PJ Library

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.…

activists, Alana Schwartz, Breed Street, Brisket, Community Passover Seder, Egypt, Freedom, historic Breed Street Shul, homelessness, Jerusalem, Jewish neighborhood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Councilmember, matzah, Mayor Garcetti, passover, Rabbi, Seder plates, themes of Passover, Valley Beth Shalom synagogue, wine, youth
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…

Billy Crystal, Jerry Seinfeld, Jewish Comedians, Marx Brothers, National Humor Month, Sid Caesar
Israeli Inventions: Desalination and Drought

Discover how Israeli innovations in desalination technology are making a global impact, including in drought-stricken California. Learn about the groundbreaking thermal desalination process developed by Alexander Zarchin and IDE Technologies’ role in supplying water treatment plants worldwide. Find out how Israel is helping conserve water through sub-surface drip irrigation and wastewater recycling. Don’t miss the…

Desalination, fresh water resources, IDE Technologies, Israeli Inventions, technology industry, water treatment plants
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…

Abraham, Abraham and Sarah, Eastern European shtetls, Jewish humor, Larry Wilde, National Humor Month, Rabbi Beroka, Shtetl, Talmud
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…

Angel of Death, bris, Hebrew letters, Hebrew middle name, Hebrew name, Hebrew names, Jewish documents, Jewish law, Name Yourself Day, significance of Hebrew names
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.

Jewish Poets, Maya Angelou, National Poetry Month, Robert Frost, Shakespeare, Walt Whitman
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…

Gimpel the Fool, Jewish folklore, New Year, religious observance
The Growing Problem of Higher Education in Los Angeles

Join us on April 7th for a panel discussion on the Impact of the Rising Costs of Higher Education in Los Angeles. As our community colleges struggle to meet the demands of students, overcrowded classes and skyrocketing tuitions have become a growing concern. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the solution and…

accessibility, CEC, higher education, Jewish Federation, Los Angeles, student debt, students
A-WA: Israeli Sisters Show Off their Yeminite Roots in Powerhouse Performance Presented by NuRoots

Experience the unique blend of traditional Yemenite tunes and modern beats with A-WA, the Israeli sisters taking the world music scene by storm. Presented by NuRoots, their recent gig in Los Angeles drew in a diverse crowd of young Jews eager to witness their powerhouse performance. Don’t miss their viral hit “Habib Galbi” and be…

A-WA, Arabic, Global World Music Scene, Israeli pop charts, Israeli Sisters, Israeli Sisters Show, Jewish values, nuroots, Reggae, Southern California, young Jews
JCCRT – Jewish Community Crisis Response Team: Who Shows Up After the Ambulance Leaves?

The Jewish Community Crisis Response Team (JCCRT) in Los Angeles provides “mental health first aid” after a crisis in the Jewish community. Comprised of volunteers, JCCRT offers support, counseling referrals, and support groups to help individuals and communities heal after traumatic events. Training sessions are provided to ensure best practices are followed. Contact JCCRT for…

Caring for Jews in Need, JCCRT, Jewish Community Crisis Response Team, Jewish News, Los Angeles, Mental Health, school, synagogue, Volunteering, volunteers
A Brief History of Jews and Chickens

Discover the fascinating history of Jews and their relationship with chickens throughout the centuries. From the ancient tradition of kapparot to the use of schmaltz in cooking, chickens have played a vital role in Jewish culture. Explore the documentary on Jewish chicken ranchers and learn about the presence of chickens in Jewish rituals and blessings.…

Jewish chicken farmers, Jewish lives, Jews, kapparot, kosher, kosher cooking, Petaluma, Seder plates
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…

Abraham Lincoln, Brisket, corned beef, holiday, Irish, Irish culture, Jewish, Jewish culture, Jewish day schools, Jews, St. Patrick’s Day
Israeli Inventions: Waze

Discover how Israeli invention, Waze, revolutionized navigation for commuters worldwide. Created in 2006 as an easy-to-access digital map, Waze’s real-time crowdsourcing capabilities were put to the test during L.A.’s infamous “Carmaggedon.” With over 50 million regular users, Waze’s computerized voice and innovative features have become essential for avoiding accidents, traffic jams, and more.

Israel, Israeli Inventions, technology industry
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.

Activism, civil rights, gay rights, Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, Henry Street Settlement, Jewish Community, Jewish women, Lillian Wald, Maud Nathan, National Council of Jewish Women, Philanthropy, U.S. history
Owning Her Jewish Identity: A Birthright Israel LA Way Story

Discover the inspiring story of Sasha Karlova, a young woman who found her Jewish identity through Birthright Israel LA Way. From feeling disconnected to finding a sense of community, Sasha’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of this program. Registration for Summer 2016 trips is now open! Learn more and register today.

Birthright Israel, Hebrew, Hebrew alphabet, Israel Outdoors, Israel trip, Jewish Community, Jewish Identities, Jewish identity, Jewish self-discovery, Kahn Fellowship, LA Way, Passover seder, Red Sea, Rosh Hashanah celebration, Russia, sense of community, Tu B’Shevat, Wexler’s Deli, Yad Vashem
The Return of LA Couples: An Exclusive Program for Duos in Their 20s and 30s

Looking to connect with other young Jewish couples in LA? Check out LA Couples, a year-long program for committed couples in their 20s and 30s. This exclusive program offers social, educational, and spiritual enrichment, along with opportunities to meet influential leaders. Apply now and join a vibrant cohort of couples on a Jewish journey together.

Jewish, Jewish Community, LA Couples
Volunteers Made a Difference at our February Community Service Day

Volunteers made a difference at our February Community Service Day. Families, YALA volunteers, and members of our Jewish community came together to give back in various ways, from assisting the elderly and homeless to participating in inclusive activities. Join us for our upcoming Community Service Days and learn more about our program by contacting Alana…

Community Service, Community Service Day, homeless, Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Jewish values, Los Angeles, Ronald McDonald House, tikkun olam, volunteer opportunities, volunteers, youth
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…

Auschwitz, Baltimore, gender equality, Golda Meir, Hadassah, Henrietta Szold, Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des Judentums, Israel’s first prime minister, Israeli government, Jewish Community, Jewish Theological Seminary, Jewish women, Jewish Women Throughout History, Kiev, Milwaukee, Palestine, rabbis, Regina Jonas, Russian-Jewish immigrants, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court, Zionists
The Lasting Legacy of a Giant: A Farewell to Bram Goldsmith

Bram Goldsmith, a beloved community leader and philanthropist, has passed away at 93. His legacy includes decades of support for The Jewish Federation, serving as Chairman of the Board, and establishing the Israel Terror Relief Fund. Bram’s impact on our community will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to bless us. Attend his…

friendship, Israel Terror Relief Fund, Jewish Community, Jewish Federation, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, memorial service, mentor, philanthropist, Real Estate and Construction, United Way
Birthright Israel LA Way: From the Western Wall to My Web Series

Join us on the Birthright Israel LA Way trip and experience the life-changing journey that connects you to your roots. From floating in the Dead Sea to sharing magical moments at the Western Wall, discover a part of yourself that has always existed. Apply for the Kahn Fellowship and keep the magic alive in LA.…

Birthright Israel, Birthright Israel LA Way, Dead Sea, Diaspora, freshly baked rugelach, India, Indian Shabbat dinner, JDC Entwine, Jew, Jewish Federation, Kahn Fellows, Kahn Fellowship, LA Way, LA Way Birthright Israel Entertainment trip, Los Angeles, Western Wall