A recent gathering at a home in the San Fernando Valley brought together more than 40 Iranian Jews to discuss issues of mentorship. However, this informational meeting wasn\’t about matching up Baby Boomers with Gen X-ers to discuss long-term career strategies. Instead, it was focused on finding adults who would be willing to reach out to young Jews from mostly single-parent homes.
After Hakimi\’s election two years ago, participation of women in religious services became a lightning-rod issue on both sides of the mechitza in the Orthodox congregation.
Jewish photojournalist Shelley Gazin has managed to capture the true essence of Persian Jewish life in a series of photographs.\n
In a rare display of unity, a variety of groups within the local Persian Jewish community have joined to voice support for a lawsuit filed against former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Sept. 9 by seven Persian Jewish families in Los Angeles and Israel.
With its sparkling 24-karat gold dome and Jerusalem stone exterior, the new 25,000-square-foot Southern California Jewish Center (SCJC) stands out more than just a little among the various stores and restaurants.
Representatives from Southern California-based Persian-language satellite radio stations and television shows attended a special press conference on Aug. 28, held for them at Los Angeles\’ Israeli consulate, the first public interaction between the Israeli government and local Persian-language media in more than 25 years.\n
Rachel R. endured three years of humiliation while seeking a civil divorce from her physically abusive husband in Iran during the late 1980s. Rachel, who asked that The Journal not use her real name, is now 52 and living in Los Angeles. But her divorce nightmare continues more than 20 years later.\n
\”Baruch Hashem, we are very pleased with the new synagogue,\” said Avi Cohan, a local Iranian businessman who is one of the founders of the Downtown Synagogue. \”It looks just amazing with the nice chairs, and it\’s perfect for many of us who wanted a place for prayer at the end of the work day.\”
Rumors of anti-Semitic laws in Iran have disturbed local Iranian Jews who have been increasingly concerned for the safety of roughly 25,000 Jews still living in Iran since Ahmadinejad denied the existence of the Holocaust and called for Israel to \”wiped off the map\” late last year.
Persian Jewish actress Bahar Soomekh earned some serious attention last year when she played a young Iranian in \”Crash,\” the Academy Award winner for best picture. She\’s now appearing in an even bigger role — playing alongside Tom Cruise in the thriller, \”M:I:III.\” On the eve of the film\’s debut, Soomekh spoke about growing up Persian Jewish in Los Angeles and about her career.\n
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