This review is for a Bat Mitzvah. My coworker sent me an invitation to her daughter's Bat Mitzvah…read morewhich was held at this conservative synagogue. I sped here with my guest, arrived at 9:25 with the service scheduled to begin at 9:30. As we pulled into the parking lot, there were only a handful of cars, the parking lot had plenty of space. The service started a little late. My first impression inside a Jewish synagogue, was that the interior was beautiful and spacious. A high vaulted ceiling, long, dark wooden beams. At the front of the synagogue a humongous arched marble slab. It was shaped like an upside down U. Colored curtains with a painting on it in the middle. It made me curious, what was behind those curtains? Small, stained glass windows with bright lights around the synagogue. My guest looked at his finest in his suit. A lady with a blue green colored yarmulke greeted us in the foyer. She handed my guest a black yarmulke (skull cap) and he was informed this was a requirement. He also donned a white tallis or tallit (prayer shawl) in a manner that a man in a locker room would put a towel around his neck. I noticed that some men wore purple satin yarmulkes that were provided on site. The rabbis upfront wore a different type of prayer shawls, bigger blankets, at least it looked that way to me. They flipped it around their shoulders, draped in a specific manner. The women wore folded up yarmulkes, that looked to me a bit like part of a French maid's outfit. Some wore them folded up in a fan shape, attached with bobby pins at the back of their head. Others wore lace yarmulkes. Most were white, some were glittery. I was entertained the first hour. I didn't understand a word of Hebrew. It certainly kept me awake, as it was fast paced with lots of sitting, standing, clapping. The seating was varied. There were rows of pews, then other rows of seating, similar to movie theater type of chairs, all connected together. The service consisted of mostly men reading from a book and simultaneously the congregation also read along . It was more like a combination of reading and singing. I did not see any musical notes which left me somewhat puzzled. Sometimes it seemed like they mumbled to themselves a little before and after reading a passage. They would also do a curtsy type of bow to the curtained area. The 2nd hour revealed what was behind the curtain. I thought maybe a statue of some sort. No, it looked like 4 finely decorated creme colored bags with doll's legs that stuck out at the bottom. Maybe a fancy short golf or laundry bag. At the top it looked like the headstock of a guitar. It looked awkward to carry, as they passed it around to the girl who was honored in this Bat Mitzvah. She carried it through the aisles of the synagogue. Members of the congregation stood outside their pews and touched it as she led a procession. Quite a fanfare, a jubilant time. Finally the cover was lifted off that mysterious embellished bag. It was the Torah, which is scripture. They rolled out the scroll on the podium. Men and women gathered around this Torah, plus the Bat Mitzvah girl read from it too. It looked as though they were gathered around a huge map laid out. In fact, from a kitchen perspective, more like gigantic rolling pins with parchment paper in between. The 3rd hour came, the novelty started to wear off. As part of the service, the Bat Mitzvah girl read/sang long passages in Hebrew. The children threw candy at the Bat Mitzvah girl, a woman sang as she played the guitar. More prayers and we stepped out. I have to say I admire the stamina and endurance of this congregation. More blessings to them Shabbat Shalom. Part 2 of Bat Mitzvah to be continued tomorrow - the party.

After almost 2 years of attendance, and 1 year of membership, I feel that this conservative…read morecongregation has become my Jewish home. Evening kabbalat Shabbat services are from 6pm-7pm on Friday nights. Morning Shabbat services are at 9:30am-12pm Saturday mornings, followed by a kiddush lunch immediately afterward. For those who attend a minyan services, morning minyan is at 7:30am, evening minyan is at 7pm Monday-Thursday. They have all kinds of additional tracks of service built into the morning Shabbat program- they have periodic Om Shalom Shabbat Yoga services, kids congregation Shabbat services and meditation Shabbat services. They all start at 9:30am, but the dates change, so check the website at www.adatariel.org for the schedule. There are many different levels of observance within the community, which helps most people feel at home, regardless of their traditions. The rabbis and cantors are all very approachable and genuinely friendly. Adat Ari El also offers a preschool program, a day school, and a religious school (which my son attends on Tuesday afternoons and occasional Sundays).

