WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JEWISH LA
To submit an event organized by a Los Angeles organization, please email calendar@jewishjournal.com
April 10-16, 2026
Friday, April 10

SHABBAT AND MIMOUNA
Celebrate Shabbat and the joyful Moroccan Jewish tradition of Mimouna with Karov Community in a warm, inclusive gathering on the Westside. Marking the end of Passover, the evening focuses on connection, music and the sweetness of renewal, with festive Mimouna desserts and community spirit in a relaxed, humanistic setting. 7–9:30 p.m. Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St., Santa Monica. karovcommunity.org/event-details/shabbat-and-mimouna-celebration
SABBATH OF SONG
Tonight’s Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service at Temple Akiba is billed as “Shabbat Shira,” Sabbath of Song, featuring the voices Culver City sixth graders. Also available on the synagogue’s YouTube channel. 6:30 p.m., Temple Akiba, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. https://www.templeakiba.net/main-calendar-agenda

K.I. SHABBAT SERVICES
Kehillat Israel of Pacific Palisades—which has been closed since the Palisades Fire—will be returning to the Cayton Children’s Museum for Shabbat services. 5:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service. Also held on Zoom. Cayton Children’s Museum, 395 Santa Monica Place. Santa Monica. ourki.org/programming
CELEBRITY OPERA TIME
After stunning performances last season, Lisa Davidsen, hailed by The Telegraph of London as “the greatest soprano in the world,” and Freddie De Tommaso, owner of “a bombshell voice,” return to the Broad Stage as part of the Celebrity Series. 7:30 p.m. $206. Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. https://broadstage.org/tickets-shows/calendar/lise-davidsen-freddie-de-tommaso/
Sunday, April 12

JEWISH BAKING GROUP
Attention Temple Judea members, bakers and newbies: Ilene Blok invites you into the professional kitchen at the Tarzana Reform synagogue. These free workshops take two hours from start to finish, and you will go home with baked goods and a recipe you can follow in your own home. Limited space. 9-11 a.m. No charge to participate, but the temple suggests a $25 donation. Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. For details, email ileneblok@gmail.com or visit https://templejudea.com/

BAGELFEST WEST
After years of sold-out success in New York, BagelFest brings the world’s premier bagel celebration to Wilshire Boulevard Temple, hosted by the Jewish Food Lab. BagelFest West unites top bagel makers, bakers, chefs, and food brands for a weekend celebrating bagel culture—from classic traditions to West Coast innovation. Taste, vote on and celebrate the best bagels in the world. The program includes dozens of top makers, live competitions and unlimited samples. A dedicated kids’ section will offer creative activities throughout the afternoon, including make-your-own aprons, bagel themed coloring stations, and chef hat decorating. 1-5 p.m. Adults, $65. $18 for ages 6-12. Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Audry Irmas Pavilion, 3643 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For details, visit bagelfest.com/

YOM HASHAOAH COMMEMORATION
In honor of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), the Holocaust Museum LA, under reconstruction and scheduled to reopen in June, hosts a commemoration, honoring survivors and those who perished. The theme is “Remembrance and Responsibility.” Program participants include U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman; Beverly Hills. Mayor Sharona Nazarian; Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Rabbi Ratner; survivor Henri Slucki, in conversation with CNN anchor Elex Michaelson and his granddaughter, Jenna Perlmutter and violinist Ilana Kleiman. 11 a.m. Free. Holocaust Museum LA, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 651-3704. RSVP at holocaustmuseumla.org/event-details/yom-hashoah-commemoration-remembrance-and-responsibility
Monday, April 13

WESTSIDE YOM HASHOAH
Beth Shir Shalom hosts Kehillat Israel for a meaningful observance of Yom HaShoah this evening. BSS’s eighth grade students, who have been studying the Holocaust this year, have curated an engaging ceremony to share with both communities on this day of solemn observance. 7 p.m. Beth Shir Shalom, 1827 California Ave., Santa Monica. RSVP requested at https://www.ourki.org/event/yom-hashoah-ceremony-with-beth-shir-shalom.html

“AN AUSCHWITZ ALBUM STORY”
To help commemorate Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), after a service led by the Hamakom clergy, the Conservative West Valley shul will screen “An Auschwitz Album Story,” which tracks the extraordinary experiences of Mike and Joe Kreitenberg. Producer Mitch Kreitenberg, a Hamakom member, and director Jeffrey Gary speak about the film. 7:15 p.m. Yom HaShoah service, 8 p.m. screening. Hamakom, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 854-7650. https://www.hamakomla.org/event/auschwitz-album

VIOLINS OF HOPE AND CHOIR
When the Beth Jacob Congregation commemorates Yom HaShoah, there will be performances by the internationally acclaimed Violins of Hope along with the Hillel Hebrew Academy choir. Violins of Hope is a project of concerts based on a private collection of violas, violins and cellos collected at the end of World War II. Shalhevet High School, YULA and Young Israel of North Beverly Hills are co-organizing. 7:30-9 p.m. Beth Jacob Congregation, 9030 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills. https://www.bethjacob.org/event/yom-hashoah-commemoration-violins-of-hope–hillel-choir.html
Tuesday, April 14
PORTAL AT OPEN TEMPLE
At Open Temple in Venice, “Portal” is a space for those facing the burden of grief when losing a loved one, a place to receive, to support and to know that through it all, you are not alone. The Hebrew word for funeral is “levayah,” which means “accompaniment.” Portal is the space where this is done with Rabbi Lori at the Open Temple House and on Zoom. Noon. Open Temple, 1422 Electric Ave., Venice. https://opentemple.org/events-and-happenings/open-temple-calendar-2/
Wednesday, April 15

“RISE OF NAZISM”
While the renovation at the Holocaust Museum LA continues, learning what happened eight and nine decades ago continues without interruption. Today’s online lesson—part of the “What History Teaches” series—centers on “Nazi Laws: From Democracy to Dictatorship to Genocide.” 10 a.m. To register for this online-only webinar, visit https://www.holocaustmuseumla.org/event-details/what-history-teaches-nazi-laws-from-democracy-to-dictatorship-to-genocide
DEMOCRACY UNDER STRESS?
In the view of some, democracy is under threat because of crisscrossing wars. Political commentator David Frum, a notable voice in the George W. Bush White House, holds strong views on the subject and he will share them when journalist Warren Olney interviews him on Zoom. The discussion is titled “Democracy Under Stress: Is the Tide Turning?” Organized by Jews United for Democracy and Justice. 5-6 p.m. Register at jewsunitedfordemocracy.org/upcoming-programs/

DANCE NIGHT
It’s “IDance Night” at Valley Beth Shalom for 20s and 30s with Moishe House of Venice and Trybal Gatherings co-sponsoring. The opening hour is devoted to teaching, and that leaves two hours to dance. 7-8 p.m. teaching, 8-10 p.m. dancing. $8 presale, $10 door. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. https://www.vbs.org/event/fusion-idance-041526
Thursday, April 16
YOGA FOR 20S, 30S
Here’s an invitation from Temple Beth Am for 20s and 30s to enjoy yoga one Thursday a 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. While walk-in registration is available, asks that you complete a form in advance for security purposes. 7 p.m. Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. tbala.org/calendar/