Every year on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Av, a full moon rises and there’s a little more love in the air. Why? Because it’s Tu B’Av, the Jewish festival of love, a holiday that dates back to ancient times when Jerusalem’s unmarried girls would dress in white and dance in the vineyards awaiting male suitors. In modern-day Los Angeles, perhaps the closest we come to this is using dating apps or watching The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. But love is a concept that can be explored outside of technology as well, and regardless of relationship preference or status. That’s why we’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for L.A.’s 20s and 30s crowd: Love Angeles!
A four-day celebration taking place from Thursday, August 18th-Sunday, August 21st, Love Angeles is powered by NuRoots, Federation’s neighborhood-based strategy for meeting young adults where they are to connect and reimagine Jewish traditions. Similar to Infinite Light, last year’s first-ever city-wide Chanukah festival, Love Angeles will draw upon the strength and creativity of 11 different Jewish organizations*, each with a different focus, that all have the same ultimate goal: to connect and inspire young adults through Jewish activities and opportunities.
Said Marisa Kaplan, Director of NuRoots Partnerships, “City-wide festivals provide a menu of options for young adults to celebrate holidays. We’re excited and fortunate to support these growing collaborations between so many of our partner organizations.”
Some of the opportunities available during Love Angeles include a chocolate-making lesson in Echo Park; a Bonfire Shabbat experience at Dockweiler Beach; a spiritual triathlon of yoga, meditation and breath work in Venice; a sunset trip down the L.A. River in Lake Balboa; and a play session with rescue dogs at the world’s first dog café.
With the exception of a singles Shabbat event on August 19th, L.A.’s 20s and 30s crowd is welcome to participate, regardless of whether there’s a significant other in the picture or not.
“NuRoots is thrilled to amplify the creativity of our partners,” said Sara Allen, Director of NuRoots. “Love Angeles offers something for everybody, whether you’re into cooking, dancing, hiking or storytelling. This festival is a chance for young adults to celebrate and explore the city we all love.”
For more information and the full schedule of events, check out the Love Angeles website and follow #LoveAngeles on Facebook and Instagram! Join us in spreading the love!
*Participating partners include: Atid, East Side Jews, IKAR, Interfaith Family, Nefesh, Open Temple, Pico Union Project, Reboot, TB, and YALA.
Cartography and image design by Jackie Phillips.
