What’s Happening: Tisha b’Av and Tu b’Av Events, Shabbat Outdoors

FRI AUG 9

“Shabbat by the Shore”
A seaside sunset with prayer and music highlight Stephen Wise Temple’s annual “Shabbat by the Shore” at Crescent Bay Park in Santa Monica. Bring a blanket, beach ball, Frisbee and picnic basket and arrive early to stake out space for the service, led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz. 6:30 p.m. service. Crescent Bay Park, 2000 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 476-8561.

Shabbat Under the Stars
Mendel and Rachey Simons hold a kabbalat Shabbat evening in the backyard of their Beverly Hills home, where 100 young Jewish professionals in their 20s and 30s enjoy a four-course dinner, open bar and the opportunity to make new friends. Evening attire requested. 7 p.m. $60-$80. Online sales only. No door tickets. Beverly Hills address emailed day of event.

SAT AUG 10

Rabbi Nachman of Breslav
The latest monthly Shabbat “Lunch and Learn” at Sephardic Temple focuses on Rabbi Nachman of Breslav, one of the most illustrious figures in Jewish history, particularly for Chasidim. The conversation explores Nachman as a “Soul-Healer and Kabbalistic Story-Teller.” From Nachman’s death at age 39 in 1810 through the present, his grave in Uman, Ukraine, is a must-visit site for Chasidic Jews. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Sephardic Temple, 10500 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 475-7000.

“Death Over Dinner”
If you are looking for a unique way to mark Tisha b’Av, participate in “Death Over Dinner,” an intimate discussion over the final meal before the fast. Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park organizes the event. “The dinner table is the most forgiving place for difficult conversation,” Temple Beth Israel Rabbi Jason Rosner said. “The ritual of breaking bread puts us in touch with our humanity.” 6:30-7:45 p.m. “Death Over Dinner” meal and discussion. 7:45-8:15 p.m. “What’s the Deal With Tisha b’Av?” miniclass. 8:15-9:30 p.m. Havdalah and Eicha service. Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock, 5711 Monte Vista St., Los Angeles. (323) 745-2474.

Tisha b’Av Evening
In the spirit of solemnity that marks the arrival of Tisha b’Av and fasting, guest speaker Steven Windmueller discusses “The Rise of Anti-Semitism in America: Examining How Political Extremism Is Contributing to a New Age of Hate.” The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion professor emeritus examines the current threats and how they parallel tragedies in Jewish history. Adat Ari El and Valley Beth Shalom co-organize this evening, “Tisha b’Av: An Evening of Tefilah and Learning.” RSVP requested. 8 p.m. Ma’ariv and Havdalah. 8:30 p.m. Windmueller lecture. 9:30 p.m. Eicha (Lamentations). Adat Ari El, 12020 Burbank Blvd., Valley Village. (818) 766-9426. adatariel.org/tishabav.

Homelessness and Tisha b’Av
Promising a Tisha b’Av service that is unique to Los Angeles, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism in California (RAC-CA) connects ancient Jewish texts with the problem of homelessness facing the city. In coordination with the RAC-CA, members of five synagogues assemble at Stephen Wise Temple to recall Jews’ history of displacement while pledging to follow the imperative of ending homelessness of others. Congregation Kol Ami, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Temple Beth Hillel, Kol Tikvah and Beth Shir Shalom participate. 7-10 p.m. Free. Stephen Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen Wise Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-8561.

Inclusive Tisha b’Av
In collaboration with IKAR and Shtibl Minyan, Beth Chayim Chadashim holds an inclusive Tisha b’Av service of depth, reflection and community. All are welcome and no Hebrew or particular background is necessary. Bring a pillow or low chair if you would like to sit on the floor as is traditional. Chairs will be available. You may want to bring a discreet reading aid since the lights are dim to allow for contemplation. 7:45 p.m. study and melody and Ma’ariv. 8:45 p.m. Eicha (Lamentations). Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 Pico Blvd. (323) 931-7023.

SUN AUG 11

“Hippie Woman Wild”
Why would a not-so-nice Jewish girl, expelled from the Yale School of Drama, surrender her acting dream to follow the man she loves to life in a remote Oregon commune? The answer is “Hippie Woman Wild,” not only a Jewish Women’s Theatre performance by actress-writer Carol Schlanger but also the title of her memoir, which she will read from and act out. Schlanger’s fans include Henry Winkler, her Yale classmate, who says she cannot utter one sentence without making you laugh. The event includes a performance, light brunch, discussion and Q&A session. 10 a.m.-noon. $25. The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave., No. 102, Santa Monica. (310) 315-1400.

WED AUG 14

“The Damascus Cover”
Author Howard Kaplan discusses his 1977 spy thriller “The Damascus Cover” which was adapted into a film by the same name 41 years later. Kaplan, who has taught at UCLA and worked as a day trader, also presents his latest novel, “To Destroy Jerusalem,” which he started in the early 1990s. 7:30 p.m. $5 donation. Kehillat Ma’arav, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566. RSVP at the link above..

