Temple Knesset Israel

          Your Friendly Neighborhood Shul in East Hollywood!

                       Saturday, May 19, 2012 

      Weekly Torah Reading: Behar-Behukotai: Leviticus 25:1 - 27:34                                 Haftorah: Jeremiah 16:19 - 17:14    

                  Saturday morning services now start at 8:45 AM 

            From The Jewish Journal , February 17, 2012  

    Letters to the Editor:  Expand Our Embrace of Converts. 

I share Rob Eshman’s opinion that the Jewish future will be greatly enhanced by truly welcoming all those who feel drawn to Judaism and the timeless truth of its teachings (“The Embrace,” Feb. 10).

At my synagogue, Temple Knesset Israel of Hollywood, we are in the midst of a dramatic reinvigoration since welcoming an influx of congregants of Sephardic descent, primarily from Central America, who wished to learn and participate in our beloved Jewish rituals. Rabbi Robert Elias is currently teaching a third conversion class at our synagogue, and Shabbat attendance, not long ago less than 20, now averages over 60. The devotion of our new members is remarkable, and they have transformed our synagogue into a vibrant, diverse and certainly unique congregation.

A miracle, perhaps?

Harvey Shield, president
Temple Knesset Israel of Hollywood