Ohel David & Shlomo

“A mosaic of families,” the old woman whispered, her eyes twinkling as she gestured towards Ohel David & Shlomo. The synagogue stood proudly on Shore Boulevard, a beacon of faith in the heart of Manhattan Beach. Ohel David & Shlomo, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sephardic Jewish community, had a story to tell. Ohel David & Shlomo’s journey began in Brighton Beach, its roots intertwined with families hailing from Turkey and the island of Rhodes. For years, the community thrived without a formal rabbi. Then, in 1962, Rabbi Eli Greenwald arrived, marking a new chapter in Ohel David & Shlomo’s history. He became the synagogue’s first rabbinic leader. By the 1980s, a wave of Sephardic families settled in Manhattan Beach. They breathed new life into the community, transforming traditions and customs. Driven by the tireless efforts of these residents, a vision began to take shape. The dream was a new spiritual home, a place where their vibrant culture could flourish. This dream materialized in September 1997 with the opening of the magnificent Ohel David & Shlomo synagogue we see today. The synagogue’s unique membership reflects a tapestry of Sephardic heritage. Families with roots in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, and other cultures create a vibrant mosaic. Ohel David & Shlomo is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the visionaries who built it. Men like Maurice Azizona, Solomon Cohen, Ralph E. Dweck, Eli Esses, Lou Franco, Felix Harari, Nathan Hasson, Jack Laboz, Victor Moche, Alan Shamah, and Moise Zaytoune poured their hearts and resources into this sacred space. The generous endowment from Mr. and Mrs. Selim Halabi of Montreal, uncle of Nathan Hasson, further solidified the synagogue’s future. Today, under the spiritual guidance of Rabbi Yosef Bitton, Ohel David & Shlomo pulsates with life. Two daily minyans, followed by classes, provide spiritual nourishment. The Shabbat Minyan draws 100 to 150 worshippers, while High Holiday services swell to over 300. Ohel David & Shlomo stands as a testament to the power of community, faith, and the enduring spirit of the Sephardic Jewish tradition. It is a place where generations connect, where prayers rise, and where the rich tapestry of Sephardic culture continues to unfold.