L.A. TEMPLES

SINAI TEMPLE

Founded in 1906, Sinai Temple was the first Conservative congregation in Southern California. The current site, historically the third site occupied due to the constant need to grow and expand, has been developed on Wilshire and Beverly Glen in Westwood. After opening at their new site, the temple continued to grow, adding school facilities, additional chapel space, and banquet facilities. The Temple flourishes as a leader of modern Conservative Jewish life and thought.

Sinai Temple is and always has been committed to the land and people of Israel. Specifically, they encourage the serious study of ancient and modern Jewish learning, and devotion to the beautiful music and spiritual richness of prayer. Their main sanctuary attracts an average of one thousand people on Shabbat morning, making them an extremely inspirational and popular site for the Los Angeles Jewish Community. As a conservative institution, the Temple’s focus is on the Torah and the use of the holy text and its lessons to live each day by. The Temple includes several sub-divisions including adult education, a library, a religious school, an academy, a preschool, a youth department, and memorials

TEMPLE AKIBA

Founded in 1953, Temple Akiba is a Liberal Reform congregation made up of over 300 families that welcomes non-Jews located on the west side of Los Angeles. Family is the main focus at this synagogue and most families actually consist of one member of non-Jewish background. Activities are centered around the family and there are programs for youth, a youth choir, a religious school, a summer camp, and groups for women and married couples.

CONGREGATION KOL AMI

The fairly new Congregation Kol Ami, founded in 1992, constitutes a radical reformation in Jewish synagogues. The congregation builds on the traditions of Judaism but is an all-inclusive group, especially supporting and respecting lesbian, gay, and interfaith couples and their families. Their main goal is to establish a link between the rich culture and belief system of Judaism and the many other identities held by its members and non-members alike. They strive to do this through worship services and high holy day services but also through adult education, social action, social and cultural programs, and various life cycle ceremonies.