Jewish Community Center of Venice

We were here for Friday night services and for the wedding today of our friends Debra and Bruce. This is a lovely, haimshe synagogue. It reminds me of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond CA in its unpretentious appeal. The Rabbi, Daniel Krimsky, is warm and funny and the Cantor, Marci Vitcus, has not only a sublimely beautiful voice, but makes real and lovely contact. She remembered my name, which surprised me. The community is friendly and welcoming. The walls of the synagogue are decorated w/​a variety of handmade quilts. It’s an inclusive place.
The wedding was a joy, the marriage of high school sweethearts reunited after 4 decades. The ceremony was traditionally Jewish, w/​Debra circling Bruce seven times under a handmade chupah and broken glass, but included a Buddhist blessing, incorporating their other spiritual practice. It was a pleasure to share that joy, the music, good food afterward, of course, and to meet their extended families and members of their communities from both coasts.

This is such a welcoming community! I love the Rabbi and the Cantor. They are both very spiritual and don’t pass judgement on your beliefs within the Jewish Faith. This center makes me want to go to Temple every Friday night!