Kehillat Ma’arav

“L’dor Va Dor,” whispered the wind through the palm trees outside Kehillat Ma’arav. It means “from generation to generation” and it’s more than just a phrase here at this Santa Monica synagogue. It’s the very heartbeat of this vibrant community. Kehillat Ma’arav stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jewish life on the Westside. It’s a place where history intertwines with the present, where tradition meets innovation, and where nearly 300 families, spanning ages from newborns to 94, come together to celebrate their shared heritage. This isn’t just any synagogue. It’s the only Conservative synagogue in Santa Monica, drawing members from a staggering 39 zip codes. Kehillat Ma’arav isn’t just a building; it’s a beacon, drawing people in, fostering connections, and reminding everyone that they are part of something larger than themselves. The story of Kehillat Ma’arav begins in the late 1980s. A small group, led by individuals like Jerry and Jan Rogoway, envisioned a new kind of synagogue experience. They yearned for a more intimate and welcoming community. Their paths soon crossed with another group who shared a similar desire, and together, they formed the foundation of what would become Kehillat Ma’arav. Under the initial guidance of Rabbi Michael Menitoff and Cantor Laurie Rimland, the congregation held services in members’ homes, then schools, and even the Miramar Hotel for High Holidays. They finally found a temporary home at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, a relationship that continues to this day with shared Thanksgiving celebrations. Kehillat Ma’arav’s journey highlights the importance of community and shared purpose. From its humble beginnings to its current home at 1715 21st Street, the synagogue stands as a symbol of perseverance and the power of collective action. A pivotal moment came in 1986 with a generous million-dollar gift from Jack and Goldie Nomberg. This spurred a successful capital campaign, allowing Kehillat Ma’arav to purchase its own building. The renovation project itself became a community affair. Members like Jack Topal, Maurice Kurtz, Carmella Pardo, Uri Farkash, and Pat Solomon lent their expertise and passion, transforming the space into the welcoming haven it is today. The stained-glass panels of the ark, designed by member Pat Solomon, serve as a constant reminder of this collective effort. Kehillat Ma’arav continues to thrive under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Michael Gotlieb, who has served the community since 1995, and Cantor Malachi Kanfer. It’s a place where learning is paramount, from Rabbi Gotlieb’s weekly classes to Cantor Kanfer’s music, and from the K-7 religious school to adult education programs. Kehillat Ma’arav is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the strength of community, the power of shared dreams, and the enduring spirit of “L’dor Va Dor.”