THU AUG 15

Tamar Ilana
Inspired by her childhood touring the world with her mother, a Jewish ethnomusicologist from Montreal, powerhouse vocalist and dancer Tamar Ilana fronts the Toronto-based Ventanas. Their Los Angeles debut at the Skirball Cultural Center reimagines Mediterranean melodies and flamenco grooves. Ilana sings about migration and identity in Ladino, Spanish, Bulgarian, Hebrew, French, Romani and Arabic. Early arrivals enjoy a DJ set by Glenn Red of Afro Funké and La Junta. 6:30 p.m. doors and DJ set. 8 p.m. show. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500.

Family Staycation
San Fernando Valley families enjoy a staycation before school resumes. Organized for children and adults, the event at Valley Beth Shalom includes swimming, toddler pools, waterslides, plenty of food and the screening of two movies, “Despicable Me 3” and “The Jungle Book,” over four hours. Bring swimsuits, water shoes and towels. 4-8 p.m. $20 per family, includes snacks, activities and movies. Dinners for purchase by L.A. Kosher. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000.

Inside Raid on Entebbe
Former Israel Defense Forces commando Sassy Reuven takes his audience inside Operation Thunderbolt, the daring raid on Entebbe, Uganda, 43 years after the rescue of 102 Jewish passengers on a hijacked Air France flight. All proceeds from his discussion benefit the Canavan Research Foundation, which raises funds for a rare genetic disease that without gene therapy prevents children from walking, talking, seeing and often living past the age of 10. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $36. Aish Community Shul, 9100 W. Pico Blvd. (424) 354-4130. For tickets, click on the link above.

Wisestock: Two Nights of Shalom and Music
Bummed about the Woodstock 50th anniversary festival being canceled? The community is invited to celebrate Woodstock’s golden anniversary with “WiseStock: Two Nights of Shalom and Music,” organized by Stephen Wise Temple. Held in a different setting each evening, the gatherings feature hits by artists who performed at Woodstock in the summer of 1969 and brings together all community voices to entice more peace, love and music into the world. On Thursday evening in the Beverly Cañon Gardens in Beverly Hills, Wise clergy and musicians lead a singalong with Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch. Back on the Wise campus for Shabbat, songs that helped make Woodstock historic inspire services. Thursday: 6 p.m. Free. Beverly Cañon Gardens, 241 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. Friday: 6:15 p.m. Free. Stephen Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen Wise Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-8561.

TU B’AV EVENTS

THU AUG 15

Lovefest
Celebrate the Jewish Valentine’s Day at Lovefest, which, given the Pico Shul’s declared mission of creating love and caring in the world, makes Tu b’Av a perfect shidduch for the Pico-Robertson shul. The synagogue celebrates the Jewish holiday of love by inviting young professionals to Lovefest. Join Rabbi Yonah Bookstein for this special full-moon summer night and bring more love, joy, care and unity to the Jewish community. Mingle at an exclusive garden party overlooking the city, sip signature cocktails, enjoy romantic live music and delight in a wonderful evening on Mulholland Drive with food and an open bar. 8-11 p.m. $36. Private residence, Mulholland Drive.

FRI AUG 16

Tu b’Av on Venice Pier
At the Open Temple, Tu b’Av is the Jewish Midsummer’s Night, so celebrate the night of sensual awakening on the Venice Pier. The event is more special than usual this year because the holiday of love falls on Shabbat. Everyone is invited to learn about various sensual aspects of intimacy. 7 p.m. Free. Meet just south of the Venice Pier. (310) 821-1414.

SAT AUG 17

Tu b’Av Third Meal
Young professionals in their 20s and 30s from Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Oakland celebrate Tu b’Av over delicious food, singing and community. The event is organized by Happy Minyan, which is guided by the belief that being happy is a mitzvah. 6:30 p.m. Mincha, 7-8:30 p.m. seudah shelishit, 8:30 p.m. Ma’ariv and Havdalah. $20-$25. Happy Minyan, 9218 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles.

Tu b’Av-dalah
Spend Tu b’Av at a community Havdalah service organized by Kehillat Ma’arav in Santa Monica. Feel free to bring friends. RSVP online. 7 p.m. Free. Virginia Park, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566.

Jewish Singles Get-Together
Celebrate Tu b’Av with author, speaker and artist Siona Thacker, who lectures on the spiritual aspects of love and life. The evening in the San Fernando Valley includes drinks, snacks, karaoke and the opportunity to make new romantic and friendship connections. Bourekas, cookies and nonalcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. 9 p.m. $12. Tickets available at the door. Unique Pastry Kosher Bakery & Cafe, 18381 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana. (818) 757-3100.

Have an event coming up? Send your information two weeks prior to the event to ryant@jewishjournal.com for consideration. For groups staging an event that requires an RSVP, please submit details about the event the week before the RSVP deadline.