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Temple of the Arts’ Early Education Center at Le Petit Gan is Now Enrolling
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Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at Saban Theatre

BEVERLY HILLS TEMPLE OF THE ARTS

Judaism Through Music, Art, Drama and Film

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Temple of the Arts Preschool

TOTA Early Childhood Education Campus – Le Petit Gan International Preschool is now open for enrollment

High Holy Days 2021 at the Saban Theatre

We look forward to celebrating with you in our live services at our temple’s home, the SABAN THEATRE.

Encourage your family and friends to join us as we celebrate Judaism through music, art, and dance, and prepare our hearts for this important time of repentance and renewal.

We will still be following safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of everyone. We kindly ask anyone experiencing illness or allergy symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, loss of taste and/or smell, etc. to not attend. Due to the increasing Delta variant cases in the Los Angeles area, we will remain hyper-vigilant for any symptomatic risks, regardless of test results and/or vaccination status.

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Help Our Temple Grow

Our Membership is now open

Join our TOTA family through a variety of memberships designed to match your individual interests and lifestyle.

We will be holding live High Holy Day Services and other wonderful celebrations all throughout the year.
Renew Your Membership Today

Distinguished Speaker Series

– of the Westside –

Sundays at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills!

Join us!
speakersla.com

310.546.6222
Series Packages start at $280. Sold as a series only.

Tickets to individual events are not available.

Combating anti-Semitism

“In my years of experience as a rabbi in southern California, I have found that a number of important actions can be taken to battle, ostracize, and defeat anti-Semitic groups and individuals.

Place the haters on the defensive and take decisive action. Inform those who receive your support and your faith and open your home to build understanding and alliances.”

Read more about insights into this in Rabbi’s new article published here: The Times Of Israel.

Le Petit Gan International Preschool

Class of 2020 – 2021

Congratulations to all our graduates!

 Visit www.lepetitgan.com to learn more about an educational career fueled by curiosity and passion.

 

