What’s Happening: Thanksgiving Events
SUN NOV 24
The Big Give on 6th Street
The Big Give on 6th Street, organized by Wilshire Boulevard Temple and the Karsh Center, serves hungry families and needy Koreatown neighbors on 6th Street between Hobart and Harvard boulevards. For 10 consecutive years on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, volunteers have prepared and distributed 1,000 meals-in-a-bag. Although food is the main attraction, there also will be arts and crafts, live performances, wellness activities and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s blood mobile, where volunteers can donate blood. 1-4 p.m. Free. (213) 401-4651.
Turkey Drive
As Thanksgiving season arrives, the motto at Kehillat Israel (KI) is “Let’s give thanks and turkeys.” With that in mind, KI conducted a community-wide frozen turkey drive the first two weeks of November. They encouraged members to continue the Reconstructionist synagogue’s tradition of feeding families in need. Throughout the year, they practice this model, especially at holiday time. Michael Schwartz, president of KI’s One on One Outreach program, told the Journal there are plenty of volunteers for the 5 p.m. deliveries but at noon on Christmas Day, KI will be delivering hundreds of toys to children who live in the neighborhood. (310) 459-2328. Volunteers can contact Schwartz at michael@oneononeoutreach.org.
MON NOV 25
Interfaith Service
Give thanks for the many blessings in your lives at an interfaith Thanksgiving prayer service with Northridge religious communities. Participants include the Reform congregation of Temple Ramat Zion, the Islamic Center of Northridge, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the host, Northridge United Methodist Church. Those attending are asked to bring non-perishable goods for Pacoima-based M.E.N.D. (Meet Each Need with Dignity). A reception at the church follows the prayer service. 7-9 p.m. Northridge United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. (818) 886-1555.
TUE NOV 26
Faithsgiving
Pico Union Project presents its sixth annual FaithsGIVING community festival, featuring performances by PLVNK, Las Colibri, Jeff Stern and Keshet Chaim Dance Company. Volunteer to donate a turkey to a family in need ($20). 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Pico Union Project, 1153 Valencia St., Los Angeles. (213) 915-0084.
“Is Turkey Really Kosher?
Sinai Temple’s Rabbi Sam Rotenberg leads Thanksgiving-themed Jewish learning, in a discussion titled, “Is Turkey Really Kosher?” where he will explore the contentious history of the beloved American bird. The event is for members of Atid, the young adults of Sinai Temple, ages 21-39. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518.
WED NOV 27
“Merry Erec Thanksgiving”
For those who need a little uplift this time of year, a “Merry Erev Thanksgiving” at the Laugh Factory features the always Jewy, always funny comedian-actor-writer-producer Elon Gold and a selection of his comic friends. Gold, who is known for his keen observations about Jewish life as well as his impersonations of stars including Jeff Goldblum, performs two stand-up shows. Ages 18-and-older only. 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. $40-$85. Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 656-1336.
Interfaith Service
On the night before Thanksgiving for the 35th consecutive year, the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry encourages the Jewish community to join Adat Ari El congregation to participate in an interfaith evening of music, inspirational readings and children’s messages. Please don’t arrive empty-handed: The food pantry would like attendees to bring nonperishable items, including peanut butter, tuna, canned meat and beans. 7:30 p.m. Free. The First Christian Church of North Hollywood, 4390 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood. (818) 766-9426.
Big Snday Thanksgiving Stuffing Event
Do-gooders of all ages from all over Los Angeles join Big Sunday in hosting the service organization’s eighth annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event, a huge celebration to fill bags with delicious holiday food for thousands of hungry people. Along with packing bags for those in need, the event features arts and crafts, bluegrass music and a community breakfast for everyone. Sponsors include Food Forward, Netflix, L.A. City Councilman David Ryu and Ralphs/Food4Less. Sign-ups begin after 6 pm. on Nov. 25. 9 a.m.-noon. Big Sunday, 6111 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 549-9944.
THU NOV 28
Interfaith Breakfast and Service
People and families of all ages are welcome at Kehillat Ma’arav’s 36th annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Breakfast and Service with the Brentwood Presbyterian Church. The event includes a light breakfast at the Conservative synagogue followed by an interfaith service with songs, prayers and reflections by clergy from both congregations. 8:30 a.m. Suggested $4 donation and a can of food. Kehillat Ma’arav, 1715 21st St., Santa Monica. (310) 829-0566.
Thanksgiving Feast of Caring
Join the Temple Beth Hillel (TBH) Brotherhood and other volunteers for the 19th annual Thanksgiving Feast of Caring, serving the at-need community a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving Day banquet. Enjoy delicious food, caring people and free gift bags. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village. (818) 763-9148.
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