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Jewish Journal

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August 27, 2013

Stylist claims Drake owes him $70k

Leave a Comment / Entertainment, Hollywood /

Drake’s smooth look doesn’t come cheap — especially if you’re the one dressing him.

According to papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, the Canadian rapper owes former stylist Michael Raphael over $70,000 in fees and expenses, the New York Daily News reports.

Last summer Drake hired Raphael, the owner of a high-end Manhattan boutique he frequented, to help him with his “brand direction.” Translation: He hired Raphael to pick out his clothing. Which isn’t as easy as it sounds.

In preparation for the American Music Awards in November, for example, Raphael says he had to travel from Los Angeles to New York just to fetch a “custom-designed chain and pendant.”

Raphael also claims Drake asked him to move to Toronto, but did not reimburse him for rent. Then there were the thousands of dollars of items he bought for Drake at Foot Locker, Nike, and J. Crew. Drake fired Raphael in December, before paying him back any of the money he shelled out.

According to the New York Post, Raphael is seeking compensation plus an award for breach of contract. The grand total: $76,000.

Stylist claims Drake owes him $70k Read More »

Muddied Waters

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Last night, I had a bizarre dream. I would ask a therapist to help me analyze it, but it’s August and there are none to be found.

In the dream, I was back in college, and Mick Jagger (!) was lecturing on the Middle East, and the lecture was totally biased towards the Palestinian narrative. When the three Jewish students complained, he told us that we would get our turn as well. In the dream, I said to “Professor” Jagger (and I am not kidding): “Do the Palestinians simply assume that time is on their side [an obvious reference to the Stones’ old hit]?”

A therapist would say that Jagger was actually a nocturnal representation of Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd front man who has called for an international cultural boycott of Israel.

These are Waters’ words:

“Please join me and all our brothers and sisters in global civil society in proclaiming our rejection of apartheid in Israel and occupied Palestine, by pledging not to perform or exhibit in Israel or accept any award or funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”

True, other rock stars have boycotted Israel. But this is the first time in my memory that someone has actually called for a boycott. And, let the record note, Israel is, now, the only country in the world that is boycott-able. I sometimes wonder how British rock stars would have felt if American rock musicians had boycotted Britain during the darkest days of the troubles in northern Ireland. Remember how China destroyed Tibet? No “Boycott China” campaign. 

In 2006, Waters was photographed spraying the words “no thought control” on the West Bank separation barrier.  (I never liked the song “The Wall.” It always seemed frighteningly fascist to me). Roger: anyone who has ever visited Israel, or anyone who regularly reads Israeli newspapers or listens to Israeli politicians or sees Israeli films or listens to Israeli rock music knows that there is absolutely no control of anyone’s thoughts or political actions.

On the other hand, Roger, you might want to go to Egypt, Syria, Iran, and a host of other Moslem countries – just so you know what thought control really is.

That would be a journey to “the dark side of the moon.”

Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli has basically said to Roger Waters: “Kiss off.” (I am researching the Hebrew equivalent).  “Take my image out of your videos.” This is what I call, truly, bar mitzvah. (Sorry). 

There were some who were willing to give Roger Waters a pass when he adorned a pig with a Star of David. Fine.

But when you mix that in with the anti-Israel obsession, you really have to wonder how Roger Waters feels about the Jews. 

And if the Jews are the only minority group in the world that one can hate with absolute impunity — then, yes, I have a problem with that. 

Sure, there are rock stars who boycott Israel. But, the list of Israel-visitors is much longer: Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, the Pet Shop Boys, Regina Spektor, Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Elton John, The Scorpions, Rod Stewart, Rihanna, the Pixies, Barbara Streisand, Tom Jones (who is being pressured to call off his trip).

I understand why these artists are playing Israel. In some cases, it is out of a genuine respect and love for the State of Israel and its people. And in other cases, it is not that the artist is performing in Israel. It’s more like they are refusing to not play in Israel. A gig, after all, is a gig.

But who cares about motives?

Which brings me to the original Man in Black (and I am not talking about some guy in Meah Shearim): the late, iconic country singer, Johnny Cash, whose tenth yahrzeit will be in a few weeks.

