Scholar in Residence Weekend 2026
Men’s Club’s Annual Scholar in Residence
The 26th Temple Etz Chaim Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
March 27-29, 2026
Seeing the Sounds: Visual Interpretations of the Bible
Temple Etz Chaim Men’s Club is proud to host the 2025 Scholar in Residence weekend event celebrating visual interpretations of the Bible.
Join us for a weekend of inspiring lectures, and thought-provoking discussions.
This year, we are inviting Dr. Revital Somekh-Goldreich, PHD.
Dr. Somekh-Goldreich is an award-winning scholar, educator, stained-glass artist and community builder who uses art and sensory experiences to make Jewish studies more interactive and relevant.
Friday Evening 7:00 PM
Shabbat Evening Service
Followed by Oneg Shabbat
What is Experiential Midrash?
Take a magical carousel ride through the realm of experiential midrash to uncover why this approach is so exciting and relevant today.
Saturday Morning 9:30 AM
Shabbat Morning Service
Followed by Kiddush Luncheon
Turn It and Turn It Again!
Fun and games with visual theology for Purim and Passover. Explore the synergy of text, image, and frame in Visual Theology.
Saturday Evening 7:00 PM
Havdalah with Refreshments and Q&A
Are Exile and Diaspora Synonyms? Explore this question by examining the Purim and Passover story-cycles and their rich visual interpretations.
Sunday Brunch 9:30am
Roundtable and Q&A
$10 general admission / $8 for TEC Men’s Club members
Complimentary for SIR Weekend Sponsors and Students (Family/Scholar).
So Many Bridges, So Little Time! Join us for a dynamic, co-creative roundtable where we’ll discover and test relevant Purim-Passover connections, bringing our weekend of visual theology to a powerful close.
Your continued commitment and generosity allow us to bring this informative and thought-provoking Scholar-in-Residence programing to our temple community. We once again ask and humbly appreciate your becoming a 2026 Scholar-in-Residence Program Sponsor at the Scholar Benefactor, Family of Scholarship, or Friends of SIR Levels.
RSVP’s are appreciated. To become a Program Sponsor at any level, please visit the TEC website (Click Here), call the TEC office or complete the sponsorship form below and return it in the enclosed envelope.
- Friends of SIR ($36, or other amount): Your contribution will help ensure a legacy of meaningful Scholar-in-Residence programming into the future here at Temple Etz Chaim and enable the entire congregation to enjoy the full weekend of events.
- Family of Scholarship ($136): The above plus invitations for you and a Guest to an exclusive Friday evening Shabbat dinner, the Saturday evening event, and our Sunday brunch.
- Scholar Benefactors ($360+): Additional benefits include an invitation for you and a guest to dine at Shira table at the Friday evening Shabbat dinner and help defer costs to enable the entire congregation to enjoy the entire weekend of events.
TEC Men’s Club thanks you for your continued support and participation in our activities.
Please contact us at 805-497-6891 or email us here if you have any questions or suggestions.
Thank you for your support!
B’Shalom,
Mark Goldstein
President, TEC Men’s Club
Mark Zucherman
TEC Men’s Club SIR Chair