Message from the President

Welcome to Women of Temple Etz Chaim (WOTEC)!

We are a group of vibrant and multi-faceted women of all ages and at all stages of life.  We support and enhance our congregation with our connection and commitment to the synagogue, religious school, preschool, and USY programs. We provide programming for women in many areas -- everything from social events to social action, activities that can be cultural or religious, community service-oriented, educational, and entertaining.  We are also connected to Jewish women across the country through our membership in the Pacific Southwest Region of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, and provide support for Conservative seminary students through our participation in WLCJ’s Torah Fund campaign. 

Women of TEC has so much to offer you!  Please consider joining a committee or volunteering in our Judaica Shop, or just attending one of our many programs!  Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Temple, and are open to all WOTEC members.  I, along with all WOTEC Board members, am always available to speak with you and to answer any questions you might have.  Please feel free to contact me any time at [email protected].  I look forward to seeing you all at our events and at Temple.

B’Shalom,

Cindy Scherr, President
[email protected]

Torah Fund Campaign 2021-2022 (5782)

Women of Temple Etz Chaim is excited to announce our 2021-2022 Torah Fund campaign raising funds to ensure our legacy to future generations of Conservative Jews by providing: Rabbis, Cantors, Educators, Administrators, Social Workers, Scholars, Professional and Lay Leaders, Researchers and more. Torah Fund supports higher Jewish learning at:

JTS - The Jewish Theological Seminary (New York)

Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles)

Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem)

Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano (Buenos Aires)

Zacharias Frankel Seminary (Potsdam, Germany)

This year’s theme is B'YACHAD which means “Together” in Hebrew. As depicted in this year's pin, each of us is one small nugget of gold, but B'Yachad... Together, we reflect and refract the light inside us and help each other shine.

The 5782 (2021-2022) Torah Fund theme signifies the joy of sisterhood members working together year-round through their volunteer efforts at synagogues across the United States and Canada to make important contributions to Jewish communities throughout the world. We educate and train the people who guide, teach, console and uplift our people, one soul at a time during these challenging times.We make this happen together... Join us. 

Please make a difference in preserving Conservative judaism by supporting Torah Fund, the official philanthropy of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Torah Fund has raised over $95 Million since its inception and the work to keep educational needs funded is still at the forefront.

A donation of $180 or or more will provide you with this year's beautiful Torah Fund B'YACHAD pin. Of course, we greatly appreciate donations of any amount. Any amount helps to preserve our future. 

You can donate ONLINE by credit card by going directly to the donation page on the International Torah Fund web page at JTS:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE DIRECTLY

(In the box that asks for your sisterhood, type in TEMPLE ETZ CHAIM and THOUSAND OAKS for the city.)

Let Esther or Phyllis know when and how much you donated so we can verify for proper credit.

If you donate by check, make the check payable to TORAH FUND. If the donation to the Torah Fund is being made in memory of a loved one, please add a note with the check so you can be recognized in ETZETERA. All donations can be sent to the Temple with attention to Torah Fund on the envelope.

Contact us with any questions at 818-585-6890 (Esther) or 805-499-6370 (Phyllis)

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 2020-2021 TORAH FUND CAMPAIGN

B’Shalom and Todah Rabah,

Esther Pullan & Phyliss Dankberg

Co-Chairs, VP, Torah Fund

Women of TEC Scholarship

WOTEC awards scholarships to students of Temple members (Elementary School age to Age 22). Students participating in the following programs may apply for the following scholarships:
• Jewish Overnight Camps (Day Camps Excluded)
• Organized Summer Jewish Student Trips to Israel (i.e., March of the Living, Ramah Israel, USY on Wheels, etc.)

Please check back to this space as we seek applications to be due by March 28, 2022. 

Click here for the application.

Tribute Cards

Anyone interested in giving a tribute to someone need only contact the Women of TEC member below and a beautiful Tribute Card will be mailed with your message. Notification will be submitted to the TEC Newsletter. It’s that easy! The cost is only $3 per card (postage included) or you may purchase 6 cards for $18. Your tribute will be sent AFTER we receive your donation. A tribute representative will also be available at Board and General Meetings to take your Tribute order.

Please contact Cynthia Koepcke at [email protected].

Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding Invitations

Looking for Bar/Bar Mitzvah or Wedding invitations, don't forget you can purchase through WOTEC volunteer Ann Ross (805-449-4200). You will receive a 25% discount and help support the Temple and the Women of TEC.

Our Board of Directors

OUR PRESIDENTS