Upcoming events

Poetry can often heal, elevate the soul and awaken the heart. Come join IKAR’s Jewish Poetry Circle as we read Jewish poets — the Oneg Shabbos poets of the Warsaw Ghetto, Medieval Sephardic poets, Israeli and Jewish-American poets up to the present—the historical context of their writing, spiritual relationships, personal agonies and joys. The Circle is not an academic writing class but rather an informal experience of a committed group of participants to explore and hopefully bond with Jewish poetic expression and with each other.

Join us for a virtual literary study of the text of the Torah, aided by the keen eyes of the classical commentators. This series is co-sponsored with Hadar.

What is the Grief Garden? Please join Dev Brous, a certified trauma-informed Compassionate Bereavement Care grief counselor, and herbalist. Join this safe, reflective space to hold, and to be held as we “garden” grief. Here, we share reflections on what we’re learning from grief through embodied weekly prompts that connect people to nature-based Jewish healing practices. To sign-up, please fill out this form. Here’s the link to join the Grief Garden FS2S What’sApp: https://tinyurl.com/2eacz8nc Schedule a 1-0n-1 Grief Support with Dev here: https://cal.com/devorah-brous/grief-support?duration=60  

For thousands of years our ancient texts have been weaponized against queer people, and queer people have felt alienated and rejected from our Jewish communities. But – there is more to the story. In this 4-part series we will explore the texts of our tradition that actually seem to reflect queer experiences and read other Jewish texts through a queer lens. How much more connected can we feel to our tradition when it is more expansive?

Before Services, join fellow TRIBErs for great drinks, conversation and noshing!

Let’s enter Shabbat together with a sweet, spirited Kabbalat Shabbat service. Daven with us in person or on YouTube.  RSVP for our kosher, vegetarian community dinner (suggested donation $25).

Every Saturday morning at 9am, join Dev Brous and/or Dr. Barry Goldstein for a weekly meditation on the Shalhevet rooftop. And find your way to sip some homemade herbal tea blends, FromSoil2Soul, near the coffee station in the kitchen.

We welcome everyone to our Shabbat morning services at 9:30am PT, no matter their level of observance, experience, or familiarity with Hebrew. Daven with us in person at Shalhevet, or join us virtually on YouTube or Zoom. Childcare is available during Services for kids ages 2-5. Stay afterward for our kosher, vegetarian community lunch. Join us on January 17th for Sephardi/Mizrahi Shabbat. 2/7/2026 Adult B’nai Mitzvah Cohort 2/21/2026 Dov Weinberg 3/21/2026 Zahava Smith 5/16/2026 Lilah Bokman 5/23/2026 Wolff Lakota Ellis 6/6/2026 Bear Karuna & Theo Hirschel Bender Miller 6/13/2026 Liam Avi Bachrad 6/20/2026 Levi Hochman 6/27/2026 Milo Reid Greenberg-Creel 7/25/2026 Michael Goldstone 8/1/2026 Jonah Pulde 8/15/2026 Jonah YoonWoo Kend 8/22/2026 Noa Ellis Goldstein 8/29/2026 Archer Mekor Sroka 10/10/2026 Myla Vener 10/17/2026 Ayla Morchower 10/24/2026 Samuel Ethan & Joshua Gabriel Goldstein 11/7/2026 Lucille (Luci) Halpern-Fingerhut 11/14/2026 Henry Posalski 11/21/2026 Bo Mandell 11/28/2026 Ezekiel Mataan Brous-Weber 12/5/2026 Samuel Rafael Marquit 12/19/2026 Finch Rhodes

Join us for our Monthly Motzash gathering with an evening of karaoke, community, and pure fun. Whether you’re ready to belt out your favorite songs or just want to cheer on friends, this is the perfect way to close out Shabbat and ease into the week ahead. Great vibes, and an inclusive space for all—come sing your heart out or simply enjoy the show!

“My late grandfather owed his life to HIAS, coming to the United States from Germany to escape the horrors of the Holocaust. At this critical moment, HIAS’ mission is more vital than ever. Looking ahead, I am committed to working alongside our dedicated staff, partners, and supporters to ensure HIAS remains at the forefront of advocating for the most vulnerable and continuing to protect welcome.” Before joining HIAS, she served in executive roles in several international development and refugee resettlement agencies, including longtime partner of HIAS, Church World Service. She is an expert on displacement and poverty alleviation in Africa, having held positions in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique, amongst other locations. Through her senior leadership positions at two of the ten resettlement agencies in the U.S., she has helped to shape how the sector preserves welcome for newcomers in a changing landscape. Oppenheim holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town, a Master of Science in Global Affairs from New York University, and earned her Bachelor of Arts from NYU, where she double majored in Metropolitan Studies and Hebrew and Judaic Studies. A recognized thought leader in her field, Oppenheim has written and published extensively on development and the NGO sector.

Culver City’s Stoneview Nature Center to Kenneth Hahn Park led by Jeff Zimerman.  Moderate 4 Mile Round Hike, ends appox 1:00p.m. At the halfway point we will celebrate Tu B’Shevat with assorted fruits & nuts. – DIRECTIONS/PARKING: 5950 Stoneview Dr., Culver City, 90232.  There is plenty of free street parking available.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/hzwKzTafV1m514A27 – THE HIKE: Offers outstanding views of downtown L.A, the San Gabriels, the Hollywood Hills & beyond; as well as wonderful bird-watching, a duck & koi pond, etc… Dogs are not allowed on these trails.  Restrooms & Water fountain available at the trailhead & the halfway point. – WHAT TO BRING: Water (one liter minimum), Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Your Lunch/Energy Bars/Trail Mix. Hiking Boots or Trail Running Shoes are highly recommended. Assorted fruit and nuts in honor of Tu B’Shevat are encouraged. Hike is open to the community.

