The IKAR Center Campaign

IKAR’s mission is to reanimate Jewish life and develop a spiritual and moral foundation for a just and equitable society. The IKAR Center will be a permanent, central place for all of IKAR’s activities and work, bringing together our prayer space, religious school, ECC, event space, and offices.

IKAR has become one of the most vibrant and influential Jewish communities in the country, with nearly 1,250 member families and a global audience in the tens of thousands. During a time of loneliness, social alienation, and ideological division, IKAR has been a source of spiritual strength and moral leadership, building and sustaining a community of searchers and skeptics committed to deep spiritual connection, radical inclusivity, and a more just and loving society.

For nearly two decades, IKAR has thrived in a series of temporary spaces, but to provide for the growing needs of our community, to educate our children, and to more fully live our values, we need a true sanctuary. That is why IKAR has embarked on a transformational journey to build a permanent home for our community and our spiritual work.

The IKAR Center will provide key worship, education, community and programming spaces, and accommodate a capacity of 3,000 for high holy days and other peak attendance events.

Capital Campaign Co-Chairs: Lorne Buchman, Sophie Pritzker, Sarah Wick

Building Campaign Co-Chairs: Eric Beckman and Ethan Goldstine

IKAR’s Board Leadership: Jeremy Rosenthal and Marta Kauffman

Professional Staff: Rabbi Sharon Brous – Senior Rabbi, Melissa Balaban – CEO, Elad Dvash-Banks – Chief Advancement Officer, Alix Fischer-Kaye – Capital Campaign Manager

Architect: Barbara Bestor

Explore the IKAR Center through this flythrough narrated by Rabbi Sharon Brous.

  • Several key campaign initiatives are tied to IKAR’s mission and values. These include a carbon-neutral Green Initiative, enhanced security and welcome systems, accessibility efforts, and endowments to support key programs and initiatives.
  • The Los Angeles Planning Department has approved our entitlements, confirming that our proposed building meets all zoning requirements.
  • The Center will be a vital part of the Los Angeles community. In keeping with our values, we remain committed to including at least 60 units of affordable housing on-site to address the housing crisis in Los Angeles. The capital campaign funds will be dedicated solely to the IKAR Center, while the housing project will be funded separately. We are working to finalize an agreement with our housing partner.
Watch the fly through

The Esther Minyan is a dedicated group of early supporters whose generosity and leadership have laid the foundation for the IKAR Center Capital Campaign. Named in honor of Queen Esther’s courage and resilience, these donors have committed significant resources to ensure IKAR’s vision becomes a reality in the early stages of the campaign. Their contributions provide critical early funding that enables planning, development, and construction to move forward with confidence.

Anonymous (4), Jaynee & Eric Beckman, Arlene Bernstein, Dr. Mayim Bialik, Rick z”l, Marcia, Dev, R’ Sharon, Michael Brous & families, Steven Byrnes & James Mandelbaum, Lisa & Craig Cooper, Sarah & Michael Ellenberg, Linda Essakow, Linda and Lorin Fife, Shirley and Byron Frank, Lisa Friedman, Ilene & Stanley Gold, David E. Goldberg, Sarah Goldfinger, Doris and Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein, Abner and Roslyn Goldstine, Richard z”l & Lois Gunther, Sharon Hall & Todd E. Kessler, Ellen Bronfman Hauptman & Andrew Hauptman, Julie Hermelin, Myna & Uri Herscher, Karen & Jeff Hogan, Ada & Jim Horwich, Daniel Inlender, Lirona Kadosh & Ethan Goldstine, Marta Kauffman, Kathy Kobayashi & Hal Barron, Blair & David Kohan, Eric Kranzler, Lee and Luis Lainer Family Foundation, Aaron & Sheila Leibovic, Marty Longbine & Jeff Ayeroff, Paulette Light & Jeff Rake, Vaughan & Nick Meyer, Joel & Joanne Mogy, Max Mutchnick & Erik Hyman, Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, David & Andrea Nevins, Christopher Noxon, Dr. Alisa & Dr. Peter Reich, Gwen & Jeremy Rosenthal, Michelle Rosenthal & Isaac Klausner, Georgina & Alan Rothenberg, Erin & Steve Rottman, The Richard and Ellen Sandler Family Foundation, Lois & R’ Leonard Sharzer, M.D., The Carl and Toby Sloane Family Foundation, Jon & Amy Turteltaub, Rachel Waranch & Jason Feuerstein, Michaela Watkins & Fred Kramer, Rebecca Weiker & Sean Hecht, Allie & Jeremy Weinstein, Wells Fargo Foundation, Sarah Wick & Robert Padnick, Sophie McNally Pritzker & Adam Pritzker, R’ Barbara Zacky

We are currently engaging lead donors to propel the campaign. For more information or to discuss how you can support the IKAR Center, please contact:

Elad Dvash-Banks, Chief Advancement Officer, [email protected]