Today, as the clouds are beginning to clear, I want to share with you some exciting news for our community: we just received final approval to create a 21st century Jewish community center on the edge of the Pacific!
Most of us have strolled down the Venice Boardwalk and passed a Chagall-inspired mural on the side of the Israel Levin Senior Center. For decades, this small and worn building has been a gathering place for many of the Westside’s seniors. Over the last few years, two very dramatic things have occurred: the building’s age began to limit its use and, at the same time, the community saw a tremendous increase in the number of young people moving in (working for Google, Snapchat et al.) and living close to our senior population.
With the final approval and the tremendous support of the Venice community and city and county leaders, we are moving forward to renovate and transform this center, making it a hub for the community. This soon-to-be stunning, state-of-the-art facility will be a magnet for dynamic expressions of Jewish life increasing our senior programming, creating cross-generational experiences, and drawing young people from across the city.
Imagine the possibilities:
- Social service delivery and experiential learning for older adults
- Sunset Shabbats and Havdallahs
- Jewish meditation and yoga
- Volunteer and social justice opportunities
- Workshops and lectures with local innovators, Jewish teachers, and thought leaders
By revitalizing this space, we are creating endless possibilities for rich cultural and spiritual engagement across generations.
I look forward to welcoming you to this 21st Century Jewish community center in 2018. Please let me know if you would like to learn more and partner with us to make this dream a reality.
To the future,
Jay Sanderson
President & CEO