There’s a new commemorative volume about Johnny Cash. It has rare photos and great biographical details.  And, of course, there’s “Walk The Line,” the 2005 bio-pic about Cash.

But both the book and the film omit a crucial part of Cash's life. 

And that was the State of Israel.

It might be that the popular artist who was most supportive of Israel was, yes, Johnny Cash.

Between 1966 and the mid-1990s, Johnny Cash, along with his wife June Carter Cash and their children, visited Israel five times. He recorded an album of inspirational hymns about the Land of Israel – “The Holy Land” in 1968 — and made films about his journeys to Biblical sites.

Check out these lyrics to Cash's song “Land of Israel”:

From the top of Sinai to the Sea of Galilee
Every hill and plain is home every place is dear to me
There the breezes tell the stories oh what stories they do tell
Of the mighty things that happened in the land of Israel.

From the rolling plain of Sharon to Mount Tabor's lofty heights
To the deserts of Beersheba all is calm all is right
Green the trees are on the mountain sweet the water in the well
May there never more be sorrow in the land of Israel.

Check out the video — “>http://www.amazon.com/Zeal-Zion-Christians-Jews-Promised/dp/0807833444).

Johnny Cash’s brand of Christian Zionism was not about right-wing politics.  Rather, it was based simply on his faith.

When Cash died, the State of Israel released a statement: “…Johnny Cash was loved by Israelis and his music will live on in the pubs, cafes and hearts of a grateful nation.”

So, how about naming a street in Jerusalem Rechov Johnny Cash?

We need more friends in the music world like Johnny Cash.

Because in far too many corners of the contemporary cultural world, support for Israel has become – well, a “ring of fire.”

Muddied Waters Read More »

UC Berkeley, Santa Cruz anti-Semitism complaints dismissed

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The U.S. Department of Education has dismissed complaints against the University of California at Berkeley and Santa Cruz that had accused the universities of allowing a hostile environment for Jewish students to exist on campus.

In a letter dated Aug. 19 and released Aug. 27 by UC Berkeley, the education department’s Office for Civil Rights indicates that it is closing its yearlong investigation after concluding that events that took place on the Berkeley campus — such as mock military checkpoint demonstrations held during Israeli Apartheid Week by Students for Justice in Palestine — constitute “expression on matters of public concern directed to the University community.”

“In the university environment, exposure to such robust and discordant expressions, even when personally offensive and hurtful, is a circumstance that a reasonable student in higher education may experience,” the letter states. “In this context, the events that the complainants described do not constitute actionable harassment.”

The complaint was levied by two graduates who had an earlier complaint dismissed by U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg. He ruled that there was no evidence that university officials violated the Jewish students’ rights.

UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks said in a statement that he was pleased with the outcome.

“The claim that there is a hostile environment for Jewish students at Berkeley is, on its face, entirely unfounded.”

He said the university is proud of its Jewish community and of the many cultural opportunities it affords.

“We will continue our ongoing efforts to protect free speech rights while promoting respectful dialogue and maintaining a campus environment that is safe for all out students,” Dirks said.

A similar complaint against UC Santa Cruz was dismissed in an Aug. 19 letter. The complaint alleged that a 2009 “A Pulse on Palestine” event that included a film and a panel discussion between external guest speakers that was moderated by a university professor, among other things, created a hostile environment.

“This campus values the free and open expression of ideas, and we diligently safeguard our students’ civil rights,” UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal said in a statement. “We are, therefore, pleased that these allegations have been thoroughly investigated and dismissed.”

UC Berkeley, Santa Cruz anti-Semitism complaints dismissed Read More »

Husband of terror victim pens memoir of quest to meet bomber

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David Harris-Gershon, author of the forthcoming memoir “What Do You Buy the Children of the Terrorist Who Tried to Kill Your Wife?,” is frank about the contradictions in his personality.

An admitted “natural introvert,” Harris-Gershon describes himself as “surprisingly good” at public speaking. In 2013, he won the GrandSLAM Storytelling Championship at the Pittsburgh branch of the Moth, a nationwide storytelling organization, with a tale of using unorthodox tactics to drum up support for Barack Obama by posing as a woman in adult romance chat rooms.

