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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

July 4-10, 2025

Friday, July 4

CELEBRATING SHABBAT

The Wilshire Boulevard Temple (WBT) community celebrates Kabbalat Shabbat. At noon, on Zoom, study this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, with Rabbi Hannah Elkin. Later in the day, WBT Rabbi Susan Nanus and Cantor Aliya Stuart lead services, which this week are live streamed only. Noon Zoom, 6 p.m. services. Free. For additional information, call (213) 388-2401 or visit wbtla.org/event/~occur-id/24450001.

SANTA MONICA SHABBAT

The first Shabbat of the month always is extra special at Kehillat Ma’arav in Santa Monica. After a pre-Shabbat l’chaim, featuring schmoozing and snack time, Kabbalat Shabbat features the K.M. Choir and other musical guests. 6 p.m. Schmoozing, snacks, 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat services.  Free. Kehillat Ma’arav, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566. https://www.km-synagogue.org/calendar/calendar/

PATRIOTIC SHABBAT

It’s time for Summer Shul. In honor of Independence Day, Hamakom encourages all who attend Shabbat services to display their patriotism by wearing red, white and blue. The Conservative synagogue’s “Patriotic Shabbat” services are held in-person and accessible via livestream. 6-7 p.m. Free. Hamakom, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 854-7650. https://www.hamakomla.org/event/patriotic-shabbat-2025

AKIBA SHABBAT SERVICES

If you can’t make it to Temple Akiba on time for Shabbat, the Culver City Reform synagogue offers the option of celebrating with its community on its YouTube channel. 6:30 p.m. Temple Akiba, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. Watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/TempleAkiba. For additional information, call (310) 398-5783 or visit https://www.templeakiba.net/main-calendar.

SHABBAT UNDER STARS

On an summer Shabbat evening, what could be more fulfilling than to celebrate under the stars at Leo Baeck Temple? As usual, picnic tables will be available prior to services for those who would like to bring their own dinner and enjoy the company of community. Also livestreamed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. https://leobaecktemple.org/#calendar?sapurl=Ly

HIGHLAND PARK SHABBAT

The first Shabbat of every month is special at Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock. Kabbalat Shabbat services are musical, lively, and a favorite way to kick off Shabbat, concluding with just enough time to head home for Shabbat dinner. TBI boasts of Shabbat morning services since 1930. On the first Shabbat of the month, Tot services (for ages six months to six years) are hosted. Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 10:15 a.m. Tot Shabbat at 11 a.m. Free. Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park, 5711 Monte Vista St., Highland Park. https://www.tbila.org/services

Saturday, July 5

“PARADE”

Many Jews are rushing to the Ahmanson Theatre to see “Parade.” Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, it’s the true story about Leo and Lucille Frank, a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the red hills of Georgia when tragedy intervenes.  Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, propelling the couple into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. The show’s current run continues through July 12. Saturday 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40.25. Ahmanson Theater, The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles. For tickets and info on additional showtimes, call the box office at (213) 628-2772, or visit centertheatregroup.org/shows-tickets/ahmanson/2024-25/parade/.

Sunday, July 6

BLOOD DRIVE

Blood is a valuable resource, and the B’nai David-Judea congregation is holding a blood drive to meet the need. “Save lives and discover your blood type.” B’nai David, a modern Orthodox community, urges community members to contact www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “BDJ.” 10 a.m.-4 p.m. B’nai David-Judea, 8906 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 276–9269.  https://www.bnaidavid.com/event/blooddriveJul2025

IKAR CREATING CIRCLE

It’s Independence Day weekend, so this afternoon’s meeting of the IKAR Creating Circle what does Jewish tradition offer for an interpretive approach to understanding America’s founding documents? The session is rooted in the Jewish Studio Process, offering a hands-on, in-person experience. 1-3:30 p.m.$40.25; subsidized tickets available. The Pico-Robertson location will be disclosed when you RSVP. (323) 634-1870. https://ikar.org/events/creating-circle-freedom-framing/

INDEPENDENCE DAY BBQ!

