Local youths called to Torah

Joshua Brian Braverman, son of Linda Braverman and Douglas Braverman of Agoura Hills, was to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Sat., Aug. 11 at Temple Etz Chaim, Thousand Oaks. Rabbi Richard Spiegel, spiritual leader of the temple, and Cantor Pablo Duek was expected to officiate.

A student at Lindero Canyon Middle School, Joshua is a member of the honor society as well as California Junior Scholastic Federation.

Melanie Litzer, daughter of Judie and Mark Litzer of Oak Park, was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah of the Center for Early Jewish Education (CEJE) on July 28 in a service celebrated at the Renaissance Hotel, Agoura Hills. Melanie was presented with a tallit, the traditional Jewish prayer shawl, by her parents. Also participating in the service were grandparents Marion and Al Litzer and Melanie’s younger brother Adam.

Melanie has been a student at CEJE in Thousand Oaks for three years. She’ll be in eighth grade this fall at Medea Creek Middle School.

She enjoys sports and activities with her friends.

Brian Joseph Narvy, son of Cheryl and Howard Narvy of Westlake Village, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah of the Center for Early Jewish Education on July 28. His parents presented Brian with a tallit, the traditional Jewish prayer shawl, during the service at the Renaissance Hotel, Agoura Hills.

Also participating in the service were Brian’s brothers Steven and Daniel. Among the many family members who traveled to join in Brian’s special celebration were his grandparents Anne Narvy and Dr. Albert and Sylvia Resnick from Ohio.

Brian has been a student at CEJE in Thousand Oaks for seven years. He’ll be an eighth grader this fall at Colina Middle School.

Brian enjoys sports and computers and belongs to the California Junior Scholarship Foundation.

Aaron Stern, son of Stephan and Ruth Stern of Thousand Oaks, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Aug. 18 at Beth Emunah Messianic Synagogue in Agoura Hills. Rabbi Murray Silberling will officiate.

Aaron will be called up to the Torah and will recite his traditional haftorah portion.

He’ll continue his studies as part of the Beth Emunah Youth Group.