Together we share a sacred journey. This community, our Tent of Meeting, provides the place where in joining hands and hearts and souls we not only meet each other, but make God a very real presence in our lives. I invite you to share the special moments of your journey as a member of this community. Why did you join TAS? What are the occasions, events, friendships that have brought connection and added meaning? What do you look forward to as our journey together continues?
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The official blog of Rabbi Barry Lutz from Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, California.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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14 comments:
Seventeen years ago we were temple shopping. I was raised in a conservative temple. Rivi and I attended services at Temple Ramat Zion. The service was similar to what I had grown up with. The cantor had a deep and powerful operatic voice. It bothered me that I couldn't hear myself or anyone else around me singing.
We decided to give Temple Ahavat Shalom a try. We attended a Friday night service. Cantor Linsky was singing. As soon as we sat down I turned to Rivi and said," Reform Judaism sounds pretty darn good." We joined.
Jeff Shulman
Our son was entering kindergarten; our daughter, the third grade. A good time to join a shul. Both of our children were NVJCC grads and we wanted their religious education to continue. We began temple shopping. I had been raised in a shul which was pretty far away from my Northridge neighborhood. My temple friends were not my school friends. Joining a shul where our childrens' temple and school friends came together was very important. Attending TAS made sense to me. Afterall, my religious education was a traditional Reform education. Seventeen years later and having made some GREAT friends, I know we most definitely made the right choice. Thanks to TAS, we have an extended family.
Rivi Shulman
It has been a wonderful journey here at Temple Ahavat Shalom. Lee Brooks and I came to a Shabbat service in 1974. Rabbi Kleinman was the Rabbi at that time, he invited us to Buddy Bregman's house to talk about TAS. It was the nicest evening and we decided to join. A few days later Jerry Weitzman called and the rest is history.
We have belonged since 1974. We have had many simchas as well as saddness here but the community has always been there for us. Michael was concecrated, bar mitzvah'd, confirmed, and married right here at TAS. My first husband Lee passed away and Rabbi Kleinman was there for our family.
I met Mel and we were married here with Rabbi Kleinman and Rabbi Nadel and the wonderful voice of Cantor Linsky along with Bob Mitchell.
So we have alot to be thankful for at this wonderful Temple.
Sharon Janis
My husband Hank I were founding members of Temple Ahavat Shalom when it was formed in 1965. Previously, we were founding members of Temple Beth Torah. Temple Beth Torah and North Valley merged to form Temple Ahavat Shalom. We wanted to build a strong Reform temple in the northwest San Fernando Valley. At the time, the closest Reform temple was Temple Beth Hillel in North Hollywood.
In the early years, we held Friday night services at the Congregational Church on Balboa, at Superior St. Hebrew school and Sunday school were held at rented office space on Woodley Ave., at Devonshire St. For High Holy Days, we rented the LDS church in Granada Hills. We had to be extra careful not to leave any cigarette butts in the toilets.
My husband Hank Kline served as President of the Temple in 1968. During his term, we broke ground on the first building at the current site on Chimeneas Avenue in Northridge.
Over the years, we were blessed to have to have many great Rabbis. Our first Rabbi, Rabbi Krinsky, was also a Professor at USC. Our first full time Rabbi was Allen Secher in the late 1960s. He was ahead of his time with the innovative use of music and media.
I have enjoyed the work of our three current Rabbis, Solomon Kleinman (Rabbi Emeritus), Jerry Brown (Scholar in Residence) and Senior Rabbi Barry Lutz. Each has brought his own special gifts and unique personality to the Temple.
I am constantly amazed and inspired by the all of the activities at the Temple. Rabbi Lutz and the current Temple leadership are continuing to build and expand upon the traditions that we began at TAS over 40 years ago.
ShirLee Kline
My family and I have been Temple members for thirty years. Lloyd and I came to a TAS Open House and were warmly greeted by Sylvia Alster who took us under her wing and invited us to become part of the growing TAS family. We joined that very day and enrolled our daughter, Jill, in religious school.
