Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel

Sephardic Temple
Tifereth Israel
A Modern Synagogue in the
Sephardic Tradition
welcome
Welcome to Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel, a
modern synagogue in the Sephardic tradition.
Our warm, welcoming and impassioned community has one of the most beautiful sanctuaries
in the world. Our dynamic clergy, Rabbi Tal
Sessler, PhD, Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez
and Hazan Haim Mizrahi, lead us in spiritual
services. We offer stimulating adult education
classes, social, educational and cultural events
sponsored by our Or Chadash Sisterhood and
Men’s Club, and youth and senior activities. We
invite you to join us for our Daily Minyan
services, holiday and Shabbat morning services
where you, along with hundreds of others, will
experience first-hand the unique and meaningful
way in which we celebrate the eternity of Torah
while emphasizing its relevance for our lives in
the 21st century.
Left to right:
Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez,
Associate Rabbi
Hazan Haim Mizrahi
Rabbi Tal Sessler, PhD, Senior Rabbi
religious services
Our uplifting prayer services, daily minyan, Shabbat and holidays, are conducted in
the ancient Sephardic tradition. They nourish the soul and stir the heart. Our clergy
leads us in inspirational and meaningful prayers with reflections for our daily lives. We
offer separate services for our youth and child care for our very young. Our ECC
welcomes families with preschoolers to monthly TOT Shabbat services. Our children
are invited to join us in the sanctuary for the heartwarming “Blessing of the Children”
on Shabbat and holidays.
“The function of prayer is not to influence God,
but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”
–Søren Kierkegaard
education
levy family
early childhood center
Our Levy Family Early Childhood Center (ECC) provides passionate, knowledgeable
and qualified staff members who nurture and inspire the development of young minds.
We encourage diversity and strive to promote a loving environment. Our ECC promotes positive relationships in children, instilling self-esteem and confidence while respecting each child as a unique learner. Our ECC implements a developmentally
play-based philosophy, promoting cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth, as
well as intellectual development of the young child, with special emphasis on Judaic
values. Enrichment programs such as art, yoga, music and physical activities, as well as
a weekly Mommy and Me Program enhance our daily routine of educational activities
and playtime.
“The mind is not a vessel
to be filled, but a fire
to be kindled.”
–Plutarch
hebrew school
talmud torah
Our Talmud Torah provides opportunities for our students to study and
learn about the timeless teachings and values of Judaism. Under the
direction of Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez, our students learn about our
rich history and wisdom of our people through the study of Torah and
relevant literature. Learning Hebrew and studying prayers allows our children to participate in services as they prepare for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Students who have completed their B’nai Mitzvot participate in the
Maccabim and Hakoach programs where they continue their commitment
to and involvement in Torah study and Judaism as well as making lifelong
friends through various social and cultural activities. To ensure lifelong
learning, we offer our youth subsidies and scholarships for Jewish Summer
Camp and college education with support from many of our endowment
funds. Our young members have the opportunity to join an Israel travel
program with the support of STAR, the Hyman Jebb Levy Foundation and
the Jewish Federation.
“The world stands on three things:
On Torah, on prayer and on kindness.”
–From the Pirkei Avot
adult education
Our community offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in the knowledge
and wisdom of our profound spiritual tradition. Classes taught by Rabbi Sessler
and guest speakers will broaden your understanding of Torah, Kabbalah, Talmud,
Hebrew and the basics of Judaism and its relevancy to modern life. Parenting and
marriage courses are also offered, as well as other classes that are aimed at enriching
the lives of our members and their families.
“Who is wise? One who learns from all.”
–The Talmud
levy family library
Our professional librarian oversees our newly remodeled
Levy Family Library, rated as the “top collection of Sephardic
books and materials in Los Angeles.” Our librarian meets
with our Talmud Torah students to familiarize them with
our impressive collection of books for research and
recreational reading. Students check out books that match
their personal interests and help with school projects. Our
librarian welcomes all members to enjoy this newly refurbished library and its diverse
collection of reading material.