Torah Talk 07.29.2021 | The Commandments To Bless Food and Love The Stranger
Torah Talk 07.23.2021 | The Sabbath of Comfort and The Holiday of Love
On this Sabbath, a very interesting convergence takes place as we have three major events worth noting: (1) Shabbat Nachamu, It is the first Sabbath after the Black Fast the darkest day on the Hebrew calendar and is therefore known as the Sabbath of Comfort. (2) the Holiday of Love, and (3) the Torah reading’s declaration of our faith, Shema Yisrael - all three center with the theme of love on this special Sabbath. Love is one of the most powerful forces that help unite and bring people together. This Torah portion also brings the message of a loving and compassionate God who wants us to truly treat one another with respect. We hope this message of love fills your life and allows you to comfort people who are going through a time of loss and it allows you to celebrate life in the fullest sense. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 07.15.2021 | In A Moment Of Darkness, A Moment Of Great Hope
“If we were giving a farewell address to the people, what would we want to convey to our people, to our family and loved ones before our death? What kind of message do we want to send?” This week’s Torah Talk opens the portion of the fifth of the Five Books of Moses, the Book of Deuteronomy or Devarim, which contains the final words, the orations of Moses to the children of Israel before his death. Moses shares reminders of what they’ve gone through... from leaving Egypt to wandering in the desert, and everything they’ve experienced upon reaching the promised land and to warn them that before them is either a blessing or a curse, whatever they choose to make of their lives. Staying true to the values of the Torah allows them to grow and inspire others through this mission of bringing the light of the Torah to the world. The 9th of Av, Tisha b'Av also commemorates a very sad day when many tragedies occurred on the same day many years apart. Both Holy Temples were destroyed, and in 1942 came the decree of expulsion where the Jews were banished from Spain. Therefore it was decreed that this would be a day of mourning. In contrast with Yom Kippur known as the white fast, this is known as the black fast because no redemption is seen. However rabbinic legend holds that at the destruction of the Holy temple the spirit of the Messiah was born. In a moment of great darkness, a moment of great hope evolved and lifted people’s spirits. The Rabbi's message is one of hopefulness and belief in the future that no matter how dark things get, there will always be a time of redemption. We can rebuild that spirit in our own home, in our own lives, and in the lives of others whom we touch. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 07.09.2021 | Strength Through Uniting
This week's Torah Talk comes during a period of time in the Jewish calendar known as “the three weeks end on the 9th of Av the dark fast commemorating the destruction of the holy temple”. This is a period of mourning and sadness that begins with the fast of the 17th of the month of Tammuz. The 17th of that Hebrew month commemorates the destruction of the holy temple. What caused the destruction of the temple? It was “causeless hatred''- hating someone for no reason, or for reasons that aren't worthy of hatred. For example, having a different political point of view or perspective or having a different attitude about some aspects of life. We all are aware that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We have to find a way to build bridges of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. If we can connect with one another with kindness, decency, and compassion then our religion will become meaningful, not a source of division but a source of unity which we desperately need. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 07.01.2021 | Striving for Unity in a Time of Division
This week's Torah Talk comes during a period of time in the Jewish calendar known as “the three weeks end on the 9th of Av the dark fast commemorating the destruction of the holy temple”. This is a period of mourning and sadness that begins with the fast of the 17th of the month of Tammuz. The 17th of that Hebrew month commemorates the destruction of the holy temple. What caused the destruction of the temple? It was “causeless hatred''- hating someone for no reason, or for reasons that aren't worthy of hatred. For example, having a different political point of view or perspective or having a different attitude about some aspects of life. We all are aware that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We have to find a way to build bridges of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. If we can connect with one another with kindness, decency, and compassion then our religion will become meaningful, not a source of division but a source of unity which we desperately need. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 6.25.2021 | Being A Source Of Blessing
Ma tovu ohalekha Ya'akov, mishk'notekha Yisra'el “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob; your encampments, O Israel!” The Torah reading shares about a prophet called upon by an enemy clan to curse the Jewish people. Instead, his words were turned into words of blessing upon seeing the Jewish people living in peace and harmony. His famous words, Ma tovu ohalekha Ya'akov, mishk'notekha Yisra'el, grace the entrance of so many synagogues and continue to be part of our liturgy. Cursing has been a part of our society. Most of us desire to curse someone we hate out of sheer jealousy and anger. In doing so, we forget to bless those who surround us and continue to encourage and support us. It’s so easy to fall into a negative mindset instead of a positive one, that we fail to become a source of blessing in our circle. When we are able to put ourselves in a ‘blessing space’, we strengthen our interactions with those around us, and our intention shifts. Now is the time, more than ever, to embrace a more positive mindset and be a source of blessing to help our community live in peace and harmony. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 6.10.2021 | Breaking Free of the Slave Mentality