“I love being in front of an audience,” said Harris-Gershon, 39, who works as a Judaic studies teacher in Pittsburgh, “but it drains me.”

Nonetheless, Harris-Gershon maintains a very public profile as a liberal commentator on Middle East politics, blogging for the progressive publications Tikkun magazine and Daily Kos.

But with the publication of his memoir, Harris-Gershon delves into the deeply personal events — some catastrophic, some therapeutic — that have led to his political stance.

The memoir, due in U.S. bookstores on Sept. 10, begins with the Hebrew University bombing in 2002 that killed two of his friends and severely injured his wife, Jamie, who had shrapnel lodged in her body.

Harris-Gershon says Jamie is a “very private person” who preferred not to have her private ordeal immortalized in a book. So the memoir is not the story of her recovery but his own.

“Despite the fact that the book begins with the attack, her injury and her recovery, she understands that it is primarily a chronicle of my story and my experience — myself as a secondary victim,” Harris-Gershon said.

After the couple left Israel in 2003 after spending three years living in Jerusalem, Harris-Gershon began suffering symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including crippling anxiety attacks. The book delves deeply into his recovery process, including the traditional and innovative forms of therapy he tries.

Harris-Gershon describes watching a piece of shrapnel extracted from his wife’s body, noting the “opaque film of unknown fluids” on the twisted metal.

Much of his struggle is portrayed as extended dialogues between the author and himself, or with his therapist or inanimate objects — a playful literary technique that Harris-Gershon says reveals the influence of postmodern masters like Dave Eggers.

Ultimately, however, Harris-Gershon’s recovery was enabled not by conventional therapy but by an unprecedented encounter — one that led to a political awakening.

Spurred by an article in which the cafe bomber, Mohammed Odeh, expressed remorse for his actions, Harris-Gershon set out on a quixotic quest to meet the terrorist.

The memoir details Harris-Gershon’s unsuccessful attempts to meet Odeh, a member of Hamas who is being held in an Israeli prison. Blocked repeatedly by the thorny machinations of Israeli bureaucracy, Harris-Gershon’s search serves as a catalyst for a series of revelations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that range from the unjust policies of the British Mandate to the poignancy of Palestinian life under Israeli occupation.

The book culminates in a meeting between the author and Odeh’s family in Silwan, a Palestinian neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem. Harris-Gershon describes the encounter as a “reckoning” that drove home the realization that Palestinians are, as he writes, “not monsters.”

The product of a Conservative Jewish upbringing in America, Harris-Gershon expresses bemusement that it took an act of terror for him to reach this epiphany.

“Growing up, I just thought of Palestinians as another enemy of the Jewish people,” he said. “I thought of them as a caricature of evil. And that is sadly common among American Jews.”

But struggling to understand the motivations of a terrorist and speaking with Odeh’s family, Harris-Gershon said, “made me understand their history and experience, their intense suffering, in ways that I had never understood before.”

Harris-Gershon says that in the wake of the encounter, he feels “transformed” and plans to continue to act on his newfound political beliefs, writing about Middle East politics and America’s role in the region.

“It may take the form of a new book in the near future,” he said. “My writing on this issue is definitely going to continue.”

Husband of terror victim pens memoir of quest to meet bomber Read More »

Al-Qaida-affiliated terror group says it’s resuming holy war against Jews

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A terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaida that claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on northern Israel said it has resumed a jihad, or holy war, against the Jews.

The Lebanon-based Azzam Abdullah Brigades said the rocket attack last week was carried out “as part of the resumption of the jihad against the Jews.”

“We’ve frozen the activity for the sake of the blessed Syrian revolution,” read the statement posted Monday on the Twitter account of a radical Salafist cleric.

Azzam Abdullah Brigades, an offshoot of al-Qaida in Iraq, claimed responsibility for firing four long-range missiles into northern Israel, including two that fell in residential areas, causing damage to houses and cars in Nahariya and Acre.

