Rabbi Kalman Topp takes over at Beth Jacob from Rabbi Steven Weil who's heading the Orthodox Union.

Cantor Nati Baram will be leading services at Beth Jacob Congregation for Shavuot. He plans to be in LA for a week or 10 days – and then to return to Israel. He will be moving here to take up his position over the summer.

Read more on Beth Jacob's New Cantor…

With Rabbi Kalman Topp scheduled to replace Rabbi Weil late in the summer, the imminent arrival of Cantor Nati Baram whose visa petition was approved this past week, and the election of a new Shul President in the fall (likely candidate David West Esq) big changes are ahead for the largest Orthodox Shul west of Chicago.What is David West like? He’s a rock solid leader who will provide a steady hand at the wheel – and is a team player. Just what’s needed for the transitions of Rabbi and Chazzan.

Read more on Beth Jacob Changes…

He's coming with his wife and kids in a month.

Clive Lawton is one of the founders of the modern Limmud movement. He's a fantastic speaker. Hilarious. Go to BethJacob.org for more info.

LimmudLA reports:

Clive Lawton, one of the founders of the Limmud movement and senior consultant to Limmud (in the UK), is coming to Los Angeles! Don't miss the opportunity to learn with Clive, a fascinating, entertaining and inspiring educator.

Read more on Clive Lawton Speaks At Beth Jacob This Shabbos…

Joe emails: Did you notice the Torah Portion of the Week in the Jewish Journal is by Rabbi Weil but is one he published three years ago? Also he is going away again for the Passover holidays to the program at the Arizona Biltmore. One of the pricier programs. This has caused a lot of congregants to be so upset that in the contract for the new rabbi at Beth Jacob it specifically mentions working the major holidays. It makes one wonder why the last three presidents (Tabak, Shandling and Levovitz) at Beth Jacob allowed him to leave the pulpit on a major holiday just so he could be with the wealthy instead of tending to his congregants that pay his salary?

Read more on Weiling Away Passover…

Last Shabbat the new cantor Nati Baram davenned – and dazzled the congregation with a broad spectrum of talent on display. He showed off his soul and his singing talents : Getting the community to participate in group-sing; the Kedushah included parts of O Sole Mio – and there was a good dose of Carlebach and some fun sprinkled in too.

Read more on Beth Jacob Gets A Taste Of Their New Chazzan…

My source says: Of course they have a top immigration lawyer on the case…..

Immigration laws have recently changed and there are now long delays.

I am told he and his family should be here in 6 to 8 weeks max.

Read more on Why can't Beth Jacob's lawyers deal with the immigration for the cantor?…

My first thoughts when I heard about this plan.

I hope the execution of this plan is more effective than some of the spelling in this new letter: "PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION SHARED WITH THE PEULAT SACHIROR ANY OF ITS REPRSENTATIVES WILL BE HELD IN THE STRCTEST OF CONFIDENCE. THE CERTIFRICATION AGREEMENT WILL RFLECT THIS IN WRITING."

Read more on Modern Orthodox Rabbis In Los Angeles Seek To Certify Business Ethics…

Beth Jacob president Steven Tabak writes his congregation.