This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Silverlake Independent JCC Blends Old And New Traditions In Yom Kippur Prayer Service
Crowds gathering outside the Siliverlake Indepedent Jewish Community Center before Yom Kippur service.
(
Courtesy SIJCC
)
Listen
1:15
Silverlake Independent JCC Blends Old And New Traditions In Yom Kippur Prayer Service
October 9 was Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Many spent the day fasting, praying and reflecting on the past year - as tradition has it. But in some L.A. synagogues, there’s room for new traditions.
The fourth annual Yom Kippur service at the Silverlake Independent Jewish Community Center was led by Deanna Neil, the founder of "Pop-Up Shul." It included many of the traditional torah readings and liturgy but shortened and sprinkled with modern twists, like the poetry of Mary Oliver and the music of Leonard Cohen.
"A lot of us have memories from our childhood of services that are really boring, or really not meaningful," said SIJCC executive director Neil Spears. "We’re trying to take the best nuggets of Jewish wisdom, Jewish tradition, and Jewish text and re-enliven them to make them relevant today."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
