Every Friday, we gather together as a community for rest and re-centering. Some of us drive over an hour to be there, while others walk just a few short blocks.
Whoever you are, wherever you are coming from, and whatever your week was like, we’d love to welcome Shabbat with you.
Join us for a music- and spirit-filled Kabbalat service every Friday at 7:05 PM in person at 1200 N. La Brea or by livestream on YouTube or right here on our site.
Parking & Building Access
Whether traveling by foot or car, enter through the parking lot on Lexington Avenue. Our security officer will open the gate for you. The building is wheelchair accessible. If you have accessibility questions or concerns, please email office@kol-ami.org so we can ensure you have everything you need.
Parking
There are a limited number of parking spots in the lot, which you can enter through Lexington. There is usually ample street parking on our block or in the surrounding blocks.
Public transit
Kol Ami is 1 block north of the La Brea/Santa Monica stop (LA Metro Bus 212) and 1 mile from the Hollywood/Highland station (LA Metro Red Line).
Visiting for the first time?
Kol Ami is a place where you can show up as yourself.
You’re welcome to join us for Shabbat evening services any time you’d like, no RSVP necessary. You don’t do not need to be a member, read Hebrew, or be Jewish to attend (and you won’t be the only one!)
If you want to let us know you’re coming, fill out the short First Time Visitor form below so we can match your vibe and help you feel welcome.
Or, if simply showing up is more your speed, that’s ok too.
You can participate as much or as little as you’d like.
What To Expect
Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat services are a central pillar of Kol Ami. As a Reform congregation, we use the gender-inclusive Mishkahn Tefillah prayer book and encourage equal participation in all aspects of the service and leadership for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Here’s a bit more about what you can expect.
Who attends?
On any Friday night, you might meet someone ages 9 to 90. Most of our congregation are adults. We are a mix of ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, members and non-members, interfaith couples, and people exploring Judaism. Whether you grew up going to Jewish day school, are reconnecting with your Jewishness as an adult, or are brand-new to attending shul, we know there is not just one way to be Jewish (or Jewi-ish).
What should I wear?
Wear what feels respectful and appropriate for you. On Friday nights, most people are in business casual, though some are in jeans. You’ll see people in sports coats and button shirts, dresses, skirts, khakis, jeans, polos, and sometimes a few t-shirts.
People of all gender identities and expressions are welcome, though not required, to wear a kippah/yammulke/or other head covering. We have some available at the synagogue entrance. Some people wear a tallit (prayer shawl) for Saturday morning worship.
What happens during the service?
Kol Ami uses the Reform movement’s Mishkhan Tefilah siddur to guide our Shabbat services. This prayer book uses gender-inclusive language and has the text in English, Hebrew, and transliterated Hebrew (so you can sound it out, even if you can’t read the Hebrew).
Our services blend Hebrew and English. Some members are fluent in Hebrew, others know just enough to get by, while still others don’t speak any Hebrew at all.
Kabbalat Shabbat services at Kol Ami include musical selections, communal prayers and blessings, time for private reflection, and a message from our rabbi or a member of the community. At each service, we say the Mi Shiberach prayer for healing and Mourner’s Kaddish—you’ll be invited to share names of those you are praying for at those times.
During the service, the leaders will let you know what pages to turn to. And if you’re ever in doubt, just lean over and ask your neighbor in a whisper—that’s a time-honored Jewish tradition!
Is there anything after the service?
After the service, we host an oneg (casual after-services gathering) in the lobby with cookies, challah, veggies, wine, and grape juice. Catch up with old friends or make some new ones.
Throughout the year, we have special events after Shabbat services. Check our calendar of events to see if any are coming up soon.
Congregation Kol Ami is a proud participant in J-License. We ethically pay for the royalties for use of the music during our worship services through our J-license and other licensing agencies.
We offer livestreaming of our Friday night Shabbat worship for those who wish to join us but cannot make it in person to our home here in West Hollywood. You can watch here on our website or our Kol Ami YouTube Channel