TORAH SCROLLS—Rabbi Ted Riter of Temple Adat Elohim displays three Torahs that are used at his synagogue in Thousand Oaks. The center scroll comes from Czechoslovakia and was written around 1830. It was confiscated by the Nazis in World War II and rescued after the war. SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers Founded in 1967, Temple Adat Elohim is a community of about 2,200 people who come together to honor God and support one another, said Rabbi Ted Riter.

The Reform Jewish temple in Thousand Oaks welcomes everyone, regardless of denomination or religious affiliation. Membership is available to anyone who wishes to be part of a vibrant Jewish community, Riter says.

“We are here as leaders of the community, creating a vision, educating and inspiring people to fulfill their best potentials and fashion paths of illumination for other people,” said Riter, who became senior rabbi at the temple in 2005.

In addition to weekly religious services, personal counseling and administration of ceremonies such as weddings and bar or bat mitzvahs, the synagogue at 2420 E. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks, has a preschool as well as Hebrew educational programs for children ages 5 to 18.

Riter said his goal is to promote excitement for and dedication to progressive Judaism, spiritual growth and social justice.

“We’ve created a place where adults and kids want to belong and stay,” he said. “We have a beautiful sanctuary and campus, but it’s about the people and how we connect with each other. It’s a safe place for peace, love, compassion and support, where people can acquire tools to deal with challenges on the outside.”

In recent years, temple members have participated in numerous community service projects, feeding the homeless, building homes for Habitat for Humanity and advocating for human rights around the world.

They also help one another, cooking meals for people facing life-changing circumstances and driving patients to medical appointments.

“We pick people up when they’re down and then, when they’re already up, celebrate with them,” Riter said.

Westlake resident Peggy Frank, a board member for the congregation who joined the temple eight years ago, said the clergy at Temple Adat Elohim are warm and welcoming and really care about people.

“There is the real feeling of it being a sacred community. I found the rabbis so approachable. There is not a barrier to seeking personalization for your needs,” said Frank, who was raised in an orthodox family but prefers to celebrate Judaism in a more contemporary way.

The temple honors traditions but allows members to celebrate Judaism in their own way.

“That makes it palatable for me,” Frank said, adding that Riter is open-minded and dedicated to education.

Riter, 43, grew up in a small Texas town that had about 40 Jewish families who were closely connected and involved in the community.

After earning his undergraduate degree in political economics from Tulane University in New Orleans, La., he became a legislative assistant for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and later worked for Americans for Peace Now in Washington, D.C.

Riter earned his rabbinical credentials from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1997.

Before joining Temple Adat Elohim, the rabbi was a spiritual leader at Temple Solel in Encinitas. He and his wife, Corey Rubin, have a young daughter.

“My main theme these past seven years has been to help people live a life of intention— learn, grow and connect,” Riter said.

Each month the temple explores a new value, called a middah. Through study and practice, congregants grow spiritually and experience new levels of connection with their family, friends and community, Riter said.

The value for September is enthusiasm. Mussar classes (the basis for the study and practice) are offered to the public.

In addition to Riter, Temple Adat Elohim’s leadership comprises Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe and Cantor David Shukiar.

Shukiar is a musician who has won awards for composing.

Dubowe has an “enormous love for the congregation and Judaism, and she’s been an inspiration for the entire community,” Riter said.

Temple Adat Elohim is part of the Union for Reform Judaism movement, which offers a foundation for the faith while giving individual synagogues autonomy so they can achieve their own balance between tradition and the modern world.

Weekly Shabbat services take place on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings and are offered in contemporary and traditional styles.

Starting Sat., Sept. 24, Temple Adat Elohim will host special services to observe the High Holy Days: Rosh Hashana—the Jewish New Year— and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

In preparation for Hanukkah, temple leaders and congregants are rehearsing their second annual production of the musical “ Benjamin and Judah.” The show, which relates the tale of a modern Jewish boy who’s struggling with his faith and eventually becomes a hero, was written by Shukiar.

Performances will take place at the Civic Arts Plaza Scherr Forum Sat. and Sun., Dec. 10 and 11.