The Torah portion this week is about a rebellion. It's the portion of Korah who led the rebellion against Moses in the wilderness. The people were constantly murmuring and backsliding against Moses' authority. It eventually erupted in a full-scale rebellion that stemmed from ego. When things happen from a place of ego and jealousy, they can never come to good ends. Moses ultimately had to lead the people and he was undoubtedly attuned to the constant undercurrent of rebellion, murmuring, anger at his leadership, and anger at their situation being in the wilderness. He undoubtedly recognized that they were possessed of what we call a "slave mentality". They were stuck in Egypt- their past. They could never see themselves triumphing or prevailing. Sometimes we get stuck in a habitual pattern of behavior that we are incapable of breaking out of. That was true with the Israelites who were punished and had to wander 40 more years in the wilderness. Let’s not be possessed with a "slave mentality" or be enslaved to anything. Recognize that our true and best self is when we serve others and serve our Creator. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 06.04.2021 | Listening To The Minority Report
This week’s Torah portion of Shlach is the story of the spies, where Moses sends 12 messengers to explore the Land of Israel. Ten of them convinced the people that it would be too difficult to conquer the land. Only two people, Caleb and Joshua, responded with faith and said that with God’s help, they will prevail. They were the minority report. However, due to the majority’s distrust, God responds to their lack of faith by punishing them with 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Today, we are challenged to look at the whole picture, and that includes listening to all voices including the minority report. These are the voices, opinions, and points of view that you might not hear or might be overlooked. This is critical to make intelligent and compassionate decisions to help us move forward in life with utmost understanding. We also learn from this story how important it is to trust God even when circumstances look overwhelming. Ultimately, responding in faith always leads us to the promised land. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 05.27.2021 | The Message Of The Menorah
This week’s Torah portion talks about the magnificent 7-branch golden Menorah, the most ancient historic symbol of Judaism. It carries a powerful message to the people that the light of faith and the light of belief survives, no matter what power is thrown against it. As the Menorah shines its light, so does an internal light and power that we carry within us. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 05.19.2021 | The Blessing Of Peace
This week’s inspirational Torah Talk with Rabbi David Baron includes a special prayer for Israel. We pray for a ceasefire and for peace. Most of all, we also pray for the protection and safety, and welfare of all of God's children. We acknowledge in this request, in this petition prayer, that God watches over and protects the state of Israel, its soldiers, its defense forces, and its people. The Torah reading this Shabbat continues to share many life gems and one of the most important is the way the people were to be blessed. When the priest conferred that blessing, they raised their hands in a triangle and split their fingers - the symbol of the Kohanim. The ancient threefold priestly blessings are: * May God bless you and keep you. * May God's countenance shine upon you and be kind to you. * May God's countenance, His holy presence, radiate and shine upon you and grant you Shalom. It is our mission to allow God's presence and His blessing of peace to reach each and every human being to make their life whole and fulfilled. We hope you take that message to heart and we look forward to you being with us. Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Talk 05.12.2021 | Finding Purpose In The Journey
This Shabbat, we begin reading the fourth of the five books of Moses, with the introduction of the census. The Torah reading is about a series of journeys that the Israelites took, wandering in the wilderness, before reaching the promised land. The journey they took helped to define them as people, for it goes without saying that there were difficulties endured before they emerged united and victorious in their pursuit. Most of us take our own long journey through the wilderness to get to our desired promised land, the place of our personal fulfillment. As a nation, we also have gone through the pandemic and are now emerging from it to get to our promised land. The suffering we have endured is part of the process of our journey to help strengthen our spirit and character. One insightful takeaway from the census story was that they counted each person by half a coin. In life, we can’t do anything with half a coin. We need the other half – we need other people to complete the picture of who we are. We can’t get to the promised land alone, so it’s important that we continue to uplift each other, encourage and support one another as we find purpose in our personal journeys through life. Shabbat Shalom!
Finding Your Way Om | Inspiration For The Soul | Online Series
A webinar of inspired conversation with Rabbi David Baron - Temple of the Arts, Marianne Williamson, Dr. Drew Pinsky and virtuoso violinist, Lili Hadyn. Join us as we explore the Keys to Emergence on how to transcend these challenging feelings of isolation, loneliness, heightened addictions and fragmentation with uplifting solutions for embracing renewed hope and finding that glimmer in light in enhancing the quality of everyday life so that each of us can find our own way OM.
CHANUKAH SERVICE 2020
Dear Friends, I send you greetings and best wishes for the Chanukah holiday! In past years we have been able to come together and celebrate our beautiful tradition of Chanukah as well as spend time with those we love. This year however, we are unable to meet in person and celebrate Chanukah in our temple home, the Saban Theater, due to the rising numbers of Covid cases. This year we will not be holding our in person Chanukah and Shabbat service. In lieu of this, we would like to invite you to spend Hanukkah with us virtually, through our website or simply CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE. As so many are finding prayer to be essential in getting through this difficult time, our gift to you is a collection of meaningful prayers for various occasions. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and light filled Hanukkah. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah
Shabbat Service
12-4-2020
Full Shabbat Service 11-06-20
Full Shabbat Service 11-06-20

