The Breed Street Shul, which housed the Congregation Talmud Torah, has quite an interesting and significant history.
Located at 247 North Breed Street in the Boyle Heights district on the Los Angeles River’s east bank, he Breed Street Shul served a once thriving Jewish neighborhood in Boyle Heights that has since become predominately a Latino community.
The property on Breed Street was purchased after 1910. In 1915, Beth Hamedrash was built on the back of the property. Construction on the shul itself began in 1920 and it was dedicated in 1923. The large building is constructed of brick and the interior fixtures are polished wood.
The Breed Street Shul served as the focal point of the neighborhood that was the heart and soul of the Los Angeles Jewish community. Even if you have never been to Los Angeles, you might very well have seen the shul. Both the 1927 original and the 1980 remake of “The Jazz Singer” featured the Breed Street Shul.
The Breed Street Shul was, at one time, one of the largest synagogues on the West Coast and home to the largest Orthodox congregation west of Chicago.
After World War II, The Jewish presence in Boyle Heights began to diminish as the area became more of an industrial area. An influx of other cultures resulted in young Jewish men returning from military duty during the war to use their VA loans to move to other areas. This resulted in the shrinkage of the congregation at the shul.
In 1987, the Whittier Narrows earthquake caused damage to the building. After that, the Breed Street Shul was only used intermittently until it was finally abandoned in 1996. Shortly after that, there were attempts to renovate the building. The Jewish Historical Society of Southern California took over the project in 1999 and set up the Breed Street Shul Project as a nonprofit organization to oversee the renovation.
The project was not only to preserve an historical Jewish site but to also serve the current community as a community center. To this end, several Latino organizations and the J. Paul Getty Museum worked with the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California to clean up and refurbish the building.
By the time the renovation project really got under way, there was a large hole in the ceiling, the inside walls were covered with graffiti and a razor wire topped fence surrounded the building. Many living in the area did not even have an idea of what the building was.
Young Latinos from the Imaginando Manana program (translation: Imagining Tomorrow) of Impacto worked on the clean up. In addition to learning the Jewish history of their neighborhood, the youths also learned tolerance and respect for other cultures. The youths were helped by Impacto Director Christine Sanchez to understand and care about the need to renovate the shul by having them imagine how they would feel if it were a site of significance to them.
During the clean up, Sunday clean up events became very popular with, not only the youths, but the community at large. They were advertised and well attended. Participating in the project served to strengthen community bonds and formed a bond with the Jewish heritage of the neighborhood.
Directing the youths from Impacto in the clean up were JHS President, Stephen Sass and Robert Chattel Brent Riemer of Chattel Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Inc. The specialty of Chattel’s company is historical preservation. Chattel also served as vice president of JHS. He lent his building expertise to the renovation project.
In view of plans to make the site a community center, he is quoted as saying, “This building should continue to be a place of congregation.” Among the ideas for merging service to the current community and preserving the site’s Jewish history is a computer lab with displays depicting the history of the site as a Jewish legacy.
With the dedication and input of the leadership of the JHS and local organizations, the renovation of the Breed Street Shul will not only serve as an historical preservation and community center, it will also advance to tolerance and understanding between two cultures. The very nature of this project exemplifies the truest essence of Jewish tradition of serving the community, whether it is Jewish or not.
Los Angeles, California, is one of several U.S. cities, along with New York City and Chicago, to enjoy the designation of “alpha world city”, a concept developed at England’s Loughborough University to identify strategic geographical locations that play an important role in the ongoing process of globalization. Essentially a 12-point scale, the Loughborough system divides the world’s leading cities into three categories: alpha, beta or gamma, depending on whether and to what extent the city in question satisfies a dozen general criteria.
With twelve points each, New York City, London and Tokyo are the undisputed point leaders in what is really a two-tier classification system within the overall “alpha world city” category. Within the alpha group, Los Angeles is a second tier designate that meets ten of the twelve characteristics ascribed by Loughborough University to the world’s leading cities.
Name recognition is at the top of the list of characteristics every alpha world city must have. In the world of alpha cities, the mere mention of a city’s name transcends any and all geographical boundaries. Consider the fact that many cities around the world share the same name. However, there is universal agreement that a reference to Paris, London or New York, for example, automatically refers to one and only one specific city in France, the United Kingdom or the United States, respectively. Much the same is true of Los Angeles, also universally recognized simply as “L.A.”, the bustling economic and cultural center on the U.S. West Coast.