Shaarey Zedek is a modern orthodox shul that caters to my whole family…read more Shaarey Zedek members are hardworking people that are warm and friendly. Most families are very accepting of others and not judgmental. Members come from different backgrounds and they are personally growing and becoming better people at their own pace. On Shabbos morning, there are several minyans, starting at different times catering to members different needs. Shaarey Zedek also has a wonderful youth program that my 15 year old son and his friends just love. They are learning how to be active participants in services. I especially enjoy listening to Rabbi Jonathan Rosenberg every Shabbos. He usually speaks about something meaningful that leaves me intellectual stimulated. After services, I love the socialization and I love connecting to others in the community.

We have been at TBH for two years and couldn't have better things to say. Our 1st has loved it…read moresince day 1 and we are so excited to have our 2nd going there starting in the fall. From the teachers and administration to the religious leaders, the community they have built is exactly where you would want your kids learning and growing up. We feel very lucky to be in this community and look forward to all the years ahead there.

TBH is a truly unique yet familiar experience all wrapped together. we've sent our child there for…read more2 year and joined the congregation as well. my husband and I didn't grow up in LA so the fact that we found a community that is so welcoming has really been a gift. can't recommend it enough...it's a VERY special and sweet place!

Our daughter is in her second year at Beth Hillel's Early Childhood Center and we've had a…read morewonderful experience. The teachers are incredibly warm, caring, and really take the time to get to know each child as an individual. They truly meet kids where they are and have been so supportive with big milestones like potty training and transitioning away from naps. The staff is also very open and communicative with parents--they're always available if you want to talk about how your child is doing. One of our favorite parts is the community. There are lots of fun events throughout the year like holiday celebrations, Shabbats, and restaurant fundraisers that bring families together. We're so grateful to be part of this school and highly recommend it to other families looking for a nurturing preschool community.

A fantastic school that sets a strong foundation for future learning. In addition to learning the…read morebasics, I've been equally impressed by the focus on kindness, confidence building and Jewish culture. The teachers are excellent and meet the kids where they are. Love the community and will be sad when my youngest graduates. Highly recommend the program and would choose TBH ECE again if we had to do it all over.

Yoseff Chaim Temple is a warm and inviting place for prayer. Have been coming here on the high holy…read moredays for nearly 11 years.

Wish this place will go back to it's rightful owner. Used to be my favorite now the atmosphere is…read moreruined and it feels like it's all about the money!

The atmosphere at this temple is exceptional. From the moment you enter you are welcomed with…read morewarmth and genuine kindness. Services are uplifting and energizing, and the space feels peaceful and inviting. The rabbis are thoughtful, caring, and truly inspiring. You can feel their dedication to every person and to our tradition in every interaction. I leave every visit feeling grateful, centered, and proud to be part of this community.

young Moroccan Sephardi beit medrash and Shul the best in LA!!! Would recommend to everybodyread more

I grew up down the street from this temple, the rabbi at the time (during the 50s & 60s) also lived…read more2 doors down. We all learned to swim at his house! Great memories.

What an awesome synagogue! Rabbi Benson is seriously one of the best teachers I've ever had. He…read moreexplains everything so well, accessibly but on a really high intellectual level, and at the same time has a superb sense of humor. If you're looking for a small, neighborhood kind of experience, in a traditional setting, check out this place. He has really cute kids as well!

My mother had passed away and we needed guidance in regards to the prayers, burial, and how to go…read moreabout this devastating situation. Rabbi Bitton was there for our family every step of the way our family is so thankful for rabbi Bitton and the congregation at Em Habanim temple.

My brother in law is preying there and the are so very nice the rabi there is giving free lessons…read morefor anyone who wants and he is always available for any questions and if you did not catch him he will call you back