Free Yom Kippur services will be held at Laugh Factory in Hollywood on Saturday, featuring a morning service at 11 a.m. and a Neilah service at 5:30 p.m. After the Neilah service, guests can enjoy lox, cream cheese, and bagels to break the fast. Attendees are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes early to secure a seat.
These services will also be available for streaming on the club’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@TheLaughFactory. Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada noted that while no contributions are accepted for the services, donations can be made to preferred charities.
This marks the 45th consecutive year that Laugh Factory has provided free High Holy Days services. Meanwhile, the JEM Community Center in Beverly Hills will offer a traditional service at 10 a.m., followed by a Yizkor memorial service at about 1 p.m., an afternoon service at 4:45 p.m., and a concluding service at 5:30 p.m., all available at no charge. Registration for the JEM services can be completed at www.jemcommunitycenter.com/events/yom-kippur-services, or more information can be obtained by calling 310-772-0000.
Typically, synagogues require membership and tickets for High Holy Days services. Yom Kippur started at sundown on Friday, with observant Jews engaging in fasting and seeking forgiveness.
In Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur commemorates the day Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the second set of commandments after breaking the first tablets, announcing God’s forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. It is believed that God inscribes righteous individuals in the Book of Life on Rosh Hashana and seals it on Yom Kippur. Consequently, the traditional greeting on Yom Kippur is “Gemar Chatima Tova,” wishing others a “good final sealing” in the Book of Life.
The day’s services commence with Kol Nidre, an ancient prayer meaning “all vows.” The final service is concluded with the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn.
Yom Kippur ends at sundown on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the 10-day period known as the Days of Teshuvah, a time for repentance and reflection. Many Jews observe the fast on Yom Kippur and participate in synagogue services.
Rabbi Noah Farkas, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of the Yizkor prayer, which commemorates those who have passed away. He noted that this year, Yizkor holds significant emotional weight due to the events of the past year.
Rabbi David Baron from the Temple of the Arts highlighted the challenges posed by rising antisemitism and recent events impacting the Jewish community, acknowledging the heightened emotions surrounding this year’s observance of Yom Kippur.