Here’s a look at several other characteristics on the Loughborough University list that help qualify the City of Los Angeles as an alpha world city:
- An alpha world city has a substantial population. According to 2006 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, L.A.’s population is 3.8 million, making it the largest city in California and the second largest city in the United States after New York City.
- An alpha world city is a transportation nexus, usually with an important international airport used as a hub by a number of international air carriers. Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the world’s fifth busiest commercial airport. LAX serves nearly ninety domestic and seventy international destinations and is considered a gateway to destinations throughout Asia and Oceania.
- An alpha world city is also a cultural nexus. As the focal point of America’s television and movie industry, film and TV studios in Los Angeles produce world-class entertainment seen both domestically and abroad.
These are only three of a dozen characteristics that define an alpha world city according to the Loughborough University scale. Los Angeles scores ten of twelve points on this scale, making it one of the planet’s most influential and important cities.
Wide screen edition of the New Year’s eve party dancing pictures with beautiful music. Music for this video is recorded with the original spanish version of Historia de un amor, Chinese version is called 我的心裏只有你沒有他.
Welcome to Los Angeles (you can call it the city of Angels) or L.A., the city which always welcomes you with open arms. Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by Hispanic settlers from Mexico, yet it was not incorporated as a municipality until April 4, 1850′five months before California achieved statehood. It is the county seat of Los Angeles County.
The City of Los Angeles is the most populous city in the state of California and the second-most populous in the United States. It is an alpha world city having a population of approximately 4 million people and spanning 498 square miles. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Los Angeles metropolitan area has a total area of 4,850 square miles and is home to roughly 13 million people.
The city area, recognized by its expansive urban terrain, is one of the world’s most important centers of culture, science, technology, international trade, and higher education, and is home to numerous world-renowned institutions in a broad range of professional and cultural fields.
The city and its immediate surrounding vicinity leads the world in producing popular entertainment such as motion pictures, television, and recorded musicwhich forms the base of its international fame and global status.
As a visitor you will find the tour to LA never ending with so many places to visit. It has a vast historical background as well as a renewed edge for technical advancements in the form of numerous theme parks, Science Centers like the Griffith Observatory, night clubs and various museums to match the tastes of the connoisseurs. That’s not all the city offers many innovative tours and themed recreations for its visitors.
This city is flooded with a great number of quality hotels and motels, so if you are planning to visit LA staying in a motel won’t be a problem. Just make the reservations online or by calling the Motels helpline and be assured for a warm welcome when you reach your destination.
If you are a budget traveler LA has many cheap or discount Motels for your convenience. The cheap or discount motels provide a good quality features like Air conditioning, Non smoking rooms, shared or private baths, Refrigerator, Telephone, Television, Microwave oven, Maid Service, shuttle service etc. The price range for such motels starts from $60 and upwards.
If you are planning to spend more money, check for additional features like swimming pool, spa, health club, restaurant etc. These are available in a price structure of $140 and above.
Some of the recommended Motels in the city are Super 8 Motel, Motel 6 Los Angeles LAX, Econo Lodge, Farmer’s Daughter, The Standard Downtown, Safari Inn etc. While traveling to LA you should be well aware that it is quite a tourist attraction which draws thousands of tourists each year. It is therefore really essential to make prior reservations in order to avoid last minute hassles which are bound to happen if you make reservations on the last minute and have a great time during your stay.
Wide screen edition of the New Year’s eve party dancing pictures with beautiful music. Music for this video is recorded with the original spanish version of Historia de un amor, Chinese version is called 我的心裏只有你沒有他.
There are many distinct communities in LA, each retaining the richness of their native cultures yet assimilating into the culture of the United States.
No community exemplifies this more than the Russian community in Los Angeles. It also holds the distinction of being one of the five largest Russian communities in the U.S. and is the largest to be found on the West Coast. Its population is in the neighborhood of 600,000.
The love of their language is evident in the Russian language publications in print media and in the online presence they have. A quick search in Google for Russian community in LA will turn up a wealth of Russian language editions of LA directories, services and Russian culture websites.
In checking some of these websites and print publications, it is clear that Russian culture and traditions are loved and appreciated very much.
There are nearly always some type of event taking place that showcases the best that the Russian community has to offer, such as concerts of traditional folk music and contemporary Russian music, dancing, etc.
Anyone who appreciates the culture and traditions of other countries would very much enjoy taking part in these offerings.
Though they keep their cultural traditions, that doesn’t mean they isolate themselves from everyday American life. Quite the opposite. The Russian community has shown without a doubt that it is possible to have it both ways.
