August 18, 2011
New Program For Modern Orthodox Women
August 18, 2011
Dear Community Members,
As the summer comes to a close and we prepare to begin the new year of 5772/2011-2012, we would like to inform you of an exciting new program that will be coming to our community. A joint committee of volunteers, represented by members of Beth Jacob Congregation, B'nai David Judea, Young Israel of Century City, and YULA Girls School
has been working under our auspices to bring a Yoetzet Halacha to work in our community on a part-time basis.
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
August 12, 2011
The LINK Kollel Opens A Shul In Pico-Robertson
Email: With great and bursting praise to the Almighty, we formally announce the beginning of the New LINK Shul – an offshoot of the LINK Kollel.
Where will the shul be located?
In our Kollel, 1453 Robertson – corner of Saturn and Robertson. It is a beautiful space with a backyard area, two classrooms and a gorgeous sanctuary. We are in the process of beautiful renovations as well.
When does it start?
The 1st minyan begins with Shacharis on Thursday, September 1st at 6:45am. In general, Mon. and Th. mornings will be at 6:45am, Tues., Wed. and Fri. will be at 7am and Sun. at 8:15am.The 1st Shabbos minyan will begin on September 9-10th. Fri. Mincha will be 15 minutes before sundown; Shabbos mornings will start at 9am. We will have Mincha Sun. thru Th. at 2:15pm and Maariv at 9:30pm. There will also be a Mincha/ Maariv combined, beginning 15 minutes before sunset.
What are the membership costs?
Free. That's correct. We certainly welcome and need donations, but we hope b'ezras Hashem for as long as we can, to keep the membership all free. To be a member, you must fill out a form which we will send out shortly. We will charge for seats for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. No one will be turned away for lack of funds for RH/YK – but we may sell out – so please reserve as soon as we open it up.
Will there be childcare/youth groups ?
Yes. We will have baby care on the shul premises and three childcare groups that will be staffed by energetic and responsible counselors under the supervision of experienced adults in a fantastic preschool facility that has an indoor/outdoor area
What type of shul will it be and whom do you expect to attend?
Warm and Serious. All different types of Jews – united by a desire to grow in their Judaism
Warm in that everyone will feel comfortable. Warm in that no one feels judged. Warm in that everyone will have a place for a Shabbos meal. Warm in that the mechitza allows women to see well while maintaining ideal halachic standards. Warm in that the LINK shul will have wonderful melodies and sweet singing. Warm in that the LINK shul seeks to develop community and connections.
Serious in that a shul is a place to pray to Hashem and the decorous davening will be assumed, not imposed. Serious in that the davening will not be shleppy and belabored. Serious in that you will feel like you are in a special space.
Are there any unique features to the shul?
1. Our wonderful Kollel Rabbis, Rebbitzens and their families form the nucleus of the community
2. Over Shabbos, there will be at least 8 distinct learning opportunities.
3. Every non-winter Shabbos, when feasible, we will have a women's shiur in the Pico community. The first three shiurim will be given by Rebbitzen Batyah Brander on Yonah. Stay tuned for details
4. Every non-winter Shabbos, we will have father-son learning.
5. Approximately once a month, there will be a soulful, beautiful and extended Seudah Shlishis
6. During winter months, we will have an Oneg Shabbos 1-2 times a month
7. A serious teen minyan [for young men, 11-16] run by one of our Kollel Rabbis, to empower the youth
8. Approximately 4 beautiful Shabbatonim with outstanding and dynamic Torah personalities (including Rabbi Paysach Krohn)
Will there be shiurim during the week?
The LINK Shul is affiliated with the LINK Kollel. The Link Kollel will provide over 25 weekly shiurim (for men and women) and 50+ Chavrusa Slots. Got www.linkla.org for details
Will there be a Kiddush every week. If so, will it be a hot Kiddush?
Yes. We really hope so.
Does Pico need another shul?
We need at least as many shuls as restaurants. In truth, the Pico Robertson community is moving eastward and we seek to meet the growing demand of the vibrant Pico community.
Who will lead the minyan ?
