The Temple Etz Chaim Men's Club will sponsor a Scholar-in-Residence Weekend: The History of Modern Israel from Fri. to Sun., March 20 to 22 at the synagogue, 1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

The scholar-in-residence will be Dr. Stephen M. Berk, professor of history at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He's a scholar in Holocaust and Jewish studies. He has authored a book on Russian Jewry and published articles on Russian Jewish history, antiSemitism and American policy in the Middle East.

The weekend begins with a Shabbat service at 8:15 p.m. Fri., March 20. Berk will speak on "The incredible first century and its impact on the Jewish people," followed by Oneg Shabbat.

Berk will talk on "Three who made it happen: Herzl, BenGurion and Begin and the creation of Israel" at a Shabbat service at 10 a.m. Sat., March 21, followed by kiddush luncheon.

A wine and cheese reception will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sat., March 21. The cost is $10 per person or $18 per couple.

A Sunday brunch with the topic "Israel at a crossroads" will take place at 10:30 a.m. March 22. The cost is $6 for Men's Club members and $8 for nonmembers.

For more information, call the synagogue at (805) 4976891 or visit www.temple etzchaim.org.