Many Russian-Americans are movers in the corporate world and many others own local businesses that are very successful, not only for members of the community but for Los Angeles at large.
Russian cuisine restaurants abound as do retail shops and businesses offering services of almost every kind. There are even businesses specifically operated to assist newer immigrants adjust to their new life in America and ensure they have all the necessary documents to work, find housing and anything else they have need of. Services are offered to help new businesses get started in the community.
One industry where the Russian community has really made its mark is in the entertainment industry. Many well know people in show business either immigrated themselves or are the children of Russian immigrants.
Michael Chekhov, the nephew of the famous Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov came to Los Angeles from Moscow. Mike Mazurki came to the United States with his parents in 1915 and had an acting career that lasted 60 years. Who can forget the legendary stars Eddie Cantor and Al Jolson?
Others, some of whom may surprise you, include people of more recent fame as well as those of a more vintage fame. There are Leonard Nimoy, Ed Asner, Walter Matthau, Leon Ames, Sylvia Sydney, Karl Malden, Phil Silvers, Natalie Wood, Laurence Harvey, Yul Brynner, Gregory Peck, Harrison Ford, Kirk Douglas, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
The actors listed above are well known but far from the only Russian-Americans in the show business industry. There are also producers, directors, scriptwriters, and many other professions critical to show business.
There is quite a diversity of religion within the community as well. There are Russian Orthodox Christians, Russian Jews, Muslims, Secularists and many more. With the diversity that exists within the Russian community of LA, it would seem that it is a melting pot within the melting pot of the U.S.
We invite you to visit our online Russian community directory, and get more information about this rich cultural experience, get involved, and take advantage of our resources available. Visit Los Angeles Russian business directory at: Los Angeles Russian Pages
Whitley Kros Fall 2008 Fashion Week Los Angeles Opening Night Press Coverage by Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Credentialed TV Broadcaster Santa Barbara Arts TV by Producer/Director Cliff Baldridge at Smashbox Studios. Cliff’s Clothes Provided by Pharaon Pharaonwear.com of France
Los Angeles is considered the largest city in the state of California and the second largest in the United States. Being rated as an alpha world city, it has an estimated population of 3.8 million. It is referred to as the seat of Los Angeles County.
As the most populous and most diverse county in the United States, it has one of the world’s most prominent centers of culture, technology, media, business, international trade. It also heads the world in producing popular entertainment — such as motion picture, television, video, games and recorded music — which forms the base of its international fame and global status.
Given the diverse culture of its people and fast-paced economy, misunderstandings will usually occur. Problems on the job, business establishments and company set-ups or construction sites will normally ensue as well as liabilities on personal injuries, products and medical practice.
When any of these liabilities is pursued, Los Angeles has the finest and skilled lawyers on any of said fields. Los Angeles lawyers are among the top caliber lawyers in the world.
Los Angeles Social Security Lawyers
Los Angeles has its Social Security lawyers who can evaluate your claim under the program.
Reaching a good decision in your every retirement dilemma or disability claim pursuit is best addressed when a Social Security lawyer is at your side. He/She will provide you of the itemized information about the benefits provided under Social Security. He/She will emphasize important points that may be beneficial for you in the future.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers
Los Angeles has one of the busiest major streets and highways, airways and waters. Every day innocent motorists, bystanders and passengers are injured or killed by negligent or hostile drivers or defective machineries. In fact, an alarming percentage of accidents results in personal injuries. These also include medical malpractice cases.
The rate of accident causing injury in California is highly prevalent due to its growing population. In case of personal injuries, the place prides itself of effective lawyers who can assist you in your claim against the offending party.
Los Angeles Employment Lawyers
Being one of the centers of businesses in the world, employment suits will exist. The claims range from pre-employment, harassment, underpayment, overtime, discrimination, minimum wage, holiday pay and other employment related claims.
Discrimination is one of the most common employment claim against an employer. Los Angeles has competent discrimination lawyers to help you in your situation.
Los Angeles Corporate Lawyers
Corporate lawyers in Los Angeles will guide you through the complex maze of securities rules and regulations as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and help you navigate complex compliance issues.
They are the ones who can fully understand corporate laws designed to protect shareholders and investors.
They will help you prepare quarterly, yearly and other filings and provide expert counsel in matters relating general corporate governance and establishment.
Whatever problem you faced in Los Angeles, the place has expert professionals who are more than willing to help you with your situation. Rest assured that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge to assist you in your legal battles.
