February 2026

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What an eventful last week of January.  Holocaust Remembrance Day is probably the very most important event.  In recognition of that, on February 4 at 7pm, we will be hosting Susanne Reyto, a child Holocaust survivor, to tell about her journey bringing violins from around Germany to Israel for refurbishing and then into the Violins of Hope program.  This should be a very interesting evening and I hope that you register right now to attend.  Check your latest newsletter for details and how to register.  

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And, I have a Netflix recommendation for you:  Eleanor the Great.  Touching, enjoyable and timed perfectly.

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Also in the last week of January, I went to visit my baby great niece, Shasa Lee.  This was especially important to me because Shasa Lee was named after my twin (her Bubbe) and the day of visitation was on my sister Carol Lee’s 25th yahrzeit.  A very touching day for me.

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But something of concern happened during the last few days of January:  We received a call from Meiners Oaks Water Department letting us know that it’s apparent we have a leak somewhere on the property since our water meter was ‘spinning like crazy’.  We think we put a ‘band aid’ on the problem but only time will tell.  This makes the facilities committee and your president very nervous.  It’s the same reason why you see the constant plea for donations for the building fund to be sent in.  Although we are very grateful for the donations thus far received, the amount of funds will not cover us in case of an urgent matter such as this.  It’s just not in our working budget.  To that end, (as mentioned previously) the Board of Directions has decided to add a $100 Building Fund expense onto the membership dues beginning in the new fiscal year 2026.  I’m mentioning this again because 1) I don’t want you to be surprised when the time comes and 2) to let you know that our gorgeous little shul is getting older each year and needs TLC.

 

And now it’s February.  A special month for me!!  Beginning on Sunday, the 1st, the year-long project of our Peace Garden is scheduled to be dedicated at 4:30pm in the afternoon.  I’m so hopeful you are able to attend.  This was a labor of love and having so many donors to help facilitate this vision of mine is very touching, let alone the committee that helped see it to fruition.  Thank you all, including the committee members (Dave Wertlieb, Mike Swimmer, Barbara Hirsch and Rick Bloom)

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Our women’s group, the Red Tent will be gathering on February 15 (rather than originally planned on February 8) so we can be respectful of the girls who enjoy the Super Bowl game.  At this Red Tent event, we will discover who we are from a very interesting process.  Ladies, please sign up online and reserve your spot.

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Our other actives continue through the month with Bunco on the 18th, the Men’s Group on the 19th, the Book Club on the 26th.  All information on these events will be in our upcoming newsletters—keep your eyes open!

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If you didn’t get the email from the Ventura County Jewish Federation, the annual luncheon is on the 22d at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.  I enjoy attending these luncheons to see the women (& men) from other congregations, honor the woman of the year, and enjoy some shopping and the auction.  It’s a delightful afternoon.

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And JCO has our own very special event.  That’s the Bat Mitzvah of Theresa (Terry) Merrin on Saturday, February 7th.  All are invited to the service and the luncheon afterwards as long as you pre-register.

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Did you see the pictures of our Torah School students in the recent newsletter?  These kids are thriving while learning about their Judaism.  So very proud of them and thankful that we have Morah (Teacher) Hayley guiding them.

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Looking ahead to March, Purim begins in the first week!  Rabbi Lisa will be leading us in a Purim shabbat on March 6, so get those costumes ready and start planning your baking days for some yummy hamantaschen.  More March news in next month’s President’s letter.

I am so very blessed to be a part of this community.  Toda!!

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B’Shalom