After our online Minyan on Monday mornings we open a short Grief Garden Circle, a sacred listening space, from 8.30-9.00am.  Please join us there if you are holding grief. To join our weekly Grief Garden Circle, click here Have questions? Please email [email protected] Schedule a 1-0n-1 Grief Support with Dev here: https://cal.com/devorah-brous/grief-support?duration=60

The IKAR Writers Circle is a space for adult fiction and nonfiction Ikar writers to gather, share their work, and receive feedback. The circle is an intergenerational community that seeks to uplift Jewish writers and authentic Jewish stories removed from the pressures of writing and entertainment industries. Writers will meet once a month virtually, at 7:30 pm, on the last Monday of the month. Have questions? Please email [email protected].

Step into four immersive, in-person sessions where tradition meets artistic inspiration. During each two-hour session, together, we’ll explore passages from Tehillim (Psalms) found in the Shabbat liturgy, unpack their messages in open discussion, and transform our insights into fresh songs and poems. No experience needed—just curiosity, an open heart, and willingness to experiment! Bring your instruments, your voices, a notebook, or a recording device. Make liturgical poetry and music your own. Come for learning, leave with inspiration—and maybe a new melody in your heart. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a passionate amateur, or simply a soul seeking meaning, there’s a place for you here. Join for one session or all four—each meeting is a new chance to create and connect.

Join this virtual, interactive circle using the Jewish Studio Process, facilitated by Ross Berman and Ann Bohrer. Explore the power of making process art in community as a tool for personal and collective renewal. All are welcome – no art experience needed. Unlock your creativity.

For thousands of years our ancient texts have been weaponized against queer people, and queer people have felt alienated and rejected from our Jewish communities. But – there is more to the story. In this 4-part series we will explore the texts of our tradition that actually seem to reflect queer experiences and read other Jewish texts through a queer lens. How much more connected can we feel to our tradition when it is more expansive?

Gather with fellow Boomers (ages 60+) for a warm and welcoming Friday night Shabbat dinner. Enjoy a delicious catered vegetarian/vegan meal, connect over conversation, and celebrate in community. Cost: $25

For families of all types and stripes with kids ages 0-5 (kids – don’t forget to bring your grown-up!) Whether you’re a rookie or a ringer, we invite you to tap into the age-old wisdom of Shabbat with your family. Join us as we slow down, reconnect, and rock out with our favorite clergy. What better way is there to end the week? Contact [email protected] for more information.

Join Boomers in celebrating the birthday of the trees – Tu b’Shevat. Tap into your life, love, and wisdom, brightening your energy and helping it grow. Using the Jewish Studio Process, we’ll wander together in wonder through the old-growth forest in the heart of our creativity.   JSP facilitators (and boomers) Ann Bohrer and Ross Berman will guide us through this fun, interactive, creativity workshop – no art experience needed.

GREEN ACTION celebrates TU b’Shvat with a guided tour of the new Westwood Greenway on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, from 11 to 1. This extraordinary project “daylights” and cleans an underground stream to create a habitat for native plants, birds, butterflies, and other animals—and at 2598-2596 Westwood Blvd, LA 90064, it’s totally transit-accessible, or carpool and use easy nearby parking! Please bring your own meat-free, no-shellfish lunch, and we’ll provide the TU b’Shvat treats!

Step into four immersive, in-person sessions where tradition meets artistic inspiration. During each two-hour session, together, we’ll explore passages from Tehillim (Psalms) found in the Shabbat liturgy, unpack their messages in open discussion, and transform our insights into fresh songs and poems. No experience needed—just curiosity, an open heart, and willingness to experiment! Bring your instruments, your voices, a notebook, or a recording device. Make liturgical poetry and music your own. Come for learning, leave with inspiration—and maybe a new melody in your heart. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a passionate amateur, or simply a soul seeking meaning, there’s a place for you here. Join for one session or all four—each meeting is a new chance to create and connect.

Let’s enter Shabbat together with a sweet, spirited Kabbalat Shabbat service.  After Services, there will be two dinner options following services:   -Everyone is invited to stay for community dinner at the IKAR Event Space.  -TRIBE will gather for Shabbat dinner at the Office Patio for people in their 20s and 30s.  We never want cost to be a bearer in attendance. If you need assistance, please email [email protected].

This virtual drop-in class is open to anyone who wants to explore the subject of our aging, with the aim of creating community as we turn towards this largely uncharted terrain. At every meeting, we will consider a short piece by Anne Lamott, which will serve as a springboard for practical exercises and conversations that incorporate our tradition’s wisdom and our own. Together we will set new goals for approaching our aging with insight, grace, purpose – and humor. Recommended age 55+.

Step into four immersive, in-person sessions where tradition meets artistic inspiration. During each two-hour session, together, we’ll explore passages from Tehillim (Psalms) found in the Shabbat liturgy, unpack their messages in open discussion, and transform our insights into fresh songs and poems. No experience needed—just curiosity, an open heart, and willingness to experiment! Bring your instruments, your voices, a notebook, or a recording device. Make liturgical poetry and music your own. Come for learning, leave with inspiration—and maybe a new melody in your heart. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a passionate amateur, or simply a soul seeking meaning, there’s a place for you here. Join for one session or all four—each meeting is a new chance to create and connect.