Where to Pray
There are no established synagogues serving the immediate downtown area, but among the major movements, the shuls closest to Staples Center are:
ReformWilshire Boulevard Temple 3663 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90010Phone: (213) 388-2401(Large and grand, built during and for the era of movie palaces)
Beth Chayim Chadashim6000 W. Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035Phone: (323) 931-7023(Small and haimish, with an outreach to the gay and lesbian community)
ConservativeTemple Beth Am1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035Phone: (310) 652-7353(Offers daily morning and evening minyans, plus multiple Shabbat services)
OrthodoxA large concentration of Orthodox shuls not far from downtown Los Angeles is in an area radiating from the intersection of La Brea Avenue and Beverly Boulevard. To find a congenial Orthodox worship service, start with these organizations:
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations: (310) 777-0225Chabad Lubavitch West Coast headquarters: (310) 208-7511
Where to Eat
Kosher Restaurants
The Persian, Moroccan and Tunisian Jewish influx into the garment industry has given rise to a crop of good kosher meat restaurants in the downtown area. Most of these places close on weekends, so call ahead for precise hours. There are numerous kosher restaurants about 15-20 minutes west of downtown on Pico Blvd. between La Cienega and Doheny and on Fairfax between Beverly Blvd. and Melrose Avenue. Check www.jewishjournal.com for listings.
Afshan Restaurant306 E. 9th St.Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 622-1010
Classic Restaurant108 E. 8th St.Los Angeles, CA 90014(213) 623-6234
Cohen Restaurant316 E. Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 742-8888
Pasha Café112 W. 9th St.Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 622-7578
Sharon’s II306 E. 9th St.Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 622-1010
Solomon’s Place934 S. Los Angeles St.Los Angeles, CA 90015(213) 623-0094
And while downtown, don’t neglect Langer’s Deli at Alvarado and 7th, home to what many consider the best (non-kosher) pastrami sandwich in America, or Brooklyn Bagel at 2217 W. Beverly Blvd. near Alvarado for some of LA’s best bagels.
