Temple Beth Israel of Highland Park and Eagle Rock: The Sweetest Little Shul East of La Brea

We visited this charming synagogue on a sunny Saturday morning. This ‘gogue, around since 1929, is nestled in the residential area of Highland Park. If you’re not averse to commerce on Shabbat, you can drop off your whites at the lavandería, eat a homemade taco, and pick up a dress for your quinceañera on the way. This sweet little shul is surrounded by palm trees and native Californian plants, and the door is left open during services so you can enjoy the view of the rolling hills, along with the chirping birds and occasionally, a barking dog or two.

This synagogue’s dark wood interior and beautiful stained glass windows create a warm and intimate environment. Speaking of intimate, we’ve never visited a friendlier Sabbath crowd. As a visitor, expect a personal tour, an enthusiastic handshake after every aliyah, and an invitation to join the rabbi on the bimah the following week. As much as we would have loved to grace the stage, we politely declined given our rigorous Shabbat schedule.

Like the good Type A-ers that we are, we arrived at ten on the dot only to quickly realize that these congregants are a laidback bunch. Folks rolled in throughout the morning and had no problem carrying on lively conversations during the service (especially with us...we felt like Shabbat celebs!). There was an impromptu question and answer sesh during the Torah service, spurred by the oldest and cutest little mensch we’ve ever seen. If you’re not spending your Saturdays with senior citizens, then you’re not living.

A few logistical notes: If the last time that you brushed up on your Hebrew skills was 7th grade, you might get a little tripped up during the service. We sure did. Also, BYOT: don’t forget your tallis, y’all. The latest in prayer shawl fashion was the topic of many a mid-service conversation. Plan on davening until around 12:30, and if you can’t stay for the Kiddush lunch afterwards, be prepared for a serious dose of Jewish guilt.  We had to hit it to get to our respective book club meeting and Bollywood aerobics class, but we wish we could have stayed.

If you’re a lonely Jew in LA, this shul is the fast track to community. You’ll be instantly loved. Oh, and don’t forget to become their Facebook friend... something tells us they’ll be checking!

Chai-lights
1. Serious ‘gogue pride
2. Historic value, a rarity in LA
3. Proximity to tacos

Kvetches
1. A little intense if you prefer anonymity on the Sabbath
2. Yet again, a geriatric crowd. Surprise, surprise.
3. Two words: Tallis. Envy.

Total Bagels:  Four out of five