She was later joined by her brother, Scott, in religious and Hebrew school and they both had their Bat and Bar Mitzvah services, celebrations, and Confirmations at the Temple. Jill's class was the first of Rabbi Brown's confirmations at TAS.
My husband Lloyd, of blessed memory, served on the TAS Board and sang in the High Holy Day choir. When he passed away, his memorial service, held at the Temple, was beautifully officiated by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Linsky, who have been so important in our lives, at both the happiest and saddest of times.
I was part of the Adult Confirmation Class of 1998 which was a meaningful year of study culminating in a deeply moving service.
Sherman and I were married in the Temple sanctuary in April, 2000, under a chuppah held by our childdren. Again, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Linsky brought beauty and treasured thoughts to our special day.
Our most recent family simcha was the brit milah of Jill and Patrick's son, our grandson Liam, which was held at our home and led by Rabbi Lutz whose words and music added so much to our joy.
I am truly grateful for the past years and know that TAS will continue to be an important part of our lives; a place of prayer, of learning, of participation, of comfort, and of friendship.
Hildie Gold
Not long ago someone asked us, "Are you still members at TAS?" The answer was emphatically, "Of course, we are!" Having joined in 1974, our membership is an integral part of our lives.
Like most young couples, our need to affiliate was twofold. Firstly, we wanted to see our daughters embark upon their religious education. But it was equally important that we have a place for meaningful adult Jewish experiences. And so we found a congenial atmosphere, stimulating services, educational excellence and a commitment to social action. All of these offerings have grown exponentially in the subsequent years.
Early on, we found ourselves thrust into leadership positions, and we could write volumes about those years. Suffice to say, there were many challenges, but there was also great satisfaction.
Rabbi Kleinman's call to build the sanctuary-social hall complex was bold and farsighted. He believed that if we failed to fulfill our destiny in the North Valley, another congregation would come along and steal the opportunity. So it was a singular privilege to be among the families intimately involved in this undertaking from its inception in 1976 to its completion in 1978.
Similarly, Rabbi Brown, less than 10 years later, also resoundingly called for the construction of the educational complex.
Without these additions, we would not have been able to provide for the breadth and depth of social and spiritual programs which so enrich our community.
Now, we feel much like proud parents of grown children watching as a new generation has assumed the mantle of leadership.
Our programs are better than ever, as Rabbi Lutz and our other professionals work tirelessly with the lay leadership.
Responding to the needs of every age group, this congregation is dynamic and highly relevant. We close by reiterating: Of course, we're still here; TAS is our way of life.
Phyllis & Hal Bass
Why Temple Ahavat Shalom?
It has been over 20 years since we have become members of TAS. During that time we have had the pleasure of being part of a Jewish community that has given us much to be thankful for and proud. We originally joined the temple so that we could have a Jewish presence in our life. And, we joined so that our daughter, Shavonne, could go to Hebrew school and eventually have a Bat Mitzvah. During the time Shavonne attended Hebrew school we were very involved with all things regarding her Jewish education. We had discussions at home about what she was learning, how she liked the classes and very interesting discussions about her mixed heritage … Jewish and African-American and how they came together on many issues. Of course we had Passover Seder’s that reflected both of these heritages and several of our friends from TAS were invited and always spoke about how unique and exciting they were. All of this stemmed from our association with the temple. Perhaps our greatest thrill regarding our TAS family was Shavonne’s Bat Mitzvah. It was a most exciting time for both sides of our family. Jewish grandparents and friends along with African-American aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., filled the sanctuary. The event brought tears to my orthodox Uncles eyes and it was a great time for all of us. The support we received from TAS for this event will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Al Martinez, our friend and columnist for the LA Times wrote a wonderful and moving column about that event that truly touched many, many people throughout Los Angeles. As a long time member of the Temple we have seen it grow and have seen how this community has come together during difficult times (Northridge earthquake) and supported each and every one of us. The Temple and its Rabbi’s and Cantor have been gracious with their love and understanding during difficult personal times for us (loss of father and mother) and we have always been grateful for those moments. We have enjoyed the many events, the gala’s, the children’s events and the sisterhood events that Tyree has attended. For all of the above we are grateful and look forward to continuing our long relationship with our Jewish family at Temple Ahavat Shalom.
