February 23, 2022
What are your 3 words?
Let's have some fun! What three words pop into your mind when you think of Shomrei Torah? Why do we ask? We're redesigning our website and we'd love input from those who know and love STS. Don't overthink this - just have fun with this creative exercise. Click here to reply.
We're Planning For Purim
Sunday March 13 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Parking Lot
Pick up Mishloach Manot in the parking lot any time between 10:00 and 11:30 AM. Mishloach Manot will also be given to Religious School families on Sunday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 15. They may also be picked up on Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Purim Shpiel, which takes place on the school yard at 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, March 16 | 6:00 PM | School Yard
Come in your Purim costume for the shpiel, followed by dessert. "West Hills Story" original lyrics by Connie Tassa, directed by Josh Enbom, piano by Josh Sostrin. We'll also play "Capture the Clergy" to raise money for USY. This program will also be online at stslive.org, Facebook, and YouTube.
Wednesday, March 16 | 7:30 PM | Sanctuary
Join us in the sanctuary for Ma'ariv and a full Megillah reading, or watch online at stslive.org, Facebook, and YouTube.

Thursday, March 17 | 8:00 AM | Sanctuary
Join the minyanaires in the sanctuary for minyan and a full Megillah reading, or watch online at stslive.org. A lox & bagel breakfast in served after minyan for those who attend.

Sunday, March 20 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Parking Lot
Come in costume and enjoy a day of fun and games: obstacle course, games of skill, arts & crafts, and TWO slides! Suggested $10 donation per child. The Men's Club will be providing food for purchase.
This Shabbat at STS
Friday, February 25, 2022
Led by Cantor Rafii, featuring Sababa Sounds and members of our Teen Choir. This service will now take place INDOORS (RSVP Requested) or watch online at stslive.orgFacebook, and YouTube. Dessert Oneg to follow service.
Proof of vaccination required; or negative PCR test within 48 hours; or negative antigen test administered by a medical facility within 24 hours. Masks are also required.

Saturday, February 26, 2022
In-person at STS led by Hazzan Smith and online at stslive.org and YouTube. Shabbat Morning drash by rabbinic student Kaylie Romano.
Proof of vaccination required; or negative PCR test within 48 hours; or negative antigen test administered by a medical facility within 24 hours. Masks are also required.
Join Cantor Rafii for music, prayer, and discussion in an interactive musical Shabbat morning service. Participate via Zoom or watch online at stslive.org and Facebook.
Morning Minyan (Monday-Friday at 8:00am; Sunday at 9:00am) in-person at STS and also online at stslive.org.
Evening Minyan (Monday-Thursday at 7:15pm) led by Temple Aliyah. Click here to join the ZOOM meeting, or enter meeting ID 821 3615 1400, passcode: shalom.
Upcoming Events
View our Calendar for a complete listing of all upcoming events.
Educational Classes
Classes for parents & grandparents and their toddlers.

Thursday, Feb 24 | 12:00 PM | Zoom
Taught by Cantor Jacqueline Rafii. Participate on Zoom or watch online at stslive.orgFacebook, or YouTube.

February 24 | 7:30 pm | Zoom
Cantor Rafii explores the lives of Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel.

Tuesdays, Mar 1 | 5:00 PM | Zoom
Join artist Revital Somekh-Goldreich as she explores the history, artistry, and meaning of the eight stained-glass windows in the foyer outside our sanctuary.

March 2, 9 at 5:00 pm PT | Zoom
Free for STS members with coupon code: ShomreiTorah21
Community News
USY has a significant number of Root One Vouchers worth $3,000 per teen to travel on one of their Epic Israel programs. In addition, they have need-based scholarships on both the regional and international level. USY would like all the vouchers to be used, and to give as many teens as possible an amazing summer trip to Israel with USY.

Thursday, March 10 at 7:30pm (at Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas)
World Premiere from The Braid! Special discounts for STS Members!
From funny fish-out-of-water stories to touching tales of community, Israelis in America share their search for belonging.
Early Bird Ticket: $30 (25% discount!)
Go to the-braid.org/sabra and use the code: singlests2022
2-Show Subscription: $42.50 (50% discount!)
Includes behind-the-scenes access to watch a rehearsal (live on Zoom), plus an exclusive pre-show talk with a special guest.
Go to the-braid.org/subscribe and use the code: sts2022

Melton classes are where there is something for everyone with new topics, new teachers, and new curriculum.
Israel B'Regah
Israel Tech Sector Sets New Records in 2021
Blockbuster funding year for local startups and companies is driven by massive investments in cybersecurity, fintech, and enterprise IT.

