Temple Solael Information Page
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Worship Services
Led by a pair of scholars (Rabbi Herstik and Cantor Savitz) with incredible personal warmth, a sense of humor and music to let your spirits soar, come join our Friday Night services. Regularly the services are at 8pm. Every 2nd Friday of the month family services are oriented to include children, so then they begin at 7:30pm, with Israeli dancing following.
For a special treat, the last Friday of the month, Cantor Savitz "does Torah" as in ancient times, chanting not only original Hebrew, but adding English to the melodies.
Rabbi Alex Shindler commented at his tribute at last UAHC Biennial convention that "Music makes the spirits soar". You'll have an opportunity to see this first hand at our special occasions!
Rabbi Ronie Herstik
Rabbi Ronie R. Herstik is a native of Haifa, Israel, who immigrated
to California at the age of nine with his family. A child of
Czechoslovakian Holocaust survivors, Rabbi Herstik describes his
childhood as "extraordinary", having been raised by parents who were
optimistic and resourceful despite their traumatic experiences.
With a strong bent to the social sciences, Rabbi Herstik is a honors
graduate from UCLA, ordained by the HUC-JIR (with graduate
work at UCLA's cross-town rival, USC also!).
He's both a pioneer and innovator. He implemented one of the first
outgoing programs of parents and kids studying together in religious
school, served as a hospital chaplain at Sloan Kettering as well as
Sharp Hospitals in San Diego.
He likes to build temple congregations, furniture, computers, and
remote-controlled airplanes. Married to Silvia Engelmayer from
Mexico City, he's the proud father of 2 1/2 year old twin girls.
Cantor Bernie Savitz
With a dry sense of humor, knowledge of the most serious orthodox incantations, don't be surprised to find ancient words to modern tunes. For fund raisers and levity, look for ethnical interpretations of Elvis or Crawford. In addition to the usual spiritual numbers he and our choir do, and his Crash Hebrew Course for adults, there's an annual music show! Adult Bnai Mitzvah classes. And as well, if your kid is near the magic age of 13, come see one of our Ba* Mitzvahs!
Pre-School
Our pre-school has been under the able direction of Jan Symon for the last 10
years. We have a full readyness program with an emphasis on self-esteem and
socialization in a warm Jewish setting.
School
Children in our religious school learn to read and write in Hebrew, in addition to learning prayers, Jewish history, and about Israel. Torah Study for children better equips children to interpret their Ba* Mitzvah Torah portion. A Children's Choir, under the direction of Irv Gordon and Cantor Savitz, performs at our monthly family services and at the High Holidays. Each class has an opportunity to lead one Friday Night service each year.
We participate in a inter-temple camping reteat weekend, filled with fun, and music, in a rich, Jewish setting.
Susan Neubauer, our new Education Director, comes from a long
background in Jewish Education at many flavors of Judiasm. She has
over 25 years religous school experience, as well as performing as
youth director. She's an active member of CAJE and also NATE. Her
"schtick" is a fully-integrated school curriculum with exciting
learning and academic opportunities, employing a variety of creative
and innovative special events and family programs.
Boy Scouts
Pack and Cub Troop 246 meet at Temple Solael on Tuesday nights. They have an extremily rich, active program, filled with camping, biking, hiking, crafts, and community service. Temple Solael is the troop's charter organization.
If you would like to order a membership packet, high holiday tickets, or more information from Temple Solael, just give us a call at (818) 348-3885 or fill out this form.
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Temple Solael
A West-Valley Reform Jewish Congregation
6601 Valey Circle Boulevard
West Hills, CA 91307
Phone: (818) 348-3885
Fax: (818) 340-0109
E-mail comments and
inquiries to us: solael-info@markv.com
We are a member of
UAHC - the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
Copyright © 1996, Temple Solael, West Hills CA,
Most recent update July 17 1996