With love and affection …
Les & Tyree Wieder
For a number of years after getting married, we wandered aimlessly trying to decide how we would integrate religion into our lives. We were both raised in Jewish homes, and practiced some Jewish traditions, but did not have strong religious identifications. After trying various options, including a Reconstructionist, multi-denominational service where we loved the music and discussions, a friend recommended TAS because they thought we would connect with the inviting atmosphere of this Reform Congregation; we joined and immediately felt at home.
A month after joining, Debbie’s Grandmother died, and we had ideas about how we wanted to conduct the service at our home. We did not know if it followed Jewish traditions, and when consulting Rabbi Brown, he encouraged and supported us to do the service in a unique way, which had special meaning to our family. This experience immediately created a bond that we have felt from that moment on.
What we have loved at TAS over the years is that there is not one formula for religious practice for all of us. Both our daughters went to Hebrew school, had their Bat-Mitzvah, and continued through Confirmation. Their experiences, while unique, created a wonderful Jewish foundation, which continues to be a part of their lives.
What we all have loved, and hope will continue, are the warm feelings in temple, the incredible music, the meaningful services, and the educational events that bring meaning to our lives.
Debbie, Ken, Julia and Lisa Winters
I am actually a historically famous person to TAS; although few know it. I was a member of the very first Confirmation Class of Temple Ahavat Shalom. At that time, TAS did not have its own sanctuary, and I was confirmed in the "sunken church" as we called it, on Balboa and Superior, whose rooftop peeks out at Balboa when you drive by. I grew up in the congregation of Temple Beth Torah in Arleta, (and spent years at the NVJCC as well). Our temple merged to form Temple Ahavat Shalom. My Mom and Dad were active founders of TAS. My Dad produced and directed musical plays as fundraisers in the early days of TAS, and I of course, had parts in them. But as we know if you put 10 Jews in the same room, you will have 10 different opinions, and so as an impressionable teenager, I was exposed early on to "Temple Politics" if you will, as I remember we merged - and then we split-up, like a temple getting a divorce, becoming again Temple Beth Torah. I remember some of my parents long time friends who decided to stay with the new temple "TAS" and others that re-started Temple Beth Torah. Even though my interests were truly elsewhere as a teenager, I still remember it was quite a big thing going on and talked about at home.
As a working career-mom with two young sons, I wanted my sons (only 15 months apart) to attend a Jewish nursery school and I had heard wonderful things about Adventures in Learning in Granada Hills, but I had not heard that it was a Jewish Nursery School. I remember meeting the director Sheila Rebach for the 1st time, and she was showing me a weekly calendar, and on Fridays, I saw pictures of what I thought were Shabbat Candles. I meekly asked her, what are "these" on Fridays , and she said "Oh My, Shabbat Candles - I thought you knew we are a Jewish Nursery School". I was thrilled, and we had quite a laugh about it. As you probably know, Sheila Rebach is an active member of TAS today, but for those of you who do not know it, Sheila provided the happiest place on earth for our precious toddlers, their parents and grandparents, and was responsible for their first formal exposure and education to Judaism outside the home. I cannot begin to express the multitude of cherised memories and fun times that Sheila and her staff created, and that live in my heart today! Alas, her school only went to Pre-K,(I must admit, if she opened her own temple, I never would have left) but she offered a one day a week continuing religious education for the Kindergarten children. Now it was time to continue our children's Jewish education in religious school and join a neighborhood Temple.