Israel Trivia Question:
What is the importance of Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem?
Answer is at the bottom of E-News.
Donations
We also thank our members and friends for their contributions this past week:
Cantor Jackie Rafii’s Discretionary Fund
June & Lou Lorch in memory of Rebecca Somberg, wife of Mark Somberg.
 
Abayudaya Fund
Sandra & Paul Kalemkiarian In honor of Rosemarie Kalemkiarian grandmother to Rebecca Ottinger and as a Happy Birthday wish to Rebecca Ottinger.
 
Community of Caring
Gay & Ken Elfand in memory of Ken’s mother, Gertrude Elfand on her Yahrzeit.
 
Creative Arts & Culture Fund
Rhonda & Jeff Snow in memory of Rebecca Somberg, wife of Mark Somberg.
Betsy & David Rosner in memory of Rebecca Somberg, wife of Mark Somberg.
 
General Fund
Lisa & Jerry Alban in memory of Rebecca Somberg, wife of Mark Somberg.
Lavey Derby in memory of Bertha Derby. Thank you for having a morning minyan available to all.
Racheal Folowoshele:
                -in honor of Miriam & Bob Carroll on their birthdays.
               -in honor of Ofer Ho on his birthday.
               -in honor of Pamela & Steve Belinfante on the birth of their grandsons, Leo Joseph Lewitan and Jonah Rose Belinfante.
Amanda & Richard Krumbein
Shira Rosenblatt in memory of her loving father, Al Rosenblatt, on his 2nd Yahrzeit.
Terry & Joel Singer in memory of Rebecca Somberg, wife of Mark Somberg.
Linda and Seth Stein
 
Kiddush Luncheon Fund
Racheal Folowoshele – just in spirit.
 
Lillian Weisz Meditation Garden
Racheal Folowoshele in honor of all who love gardens.
 
Religious School Fund
Racheal Folowoshele in honor of Rabbi Dr. Richard Camras and Rabbi Dr. Diane Cohen on their JTS doctorates earned for multiple decades of Fine and Dedicated rabbinical instruction and service, given in your respective honors a year ago, January 31, 2021. Just wished to honor that beautiful moment again at its anniversary and express my heartfelt appreciation for you; Kol Hakavod!
 
Social Action Fund
Carol & Mark Levin in memory of Selma Feder, mother of Al (Linda) Feder.
 
Yahrzeits
Cindy & Noel Blatt in memory of Cindy’s father, Louis Hanerfeld.
Russ & Bruce Bleaman in memory of Russ’ beloved mother, Jean Russell.
Miriam & Bob Carroll in memory of Miriam’s father, William Rosner.
Susan Zneimer & Martin Chetlen in memory of Martin’s father, Herman Chetlen.
Click here to learn about our funds, send a tribute card, or make an online contribution.
Sisterhood Judaica Shop
Israel Trivia Answer
Ammunition Hill (Givat Hatachmoshet), was the site of the most famous battle for Jerusalem during the Six Day War. Crucial to gaining access to Mount Scopus and the Old City, the task of capturing Ammunition Hill was assigned to the IDF Paratroopers. Built on a slope, winding fortified trenches provided cover and a huge reinforced concrete bunker made it difficult for the paratroopers to advance and capture the target. The fighting that took place at Ammunition Hill on June 6, 1967 lasted 4 hours with 36 paratroopers losing their lives.

Today the site serves as a memorial to all those who died during the war and for the reunification of Jerusalem. Additionally, the “Tzanchanim”/Paratroopers receive their red berets during an emotional ceremony (with family and friends in attendance) at Ammunition Hill. This special ceremony takes place following a ”Masa Kumta”-Beret March (an all night 90 km. march) in full gear after 8 months of training.
Shomrei Torah Synagogue
7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills, CA 91304
(818) 854-7650 | stsonline.org