Happy Independence Day! A post-July 4 barbecue, designed for Jewish young adults, is held at a Long Beach mansion. Attendees enjoy outdoor and indoor heated pools, a volleyball field, unlimited beer and a kosher full-on barbecue, along with great company, an incredible view and, most of all, chill summer vibes. For ages 18-39. Organized by Chai Center, an organization that serves “any Jew that moves,” as well as Neshama. 2-6 p.m. $25. Address will be given when you register.  Register at chaicenter.org/allevents/july4/.

Monday, July 7

ALZHEIMER SUPPORT GROUP

If you are caring for a patient with dementia, Hamakom synagogue offers a support group that meets regularly. 1 p.m. Hamakom, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 854-7650. For more information, contact Sid Adelman at SidAdelman@gmail.com or visit https://www.hamakomla.org/calendar?date_start=specific+date&date_start_x=0&date_start_date=2025-07-01.

Tuesday, July 8

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM TOUR

Temple Beth Am is sponsoring a 70s-plus docent-led tour of the Holocaust Museum in Pan Pacific Park with fellow members Rachel Rubin Green and Bob Meth. A brown bag lunch in the park follows. 10 a.m. $25 suggested donation to the museum. Holocaust Museum LA, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 651-3704. https://www.tbala.org/events/70s-holocaust-museum-of-la-docent-led-tour/

Wednesday, July 9

LUNCH & MUSEUM

Temple Judea in Tarzana is offering the NextGen community an opportunity to learn about topics with which they may not be familiar: two exhibits at the Skirball Cultural Center, a docent-led tour of the Catskills and a self-led visit to a Diane von Furstenberg display, “Women Before Fashion.” 11:30 p.m. Free. Meet inside the Skirball for a no-host lunch at Zeidler’s Café. 12:30 p.m. Catskills tour. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (818) 758-3800. RSVP at https://portal.templejudea.com/event/nextgen-lunch–tour–skirball-cultural-center.html.

LIFE TRANSITIONS

The Life Transitions Group at Beth Chayim Chadashim is for those who are dealing with losses, changes in relationships, or career, social, family or health issues. Contact the BCC office for a confirmation. Meets twice-a-month. No drop-ins. 7-8 p.m. Free. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. To learn more about the group, call (213) 290-6139 or visit https://www.bcc-la.org/calendar/.

WATERSLIDE WEDNESDAYS

Attention boys and girls who are looking for relief from the Valley summer heat: Temple Ramat Zion’s Waterslide Wednesday. Held every Wednesday for in July. Bring a dairy dinner and Ramat Zion will provide the dessert. Waterslide included! 5:30-8 p.m. Temple Ramat Zion, 17655 Devonshire St., Northridge. (818) 360-1881. https://www.trz.org/event/waterslide-wednesday.html

Thursday, July 10

VISITING “THE CATSKILLS”

At the Skirball Cultural Center, welcome to a special free screening of Lex Gillespie’s documentary feature “The Catskills.” It was in the storied mountain getaway north of New York City that Jewish immigrants fleeing poverty found a refuge and affluent Jewish families enjoyed a lavish playground. After the screening, enjoy an enlightening discussion with Skirball artists and curators, including Marisa Futernick, whose current exhibit, “Away in the Catskills: Summers, Sour Cream and Dirty Dancing,” explores the artist’s inherited and imagined memories of family vacations in the Catskill Mountains, as well as Skirball Chief Curator Cate Thurston. 2 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. https://www.skirball.org/programs/catskills-2024-film-screening-and-discussion

“OPERATION FINALE”

The Teicholz Film Series resumes at AMC The Grove 14 with a screening of “Operation Finale.” The 2018 film, starring Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingsley, relates the 1960 story about a team of Israeli secret agents deploying to capture Adolph Eichmann, the Nazi architect of the Holocaust while he supposedly hid in Argentina. Their goal: To bring him to Israel for trial. Organized by Holocaust Museum LA. After the screening, stick around for a panel discussion with Holocaust Museum LA Chief Impact Officer Jordanna Gessler and Omer Malchin, son of the film’s protagonist, Israeli agent Peter Malkin. Journalist Tom Teicholz moderates. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Members free, nonmembers $15. AMC The Grove 14, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. Tickets at holocaustmuseumla.org/event-details/teicholz-film-series-operation-finale.

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