I was drawn to TAS mainly because I met with Rabbi Stern and really liked him, ( he left within months of us joining ...oh well) and a few of my friends from Adventures were going to TAS and others going to TRZ. I told my Mom & Dad, TAS felt like a better fit for my little family (as my parents were still living in Granada Hills at the time, and still active members at Temple Beth Torah). Like any Jewish parents, they didn't care which Temple we joined; they were just thrilled we were joining one! I have come to understand that was the quintessential moment for me, the physical act as "The Mamma" of the family searching out and selecting a Temple for my little family - analogous to the emotion filled moment when Rabbi Lutz, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Linsky pass the Torah from generation to generation during the Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremony...my joining TAS represented "my own personal Torah" passing on to my children.
Little did I know TAS was about to connect another historical dot in my life. Several years prior to our joining TAS, my husband, then fiance, Bob, and I had the privilege of attending Rabbi Alan Henkin's thought-provoking and fascinating Conversion Classes being held at Temple Beth Hillel. At the time, Bob was open and willing to learn about Judaism, it's belief system, values, holidays, etc., but wouldn't be able to commit to anything past that without personal exploration... He had good mid-Western values (having grown up in Illinois, with moderate religious influence). Suddenly I felt like Tevya from Fiddler on the Roof was smiling his toothy smile at me ...as during the first class, Rabbi Henkin started sharing stories about his being from Chicago and his love for the Chicago Bears! With each class, the personal and relevant way Rabbi Henkin explained Jewish thought, practices, and values, Bob would say "this feels comfortable to me... this feels right to me". Soon Bob and Rabbi Henkin were meeting for personal chats over coffee about Bob's imminent conversion to Judaism, and of course, the coming Sunday's Bear's game! I would have the good fortune and blessing of continuing my Jewish religion and traditions; raising our children in a completely Jewish home with one less area of potential conflict and heartache in the journey of marriage and raising children, where there are always plenty of other areas of conflict, hopefully mixed in with much more joy than conflict! How special it was when we learned Rabbi Henkin, such a special part in our early married life, was becoming part of TAS, in the Santa Clarita Valley as well as Northridge.
Our sons, Evan and Seth, started their journey at TAS in 1st grade, and their Hebrew teachers were so wonderful and so helpful. Rabbi Lutz and Cantor Linsky officiated at their Bar Mitzvahs, and the beautiful and warm memory of their Havdallah ceremonies are etched in my brain and in my heart forever. Evan went on to completing Confirmation with many of his friends from Hebew School, and said he wasn't sure about a lot of what he learned, but he was there because of his friends sitting up there with him. He attended Washington D.C. with TASTY, and played a major role in the first Battle of the Bands held at TAS. Seth went on to attend Confirmation through the 11th grade, went to Washington D.C. with his Confirmation class, but in the end, was adamant about not standing on the stage and confirming his Judaism with his Confirmation class members. As we learn, our children are individuals, and so are their life experiences, singular, individual and worthy of respect. It is fair to say our two sons had very different experiences at TAS, and as parents we learn we cannot control those experiences. The most important thing I would say to future families considering TAS for their family, is we never had to argue with our sons to go to Hebrew School during the week and even on Sunday mornings. They would do the normal joking and complaining about learning the Hebrew prayers, but through the drama of figuring out classes for which kids will be with whom, I used to marvel that Rabbi Lutz was not only dealing with a multitude of kids, but 60 Jewish Mothers (G-d help him) and Kelly Newman too, but he and his wife Debbie were simultaneously raising their own three children. (I observed on more than one occasion, Debbie running in and dropping off a meal for Rabbi Lutz before classes started.) Rabbi Lutz had a way of reaching our kids with just the right amount of discipline, with yet an understanding of what is needed for these kids to keep coming back week after week, amidst homework, soccer practice, band practice, basketball practice, baseball practice , etc.
One of the most beautifully orchestrated sessions I attended at TAS was Rabbi Brown's gathering of the parents of the soon-to-be Hebrew School graduates and Bar and Bat Mitzvah students. He gathered the parents together and shared some pretty heady stuff... where are your kids now in their Jewish education journey? They're in middle school. Would you consider having them drop out of their public/private school now because their education is complete? Hardly, it begins to make sense... we need your kids during high school years for Confirmation and for a place to continue their Jewish education and to discuss issues they are not going to want to discuss with you, but will with their friends and us! If we all as parents agree it's going to take place, the kids won't really have any reason to not go... as all the friends they're going to Bar & Bat Mitzvah parties with are all going to be at Confirmation! Brilliant! And that's exactly how we played it out in our family!
