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 scholarinresidence will be Dr. Stephen M. Berk, professor of history at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He is a scholar in Holocaust and Jewish studies. He has authored a book on Russian Jewry and published articles on Russian Jewish history, anti-Semitism 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, Ben-Gurion 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) 497-6891 or visit www.templeetzchaim.org.