The Hippie: Dreadlocks and Bagels
What: Tashlich drum circle and nature hike
When: Thursday, September 13, 4 PM and Friday, September 14, 9 AM
Where: “where Venice Beach meets the sand”
Why: Rabbi Naomi Levy is a legend in her own right. The author of To Begin Again and Talking to God, Rabbi Levy serves as the spiritual leader of Nashuva, a groundbreaking Jewish outreach organization committed to social justice. Join Rabbi Levy and the Nashuva community for a Taschlich drum circle in Venice Beach. Follow it up on day two with a nature hike in Temescal Gateway Park, followed by a service outdoors.
The Hipster: Way too Cool for Hebrew School
What: Benefit concert
When: Saturday, September 8, 9 PM
Where: 1317 N. Crescent Heights Bl., West Hollywood
Why: Generation 26 is a young, progressive Jewish leadership group that parties to raise money for Israel. Join them on Saturday, September 8 for a benefit concert featuring musicians from the Gipsy Kings, fresh sushi, and a full, open bar. The $100 fee to enter the party includes a large raffle, and proceeds go to Meir Panim, feeding over 60,000 starving children in Israel.
The Beshert Seeker: Something Old, Something Newish, Something Borrowed, Something Jewish
What: Friday Night Live
When: Friday, September 14, 7:30 PM
Where: Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd
Why: Friday Night Live is the premier ongoing Jewish singles event in Los Angeles, and lucky for you, this month's FNL falls on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. That means you get to celebrate the New Year at Sinai Temple with Rabbi David Wolpe and Craig Taubman, enjoy services and a lite kiddush, and then schmooze with young professionals ages 21-39 in the “ATID Lounge” on the roof.
The Nouveau Jew: Better Late Than Never?
What: Holiday prep classes
When: Monday, September 10, 7:30 PM
Where: The Jewish Learning Exchange, 7223 Beverly Blvd
Why: You won’t have any trouble finding a Chabad-approved, traditional service, but before you go, take advantage of the free Preparatory Classes for the High Holidays being offered by Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik, director of the Jewish Learning Exchange.
The Super-Jew: You've Got Spirit, Yes You Do!
What: "Around the Jewish Year in One Night: A Pre-S’lihot Concert Celebrating Music."
When: Saturday, September 8, 8:30 PM
Where: Stephen S. Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive
Why: It's like a never-ending song session! While they probably won't humor your request for "The Rainbow Connection," you're sure to enjoy this musical program and service. Led by Cantor Lam who will be joined by Cantor Linda Kates and the High Holy Day Choir, the evening starts with a unique selihot dinner, followed by the program and service with all the rabbis in the house.
The Intellectual: Smarter Than Jew
What: Jewish Life in China
When: Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9, 12:30 PM
Where: The Skirball Center, 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd.
Why: Flex your mental muscles in preparation for the new year with the Skirball Center's Visions and Values Tour on Saturday, September 8, or Sunday, September 9. Find new respect for your Jewish heritage as you learn the history of the Jewish traders who journeyed along the Silk Road, settled in Kaifeng in the 12th century and survived as a community for 800 years and explore the lives of Jewish immigrants who sought economic opportunity, religious liberty, and freedom from Nazi persecution in modern Shanghai.
The Alterna-parent: Day Care and Dinner Parties
What: Open Art Studio at the Zimmer Children’s Museum
When: Sunday, September 9, 2 PM and 3 PM
Where: Zimmer Museum, 6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100
Why: Because 5768 might be the year your kid turns out to be a little Van Gogh. Get there early to visit the Western Wall replicana and giant tzedakah pinball machine before mini-Vincent winds up covered with paint.