The “green light given by Israel and the Western countries to Hezbollah in the fight against our people in Syria, so that Israel could safeguard its security, will not provide it with security,” the statement said. “Rather, it will bring it closer to the fire of the jihadi fighters and make it much more exposed to them.”

The attack gives the “Jewish conquerors an indication of the quality of rockets in our possession,” it said. “Haifa should be decorated with the most magnificent shrouds to greet our rockets.”

At least one rocket in the attack was intercepted by an Iron Dome anti-missile battery deployed in the area, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Al-Qaida-affiliated terror group says it’s resuming holy war against Jews Read More »

Calif. bars state banks from funding Iran, terror groups

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California enacted a measure making it illegal for state-chartered financial institutions to be used, directly or indirectly, to funnel money to terrorist groups or the government of Iran.

The law signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown provides oversight mechanisms to ensure that the state-licensed banks and credit unions have policies to prevent the maintenance and opening of accounts with foreign financial institutions that legally assist Iran.

Violators would be fined and reported to the U.S. Treasury Department for prosecution.

The state Assembly and Senate overwhelmingly passed the measure.

The legislation “sends a clear message that California — the ninth largest economy in the world — will not tolerate efforts by this Iranian regime to achieve nuclear weapons capabilities,” said Bob Blumenfield, a member of the Los Angeles City Council who backed the measure along with the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.

Calif. bars state banks from funding Iran, terror groups Read More »

High Holy Day services: Tashlich 2013

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SAN FERNANDO AND CONEJO VALLEYS

OAK CANYON COMMUNITY PARK

Temple Adat Elohim. Sept 5. 4:30 p.m. Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

LAKE BALBOA

Temple Judea. Sept. 6. Approximately 11:30 a.m. Lake Balboa, 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys. (818) 758-3800. templejudea.com.

CALABASAS LAKE

Shomrei Torah Synagogue and Temple Aliyah. Sept. 8. 11 a.m. 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. (818) 346-0811. shomreitorahsynagogue.org. templealiyah.org.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD, AND EAST SIDE

MARSH PARK

East Side Jews. Down to the river we go. Be a part of the High Holiday transformative experience. Sept. 7. $40 (includes ritual, food and drink). 6:30-9:30 p.m. Marsh Park in Elysian Valley, 2960 Marsh St., Los Angeles. (323) 663-2255. eastsidejews.com.

WESTSIDE

SANTA MONICA BEACH

Beth Shir Shalom. Sept. 5. 3 p.m. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org.

Temple Isaiah. Sept. 5. 4 p.m. (310) 277-2772. templeisaiah.com.

Temple Israel of Hollywood. Sept. 5. 4 p.m. Meet at lifeguard station 12 ($12 parking at Lot 3 North). (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

IKAR. Sept. 8. 4:30 p.m. Lifeguard station 26 (park at the beach just south of Ocean Park Blvd.). (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

VENICE BEACH

Nashuva. Please dress casually in white and consider a sweater. Bring a percussion instrument and bread for throwing. Sept. 5. 5:30 p.m. Venice Beach (where Venice meets the sand; approximate address: 1 N. Venice Blvd., Venice). nashuva.com.

Beth Chayim Chadashim. Sept. 6. 4:30 p.m. Venice Beach, near the Fig Tree Restaurant (429 Ocean Front Walk, Venice). (323) 931-7023. bcc-la.org.

WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH

Leo Baeck Temple. Sept. 5. 5 p.m. Will Rogers State Beach (intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road). (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Sept. 5. 5 p.m. Will Rogers State Beach (intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road). (310) 276-9776. tebh.org.

MARINA DEL REY


Bike ride to the beach. Temple Akiba. Sept. 8. 1 p.m. (meet at Temple Akiba). Temple Akiba, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. (310) 398-5783. templeakiba.net.

High Holy Day services: Tashlich 2013 Read More »

The Still, Quiet Voice

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By Lance Wright

That voice which speaks to us from deep within our soul, the one that speaks the truth even when we don’t always listen, the one that after we’ve done or said something out of character has us saying to ourselves, “I knew better!” So many times throughout my life have I chosen not to listen or justified going against it, and found myself worse for the ware. Some call it the conscience and that may very well be true, but I personally believe it is the place where, if I listen, I will hear the Creator’s guidance.