Upcoming Events

High Holy Days 2021 | Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Saban Theatre

2021 High Holy Day Services

Temple of the Arts will be hosting LIVE High Holy Day services in the Saban Theatre. Members have the option to attend in person or watch the services via Livestream (both options included with your temple membership).

Temple of the Arts has implemented the following precautions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

· Temperature Checks upon entrance

· Mask Optional (masks available at the door)

· COVID-19 sanitization before each service.

· Please bring your own prayer shawl and yarmulke.

We look forward to celebrating with you in our live services at our temple's home, the SABAN THEATRE.

Encourage your family and friends to join us as we celebrate Judaism through music, art, and dance, and prepare our hearts for this important time of repentance and renewal.

 

TOTA Calendar
View all Events
High Holidays at Temple of the Arts
Rabbi David Baron’s Yom Kippur Sermon 2020 Yom Kippur Sermon 2020
Rabbi David Baron’s Yom Kippur Sermon 2020
Yom Kippur Sermon 2020
Rabbi David Baron's Kol Nidre Sermon 2020
Rabbi David Baron's Kol Nidre Yom Kippur 5781/2020 Sermon at Temple of the Arts.
Concluding Neilah Yom Kippur Services 5781/2020
Watch as Temple of the Arts' Rabbi David Baron, Music Director Sharon Farber, and Cantors Ilysia Pierce and Jordan Bennett conduct the concluding services and the final shofar blast in the Neilah portion of Yom Kippur services for 5781/2020.
Watch video >
Kol Nidre Yom Kippur 5781/2020 Services at Temple of the Arts
Watch and listen to the Kol Nidre "all vows" service that begins Yom Kippur, with Rabbi David Baron and Music Director Sharon Farber leading Cantors Ilysia Pierce and Jordan Bennett through the recitations.
Watch video >
Watch our 5781/2020 Rosh Hashana Service Here
Watch the Rosh Hashana morning services from Saturday, Sept. 19. Join Rabbi Baron, Cantors Ilysia Pierce and Jordan Bennett under Music Director Sharon Farber for a lively welcome to the new year.
Watch video >
Watch a Recording of the 5781/2020 Erev Rosh Hashana Service Here
We've recorded the livestream of our marvelous High Holy Day services from our Saban Theatre sanctuary stage. Click on the arrow to watch Erev Rosh Hashana services from Sept. 18, 2020.
Watch video >

Membership

TOTA has a variety of memberships designed to match your individual interests and lifestyle.

By holding any type of membership here, you are invited to experience the High Holy Days in our beautiful Art Deco temple for no additional cost.  Our magnificent High Holy Day observances feature the soul-warming voices of Cantors Ilysia Pierce and Jordan Bennett, our phenomenal choir, special guest artists, and performers, all guided by Music Director Sharon Farber.

Learn More

About the Temple

Experience Religion Through the Arts

The Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts (TOTA) offers a unique, contemporary approach to engaging with Judaism through music, dance, drama, and film. For nearly 30 years, we have welcomed people of all backgrounds to gather and share values that transcend any religious or cultural boundary. Our congregation believes in the power of art to connect us all — a belief we have spread across the city of Los Angeles and beyond. At TOTA, we harness creativity to explore the past, present, and future of Jewish life. Through magical performances and presentations orchestrated by the visionary Rabbi David Baron, thought leaders of every faith and culture can share their insights with the world. We create original music, art, and meditation prayer books, and host independent films, concerts, and engaging readings, helping our community interpret life and spirituality through the lens of art. When you enter the historic, Art Deco Temple of the Arts, you will discover: – Internationally-recognized authors, singers, musicians, and speakers. – A diverse, educated, and enthusiastic congregation. – Breathtaking architecture and original design. – Exclusive access to theater events and community and temple activities. Experience Temple of the Arts today for an incredible blend of religion, art, and uplifting music.

