Hey All,

This is something I wrote a while back about Jewish things to do in LA. This seems like a good place to post it. Please feel free to add to this list....

What to do Jewish in Los Angeles

The great thing about Jewish life in Los Angeles is, whatever your flavor of Jewish life or Jewish practice, it is available. Within 3 miles in Pico-Robertson there are at least 4 different Carlebach style places to spend Shabbat (Happy Minyan and Beth Jacob, Shtibl Minyan in the Workingmens Circle, Neshama Minyan Friday Night at Temple Beth Am, Ikar at either Roxbury Park or the Westside JCC). Now, praying may not be your Jewish thing to do, but it is good to know the options are there. So here, in case you are wondering, are ten great Jewish things to do in Los Angeles.

1) Visit the Breed Street Shul- Want to see old school Jewish Los Angeles. Visit the Breed Street Shul in Boyle Heights (i.e. East Los Angeles). This is where the Jews were, before we moved to the West Side or the Valley. The synagogue was featured in both versions of The Jazz Singer (both the original and the remake with Neil Diamond). Plus, there is great Mexican food nearby (just ask if they use lard). www.breedstreetshul.org
2) Check out Friday Night Live- Its services, its a social event, its a party, there is Israeli dancing, there is Chinese Chicken Salad. 1500 to 2000 Jews on the second Friday night of the month get there Jew on at Friday night live. Definitely a Jewish place to see and be seen. Also, while there, learn more about the Atid group for Jewish in their 20s and 30s. http://www.sinaitemple.org/calendar/index.php?action=display&id=1193&year=2005&month=9&day=9
3) Ikar- Not your Bubbes synagogue Ikar brings together passionate Jewish life, progressive politics, drums, and participatory life. Rabbi Sharon Brous, one of the Forwards 50 will inspire you with her passion and amaze you with her Torah. Started in 2004- this is definitely Los Angeless first 21st Century Synagogue. Get in while you still can!! www.ikar-la.org
4) Eretz Siamak Young Professionals promotes fun events such as parties, weekend getaways. We also conduct fundraisers and pen discussion regarding important issues to the 20-35 Jew in Los Angeles. The underlying motivation is to create a cool environment for young Jews to meet.
5) Progressive Jewish Alliance- OK, maybe I am showing my political views, but if you want to find a Jewish flavor to your progressive politics, then PJA is for you. Check out their festival of rights around Chanukah. They have been involved in the Hotel Workers Strike, they are passionate about ending the Genocide in Darfur. Become a mentsch in the trench. http://www.pjalliance.org/
6) Yidishkayt LA- So you think Yiddish is dead, do ya? Yiddishkayt LA is here to prove you wrong. Want to talk to your bubbe in a tongue that will make her proud? Want to watch a movie in a cemetery? Want to attend a hip Yiddish salon? Hang out with yidishkayt LA, and subvert the dominant language http://www.yiddishkaytla.org
7) Be a Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister- Having a Big Brother feels great. Being one feels even better. Always wanted to be someone special in a child's life? Become a mentor! Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles offers many ways for you to get involved, from a 5 day-commitment to a one-year relationship. All you need to do is care. For further information about the program call 323-761-8675 or visit their website at www.jbbbsla.org.
8) Go to Jeffs Kosher Sausages on Pico- Great eats for the Kosher kids. Any type of hot dog or sausage you can imagine.Want a polish sausage? Want to try a merguez? If you have not had a Kosher French dip, you need to check out Jeffs. No better first date than a sausage house http://www.jeffsgourmet.com/
9) Volunteer at P.A.T.H.- So maybe you want to make a difference in the life of folks in your city. Volunteer at PATH. People assisting the Homeless, located on Cotner off the 405 is a place where homeless Los Angelenos can get their lives in order while getting off the streets. We can help by bringing dinner, drinks and dessert to help them along their way. Both Ikar and the Shtibl (http://www.shtibl.com/) send groups to PATH. http://www.epath.org/index_01.php
10) Check out the University of Judaism Public Lecture Series Dr. Gady Levys brainchild, a political discussion with some of the movers and shakers in the world of politics. This upcoming season includes Colin Powell, John Edwards and Newt Gingrich, Al Franken and Ann Coulter and more. Ask for the special rate for Jews in their 20s and 30s (if you are). http://www.uj.edu


This is just one mans taste of Jewish Los Angeles. If you have other ideas, tell your friends about them, or contact me at saulkorin@yahoo.com

Poppa's Kitchen Playing live songs from their cd A Rockin Hanukkah! 740 N fairfax ave los angeles Genghis Cohen Dec 16th @ 9:30 pm...check out the songs @ www.arockinhanukkah.com

Glatt Kosher Subway Los Angeles!!! www.glattkoshersubway.com