Holidays & Celebrations

May is Jewish American Heritage Month!

Join us in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month! Learn about the rich history and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the years. Don’t miss out on the upcoming local events we’re co-sponsoring, including a panel discussion on combating hate crimes and a mural unveiling block party. Discover additional resources to deepen your understanding of Jewish American heritage. Stay updated with us!

Holidays & Celebrations

On MLK Day, Let’s Honor His Legacy with Service

On MLK Day, honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice and service by participating in local events. Join the MLK Day of Service for volunteer activities and food justice advocacy. Attend the Kingdom Day Parade celebrating Dr. King’s vision. Contribute to the MLK Day Clothing Drive and enjoy a community breakfast. Explore virtual service opportunities with JFNA and Repair the World.

Holidays & Celebrations

On Thanksgiving, We Celebrate Each Other

Celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones and reflect on the importance of gratitude and compassion. Learn the history of Thanksgiving and President Abraham Lincoln’s vision for the holiday. Discover how a social worker helped a mother and daughter find housing and receive assistance. Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving by opening our hearts and creating a better world for all. Happy Thanksgiving from R’ Noah Farkas.

Holidays & Celebrations

We Are Story Makers

Los Angeles, artists, art, community, Jewish, storytelling, story-making, success, social change, domestic violence, financial assistance, stability, Shavuot, Torah, community of caring, revelation, Rabbi Noah Farkas

Holidays & Celebrations

G’mar Chatimah Tovah for the Entire Jewish Community

G’mar Chatimah Tovah for the Entire Jewish Community – Return to Jewish Values and Unity. As Yom Kippur approaches, let us reflect on the importance of returning to Jewish values that have guided us for generations. In these divisive times, let us remember our shared history and culture, finding common ground and strengthening our community. May we all be inscribed and sealed for a year of health, prosperity, merit, and peace.

Holidays & Celebrations

Shofar Wave: The Sound of the New Year – from the City to the Valley to the Sea

Experience the powerful and timeless tradition of the Shofar Wave, as the Greater Los Angeles Jewish community comes together to welcome the New Year. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, synagogues across the city joined forces to create a remarkable display of unity and hope. Join us in celebrating 5781 and the strength of Jewish L.A.

Holidays & Celebrations

The Jewish Federation’s 2020 Seder Plate

Discover the symbolic representation of each element on the Jewish Federation’s 2020 Seder Plate. From the outstretched arm of G-d to help our community during these challenging times, to the newly created Crisis Resources and virtual activities for families, our Federation is dedicated to maintaining closeness and providing support despite the physical distance.

Holidays & Celebrations

Celebrating The In/Between – NuRoots’ Citywide Sukkot Festival

Celebrate the In/Between at NuRoots’ Citywide Sukkot Festival. Experience a celestial soundscape, dance for rain, and the scent of s’mores. Join over 250 young adults for five distinct experiences re-imagining Sukkot rituals. Explore the layers of the holiday’s depth and reshape ancient traditions for a new and diverse audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to create meaningful Jewish community across Los Angeles.

Holidays & Celebrations

Bitter Herbs and Brisket at Breed Street: Our Community Passover Seder

Join us for our fourth annual Community Passover Seder at Breed Street Shul in Boyle Heights. This event brings together local leaders to build a better community. Hear from esteemed guests, including Mayor Eric Garcetti and Consul General David Siegel, as they discuss important topics such as homelessness. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Visit www.JewishLA.org/ce for more information.

Holidays & Celebrations

Jewish Comedians: A Legacy of Laughter

Discover the rich legacy of Jewish comedians in this post! From the iconic Marx Brothers to the legendary Joan Rivers and Mel Brooks, these talented individuals have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Learn about their influences, career highlights, and their unique Jewish identities. Share your favorite Jewish comedians and join the laughter!

Holidays & Celebrations

Jewish Humor: From Desert to Shtetl and Beyond

Discover the rich history of Jewish humor, from ancient times to the present day. Learn how humor has been an essential part of Jewish culture and even used as a survival mechanism during the Holocaust. Find out why 40% of American Jews consider a sense of humor a vital part of their Jewish identity. Explore the comedic talents of iconic Jewish comedians like Mel Brooks and Woody Allen. Don’t miss our upcoming profiles of the best Jewish comedians. Laugh along with a classic joke from Henny Youngman.

Holidays & Celebrations

Name Yourself Day

Celebrate Name Yourself Day on April 9th by choosing your own Hebrew name. Hebrew names are traditionally given to boys during a bris and girls during a naming ceremony, but they can be chosen at any time. Naming a person after a deceased relative keeps their memory alive. Having a Hebrew name is important for Jewish documents and synagogue rituals. Convert to Judaism? Choose your own Hebrew name.

Holidays & Celebrations

National Poetry Month: An Homage to Jewish Poets

Celebrate National Poetry Month with an homage to Jewish poets. Explore the extraordinary impact of Emma Lazarus, Yehuda Amichai, and Allen Ginsberg. From Lazarus’s famous sonnet to Amichai’s love for Israel, these poets have left a lasting legacy. Discover their unique styles and contributions to the world of poetry.

Holidays & Celebrations

Today is the First Day of May

Celebrate April Fool’s Day with a look into the origins and significance of this day of trickery. Discover the theories behind its creation and its connection to Jewish folklore. Explore stories like “Gimpel the Fool” and the “Wise Men of Chelm” that highlight the theme of gullibility. Keep the tradition of foolery alive with a little laughter and fun.

Holidays & Celebrations

Do Jews “Erin Go Bragh?”

“Discover the connection between Jews and St. Patrick’s Day in this intriguing article. While officially not celebrated, many Jews embrace the tradition of enjoying corned beef on this Irish holiday. Learn the history behind this delicacy and uncover surprising facts about its presidential and military significance. Explore the shared cultural appreciation of corned beef among the Irish and Jewish communities.”

Holidays & Celebrations

More Incredible Jewish Women From U.S. History

Discover four incredible Jewish women who have made a lasting impact on our Jewish community. From Bella Abzug, the first Jewish woman elected to Congress, to Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, these women have shaped history. Learn about their accomplishments and honor the Jewish women in your life.

Holidays & Celebrations

Jewish Women Throughout History

Celebrate Women’s History Month by recognizing the impact of Jewish women throughout history. From Henrietta Szold, who founded Hadassah and advocated for Russian Jewish immigrants, to Regina Jonas, the first female rabbi who provided comfort during the Holocaust, to Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a champion of gender equality on the Supreme Court. Honor these influential women and the Jewish women in your life.