I was sitting in the back of a Prison Chapel 13+ years ago and for all intents and purposes, had very little direction. I remember asking this question in the silence of my thoughts, “What am I doing?” It was a universal question and in the spiritual, small voice I heard, “Continue to do the things I set before you and I will show you ever greater things.” I could go into detail about the many ways this has played out in my life, both when I listened and also when I didn’t, but the most important truth I’ve learned is that when I listen and act on that internal voice or conscience things always seem to work out for the better and the opposite has been true as well. Thankfully I have chosen to listen and act accordingly more than not and indeed I have seen and experienced ever greater things; Freedom from addiction and prison, healthier relationships, integrity and good self-identity, and so much more.

Another way in which I hear that ‘Still Quiet Voice’ is when I listen to others who show in their words and actions that they are living along spiritual lines. Early in my recovery, I used to argue with my peers about listening to anyone aside from God. I remember saying that if God didn’t speak from the burning bush I wasn’t hearing it. After a while of my obstinate behavior, a friend asked me this profound question, “Do you think the Creator stopped talking to us when The Books were finished being written or do you think that the Creator can still speak through us if we listen.” Today I rarely make any significant decisions before talking with several good people in my lives and sitting in prayer with what I’ve heard.

I can honestly say that my life is better as a result of listening to that Still Small Voice and to the voices of others who I have come to respect for their truth with me. Thank you.
This blog was about my experience with guidance as I have written on. I would love to hear how that Still Small Voice is showing up in your life and how the voices of your peers are helping you on your journey. Perhaps if we share and listen to what we hear within our soul and from others we can universally hear and be directed on a better path, where we all can live and experience ever greater things.

The Still, Quiet Voice Read More »

High Holy Day services: Kever Avot 2013

Leave a Comment / Holidays, What's Happening /

SUNDAY SEPT. 8

EDEN MEMORIAL PARK


All are welcome — especially Jewish war veterans. Bring a canned or nonperishable food items, personal hygiene item or children's book to be donated to Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles' SOVA Community Food and Resource Program. 10 a.m. Free. Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. (818) 361-7161. eden-memorialpark.com.

HILLSIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND MORTUARY

Temple Israel of Hollywood’s Rabbi John Rosove and Chazzan Danny Maseng lead services with Rabbi Arye Berk (Adat Shalom), Rabbi Jerry Cutler (Creative Arts Temple), Cantor Linda Kates (Leo Baeck Temple), and Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot (Temple Judea). 10 a.m. Free. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, 6001 W.Centinela Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 641-0707. hillsidememorial.org/events.

HOME OF PEACE

Led by Rabbi Akiva Gerstein and Rabbi Yisroel Kelemer (rabbi emeritus with Congregation Mogen David). 11 a.m. Home of Peace, Chapel, 4334 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 261-6135. homeofpeacememorialpark.com.  

MOUNT SINAI MEMORIAL PARKS AND MORTUARIES

Rabbi David Wolpe and Rabbi Nicole Guzik each lead a service at one of the two sites. There will be interpreters for the hearing impaired at both services. Donations to SOVA Food Pantry will be gratefully accepted.10 a.m. Free. Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles.1 p.m. Free. Mount Sinai Simi Valley, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley. (866) 717-4624. mountsinaiparks.org.

SHOLOM MEMORIAL PARK

Led by Rabbi Alan Kalinsky and Cantor Jance Weberman. Refreshments served at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. (service). 13017 Lopez Canyon Road, Sylmar. (310) 659-3055. sholomchapels.com.

High Holy Day services: Kever Avot 2013 Read More »

Free High Holy Day services 2013

Leave a Comment / California, Holidays, News, Picks and Clicks, What's Happening /

TONIGHT: Kol Nidre LIVE webcast at 6:45 p.m. (PST)

 

FREE HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Sept. 4
Rosh Hashanah first and second day: Sept. 5-Sept. 6
Kol Nidre: Sept. 13
Yom Kippur: Sept. 14

SAN FERNANDO AND CONEJO VALLEYS

ADAT ARI EL

A Conservative congregation in Valley Village, Adat Ari El holds a free Young Family Service (for preschoolers to second-graders and their parents) as well as a free Tekiah Family Service (for elementary school age children and their parents). Rosh Hashanah Day: 8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (Young Family Service); 11 a.m.-noon (Tekiah Family Service); Yom Kippur: 8:45-9:30 a.m., 9:45-10:30 a.m. (Young Family Service); 11 a.m.-noon (Tekiah Family Service). Reservations required. Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426. adatariel.org.

