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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JEWISH LA

by Ryan Torok and Ari L. Noonan

To submit an event organized by a Los Angeles organization, please email calendar@jewishjournal.com

October 5-9, 2025

Sunday, October 5

MEN’S CLUB SUKKAH BUILD

For the Hamakom community, Sunday is round two of their sukkah-building. Today will be dedicated to installing the schach, palm fronds and decorations. An energy-sustaining breakfast is promised. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Hamakom, Pavilion Garden, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. RSVP to Peter Gilbert at pagline@aol.com or call (818) 854-7650. For additional details, visit https://www.hamakomla.org/event/men39s-club-sukkah-building.html.

BCC SUKKAH BUILDING!

Beth Chayim Chadashim, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ synagogues in the country, expects to be efficient in its sukkah building. They expect today’s event to last two hours – from 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 290-6139. https://www.bcc-la.org/calendar/

Tuesday, October 7

VIGIL FOR OCT. 7

A message from the Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, the organizer of tonight’s vigil: “As we mark two years since Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s border and committed the worst atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, it’s important for us to come together in solidarity with all Jews and direct our hearts towards the healing of our people.” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Corwin Family Sanctuary, 300 N. Clark Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 288-3737. https://tebh.org/event/october-7-commemoration/

OCT. 7 MEMORIAL

Join Temple Israel of Hollywood for an Oct. 7 memorial service, held on Zoom. Led by the Reform congregation’s clergy. 5 p.m. Free. For details, call (323) 876-8330 or visit https://tioh.org/event/october-7-2025/.

REMEMBRANCE IN THE SUKKAH

The West Valley Conservative community Hamakom hosts a memorial poetry reading in its sukkah. There will be singing and remembering as the congregation recalls those who lost their lives on Oct. 7.  May not be appropriate for children under age 10. 5-6 p.m. Free. Hamakom, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. https://www.hamakomla.org/event/october-7th-remembrance-in-the-sukkah.html

“REFLECTIONS AND RESILIENCE”

Temple Ahavat Shalom and Temple Judea, two Reform communities, gather as one at the Ahavat Shalom Amphitheater for an evening of “Reflections and Resilience,” commemorating the anniversary of Oct. 7. The evening includes prayers, inspirational music and a dessert reception. Celebrate Sukkot while remembering lives lost. RSVP by Oct. 3. 7 p.m. Free. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. https://portal.templejudea.com/event/sukkot-yizkor.html.

OCT. 7 CONCERT

At Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Resnick Campus in Brentwood, “Project Heroes” uses powerful music and multimedia video to retell the stories of those who died on Oct. 7, reframing the narrative from victimhood to the stories of the many heroes of that day. Rooted in the memory of that tragic day, this program is designed to inspire, empower and redefine how the Jewish people tell their story to themselves and to the world. 7 p.m. Free. Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Resnick Family Campus, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 388-2401. https://www.wbtla.org/event/~occur-id/25436956

Wednesday, October 8

“PROJECT HEROES”

To mark the anniversary of Oct. 7, Valley Beth Shalom presents “Project Heroes,” a concert commemorating the 1,200 Jews who lost their lives to Hamas terrorists in 2023. Through live music and inspiring storytelling, the community will renew its sense of Jewish pride. Organized in partnership with J Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Free. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. To RSVP, visit vbs.org/heroes.

ROB ESHMAN AT LEO BAECK

Rob Eshman, senior columnist at The Forward, America’s oldest Jewish newspaper, speaks this morning on “The Lightness and Darkness of NOW: Food for Thought and What in the Jewish World,” at Leo Baeck Temple.  Eshman writes about politics, spirituality and food.  Previously, he was editor-in-chief of the Jewish Journal. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org

Thursday, October 9

“GOLDEN AGE OF MUSICALS”

The second installment of this seven-session course at the Skirball Cultural Center not only will continue to examine the history of “The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals” but also will study animation and rock ‘n’ roll’s influence on the genre. Led by instructor Steve Barri, a writer and producer who has been making hit records for over 50 years, this class is held Thursdays through Nov. 20. 1-3 p.m. In-person only. $224 general cost. $192 for members. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. https://www.skirball.org/programs/golden-age-hollywood-musicals-part-ii

“SERENI-TEA IN THE SUKKAH”

Attention senior citizens: At Beth Jacob Congregation this afternoon, the Golden Age Academy presents “Sereni-Tea in the Sukkah.” Pull up a chair, pour a cup and enjoy an outdoors’ tea party along with finger sandwiches, fresh scones and sweet treats. 1-2:30 p.m. $15 members, $40 general. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. Sign up at (310) 278-1911 or at https://www.bethjacob.org/golden-age.

TACOS & TEQUILA SUKKOT

Tacos and a vertical tasting of various tequilas is the promise for those participating in the Sukkot celebration at Hamakom this evening. Mezcal meets tradition in the sukkah. 6:30 p.m. $25. Hamakom, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 854-7650. RSVP required by Oct. 6. More details at https://www.hamakomla.org/event/tacos-and-tequila-in-the-sukkah.html.

YOGA FOR 20/30s

Temple Beth Am encourages men and women in their 20s and 30s to participate in yoga on the first Thursday of each month in Hersh Hall. Through accessible movement, breathwork and Jewish mindfulness practices, this class offers a welcoming space for all levels to ground themselves and build community. Walk-in registration is available. Wear cozy clothing and bring a yoga mat and water. Additional sessions Nov. 6, Dec. 4. 7 p.m. $10 per session; $36 for a five pack. Temple Beth Am, 1039 La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. https://www.tbala.org/events/20s-30s-yoga-9/

SUKKOT AT KOL AMI

Sukkot at Kol Ami will include Hineni Collective sessions. The Hineni Collective is an eight-session study/singing group exploring themes of the High Holy Days. Through discussion and song, participants delve into liturgy and motifs while using traditional Ashkenazi melodies (nusach), as well as contemporary compositions. The attitude at Kol Ami is to come as you are, inviting connections with Jewish traditions, individual perspectives and each other. 7-8:30 p.m. Congregation Kol Ami, 1200 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood. https://www.kol-ami.org/event/sukkot-at-kol-ami.html

SUSHI IN THE SUKKAH

The fire-ravaged Kehillat Israel community of Pacific Palisades will join other Westside community members on this third night of Sukkot over sushi in the sukkah. 7 p.m. For additional details, call (310) 459-2328 or visit https://www.ourki.org/event/westside-jews-sushi-in-the-sukkah.html.