fbpx

Putting L.A.’s Jewish culture on the map

Los Angeles, which has an estimated Jewish population of 600,000, is developing the first citywide Jewish history document in California — part of what may be the largest survey of its kind in the world.
[additional-authors]
March 4, 2016

Los Angeles, which has an estimated Jewish population of 600,000, is developing the first citywide Jewish history document in California — part of what may be the largest survey of its kind in the world.

The document will attempt to pinpoint places such as synagogues, restaurants and hospitals that have been vital to the Jews in the city over a period of more than 125 years. It is part of a larger project called SurveyLA, which is being run by Los Angeles’ Office of Historic Resources and backed by a $2.5 million grant from the J. Paul Getty Trust. The multiyear survey will cover the years 1850 to 1980 and identify the historic contexts of other diverse communities throughout the city as well, including the Latino, LGBT, Asian- and African-American populations. 

Research has already begun, but a public kickoff for the Jewish component will take place on March 13 at American Jewish University from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Office of Historic Resources is inviting locals to share personal stories and learn more about the project.

“The meeting is an effort to tap into the collective memory of the Jewish community around the city to help inform the creation of this historic context statement,” said Ken Bernstein, manager at the Office of Historic Resources and principal city planner for the Department of City Planning. “What are some places that still remain important? What are the places that have contributed to the community and the growth of it? We want to hear from a broad cross-section of Jews in L.A.”

Some topics that will be discussed at the kickoff meeting include Jewish spirituality and religion, commerce and business, arts and culture, the entertainment industry and social organizations. The document also will address how the L.A. Jewish population has moved geographically over the years, highlighting areas such as Boyle Heights, Fairfax, the Valley and Pico-Robertson.

“It’s important to fully document the role the Jewish community has played, as well as to make a full effort to document all of those places that have been important to the evolution of the Jewish community in L.A.,” Bernstein said. “We need a tangible collection of L.A. Jewish history.” 

The statement will not only be an in-depth look at the Jewish population here, it also will inform city leaders on how to identify and safeguard specific places in L.A. that the Jewish community finds significant. 

On a broader scale, according to the project’s website (

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Difficult Choices

Jews have always believed in the importance of higher education. Today, with the rise in antisemitism across many college campuses, Jewish high school seniors are facing difficult choices.

All Aboard the Lifeboat

These are excruciating times for Israel, and for the Jewish people.  It is so tempting to succumb to despair. That is why we must keep our eyes open and revel in any blessing we can find.  

More news and opinions than at a
Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.