Multi-Access Friday Night Shabbat Service with Guest Speaker
Fri, Oct 23
|Congregation B'nai Emet
Join us for a special Shabbat where guest speaker Mike Katan will share his stories about being a Jewish First Responder in Ventura County and a volunteer in Israel. Two ways to attend: In person OR on Zoom! Zoom link is sent to the CBE Weekly News Email list the week of the event.
Registration closes Oct 23, 2026, 12:00 PM
Time & Location
Oct 23, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Congregation B'nai Emet, 9 W Bonita Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
Guests
About the Event
Guest Speaker Bio:
My name is Michael Katan and I am 42 years old. I am happily married with three children and reside in Porter Ranch, California, where I was born and raised. I was raised orthodox and attended Emek Hebrew Academy and Valley Torah prior to going to yeshiva in New York for my senior year of high school. I currently live a more traditional Jewish lifestyle- focusing on high holidays through the philosophical and esoteric teachings, beliefs and deeds.
For the past 20 years I have worked in some capacity of the 911 system, whether that was a EMT for and ambulance company or a volunteer firefighter, as well as a flight paramedic for the Sheriffs department. I have worked special events, tv shows or endurance races for medical and stand by needs.
I am currently employed by the Ventura County fire department over the past eight years as a Firefighter/Paramedic. My duties include working as a preceptor and training newly accredited Paramedics. I also work as a peer support member assisting other members in a time of mental health needs. Lastly, I am a sworn Chaplain for my department that assists with spiritual presence, line of duty deaths, ceremonies and the like.
Another aspect I am very proud to be able to perform is volunteering in Israel through the EVP(emergency volunteers project). Since the tragedy of October 2023 I have flown back to Israel on three missions and volunteered with The fire department in Israel. The drawdown from Israel’s armed forces causes vacancies in fire stations and we are there to assist. The assistance comes in more ways than just physical work, but rather to show support and solidarity with our brothers and sisters when it is truly needed. I feel honored to make these connections on a yearly basis with new brothers and sisters and feel as if our calling of “Tikun O’lam” is being performed in real time!
Aside from work I enjoy spending time with my family, running, playing my guitar, some pickleball and cooking/baking.
Registration closes Oct 23, 2026, 12:00 PM