During this year’s Yom Kippur services at the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, Rabbi David Baron will introduce examples of heroism and decency in the face of barbarism.
On September 16 from 2p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, Dr. Hillel Newman, Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles will discuss the failed state of Lebanon and Hezbollah missiles; The Abraham Accords, a series of treaties normalizing diplomatic relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, facilitated by the U.S., and the state of the COVID-19 response in Israel.
Masih Alinejad, a renowned Iranian-American Journalist, Television Presenter, Women’s Rights Activist and Best-Selling Author, will tell her courageous story of standing up for women in Iran facing the tyranny of mullahs.
Mona Golabek, a Grammy Award-nominated Recording Artist, Concert Pianist, Author and Creator of the Stage Show, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, will share her story of her mother’s survival during the Holocaust through music.
Joe Buchanan, Country Music composer, singer and guitarist from Houston, Texas will talk about his conversion to Judaism and perform his original music, which is influenced by the Torah.
Services will commence on September 15, (5782), the Eve of Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) at The Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 90211 at 8p.m. and continue on September 16 (5782), starting at 10 a.m.
Rabbi Baron said, “My guests have incredible stories of perseverance and resilience. Each of their stories exemplifies the strength of the human spirit, which can serve as examples to enlighten all of us. At this season of repentance and introspection, it is of vital importance to bring awareness globally. We can learn important life lessons from these inspirational and motivational messages.”
The services will feature cantors, Ilysia J. Pierce and Jordan Bennett, led by the temple’s Music Director, Sharon Farber. Instrumentalists will include: Murray Middleman, Clarinet, Flute and Saxophone; Alexander Kalman, Violin; Dimitry Olevsky, Violin; Garik Terzian, Cello and Liesl Erman, Harp.
Service readers and performers will include Mary Hart, of Entertainment Tonight; Chloe Tucker, Actress and Singer, “Junk,” “Mamma Mia!” tour; Jim Moret, chief correspondent Inside Edition; Bernard Hiller, renowned acting teacher, Adrienne Baron, vocalist and 10-year-old singer Eden Kontesz.
In accordance with the Center for Disease Control, the Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre will be following guidelines currently in place at that time. There will be electrostatic deep cleaning and COVID sanitation of the sanctuary between services, temperatures will be checked at the door upon arrival at all services, and face masks will be available at all High Holy Day services. For those who are unable to attend live services at the temple, services will be live streamed online at www.templelivestream.com
The City of Beverly Hills will waive parking restrictions on both sides of Hamilton, Gale and Tower drives, between Wilshire Boulevard and Gregory Way, and between Hamilton Drive and La Cienega Boulevard on the North side of the street. Additional parking is available at numerous nearby lots and garages.
High Holy Day Tickets start at $400. Young Adult memberships for ages 18 to 40 are available for a donation of $150. Virtual memberships are available for $100. Children’s services, led by Karen Abrams, will be held on the morning of Yom Kippur on Thursday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. For more information about tickets for the High Holy Day Services, please call the temple at 323-658-9100 or log on to www.bhtota.org