One Answer to SAG/AFTRA, WGA Strikers Prayers

America’s largest arts and entertainment synagogue, and Rabbi David Baron, offer complimentary admission to the beautiful Jewish New Year services for those on strike, at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts

By Alex Ben Block

For the blowing of the Shofar, all the children in the congregation are invited up to participate.

Share in the experience of the Jewish New Year hoping 5784 will bring better times

The strike by SAG/AFTRA and the Writers Guild has taken a tremendous toll on many of the most talented people in Hollywood, so what better time to pray for peace and prosperity in our world - and an equitable settlement and fair treatment for those who do the real work on TV, on streaming channels, and in movies.

For those members in good standing with their union and guild who are Jewish or just want to share in the experience of the Jewish New Year hoping 5784 will bring better times, Rabbi David Baron and the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts are inviting those on strike who may not have $500 for a seat to attend at no cost, and enjoy beautiful services that reflect the flavor of show business and the importance of faith.

And for those who can’t attend they are offering complimentary access to a live stream of all of the New Year services.

Rabbi David Baron

In support what SAG/AFTRA and the WGA are striking for, a way to say thanks

I am a long time member of The Temple of the Arts, largely because I have come to know Rabbi Baron as a true religious leader, a scholar, an important community activist, a man of great conscience and a friend. He is someone who I trust and hold in highest regard.

I also look forward to his High Holy Day services which are very moving, fulfill the religious need in our lives and include appropriate music, thoughtful readings and much more. Everyone who attends has an opportunity to be touched by the real meaning of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar.

FROM YELP: Temple of the Arts mission is to promote the spirit & teachings of Judaism through music, art, drama, dance and film. Since 1992, Rabbi David Baron's dynamic spiritual leadership continues to excite and inspire his congregation. The widely attended services include engaging, educational and entertaining components.

For information on how those on strike may attend go to the temple’s website at www.bhtota.org. To reserve your seats contact Edgar Tarango in the temple’s office at 323-658-9100 or E-mail edgar@templeofthearts.org

Cantor Ilysia J. Pierce,

Joining Rabbi Baron in the creative program of services once again this year will be Broadway performer, Cantor Ilysia J. Pierce, and renowned cantor and voice teacher, Hazzan Nathan Lam. The musical director will be Grammy Award winner Sharon Farber. Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services will feature a 12-member choir with singers from Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Hazzan Nathan Lam.

SPECIAL THIS YEAR: RABBI DAVID BARON’S YOM KIPPUR GUESTS, WILL INCLUDE CRISTIANO J. ZELEDON, WHO WAS WOUNDED DURING A RUSSIAN MISSILE ATTACK IN THE UKRAINE WHILE ON A HUMANTARIAN MISSION; ARON BELL, WHO WITH HIS BROTHERS SAVED 1,200 JEWS DURING WORLD WAR II, AS DEPICTED IN THE MOVIE, DEFIANCE; AND

JONNY DANIELS, FOUNDER OF THE FROM THE DEPTHS FOUNDATION WHO WILL DISCUSS THE DISCOVERY OF A 70 PLUS-YEAR-OLD HISTORIC TORAH SCROLL IN FILIPOW, POLAND, WHICH HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS WILL SIGN WHILE IT IS DISPLAED IN THE STANLEY AND JOYCE BLACK ROTUNDA.

CRISTIANO J. ZELEDON, WHO WAS WOUNDED DURING A RUSSIAN MISSILE ATTACK IN UKRAINE

The Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, the largest arts and entertainment synagogue in the United States, is located at 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.

THIS YEAR Rosh Hashanah services commence on Friday, September 15 at 8 p.m. continuing on Saturday, September 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and on Sunday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah is marked by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), which begins 10 days of penitence culminating with Yom Kippur.

Children’s Services (ages 6 – 11), led by Karen Abrams, will be held on Rosh Hashanah, Saturday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m. and on Yom Kippur, Monday, September 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor. Simultaneously there will be Toddler’s Care (ages 2 – 5) led by the Temple of the Arts Pre-School instructors on Rosh Hashanah, Saturday, September 16 at 10:30 a.m. and Yom Kippur, Monday, September 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the Founder’s Room on the first floor.

YOM KIPPUR services celebrating the arrival of 5784 commence Sunday, September 24, 2023 (Kol Nidre) at 8:00 p.m., and continue Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10 a.m. with the Yizkor Memorial Service starting at approximately 12:30 p.m.

FOR AN EASY FAST Rabbi Baron from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. will lead stimulating discussions with Special Guests, that this year include vignettes from West Coast Touring Production of Wendy Kout’s play, SURVIVORS, presented by Arts For Change. The play teaches Holocaust history through testimonies of 10 Holocaust survivors, portrayed by Latino, Asian and African-American actors. In addition, John A. Mirisch, former Mayor of the City of Beverly Hills and current member of the City Council of Beverly Hills will speak on Standing Up To Anti-Semitism.

A scene from SURVIVORS, showing holocaust history through survivors testimony

The closing Neilah service begins at 5:45 p.m. leading up to the final sounding of the Shofar and closing prayers.

DURING SERVICES The City of Beverly Hills will waive parking restrictions on both sides of Hamilton Drive, Gale and Tower, between Wilshire Boulevard and Gregory Way, and between Hamilton and La Cienega on the north side of the street.

STREAMING: For those who cannot be in the beautiful restored Saban Theatre or are in other cities or otherwise cannot come in person, The Temple of The Arts also live streams its services.

Please help get out this message to members of SAG/AFTRA and the WGA. Seating capacity is limited so union and guild members should promptly reserve a place for what promises to be very special holiday.

And for my friends in the Media Contact: Steve Moyer Public Relations @ Work: 818.784.7027; Cell: 818.337.9987; moyerpr@earthlink.net; @stevemoyerpr