I can remember picking up Seth in the infamous carpool line after Confirmation and asking him in the car, so what did you learn or talk about at Confirmation tonight? (For those of you with sons, and not daughters, you know we basically get a "grunt"... but one night I recall him saying, "Oh, Mom, you know, the same thing as last week... "Don't make babies!" and the car broke into laughter. But how thankful I was that my kids were really continuing on from Lynn Mile's introduction of the wonderful Birds and Bees Program to our teenage sons and daughters really talking about serious issues like promiscuity, teen pregnancy, AIDS, and things your kids really care about in High School much more than the Tanacht! Again, to a family considering joining a temple, what could be more important to your children than their temple being relevant?
When my Mom passed away three years ago, my Dad wanted their Rabbi and Cantor from Palm Desert to officiate at the memorial service to be held at Groman Eden. Cantor Linsky had called my home to extend her condolences and asked if there was anything she could do - sing a song- anything? I said it would be wonderful and a comfort to me to hear her voice at my Mother's memorial service, and she participated with their Cantor, and she did something very special for me, and sang Somewher Over the Rainbow at graveside, and it is the kind of memory and gift that one can never properly express gratitude for, and a gift I know I will carry with me for my entire life. I do not remember much about the service in the chapel, but as I was giving my eulogy, I looked up and out for one brief moment not really wanting to look at anyone directly, and at the back of the chapel, there was Rabbi Brown standing there. No one asked him ... and there he was, it meant so much to me to see him standing there. After the service, he gave me a tender hug, and whispered very comforting words in my ear, and was gone. His presence was a tremendous comfort to me that day.
Our kids have finished their education at TAS, but we remain as members. I have come to understand that belonging to a temple means different things to many different people. For some, the temple is their social hub and they have made close friends through Havurahs or serving on certain committees. For others,like myself, for whatever reasons, participating and not participating, things did not work out that way for us. We have made nice acquaintances through these years, but I cannot say we have made close and lifelong friends we stay in close contact with; those relationships have come from circles other than our temple, and I have accepted that. I have come to understand, that that is not what the purpose of TAS was meant to be in my life. Through the connection of time at TAS, and just sticking with it...my temple has taught me about forgivenness; to forgive others and ourselves when things do not work out - for things that are done that are hurtful; to our selves as adults or especially to our children - intentionally or unintentionally. I have also come to understand that our wonderful clergy, and they are wonderful... are our spiritual leaders, but firstly, they are all husbands and wives and fathers and mothers and sons and daughters and sisters and brothers and friends, etc. If something is said or done, or not said or done, that we do not agree with or that does not live up to our expectations as congregants, we only need to remind ourselves, that in Judaism our spiritual leaders are no closer to G-d than we are ourselves. We do not "go through them" like in other religions to be closer to G-d; rather we stand beside them, and sit next to them. For me, I have learned that our Temple is greater than the sum of all of its parts. I love the familiar melodies and chants so beautifully sung by Cantor Linsky, and the Choir, and how year after year, those sounds move me to a special little place inside of me - and recalls memories of my childhood - my grandparents - my mother who is now gone - my father who is here - friends who are gone and I miss - our children as toddlers - as Bar Mitzvahs, and as now trying to find their way as they grow into young adults. I love our rabbis who make us think, and contemplate even about things we don't want to think about. I love being given the opportunity of having a place where little metal plaques of those I loved and who are gone still have a physical object that says their name lives on a wall - in a temple - of brick and mortar, and I can touch it - where other physical spaces they inhabited are no longer there, or vastly changed. All these things are small and big comforts I feel when I sit in the sanctuary at Temple Ahavat Shalom. So, when I received this beautiful letter from Rabbi Lutz and Bice Recht, I thought what a wonderful idea and gesture to honor those of us that have been members for so long; but I felt it was more important for me to reflect on the meaning that TAS has given my life these past 13 years. Thank you Temple Ahavat Shalom, and I believe in the future that you have to offer to other young families that will spend their next 13 years with you!
