IKAR

IKAR is a dynamic, multi-generational community rooted in Los Angeles and reaching globally. Our community was born at the intersection of two foundational questions: how can our Jewish tradition inspire us to live more purposeful and meaningful lives? And who are we called to be in a time of moral crisis? Those questions inspired us to infuse a new spirit into our ancient Jewish teachings and traditions.

In a time of great upheaval and great possibility, we, as a faith community, strive to embody moral courage and spiritual strength, to become first responders to loneliness and alienation, injustice and indifference. Together, we are building a community fueled by Jewish traditions, texts, and audacious dreams, and working to lay the foundation for a society built on love, rooted in justice, and propelled by our moral imagination.

Our Purpose

• To embody a radically welcoming, ever-evolving Jewish community sustained by a true sense of connection and belonging.
• To excavate our vast Jewish tradition, uncovering pathways toward a more meaningful, joyous, and spiritually rich life.
• To bring people together to work toward a more just, curious, and compassionate society that honors the dignity and humanity of every person.

Our Shared Work

JEWISH LIFE

We strive toward the collective flourishing of the Jewish community– in and across the United States, Israel, and the diaspora– fostering new and deeper connections to:

Spiritual Practice – lifting our voices in soulful, heart-driven, musically rich, and ever-evolving prayer and ritual. Torah Learning – uncovering meaning from the wisdom of our sacred tradition. Lifecycles – meeting liminal moments with grace, presence, and imagination.

COMMUNITY

We are committed to deepening relationships and building meaningful connections through a culture that is:

Loving and Supportive – embracing one another with genuine care. Generative and Fluid – honoring a spirit of creativity and experimentation. Diverse and Inclusive – embracing different backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives, and cultivating an environment of genuine curiosity and thoughtful mahloket, respectful disagreement. Generous, Empowering, and Engaging – creating a people-powered community of clergy, board, staff, and volunteer leadership. LEARNING

We see Torah as the inheritance of every Jew, and are dedicated to deepening learning and expanding access to our sacred traditions throughout our community, through all ages and stages.

For Adults: a robust offering of Torah-based learning, including weekly study, multipart seminars, ongoing classes with our rabbis, and opportunities to learn with renowned guest speakers and teachers. For Children and Families: a creative and generative learning environment for kindergarteners thru b’nai mitzvah and teens that strives to help every child connect deeply with their Jewish identity, Torah, and Jewish community, and to live in the light of those values. Our Early Childhood Center (ECC): an exceptional program based on core Jewish values and philosophies inspired by a Reggio Emilia approach, our program aims to nurture gratitude, humility, social responsibility, and joyful Jewish practice among our children, families, and staff. JUSTICE

We are dedicated to working toward a just, peaceful, and loving society. We engage in direct service and advocacy with multi-faith partners. We amplify, platform, and support efforts to strengthen democracy and civic engagement in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Israel, and around the world.

IKAR is committed to cultivating and embodying its mission and values sustainably, inclusively, boldly, and creatively.