Rabbi Yehuda, as he likes to be called, is a scion of an old European Jewish family of scholars. He joined Temple Ner Maarav six years ago.  A former Camp Ramah counselor and a student at the University of Judaism as well as at other Yeshivot both here and in Israel, and a former Army Chaplain, he brings a sense of humor to his weekly "drash" on the Parasha and the discussion which follows.  His aim is to teach and explain so that the congregation will find the prayers meaningful.  Often he interjects reasons and historical background of prayers and customs and brings in new melodies and provocative discussions.  It is a learning and uplifting experience to attend his services.

Rabbi Woythaler, of blessed memory, graduated from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York, where he received his Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa). He started off as Rabbi at Temple Beth Zion of Los Angeles from 1948 to 1956, and was then Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel of Vancouver, British Columbia from 1956 to 1964. He lectured at the University of British Columbia and the University of Judaism, and wrote a column for the Western Jewish Bulletin of British Columbia. He served Temple Ner Tamid as spiritual leader since 1963 prior to the congregation merging with Maarav Temple. He was President of the Western States Region of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Rabbi Woythaler was the first chairman of the Commission of Jewish Education of the Pacific Southwest Region of United Synagogue. While working professionally with High School and College youth, he was presented by United Synagogue, Regional and International Awards for outstanding Youth Programming for 1965 to 1971, consecutively. Under his leadership, Temple Ner Tamid received the Solomon Schechter Award for an outstanding Youth Activities Program for the years 1967 through 1969.

Cantor Linda Rich is the daughter of well-known Cantor Israel Reich ("Z"L) and is a 5th generation cantor in her family. Her brothers, Barry and Brian are Cantors as well in the Northern California area. Linda made headlines when she became the first woman conservative cantor in history in Feb. of 1978. She was chosen to become the official cantor of the 1984 Olympics when it was held in Los Angeles and that same year was invited to sing at the "1984 World Chassidic Festival" in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Her recording of "Barcheynu Avinu" appears on the record album "World Chassidic Festival." Linda majored in music at San Francisco State University, received a scholarship to study acting at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT), and musical theatre at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion , also under a scholarship. She is a member of the Cantors Assembly of America. Linda also plays classical piano and accompanies herself on guitar at Friday evening services. Linda has served many congregations in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas for the last 30 years with her "authentic" style of chazzanut. She is happily married to "Prince" Philip Freed and has an 18 year old daughter, Rachel, who is a voice major at CSUN and aspires to become the 6th generation of Cantors in her family!! Rachel can often be heard helping lead services on Friday evenings, alongside her mother.

Cantor Maurice Glick has been Cantor Emeritus of Temple Ner Maarav since 1998, having served the congregation for 35 years, beginning in 1963. He is a native of California and a graduate of UCLA where he majored in music, and received a special Secondary Credential in music. Cantor Glick is also an accomplished violinist, as well as a choral director and concert singer. He resides in Thousand Oaks with his wife of 46 years, Joanne. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.