IKAR’s mission is to reanimate Jewish life and develop a spiritual and moral foundation for a just and equitable society. Fusing piety and hutzpah, obligation and inspiration, IKAR is a dynamic, multi-generational community that fosters a yearning for personal, purposeful, creative engagement in Jewish life, particularly among young and disaffected Jews. Rooted in Los Angeles and reaching globally, we strive to actively and intentionally celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the Jewish people.

Yes, please. If you have skills, we’d love to help you show them off. Email us ([email protected]) to get involved. We look forward to seeing you!

Just show up. Come to Shabbat services or join a house party in your ‘hood. Volunteer as a Shabbat Schmoozer or for a big event or holiday. Volunteer for our Minyan Tzedek justice work. Hop into an event with TRIBE (20s/30s), Boomers (60+), or any of our Circles. Get on our email list and check out our Facebook page to stay in the loop. There are a lot of doorways in and we can help you find yours.

Yes! Our Early Childhood Center is open to children ages 2-5. Fill out a parent inquiry form here and email [email protected] for more information on enrollment or to schedule a visit.

Yes! Our Limudim is open to children from Pre-K through B’nai Mitzvah age (7th grade) and offers multiple schedules to meet your family’s needs. Learn more and register here or email [email protected].

We do that too! B’nai Mitzvah students should be also enrolled in Limudim by at least 6th grade. Those preparing for B’nai Mitzvah will also get individual tutoring from clergy and community members. Learn more here.

Sure do! We’re a community of learners and no matter how much or little Jewish education or background you have, there are learning opportunities for you – whether that’s with our rabbis in your neighborhood, at a Q&A with artists and actors, or studying with the great scholars of our time.

You can because our membership model is designed to fit different needs. Financial constraints should never stop anyone from joining IKAR, so if our membership rates are out of reach, fill out the “Ezra” portion of our membership form and contribute an amount that is meaningful for you.

We love you, too. We have an IKAR from Afar/Associate membership for people who want to support the community but aren’t around as regularly. IKAR from Afar/Associate memberships include everything a full membership does, except IKARds (tickets) for the High Holy Days. Talk to us at [email protected].

Yes! We have a thriving IKAR From Afar Community who have their own online events, and even sometimes meet at the mothership in LA. No matter how or from where you’re joining us, welcome and thank you for being part of our community. If you are joining us from Afar and want to take part in events, connect personally with our clergy, and generally get involved in our community beyond the livestream, consider an IKAR from Afar membership.

At IKAR, membership is more than just a $ contribution (though that matters, too). When you join IKAR, you sign our membership brit. This brit is an expression of your core commitments and a way to expand your own Jewish horizons through learning and spiritual growth. So, in addition to a financial commitment, each person is asked to make concrete commitments to Torah (learning), to Kehillah (volunteering and supporting the community), and Tikkun (justice).

We are on our way! We’ve purchased land and are hoping to break ground soon on the IKAR Center, which will be a beautiful, artful, and sustainable Jewish platform for spiritual, intellectual, artistic, and civic engagement in the heart of Los Angeles. It will include a flexible sanctuary to house our growing community on High Holy Days, while also feeling intimate on any given Shabbat. It will also have a coffee shop, d a space that will house Limudim and our Early Childhood Center, and 75 units of permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of falling into homelessness. It took Moses 40 years to find his way to the Promised Land – we’re hoping to be in the IKAR Center in a fraction of that time.

For members, yes! One of the blessings of being in community is that we move through the ups and downs of life together and our rabbis are honored to officiate at these occasions for IKAR members. Email us at [email protected] to learn more about membership or tell us about your event if you’re not a member.

We draw inspiration from across the Jewish spectrum (and beyond). As an unaffiliated community, we hope everyone — Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist,”just Jewish,” not Jewish, frum, faithful, disconnected skeptical, and even atheist — will feel comfortable.

We believe that the active pursuit of justice and dignity for all is a core expression of our Jewish selves, and we integrate that belief into everything we do at IKAR. Minyan Tzedek is how IKAR does justice. We have five paths and hope that 100% of IKARites will participate in at least one of them. Interested? Email us and read on for more info.

Minyan Tzedek: [email protected] 

Community Organizing: [email protected] – Organizing to enact state and local policies that reflect our values.

Green Action: [email protected] – Caring for God’s creation by advocating for climate justice – through policy and within our own lives and community.

Feeding Our Neighbors: [email protected] – Connecting with our unhoused neighbors to provide a helping hand.

Educated Activist: [email protected] – Learning together through book discussions, film screenings, and guest speakers about how we got here and how we can work together to repair the world.

Jeans, or Prada. Or something in between. Our services are not about your clothes, they’re about your spirit. That said, you shouldn’t feel awkward in shorts or a suit if that’s how you roll.

All meals served at IKAR are pescatarian/vegetarian and are brought in from either hekshered (kosher certified) or vegan joints. In their homes, IKARites have all different practices.

Absolutely. IKAR families come in all imaginable configurations. Really – we challenge you to imagine one we don’t have.

No. Our doors are open to anyone who wants to join us for services, learning, social justice, or just to say hi. If you’re coming for the first time, be sure to introduce yourself so we can show you the secret handshake – and maybe rope you in to help pour scotch. And let us know you’re coming! But if you don’t, no worries, you (and all) are welcome.

Yes. We have everything a synagogue has – rabbis, services on Shabbat and holidays, kvetching – everything, that is, except the boredom many associate with sitting in Shul, counting the pages left in Musaf. Whether you call us a synagogue, shul, or spiritual community, IKAR is where you can tap into the rhythm of Jewish life through Shabbat and holidays. It’s also where you can challenge yourself to learn more, act more, dream more, and connect more. Check out our calendar to see what’s going on.