALLING ALL COOKS & ASPIRING JUDGES! 🌶️🔥
Cooks: Do you have a secret family chili recipe, or do you love a good cooking challenge? This is your chance to show off your culinary skills, represent your neighborhood, and compete for the title of TAE Chili Champion!
Judges Panel: Your chili will be judged by TAE’s President, Rabbi, Cantor, and Executive Director, along with two randomly selected congregants!
🌶️ Think your chili has what it takes? Sign up to compete and represent your TAE neighborhood in a chili showdown. Sign up to compete »
🏆 Want to be one of our chili judges? Let us know on the RSVP form that you’d like to be entered into the random drawing. Enter the drawing »
RSVP FOR ANY PART OF THE EVENT ✨📝
Please let us know if you’ll be attending or cooking so we can plan for seating, food, and supplies — CLICK HERE
Questions? Please call us at (805) 497-7101 ext. 101.
Temple Adat Elohim | Thousand Oaks
Sip & Schmooze: L’Chaim Lounge
Friday, July 24, 2026
- L’Chaim Lounge: 5:00–7:00 PM
- Starlight Shabbat: 7:00 PM
Join Temple Adat Elohim for an evening of wine, lite bites, live music, and sunset vibes before Starlight Shabbat.Click here to RSVP by July 17 >>
Connections and Conversations
Ease into Shabbat with good company, relaxed conversation, and a warm community atmosphere.
TAEngage Small Group Showcase
Browse TAEngage small groups in person and discover new ways to connect, learn, and get involved.
Special Raffle
Enter for a chance to win a wine lover’s surprise. All proceeds will support TAE’s Youth Department.
Limited Edition Keepsake
Every guest will take home a commemorative wine glass to remember the evening.