Los Angeles, CA, June 13, 2018 – On Monday, June 11, 2018, The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles hosted The BAR Center at the Beach Groundbreaking Celebration in Venice Beach at the building formerly known as the Israel Levin Center. The BAR Center at the Beach will be the most compelling and innovative intergenerational destination for Jewish life in Los Angeles.
Jay Sanderson, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said, “This day has been a dream for a long time. The Federation is extremely grateful to all those who helped bring this project to fruition. I would like to acknowledge the lead gift from Randy and Susan Snyder, the generous naming contribution of Bennett and Allison Rosenthal, and all those who have given time and effort to make this a success. The BAR Center at the Beach will be a beacon of Jewish life, dynamic programming and more for all generations. We are excited to launch the groundbreaking of this project, and look forward to the day in which The BAR Center at the Beach will be ready for the entire community!”
Councilmember Mike Bonin shared remarks at the groundbreaking event, and acknowledged those who helped make this project happen. He shared with the audience, “This room has a lot of spirit, this room has a lot of heart, and those are here in abundance. Those are strong and those are vital. But the bones need some work. The bones are not strong enough to hold the heart and to hold the spirit of this facility or to hold the vision. I am so excited by the beauty of the planned structure, and by the beauty of the vision for this to be a multigenerational community center where seniors and toddlers spend some time together. Where there are yoga classes. Where the community is really engaged with part of this incredible facility. The new BAR Center at the Beach on the Venice Beach boardwalk will be an exceptional upgrade for the neighborhood.”
Bennett and Allison Rosenthal said, “When we were presented with the opportunity to be a part of renovating the Israel Levin Center, we were excited to be a part of an innovative addition to the Jewish landscape in Los Angeles. We look forward to the creative Jewish engagement, learning, and socializing that will take place at The BAR Center at the Beach and the positive impact it will have on the Jewish community for generations to come.”
Renowned architect Hagy Belzberg (and Belzberg Architects) designed the state-of-the-art building for The BAR Center at the Beach. A lead gift from Randy and Susan Snyder, coupled with the naming contribution of Bennett and Allison Rosenthal and support from the community brought this dream to a reality. The BAR Center at the Beach will create endless possibilities and opportunities for rich cultural and spiritual engagement across generations. The event was attended by Councilmember Mike Bonin, Federation President & CEO Jay Sanderson, Chair of the Board of the Federation Julie B. Platt, community leaders, Federation executives and staff, and more. Construction will begin in the second half of 2018 and is expected to be a 16-month project.
From Left to Right: Bennett Rosenthal; Allison Rosenthal; Julie B. Platt, Chair of the Board of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Jay Sanderson, President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles; Randy Snyder; Susan Snyder; and Councilmember Mike Bonin.
Rendering of The BAR Center at the Beach.
For more information, email AWeiner@JewishLA.org.