Celebrate Life Cycle Events At TOTA
Birth
B’nei Mitzvah
Conversion
Marriage
End Of Life
Special Events

OUR RABBI

Rabbi David Baron

A New York Times bestselling author, Rabbi Baron wrote the timeless business ethics and guidance volume “Moses on Management: 50 Leadership Lessons from the Greatest Manager of All Time.” A leader in our community, he believes in the power of art and religion to bring people together.

Rabbi Baron Videos > Rabbi Baron Articles & Messages of Hope >

RABBI BARON HAS REPRESENTED TOTA ON GLOBAL MEDIA OUTLETS

News and Press

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

MAN/KIND Project Distributes 1,000th #CovidKindness Bag to Local Homeless and Other Vulnerable Populations

Temple of the Arts supports www.themankindproject.org in delivering food and meals to those in need. On behalf of TOTA and the Man/Kind project, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all your donations to the Man/Kind COVID-19 #CovidKindness campaign that supplies crucial items to elderly, infirm, homeless and First Responders.

The temple has been crucial to the success of other outreach -- whether it is fighting anti-Semitism, or the new fight that has united us -- the fight against this killer virus.
View Full Article
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Notes From Our Members: Expressing Gratitude for Our High Holy Days Services

From Barbra Night:
"Our family, Errol, Chloe, Leon, and I really enjoyed the services. We figured out how to screen on our huge television so it was even more spectacular to watch. But more importantly even is always that supreme effort you make to ensure that our Temple of the Arts Is the most inspirational and enjoyable experience for each of us. We are truly lucky for your inventive leadership year after year, and on a last note, the music was divine."

From Jim and Darolyn Ross:
"We must congratulate you for the extraordinary efforts that went into making this service such a meaningful event despite the challenges of the COVID virus. While we would have loved to be present as usual, we found the streaming service to be every bit as moving and inspirational as a live event. This, of course, was due to your amazing gifts as well as those of our world class musicians. Please accept our most enthusiastic thanks for making this a Rosh Hashanah to be remembered and cherished."

From Cynthia Berchan:
"As usual, your knowledge and warmth provided us with sustenance for the New Year!"

From One of the Temple's Biggest Fans:
"I wanted to thank you for all your joint efforts and congratulate you on your virtual services.
It was, obviously, not the warm, communal feeling, but it was such a comfort! I read my prayer book and tapped my foot to the music.
Mrs. Baron and the young lady singing were just perfect -- different generations passing the songs forward. Our cantors and music director sounded in great voice. Do thank your colleagues. They all made a difference and I so appreciate it."
NEWSLETTER

Join Us Online for a Prerecorded Shabbat Service

You can join Rabbi David Baron online to observe the Shabbat anywhere that you can access the internet. “We're not here together with one another physically filling our beautiful Temple home, the Saban Theatre, but we're still together emotionally and spiritually,” Rabbi Baron says. “Someone said that somebody you love can be thousands of miles away, but you feel that powerful connection and bond as if they were sitting right next to you.” Watch Rabbi David Baron’s inspiring message from a timeless Shabbat service with Cantor Ilysia Pierce and Music Director Sharon Farber.
Read More

In Sympathy

LYA CORDOBA LATTA

Our condolences go out to the passing of member Lya Cordoba Latta, who was one of the founders of Theater 40.

DAVE ALPERT

We offer our sympathy to the family sustaining member Dave Alpert, husband of Meryl, beloved brother, dad and grandpa.

HARRY MORTON

Our condolences also go out to the family and friends of Harry Morton.

MAX RAMBERG

Our condolences to the family and friends of Max Ramberg.

JOE SMITH

Our sympathy to the family and friends of Joe Smith.

HILARY TISCH

We offer Steve Tisch and family sympathy for the loss of their beloved daughter Hilary.

“May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”

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