Visit – IKAR

Ask

Are you a synagogue or what? Yes and no and kinda. Words like “synagogue” can feel constraining, and we want to think expansively about what Jewish life can be… so we think of ourselves as a spiritual community, and let the experience define itself.

Pray

“Prayer is meaningless unless it is subversive, unless it seeks to overthrow and to ruin the pyramids of callousness, hatred, opportunism, falsehoods. The liturgical movement must become a revolutionary movement, seeking to overthrow the forces that continue to destroy the promise, the hope, the vision.” –Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, “On Prayer”

Learn

“To educate means to cultivate the soul.” -Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

Act

“Love your neighbor, and love yourself. That is the whole Torah. All the rest is commentary.” –Hillel

Meet

This community is crawling with good folks — from longtime members to newbies — and there are so many ways to connect.

Join

IKAR is fueled by the love, talent, and creative investment of each of our community members. Our membership is an expression of individual commitments and a way for each person to expand their Jewish horizons through learning and spiritual growth.

Donate

“All beginnings require that you unlock new doors. The key is giving and doing. Give tzedakah and do kindness.” – R’ Nachman of Bratslav

Search

We are all searching for something. What’s your thing?

Visit

If you’re mulling over whether to come to check out IKAR, good idea! Do it. We know it’s not easy to step into a new place where you may not know anyone, so we’ll be there for you and help make it easier to dip a toe in.

Never been to IKAR? Start at Shabbat services. We’re doing our thing every Saturday morning and every other Friday night — this is a great place to start. Wherever you decide to start, do check out our FAQs — after all, this ain’t your Bubbe’s shul.

See our calendar for a complete listing of our services, events and programs.

If you want someone to contact you before you come, fill out this form. We’ll connect you with a staffer and help get you acclimated.

Unless otherwise noted, all IKAR services take place at Shalhevet: 910 S. Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles 90036.

Parking at Shalhevet

Please note that in addition to the Shalhevet lot and street parking, parking is also available in the lot at the Petersen Auto Museum anytime during the hours of 6am – 11pm for a $12 flat fee.