SHOMREI TORAH SYNAGOGUE

For families with third- to seventh-graders! These free services feature a full band, interactive stories, high-energy music and inclusive participation. Led by Rabbi Erez Sherman. Babysitting available for children 2 to 5. Rosh Hashanah day: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reservations required. Pomelo Elementary School, 7633 March Ave., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

TEMPLE ADAT ELOHIM

For parents who want to attend services with their young children (preschoolers to second-graders; older siblings permitted), these free 30-minute Reform services are for you. Rosh Hashanah day: 3:30-4 p.m. Yom Kippur: 3-3:30 p.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

TEMPLE AHAVAT SHALOM

Geared toward families with young children (8 and under), these free hour-long services offer opportunities for children and adults alike to join in both traditional and contemporary song and prayer while sharing in stories and special Torah readings reflecting the mood of the season. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6-7 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah day: 8:30- 9:30 a.m.; Kol Nidre: 6-7 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 8:30- 9:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. tasnorthridge.org.

TEMPLE ALIYAH

College students and military personnel are welcome to attend these Conservative services for free. Please contact synagogue for a list of service times and tickets. Student or military ID required. (818) 346-3545. templealiyah.org.

TEMPLE JUDEA

The Reform community opens its doors to children and their families for Tot High Holy Day services on both Rosh Hashanah day and on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah day: 4 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 3:30 p.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. (818) 758-3800. templejudea.com.

TEMPLE KOL TIKVAH

The Reform community holds free family services on Rosh Hashanah day and on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah day: 2:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 2:30 p.m, 5:15 p.m. Temple Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 348-0670. koltikvah.org.

VENTURA TOWNEHOUSE AND CHABAD

For seniors. There will be an array of exciting High Holy Day programs for Jewish seniors including a Rosh Hashanah luncheon on Sept 9 at 11:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Day shofar blowing ceremony led by Cantor Rabbi Mendy Lubin: 2:30- 3 p.m.; Yom Kippur service: 2:30 p.m. Free. Please RSVP. Services: Venture Townehouse, 4900 Telegraph Rd., Ventura; Luncheon: The Chabad Jewish Center, 5040 Telegraph Road., Ventura. (805) 658-7441. chabadventura.com.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD AND EASTSIDE

BETH SHIRAH CONGREGATION

These free and uplifting services for the unaffiliated feature music, poetry, reflection, memorial candle lighting services and more. Please bring canned food to donate. Led by Cantor Estherleon Schwartz. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7:30 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah day: 10:30 a.m.; Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m. No reservations necessary (limited seating). Plummer Park—Great Hall, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (323) 653-7420. estherleon.com.

CONGREGATION KOL AMI

The LGBT Reform congregation welcomes the general public on Rosh Hashanah second day only. 10 a.m. No reservations necessary. Congregation Kol Ami, 1200 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood. (323) 606-0996. kol-ami.org.

JEWISH LEARING EXCHANGE

The education center holds an abridged, beginners Rosh Hashanah service, open to everyone. Rosh Hashanah day. 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. Reservations required. Jewish Learning Exchange, 512 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 857-0923. jlela.com.

LAUGH FACTORY

The venerable Sunset Strip comedy club holds services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, on Kol Nidre and on Yom Kippur. Everyone welcome. Rosh Hashanah day: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Refreshments follow. Kol Nidre: 5:30-7 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A break-the-fast follows. Reservations recommended. Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 656-1336. laughfactory.com.

