“A secret minyan” they called it. That’s how the Westwood Kehilla began. Right here on Santa Monica Boulevard. Not in a grand building but in a small space. A humble beginning for what would become a thriving Orthodox synagogue.
The Westwood Kehilla isn’t just a synagogue. It’s a vibrant hub. A diverse community. It’s home to both Ashkenazim and Sephardim. They share services. They share a community. They share a commitment to halachic life. Yet they remain engaged with the modern world.
From its start in 1984 at UCLA Hillel the Kehilla grew. It moved to a rented space. Then to a three-storefront complex. The community expanded. Now it boasts 70 families. It offers religious services education and communal activities. It even provides home hospitality.
Rabbi Asher Brander leads the Ashkenazi minyan. Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar leads the Sephardic minyan. He also serves as Rosh Kollel of the LINK Kollel. Together they foster spiritual growth. They create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. A place where Jews of all backgrounds feel at home.
The Kehilla is unique. Its diversity is one aspect. Its warm welcoming atmosphere is another. It reaches out to Jews across a broad spectrum. It does so in a welcoming non-judgmental way. It offers over 25 classes a week. These range from Hebrew crash courses to Gemara and Chassidut. The classes even include “Jewish Self-Esteem” and “How to Succeed in Hollywood While Still Staying Jewish”.
The Westwood Kehilla is more than a building. It’s a testament to community. It’s a place of learning. It’s a place of growth. It’s a place where people come together. It’s a place where the spirit of Judaism thrives in modern Los Angeles. It’s a place you should experience for yourself. This remarkable synagogue is a true gem of Westwood.