April 28, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Kehillat Israel is Back in Santa Monica for Upcoming High Holy Days

By Susan Payne

Kehillat Israel, a Reconstructionist Congregation in the Pacific Palisades, is inviting Jewish families in Los Angeles to celebrate the upcoming High Holy days.

A natural extension of the congregation’s permanent location in the Pacific Palisades, KI invites unaffiliated Jewish families from the West Side to join the celebrations of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, in Santa Monica.

During High Holy Days, KI also hosts a robust food drive, collecting enough food to fill an entire warehouse of the Westside Food Bank.

In Jewish culture, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two of the holiest days of the year. This year, KI is celebrating at the Pacific Palisades location and the Barnum Hall at Santa Monica High School, the latter of which is opened to ticketed non-congregants.


Service details include the following at Santa Monica High School’s Barnum Hall, 600 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, 90405:

  • Erev Rosh Hashanah — October 2, 7:30 p.m.
  • Rosh Hashanah — October 3, 10 a.m.
  • Kol Nidre — October 11, 7:30 p.m.
  • Yom Kippur — October 12, 10 a.m. service; 4 p.m. Mincha; 4:30 p.m. guest speaker program; 5 p.m. Yizkor and 5:30 p.m. Ne’ilah

For these holidays, it’s important for Jewish people to gather and convene, even if they don’t regularly attend services throughout the year. Given the circumstances of the devastating Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and the antisemitism that has increased globally, gathering is especially important.

“People need more than ever to gather in places they feel safe and to be together, it’s been a really hard year. There’s been a lot of antisemitism across the country and on school campuses that has disrupted our sense of belonging, safety and security. But gathering gives us a sense that you’re not alone, our young people aren’t alone,” said Senior Rabbi Amy Bernstein.

On September 28 at 8 p.m., families are invited to celebrate Selichot and join the clergy under the stars at the Kehillat ­Israel Courtyard for a night of introspection and care for the soul ahead of Holy Days.

High Holy Days on the Hill, celebrating Erev Rosh Hashanah will take place on October 2 at Founder’s Meadow at St. Matthew’s, 1031 Bienveneda Ave, Pacific Palisades, at 5 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic for a family-friendly service. Additionally, families are invited to celebrate Tashlich, on October 3 at 5 p.m., at Will Rogers State Beach, for a bring-your-own picnic dinner and Shofar Blast at 5:30p.m.

While much is planned in celebrating the High Holy Days, KI is looking forward to welcoming anyone who wants to be part of a warm and dynamic spiritual Jewish community.

A list of services that will be livestreamed are detailed on that website. Links and technical support will be distributed via email and available on KI’s website leading up to the High Holy Days.

For more information on the food drives, ticketing, and services, visit https://www.ourki.org/hhd.

in News
Related Posts

Newly-Built Ocean Front Walk Home Lists for Nearly $14M

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

A 300-square-foot space on the ground level is zoned for potential commercial use A newly constructed beachfront home along Venice’s...

Venice Shorts: White School Bus Parked at S Venice Blvd. & Canals

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

Permanently Parked for Months, Overlooking Historic Canals By Nick Antonicello  Another white school bus has appeared at South Venice Boulevard...

THIS WEEKEND: Art and Music Festival Takes Over Third Street Promenade

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Admission is free and open to the public The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively celebration of creativity...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...

Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans The Topanga Beach Bus resumed...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

ASTEME Camps Explore Science, Technology, Math and Engineering

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

Many teachers and parents hear this question daily when it comes to schooling: “When am I ever going to use...

Q&A: No Age Limit on Home Care Management & Home Safety, Tips from a Care Manager

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In-home safety issues that go unnoticed — cracked sidewalks, broken railings or uneven flooring for example — are often the root...

L.A. Louver Hosts Exhibition Honoring Artist William Brice

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

At the center of the exhibition is Brice’s *Untitled* (c. 1969), a painting that reflects a key transitional moment in...

Venice Shorts: Monster RV Returns to S. Venice Boulevard

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Area Opposite Free Public Library Repopulates With Permanent Camping  By Nick Antonicello  LA City officials made a concerted effort to...

Dashboard Shows 28 Zoning Reviews Cleared in Palisades Fire Zone

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

County officials say the dashboard is updated frequently and is part of a broader push for transparency A new Los...

Four Proposals Compete for SMC Station’s Affordable Housing Future

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

The site sits in the Pico Neighborhood, where 83% of trips are by car and nearly half of residents struggle...

Man Found Dead Near Venice Restrooms; Investigation Ongoing

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

Authorities have not confirmed whether foul play or drug involvement is suspected A man was found dead Wednesday morning near...

Tony P’s Dockside Grill to Close After 28 Years in Marina del Rey

April 24, 2025

April 24, 2025

In a farewell letter to patrons, owners wrote, “We hope these final weeks are a celebration of all we have...

Big Blue Bus Stops Can Now be Adopted

April 23, 2025

April 23, 2025

A new effort by Santa Monica aims to supplement city maintenance crews and increase engagement around public transit The City...