Sephardic Temple Tifereth 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 com - munity has one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the world. Our dynamic clergy, 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 Left to right: Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez, experience first-hand the unique and meaningful Associate Rabbi way in which we celebrate the eternity of Torah Hazan Haim Mizrahi while emphasizing its relevance for our lives in Rabbi Tal Sessler, PhD, Senior Rabbi the 21st century. 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 pro - motes positive relationships in children, instilling self-esteem and confidence while re - specting 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 torah Ou r Talmud Torah provides opportunities for our students to study and learn about the timeless teachings and values of . 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 chil - dren 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, , 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 coun - tries 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 Mau rice 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 com munity. With the addition of members from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria we have became a rich and diverse multiethnic Sephardic com - munity. 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