We all know that the sky is the limit when it comes to entertainment opportunities in Los Angeles. The high demand for musical events and the abundant supply of musicians and bands make LA one of the best places where to look for great wedding music in Los Angeles. Due to its close proximity to Hollywood, LA is one of the best targets for musicians from all over the world. Consequently, this city’s great diversity makes it almost impossible not to find something that will perfectly fit into your event. When it comes to weddings, people tend to preserve the traditions within their culture, which implies a certain style of music for a certain event. Also, each culture follows a certain ritual when it comes to weddings, so a good place to start your journey in finding the perfect band for your wedding is to establish what parts your wedding is made of and where would you need a band. Regardless of the ethnicity, the culture, or the age group of the people that attend your wedding, the artists that serve this great metropolis will provide you with the perfect wedding music.
Los Angeles wedding band members are usually very knowledgeable about the characteristics of the market they serve and adjust their repertoire based on the particularities of each and every wedding. There is no such thing as two identical weddings and the Los Angeles wedding bands know it very well. They will work with event planners, wedding coordinators, brides and grooms, and everyone else involved in the planning process to make sure that the celebration will be an absolute success, to the smallest detail. Everyone knows that the music is the salt and pepper of a wedding and everyone gets a little bit nervous when the time comes to take care of that task on the list. The countless challenges that a wedding band Los Angeles based has to face in order to survive in this highly competitive market force the musicians to permanently adjust their practice in order to meet the needs of such demanding clientele. With an extensive experience in the musical world, a professional Los Angeles wedding band will easily tailor its performance to match the atmosphere of any kind of ceremony or reception, even if more than one type of music is required for the same event.
The large exposure to the musical arena that the residents of LA have, has altered these people’s tastes and made them more sophisticated and demanding when it comes to ceremony and reception music in Los Angeles. The abundant offer and competition in this particular market gave them power but, at the same time, made them more vulnerable. The variety of styles and the multitude of choices are immense and choosing a Los Angeles wedding band can become an overwhelming experience. The idea of having many choices available at your finger tip is quite a tempting scenario, but making the actual decision may prove not to be as fun as it seemed to be at the beginning. You may even end up completely disoriented and realizing that you don’t know what music you actually want.
This is possible because the extended practice and experience of professional wedding musicians gives them the ability to play almost any kind of music style one can imagine. Famous wedding violin players usually do not limit their experience to only violin music for weddings; they play violin in any band and for any occasion, this making them familiar with various music styles. Over time they also develop an extra sense for perceiving the audience’s dynamics and adjusting their performance accordingly, which will prove very useful in moments when the music is the only one that could save something that wanted to be an extraordinary event but it is about to turn into something boring. We all know that most of the times, the music is the one that makes an event and wedding musicians are very well aware of this.
I have recently attended a wedding where the music was provided by a string quartet and a small band. The string quartet was made of two violins, one cello, and one double base. I know; when people think of a violin, they usually picture a concert hall where unless you are into the classical music, you will soon fall asleep. This was not the case here. This string quartet put together a beautiful repertoire for this wedding, and created a very romantic atmosphere with their beautiful, timeless music for the wedding ceremony, including prelude, processional, candle lighting, readings and recessional. Then, they added drums to this string quartet, and seamlessly and smoothly created a transition from the ceremony into the reception, performing swing, jazz, tango, Latin, and Celtic music. They included all pop classics or everyone’s favorite movie themes! It was unbelievable! I have learned that the violin is a magic instrument! All my life I limited the life of the violin to the classical world, but this wedding opened my eyes. A violin can be used for elegant solo violin music for wedding ceremonies; jazz, swing, tango, latin, and bossa novas for cocktail hours and dinner parties; as well as fiddle music, funk, rock, blues, latin, ska, celtic, and dance music for receptions, holiday parties, and corporate events.
The wedding musicians from a violin ensemble can usually feature solo, duo, and trio combinations, according to your event’s needs. Even if you require different types of music for more than one event in the same celebration, famous violin players for weddings usually play the violin in any band and are able to tailor their musical performance to fit the mood, the atmosphere, and the nature of the ceremony you have. If you want a classical touch to your wedding ceremony you will be using a solo violinist for weddings. This way, the actual ceremony will be just the beginning of a charming evening that the guests won’t soon forget. Following the ceremony, the violin ensemble can transform itself into a violin string quartet for receptions, bringing a touch of class to your after party. Then, with some drums and other exotic instruments such as a mandolin, or a flute, or an electric guitar, the band will invite you to an unforgetable night of joy, dance, and good disposition.
