With a population of approximately 600,000, Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world. The city is considered a premier destination for Jews who want to be active in their community, attend synagogue, write screenplays, and pursue their dreams. For more about Jewish life in Los Angeles, check out los-angeles.pro.
Honoring the Past
L.A. is home to several important museums dedicated to remembering the Holocaust.
- The Holocaust Museum LA is located in Pan-Pacific Park in the Fairfax district. Founded in 1961 by a group of Holocaust survivors, it is the oldest museum of its kind in the United States. Its primary mission is to honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and to inspire a more dignified and humane world through education. Admission is free for all students and California residents. The museum regularly hosts in-person and online tours, public events, talks with survivors, lectures, film screenings, and concerts. In 2020, it launched a discussion series called “Building Bridges” that brings together leaders from different communities to work toward shared social justice goals.
- The Museum of Tolerance is located at 9786 W Pico Blvd. and challenges visitors to confront intolerance, antisemitism, and hatred. Within its walls, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Holocaust in both its historical and modern contexts. The museum was opened in 1993 and has since been visited by more than 8 million people. It was founded by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a renowned Jewish human rights organization, and is designed as an interactive space that inspires action. The museum’s main goals are to educate people about prejudice, promote diversity, and prevent hatred and genocide.
Pacific Jewish Center
The Pacific Jewish Center is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue located at 505 Ocean Front Walk in Venice, Los Angeles. Often called “PJC” or the “Shul on the Beach,” the synagogue is known for welcoming Jews who may not be otherwise affiliated or engaged with their faith.
The center was founded in the 1940s as the Bay City Synagogue. At the time, it was one of several synagogues established in Venice Beach. By the late 1960s, only the Bay City Synagogue and Mishkon Tephilo remained. Membership dwindled until there was no longer a minyan, which is the quorum of ten adult Jews required for certain religious obligations. In 1977, a group of young Orthodox Jews led by Michael Medved and Rabbi Daniel Lapin revitalized the community. Thanks to their efforts, the center became a hub for Orthodox evangelism in L.A. over the next decade.
Notably, the Bar Mitzvah of American singer and actor Jason Gould, son of actor Elliott Gould and Barbara Streisand, took place at this synagogue.
Jewish Community and Rehabilitation Centers
Given the size and diversity of Los Angeles, it’s not surprising to find a number of rehabilitation centers here. However, the Jewish community’s approach to this issue is worth highlighting. Two examples are the Chabad Rehabilitation Center and Beit T’Shuvah.
Let’s take a closer look at Beit T’Shuvah, which operates on an annual budget of around $11 million. It’s led by the influential couple, Harriet Rossetto and Rabbi Mark Borovitz. Rabbi Borovitz’s personal story is a powerful example of how a person with addiction can turn their life around. He was an alcoholic who served time in prison but found salvation in the Torah. After his experience, the rabbi even wrote a bestseller called “The Holy Thief.” Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping others.
Located at 8831 Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Beit T’Shuvah combines intensive Torah study with rehabilitation programs. The center’s philosophy is that people can live a full, passionate, and purposeful life free from substance use and compulsive behaviors.
Steven Spielberg
When discussing the Jewish community in Los Angeles, it’s impossible not to mention Steven Spielberg. He is one of the greatest directors of all time and is consistently ranked among the most influential Jews in the world today. He has directed iconic films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Indiana Jones,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Catch Me If You Can,” along with many other masterful works that immediately captivate audiences.
In 1994, Steven Spielberg founded the USC Shoah Foundation. This is the largest archive of Holocaust testimonies in the world, with approximately 52,000 video and audio recordings from survivors. The archive includes not only Jews but also homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Roma (Gypsies), political prisoners, and liberators. The archive founded by Steven Spielberg is an invaluable historical resource.
Kosher Restaurants in Los Angeles
While New York may have more kosher restaurants, many people believe Los Angeles has better and more accessible options. L.A. is considered a more progressive city, which is why a large number of religious Jews adhere to a kosher diet here. According to the media company “Modern Luxury,” there are six top kosher restaurants in Los Angeles.
- “Trattoria Natalie,” located at 8681 W Pico Blvd., is a kosher Italian restaurant that offers an incredibly welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service, making every guest feel right at home.
- “Next Door,” at 475 Beverly Blvd., features a modern Israeli menu. Diners can enjoy high-quality meats and unique dishes with inventive ingredients. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, a great bar, and an open kitchen concept that attracts those who want to watch their food being prepared.
- “Nua,” located at 403 N Crescent Dr., is a kosher contemporary Mediterranean restaurant opened in 2021 by Chef Yoav Schwerd. Situated in the Crescent Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, the restaurant focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients and kosher food preparation.
- “Charcoal Grill and Bar,” at 7563 Beverly Blvd., adds a taste of Jerusalem to L.A. The restaurant has a pleasant atmosphere, plays popular Israeli songs, and serves dishes that transport guests to the streets of Jerusalem. High-quality kosher meat is cooked on a traditional smoky Israeli grill.
- “Pat’s” is often called the queen of kosher cuisine. This is due to the chefs’ passion for creating culinary masterpieces, coupled with welcoming service. The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere and cozy decor.
- Rounding out the list is “Shiloh’s Bistro and Garden,” at 8939 W Pico Blvd. This steakhouse offers some of the best kosher fine dining in Los Angeles. Its menu combines French, Mediterranean, and American flavors, and there is live music in the garden every Monday.
Annual “Celebrate Israel” Festival
The “Celebrate Israel” festival, organized by the Israeli-American Council, takes place at Rancho Park. The event attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 people each year and is an effort to recreate Israel for a day in the heart of Los Angeles. The festival always features musical guests, making it a fun and exciting way to spend the day.
The Israeli and Jewish Film Festivals in Los Angeles are also worth mentioning. These are considered the largest showcases of Israeli cinema in the United States. Since 1982, for example, the Israeli Film Festival in Los Angeles has screened more than 1,000 feature films, documentaries, TV shows, and student shorts. In addition, over 500 Israeli filmmakers have had the chance to get their foot in the door in Hollywood.
For many Jews, Los Angeles truly is one of the best cities in the United States. It boasts one of the world’s largest Jewish communities, a rich infrastructure, and diverse religious and cultural traditions.
