Southern Californians observing Rosh Hashana, the two-day Jewish New Year for the year 5787 on the Hebrew calendar, will find several free services available starting at sundown Friday. These community gatherings are set to take place across the region, from Hollywood to Redondo Beach, with law enforcement and private security augmenting patrols.
For its 46th year, the Laugh Factory Hollywood will once again open its doors for free High Holiday services, with a Rosh Hashana morning service scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday. Jamie Masada, owner of the Laugh Factory, emphasized the community aspect of the services in a statement. He noted that in a time when “People around the world are facing the threat of war, severe economic challenges, and a growing sense of isolation and division,” these services aim to unite people “to pray with one voice for hope, healing, and peace.” He described these as “values that can inspire and uplift us all.”
The Chai Center will also host services, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by a 10 a.m. service Saturday, with the traditional shofar blowing set for noon Saturday. These events will take place at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Chai Center plans a free New Year’s Eve singles party, featuring an open bar and specialty drinks, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Friday. The Chai Center describes itself as “a very nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Jewish community of Greater Los Angeles,” offering events like “Dinner for 60 Strangers” and classes, alongside singles parties welcoming “Conservative, Reform, non-affiliates and any Jew that moves.”
For those seeking a more secular observance, the Sholem Community will host Rosh Hashana in the Park at 11 a.m. Saturday at Barbecue Area 2 at Clover Park in Santa Monica. This event is designed to draw from Jewish history, folk traditions, contemporary readings, and social justice themes, according to Sholem. The community describes its celebration as family friendly and “perfect for interfaith families and those seeking cultural Jewish celebration without religious requirements.” Attendees are asked to bring their own picnic lunch, a dessert to share, and blankets or chairs. Traditional apples, honey, and challah will be provided. The Sholem Community identifies as “a secular and progressive Jewish educational, cultural, and social institution.”
Beyond these specific venues, a range of other free services will be held at various Chabad locations throughout Los Angeles County, the JEM Community Center in Beverly Hills, and the Jewish Community Center in Redondo Beach. This widespread availability contrasts with most congregations, which typically require membership and tickets for High Holy Days services.
Rosh Hashana marks a significant time for Jewish communities to gather with family and friends, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new one. Celebrants traditionally partake in festive meals that often include apples dipped in honey, a symbolic gesture wishing for a sweet year. This holiday initiates the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of repentance and contemplation, which concludes with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement—considered Judaism’s most solemn and somber day. During these High Holy Days, Jewish tradition holds that God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year into the Book of Life, which is sealed at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
As is customary, law enforcement agencies will conduct increased patrols around Jewish institutions during the High Holy Days services, supplemented by private security. In his Rosh Hashana message, President Donald Trump remarked that “The Jewish community around the world marks the anniversary of when the Almighty created Adam and Eve and the story of humanity began. These two days open a solemn season of prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for Yom Kippur.” He also added that his administration “reaffirms our steadfast commitment to ushering in a historic renewal of faith across our country, eliminating the scourge of antisemitism and defending the sacred right of religious liberty for every single American.”
