Our President
A sense of responsibility to the community
Temple President Ricardo Aespuro, a native of Los Angeles eastside communities since 1968, first attended B’nai Emet in 2004 and not only became a member of the Temple, he eventually became a member of the TBE Board. In 2022, he was elected Board President.
“The first time I attended Temple B'nai Emet, I felt I had found my religious home. The members are very welcoming, and Rabbi Pennes was a great teacher,” said Aespuro. “My mission, as we settle into our new home and new Spiritual Leader, is to see the Temple grow and be a vibrant, essential part of the communities we serve and live in.”
Ricardo, who attended both Cal State University at Los Angeles and East Los Angeles College and earned a degree in Business Administration, has been married for over 34 years to his wife Elvia, and their family now includes teenage grandchildren.
The President's Message
September 2025
Shalom to all!
I hope this message finds you well. The High Holidays are fast approaching and, in the latest issue of The Clarion, you will find all the necessary forms to help you prepare. We encourage pre-pledging for your High Holiday contributions because it helps us create a more beautiful and meaningful holiday experience for everyone.
Speaking of contributions, on behalf of the Board, I want to express heartfelt thanks to all who have already provided their membership dues in continued support of our beloved Temple. If you are not yet a member, we warmly invite you to join and help us sustain the services and programs we offer our community. Your generosity makes everything we do possible.
The support is tangible, and it is necessary to address some much-needed improvements. For example, our current exterior sign, which served us when we first moved into this location, no longer meets our needs and needs to be upgraded. There are electrical and interior painting projects that will keep our space welcoming and safe. Contributions toward these efforts will help us enhance our Temple for everyone who comes through its doors. You can donate via the website on the Ways To Help page. You can also support via the Tribute Fund and send a High Holiday card.
This year, Rosh Hashanah will again be observed both in person and via Zoom. Please note that a special Zoom link will be sent to everyone who purchases seats and that the regular Saturday services link will apply for the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.
We encourage you to attend in person and we are also planning our traditional festive luncheon following the Rosh Hashanah services. Last year’s luncheon was a wonderful gathering, and we look forward to sharing it again with you. If you plan to attend and would like to join us for lunch, please call Valerie so we can reserve your place.
Please keep an eye out for an email that will provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the times for the High Holiday services: We are considering requests for an earlier start time to Rosh Hashana eve, so that everyone can enjoy their holiday meals—complete with apples and honey—and still get a good night’s rest for services the next morning. You can share your thoughts on this in the services leading up to Rosh Hashana, so we can discuss the plans for the High Holidays together and help ensure that the most people can participate.
Shalom Aleichem / May Peace Be Upon You
Ricardo Aespuro
TBE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
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