Valley Beth Shalom

Valley Beth Shalom (informally called VBS) is a Conservative synagogue in Encino, Los Angeles, California. With approximately 1,500 member families[1] it is one of the largest synagogues in Los Angeles and one of the largest Conservative synagogues in the United States. Newsweek includes it on its list of America's 25 Most Vibrant Congregations, saying "Valley Beth Shalom continues to be one of America's most relevant and community-minded synagogues."[2]

Valley Beth Shalom
Religion
AffiliationConservative Judaism
LeadershipRabbi Ed Feinstein
Location
Location15739 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, Los Angeles, California
Website
VBS.org
The bimah of the Main Sanctuary before Shavuot 2008

Location

It is located at 15739 Ventura Boulevard in Encino, Los Angeles, California.[3]

Overview

The clergy include Senior Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz, rabbis Ed Feinstein and Nina Bieber Feinstein, and cantors Herschel Fox, Phil Baron, and Jacqueline Rafii. Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, arguably one of the most influential and renowned rabbis of his generation,[4] was rabbi for many decades as well, serving in this capacity until his death in 2014.

The synagogue launched the Jewish World Watch,[5] an NGO founded by Schulweis and Janice Kamenir-Reznik, and is a founding member of the Havurah movement,.[6]

On Yom Ha'atzmaut 2003 (6 May), a Molotov cocktail was thrown through one of the synagogue's stained-glass windows. Mayor James K. Hahn said, "These are acts of terrorism, they're acts of hatred, and they tear at the very fabric of our community."[7]

References
  1. Nathaniel Popper (September 23, 2005). "Next Generation Of Pulpit Rabbis Shakes Up L.A." The Forward. Retrieved April 17, 2007.
  2. "America's 25 Most Vibrant Congregations". Newsweek. April 3, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
  3. "Cruising the Boulevard]". Los Angeles Conservancy.
  4. "50 Influential Rabbis". Newsweek. April 3, 2009. Retrieved June 12, 2016.
  5. Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (September 15–16, 2004). "Globalism and Judaism". Retrieved April 17, 2007. Rosh Hashanah sermon.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  6. Julie G Fax (March 31, 2005). "Courage and Innovation". Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles. Retrieved April 17, 2007.
  7. "4 California Fires Are Called Hate Crimes". The New York Times. May 8, 2003.

34°09′20.19″N 118°28′36.68″W

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