With Love and Respect to Rabbi Lutz, Cantor Linsky & Rabbi Brown
and to the wonderful Religious School & Hebrew School Teachers and Office Support Staff
Mindy and Bob Rose
To Rabbi Lutz
When my husband and I with our three children moved to Northridge in 1968 from New York, one of our first priorities was to locate a Reform Temple. At that time, services for Temple Ahavat Shalom were held in the Congregational Church, a few blocks from our home.
After attending a Friday evening service, because of the warmth of the congregants and the proximity of the location, we joined the Temple. Following this first service, as the Rabbi & Cantor were shaking hands with us, I asked the Cantor if he had ever sung a different version of the Adoration, one which has been used at my former congregation. He asked me to sing a few bars, and, when I did, a congregant standing nearby suggested that I join the choir. Of course I protested that I was too busy. Forty years later, I am STILL singing in the choir.
During those early days, the choir sang at each Friday night service; several of us even sang for Saturday morning Bar Mitzvahs. At these Bar Mitzvahs, the Temple received $15 for each singer.
Many of my fond memories here at Temple Ahavat Shalom involve the choir: weekly rehersals; annual choir parties; a party at a restaurant where three of us were wearing the same dress; at the congregational Church an organist whose musical introductions exceeded the length of the song we were to sing ; having the song selection changed as we stood in sanctuary ready to sing ; the honor of working with Bob Mitchell.
During these 40 years , I have formed many lasting friendships with members of the Temple and in particular with my choir buddies. In the choir there is a special camaraderie which we feel. I hope to continue to be part of this wonderful group for years to come.
Margi Dallis
Al and Carol Joffe were among the founders of TAS when it was formed in 1965 in a merger of North Valley Reform Temple and Temple Beth Torah. Al had been president of North Valley from its inception in 1962 until 1965. He later became president of TAS in 1970-71.
Al a lawyer, did the legal work in forming the Temple, acquiring the land of TAS, and building the structures on the land. He also served on the Board of Trustees for many years.
In the early years of TAS, Carol used her educational skills to teach in the Religious school.
Carol has sung in the adult choir since the Temple's inception and she has also directed it. In addition she formed a junior choir and they sang for Shabbat services as well as holiday programs.
Singing is not her only accomplishment. Carol performed in and/ or directed all of the plays and musicals put on by the Couples Club as fundraisers for the Temple.
Look for both Al and Carol to be seated on the bimah during the High Holy Days. Al as a past president, and Carol still singing in the choir.
April 10, 2008 4:03 PM
Why do I belong to TAS? Because when my husband Harvey was dying in hospice at home, someone from the Tmple was there everyday to hold my hand, wipe my tears, shop and to help me get through the experience.
Why do I belong to TAS? Because when I was honored by the Bureau of Jewish Education there was a table full of my friends from Temple even though the Banquet cost 350 dollars a piece!
Why do I belong to TAS? Because my chavurah of twenty or more years helps and supports me and makes me laugh. They cook when I am sick and drive when I can't. They are mishpocha!
Why do I belong to TAS? Because directing the choir for 22 years was thrilling and inspiring.
Why? Because I was founding member and feel like my blood is in the stones, my heart is in the ark, my soul is guarding the place.
Why? Because as the little boy says in the commercial-"I like it, I like it".
No, Make that "I love it, I love it".
Esther Saritzky
After initial Sunday school at Westwood Temple, I was confirmed at age 14. I really knew and understood nothing. While in college, I tried visiting on Friday night. A great disappointment. So I became "an agnostic with a Jewish background." Didn't know what to think.
In my 50's I started feeling a call to return to my religion. Temple shopping took me several places. I talked with people, and sometimes interviewed the rabbis. Thanks to a friendly ECEC person, I decided to try TAS. So here I am and still happy to be here.
Sheila Morrison
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