“Whatever the cost of our libraries,
the price is cheap compared to
that of an ignorant nation.”
–Walter Cronkite
social and
cultural activities
Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel designs activities for all members: our youth,
singles, couples, families and seniors. These events serve to foster a sense of community,
build friendships and keep our members connected to our synagogue. We host
community-wide family Shabbat dinners on the first Friday of each month. Families
gather together to enjoy a cultural meal prepared by our members. Our Or Chadash
Sisterhood keeps our members busy with interesting and exciting programs from book
clubs, to Jewish Women’s Theater, lectures and discussions with guest speakers, trips
to museums and musical venues. Or Chadash manages the Matilda Seror Gift Shop
offering exquisite Judaica, art, jewelry and books. Women of all generations and
cultures embrace the spirit of Judaism as they create lasting friendships. Our Men’s Club
enhances the lives of our members with dinners, dances, game nights, community
service, business networking, and dad and children outings. Our Men’s Club focuses
their efforts on service to our community. Our youth can join STAR, (Sephardic
Tradition and Recreation), for their many programs offered throughout the year. Our
seniors can participate in LASHA’s programs of luncheons and trips. LASHA also
provides resource assistance and social interaction for homebound seniors.
“I sought to hear the voice of God and climbed
the topmost steeple, but God declared:
“Go down again – I dwell among the people.’”
–John Henry Newman
catering
Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel is the home of Pat’s Glatt Kosher Catering,
owned by Pat and Errol Fine. They have earned high esteem in Los Angeles for
their culinary expertise, exquisite presentation and tempting menus. Maurice
Amado Hall, our Labe Gardens and the Tiano Plaza are transformed into the
magical venue of your choice. Our members can enjoy B’nai Mitzvot celebrations,
weddings, anniversary parties and other social events in our elegant temple.
“And you shall eat, and be satisfied, and bless
the Lord your God for the good land God gave you.”
–Deuteronomy 8
membership
If you have been longing for a sense of community, you will find it at Sephardic Temple
Tifereth Israel.We are part of an ancient tradition embracing modern day life. Members
from many cultures mingle and share their lives, families, food and most of all their
warmth as they cement friendships in an atmosphere of family and tradition. Our
dynamic and active community offers a host of activities to meet every wish.
Our knowledgeable and devoted clergy lead inspirational services and stimulating adult
education. Our clergy and staff provide their services for end of life needs. Our
Sisterhood can prepare the Huevo Meal. Our Men’s Club and Or Chadash Sisterhood
offer educational and social activities. Our youth receive a vibrant education from
preschool through post B’nai Mitzvot. We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere
of fellowship and community. Membership will make you part of the momentum that
helps to perpetuate and preserve our sacred heritage and ensure the strength and
continuity of future generations.
COME JOIN US!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”
–Margaret Mead
sephardic temple tifereth israel
our history
The roots of our Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel began in 1920 when Sephardim
from the Ottoman Empire, Salonika, Rhodes, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern countries came together to preserve our unique Sephardic liturgy, heritage and traditions.
The doors to our first synagogue opened in 1932 when we were known as the Santa
Barbara Avenue Temple, the first Sephardic synagogue built in Los Angeles. We broke
ground in 1970 for our new synagogue thanks to the foresight and generosity of
Maurice Amado and his family. Maurice Amado, of blessed memory, planted the seed
for this grand endeavor in Westwood. Our community continued to grow over time. In
1959, the Sephardic Brotherhood joined our synagogue. In 1993 Sephardic Beth Shalom
became an integral part of our community. With the addition of members from Cuba,
Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria we have became a rich and diverse multiethnic Sephardic community. In 1987, we welcomed King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, the first visit
by a Spanish monarch to a synagogue since the Expulsion of Jews in 1492. We feel pride as
we actively participate in the Sephardic communities in Los Angeles and around the world.
“A generation which ignores history
has no past and no future.”
–Robert A. Heinlein
Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel
10500 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90024
tel: 310.475.7000 | fax: 310.470.9238
www.sephardictemple.org