Rabbi Asher Brander and Rabbi Eli Stern. Rabbi Brander has been the Rabbi of the Westwood Kehilla for the past 17 years, and Rebbe at YULA High School and Bnos Devorah for 21 years. He founded the LINK Kollel in 2002 . Rabbi Stern has been a shul Rabbi and an Outreach teacher for the past 24 years in 4 cities, including the last 15 in LA.
How can I help? How can I find out more?
We'll let you know after Shabbos, in the meantime, enjoy Shabbos, and we look forward to joining your community really soon!!
Read more on The LINK Kollel Opens A Shul In Pico-Robertson…
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
June 21, 2011
Who Wants To Set Up A New Shul In Torah Town?
Walking past Cashio and Robertson Blvd last night on the way to Torah Talk, I noticed that the Sephardic shul on that north-west corner was no more. The building was empty. It had signs up saying vacant.
Filed under Shuls, Torah by Levi Ben Avraham
May 20, 2011
Temple Akiba (Reform) In Culver City
Sharlene emails in response to my page on LA shuls:
Please come visit our synagogue and get a more accurate feel for what is going on. Temple Akiba is a dynamic place offering wonderful opportunities/activities for people of all ages. Check out our website. www.templeakiba.net.
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
September 26, 2009
Free Yom Kippur Services
As compiled by AaronsTent@aol.com:
Dear Friends:
Stuck without plans for the High Holidays?!
Never Fear– JCafeLA & The Aaron's Tent Jewish Events Newsletter have got you covered!
Below, please find an UPDATED list of 5 Separate Groups providing FREE high holiday services at multiple Levels of Jewish observance.
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
August 5, 2009
Knesset Israel of Beverlywood
Shelly Rothchild emails (pdf attached about a free drug offer):
I am a member, and my husband is the rabbi, of Knesset Israel Congregation of Beverlywood, a small synagogue located at 2364 South Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles. A medical marijuana facility is applying for a hardship exemption to sell marijuana next door to my synagogue based on the fact that it was previously closed down by the LAPD at another location.
I am a breast cancer survivor, and I have no problem with medical marijuana facilities as a general proposition. However, the marijuana facility located next door painted a cross on the wall of my synagogue and also put signs on the synagogue wall advertising their marijuana store, without the permission or consent of my synagogue.
A hearing will be held on August 6, 2009, at 10 am, in Room 350 at 200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, on its application for an exemption. The attached was posted on the internet inviting people to attend the hearing to support the exemption in return for free marijuana, so that this facility could continue to sell drugs next to my synagogue, which is attended by, among others, families with young children.
Is this permissible conduct for a medical marijuana facility?
Filed under Drugs, Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
June 21, 2008
Slacking Off In The Hood
Pico-Robertson shuls are no different than other shuls in the United States over the summer. Attendance slacks off.
Most American synagogues abandon adult education classes in the summer.
When Jews leave town, they often don't bother to take the sacred text with them.
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
June 19, 2008
Bnai David, Happy Minyan Are Where The Women Are
More attractive young single women go to Bnai David-Judea and the Happy Minyan than any other synagogue in zip code 90035 (Pico/Robertson). While Beth Jacob, Mogen David and Young Israel of Century City are deserts, Bnai David is a dessert with a thriving program for youngies called "chaverim". Check out the learning sessions for prayer and Talmud if you want to connect.
Read more on Bnai David, Happy Minyan Are Where The Women Are…
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
When Steven Weil came to town in 2000 to take over Beth Jacob, his sociable side got the best of him and he started socializing with members of competing shuls in Pico/Robertson. He invited them to his home, he became interested in their lives, he learned their names and the names of their family and friends. He was a hail fellow well met type of rabbi and he made a lot of important friends fast.
Filed under Rabbis, Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham
Located at 1952 Robertson Blvd in zipcode 90035, it is presided over by Rabbi Dov Newman. 310-836-6770.
It gets about hundred people on Shabbos morning.
For Shuvuot, it had a massive ice cream bar and about 300 attendees.
Filed under Shuls by Levi Ben Avraham