NASHUVA

Rabbi Naomi Levy and the Nashuva Band’s spiritual community is back at its larger location, the historic Founder’s Church of Religious Science, for this year’s services, and everyone’s invited. A Rosh Hashanah second-day hike and service will be held in Temescal Park. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:45 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah day: 9:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 9 a.m. (hike), 10 a.m. (service); Kol Nidre: 6:45 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 9:30 a.m. Reservations required (suggested donation $350 per person). Child care program available with reservation. Founder’s Church of Religious Science, 3281 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles. Temescal Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. nashuva.com.

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD

The historic Reform congregation holds free family services (toddlers through second-graders) on Rosh Hashanah day and Yom Kippur, and opens its doors to the general public on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. No reservations necessary. Rosh Hashanah day: 8:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m.; Yom Kippur: 8:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

WESTSIDE

BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM

Rabbi Heather Miller leads the LGBT Reform congregation’s free family services on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in Temple Isaiah’s Social Hall. The services are for families with children ages 1-12. Rabbi Lisa Edwards & Cantor Juval Porathe lead a service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah at the BCC’S Pico Boulevard synagogue. Rosh Hashanah day: 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m.; Yom Kippur: 11 a.m- 12 p.m. Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 931-7023. bcc-la.org.

BETH SHIR SHALOM

The progressive Reform synagogue in Santa Monica holds free afternoon children’s services for families with children up to age 7. Led by Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels and Cantor Diane Rose. Rosh Hashanah day: 1:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. No reservations necessary. Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org.

CHAI CENTER

Services are in English, with meaning, melody and humor by Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz (a.k.a. Schwartzie). All ages welcome. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7-9 p.m. New Year’s Eve singles party follows (9-11 p.m.); Rosh Hashanah day: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Kol Nidre: 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 3-5:30 p.m. (“Stump the Rabbi” program). No reservations necessary. HI Point Studios, 5907 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 391-7995. chaicenter.org.

IKAR

Pray for free with the progressive egalitarian community on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah second day: 8:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. I.D. Required. Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

LEO BAECK TEMPLE

These free and lively family services feature music and storytelling for children (ages 7 and under) and their parents and grandparents. Rosh Hashanah day: 2 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. Reservations required. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

OHR HATORAH

The independent community’s free services feature eclectic music performances reflecting on themes of the human condition and commentary by Rabbi Mordecai Finley. Second day Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur only. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m.; Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. No reservations necessary. Rosh Hashanah service: Ohr HaTorah, 11827 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. Yom Kippur: Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. Eighth St., Los Angeles. (310) 915-5200. ohrhatorah.org.

SHOLEM COMMUNITY

The secular humanistic community holds a free family picnic and celebration with readings and songs on the day of Rosh Hashanah, and a discussion about ethics in our daily lives on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah day: 11 a.m., Yom Kippur: 11 a.m. No reservations necessary. Rancho Park-Cheviot Hills picnic area No. 1 (Rosh Hashanah), picnic area No.2 (Yom Kippur), 2551 Motor Ave., Los Angeles. (818) 760-6625. sholem.org.

SHTIBL MINYAN

The traditional egalitarian, lay-led minyan welcomes the general public to services. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:30 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah: 8:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 8:30 a.m.; Kol Nidre: 6:15 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 8 a.m. RSVPs requested (donations encouraged). Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. shtibl.com.

SINAI TEMPLE

Rabbi David Wolpe and musician Craig Taubman lead “Rosh Hashanah Live,” a free musical celebration on Erev Rosh Hashanah. 8 p.m. No reservations necessary (space is limited, arrive early). Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.

TEMPLE EMANUEL

The Reform congregation offers free half-hour services for toddlers and preschoolers and their families, include lots of singing, dancing, stories and activities during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. A combination of Hebrew and English readings, a sermon from one of Emanuel’s rabbis, an eclectic mix of classic High Holy Days choral music balanced with traditional and contemporary melodies highlight the congregation’s free service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah: 11-11:30 a.m.; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 9 a.m.-noon; Yom Kippur: 11-11:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Corwin Family Sanctuary, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 274-6388. tebh.org.

UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE

Music- and story-filled, these free, one-hour family services are a kid-friendly introduction to the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah day: 1:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 1:30 p.m. Reservations required. University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. (310) 472-1255. unisyn.org.

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