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Clergy | Staff | Board of Directors Clergy : Rabbi Richard Spiegel 
A RABBI IN PARADISE I love being the rabbi of Temple Etz Chaim because it is a warm and welcoming congregation which truly embraces its members and all others who walk through our doors. We strive to be a home where every individual can satisfy his or her own spiritual, religious, educational, and social needs and all of us together can find a sense of community in good times and bad. When I arrived in Thousand Oaks in August of 2000 to begin my tenure as rabbi of Temple Etz Chaim, it was in many ways a dream come true. Born and raised on the East Coast, having served as a rabbi in the Midwest and Southwest, it was always my desire to live in beautiful Southern California. Residing here has been everything I had hoped for and more. Soon after my arrival, I met my “beshert” Linda, and we were married in front of a full congregation in June of 2003. Today, we are the proud parents of four wonderful grown children and one beautiful daughter-in-law. I have become a “native” Californian in appreciating the glorious nature – the sunny days, the blue skies, the mountains, the ocean, the palm trees and so much more that makes life here so enjoyable. Oh, yes, I have also become a Dodgers fan, a Lakers fan, and a supporter of USC football and UCLA basketball. I am very fortunate to be a rabbi with a marvelous congregation. If I were to ask for a better place to be a rabbi, I could not even imagine it. At Temple Etz Chaim, we look to our Jewish heritage to give us inspiration and guidance as we move forward to a rich and promising future. Rabbi Richard Spiegel Rabbi Richard Spiegel was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Before coming to Temple Etz Chaim in June 2000, he served in synagogues in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Rabbi Spiegel has been an active participant and leader in the Rabbinical Assembly, the international body of conservative Rabbis, throughout his career. Most recently, he served as President of the Pacific Southwest Region of the Rabbinical Assembly. Rabbi Spiegel has inspired our membership with his love of Judaism and his warm and friendly manner. He is eager to reach out to members of all ages, from our youngest preschool students, to our most elderly seniors. His goal is to teach children and adults alike that our ancient Jewish heritage can be a vibrant and dynamic force in our 21st century lives. Clergy : Hazzan Pablo Duek 
HazzanPablo@templeetzchaim.org
Shalom, I consider myself a very fortunate person. As Temple Etz Chaim's Hazzan, I accompany families during their happiest and most difficult life passage events. Because of that, my life is enriched. I have learned that living in a community means sharing our joys and sorrows. By sharing, we grow in happiness and diminish our pains. Hazzan Pablo Duek More About Hazzan Duek: A native of Argentina, "Hazzan Pablo" joined Temple Etz Chaim in June 2001 after serving nine years as cantor at Bet Hillel in Buenos Ares. Moving to another country on another continent was a transitional moment for Hazzan Pablo and his wife, Julieta, and now they make their home in Ventura County. Julieta and Pablo are the proud parents of Carmel and Dahlia. Prayer and song, especially in communal expression, have central meaning to Hazzan Pablo. He believes these elements are essential to put us in contact with our emotions, G-d, and each other. In his own words, “praying together in song and music brings a unique energy.” Hazzan Pablo’s beautiful voice is complemented by his warmth, his sincere interest in people, and the education of our children, youth and adults alike. He brings energy and enthusiasm to our services and special events, and he imparts that energy to all who attend. Hazzan Pablo truly touches the “neshama,” the soul, of each of us as he brings our ancient prayers to life. Clergy : Shimon Paskow - Rabbi Emeritus 
Rabbi Shimon Paskow served Temple Etz Chaim from August 1969 through July 2000, after which he became Rabbi Emeritus. In 1969 Temple Etz Chaim consisted of a handful of members. Through the Rabbi’s guidance, the congregation grew into a major synagogue with a magnificent sanctuary on a beautiful campus. Rabbi Paskow has been honored by Jewish and local civic organizations for his dedicated work to the Jewish community and the community at large. Besides teaching Torah at Temple Etz Chaim, he also taught classes at the University of Judaism and the Hebrew Union College. Rabbi Paskow was honored by the Hebrew University in Israel with the Torch of Learning award. Also in appreciation for leading many tours to Israel, the Israel Ministry of Tourism presented Rabbi Paskow and his wife Carol with special recognition. Rabbi Paskow and his wife Carol continue to live in Thousand Oaks and serve the local Jewish community. He maintains an office at Temple Etz Chaim where he is available for consultation and simple schmoozing. |
 Temple Etz Chaim is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism |
1080 E. Janss Road |