Briefs




 

 

Mitzvah Day at Temple Etz Chaim

Temple Etz Chaim will host Mitzvah Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 1 at the synagogue, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

The event is a coordinated day of social action where individuals from the synagogue and community participate in volunteer projects to benefit local, national, and international nonprofits.

Individuals can take part in the following activities: a blood drive, donations of clothing and shoes for the Beit T’Shuvah thrift shop, making boxes to hold spare change for the Jewish World Watch’s fight against genocide, an e-waste collection event, a backpack project to benefit the children of Casa Pacifica, bone marrow donor registration and recycling bottles and cans for BrAveryNow.org.

Other programs are: a Habitat for Humanity project, a canned food drive for Manna, and a For the Troops project, where religious school students will write letters of support to be included in the “We Care” packages sent to American troops abroad.

Residents can bring recyclable bottles and cans, clothing and shoes, and electronic waste to the temple for Mitzvah Day. The goal is to collect 3,600 bottles and cans for recycling.

Volunteers are needed as well. Visit www.templeetzchaim.org for more information.


Documentary explores college anti-Semitism

Temple Etz Chaim will host “Crossing the Line 2,” a new documentary on the rise of anti- Israel activity and anti-Semitism on North American university campuses, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 4 in the temple’s Paskow Sanctuary, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

This free film screening is open to the community. An interactive discussion with the film’s director, Shoshana Palatinik, will follow the screening.

In the film, anti-Israel activists attempt to alienate and demonize Israel. This criticism is increasingly crossing the line into anti-Semitism in the form of hate speech and harassment.

The film seeks to educate high school and college students, parents, administrators and community leaders about the problem and inspire them to learn more and take action.

RSVP is requested. For reservations, email religious.school.office@templeetzchaim.org.

This event is sponsored by Rabbi Richard Spiegel and Temple Etz Chaim’s Adult Education department and Religious School.

The film is provided by Jerusalem U, which produces film-based content and educational programs to organizations and synagogues who seek to increase Jewish knowledge and engagement with Israel.


Community invited to sing with choir

The Elation Arts Series and Emmanuel Choir will present the choir’s annual Christmas concert, “His Light Has Come,” at 5 p.m. Sun., Dec. 13 at Emmanuel Church, 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks.

The community is invited to sing with the choir in the concert. Rehearsals are from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in the sanctuary.

The choir will perform John Rutter’s “All Bells in Paradise” and Michel W. Smith’s “Christmas Angels” as well as classic holiday selections, gospel tunes and an audience sing-along.

All members of the Christmas choir can also sing with Emmanuel Choir for the Advent and Christmas worship services.

For more information, call Lance Merrill at (805) 498-4502.


Boutique offers gifts and goodies

Holy Cross Catholic Church will host its 31st annual Christ- mas Boutique from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 7 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 8 in the parish Cosgrove Center, 13955 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark.

The event will have 30 specialty crafters, many new this year, as well as door prizes, baked goods, homemade jams, grilled hot dogs and handmade burritos and salsa.

The grand prize drawing is for $2,000 in cash.

For more information, call (805) 529-1397.


Service for pets and their owners

Animals and their families will be blessed from 2 to 3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 8 at Monte Vista Presbyterian Church, 3797 W. Lynn Road, Newbury Park.

An opportunity drawing will benefit WhatCanWe.Org, a local nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for surgery for rescue animals.

Items in the drawing include four tickets to the Magic Castle, a Starbucks basket, beauty services and products, and certificates for local restaurants.

Animals must be restrained at all times.

For more information, email Bill Aby at wwaby@aol.com or call (805) 498-5387.


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