This space will constantly be updated. Keep checking back for additional information, and if you have suggestions for other items to include in this resource guide, please email ryant@jewishjournal.com.
WHERE YOU CAN GO FOR HELP
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24-7 helpline at (800) 272-3900, connecting people with dementia and their caregivers to support groups and education classes. The California Southland chapter is available during normal working hours at (323) 309-8821. alz.org.
AMUDIM ANONYMOUS SUPPORT LINE
Amudim is partnering with multiple organizations and private practice clinicians, including L.A.-based therapists, to offer professional guidance via an anonymous support line available to the public at (888) 726-8346. 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Those who prefer to communicate in writing can do so via email at support@amudim.org. amudim.org.
BACK ENGAGED NOW
Back Engaged Now, a Jewish suicide prevention program, is offering people access to the following resources: Secular psychotherapy at the Southern California Counseling Center at (323) 937-1344; low cost and free Jewish counseling at the Valley Beth Shalom Counseling Center at (818) 784-1414; and the JQ Helpline for the LGBTQ community at (855) 574-4577. Email Jonah Sanderson at jonahsanderson2@aol.com for more information.
BRAD SHERMAN’S OFFICE
San Fernando Valley Congressman Brad Sherman has been holding telephonic town halls about the coronavirus. For upcoming events and resources related to the global outbreak, visit sherman.house.gov.
CALIFORNIA COVID-19 HOTLINES
In an effort to provide reliable, trusted information and support during the
COVID-19 crisis, California has launched a statewide COVID-19 call center. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (833) 422-4255. Covid19.ca.gov/hotline. If you are looking for community services and support, call 211. Older Californians who need someone to talk to, call the statewide Friendship Line, a partnership with the Institute on Aging, at (888) 670-1360.
CHABAD
Chabad, the Jewish outreach organization, is delivering hot Shabbat meals to people need. Chabad of Hancock Park, Chabad of Malibu and Bais Bezalel, a Chabad synagogue in Pico-Robertson, have been organizing the initiative “Home But Not Alone.” To sign up to receive a meal, contact Esther at administration@baisbezalel.org with your name and address. You must reach out by the Tuesday of the week you hope to receive food.
CRITICAL DELIVERY SERVICE
The Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) and L.A. County Board of Supervisors has launched a temporary delivery program, Critical Delivery Service, to deliver food and other vital items to individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. People who are ages 60-and-older, have a permanent or temporary disability or are a dependent adult, ages 18-59, are eligible. Deliverable items are groceries, household products and vital necessities. Recipients permitted four deliveries, or 40-miles worth of deliveries, per month. Deliveries made 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. For more information, call (888) 863-7411 or visit wdacs.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CSD_Fact-Sheet_V.2_Final.pdf
I CAN HELP
Focused on but not exclusively serving the modern Orthodox Pico Robertson community, the I Can Help task force matches those in need with those able to volunteer. The website includes a donation link to an emergency pandemic crisis tzedakah fund, which is distributing funds to people in need under the direction of Rabbi Yonah Bookstein. To request assistance or for additional information, email kavodforeldersla@gmail.com or visit icanhelp.site.
ILOSTMYJOBTOCORONAVIRUS.COM
This free website connects people who are unemployed with immediate job opportunities and resources. Created by siblings Sigal and Gilad Spitzer and Sigal’s husband, Zachary Flamholz, ilmjtcv.com allows people to search for jobs in their industries, create a profile to be viewed by job recruiters and network with other people seeking employment through a chat feature. Try the website at ilmjtcv.com and read more about it here.
JEWISH AGENCY COVID-19 CRISIS LOAN FUND
The Jewish Agency for Israel has launched an interest-free emergency loan fund to support distressed Jewish communities outside North America. For more information about the loan fund, which was launched in partnership with Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-United Jewish Appeal, visit jewishagency.org/communities-loan-fund.
JEWISH FEDERATION OF LOS ANGELES CALL LINE
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has launched a community call line, referring people in need of social services to the appropriate service agencies. Call (323) 761-8305 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, visit jewishla.org.
JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION
For those who have lost wages because they cannot go to work, have accumulated childcare costs because of schools being closed or have lost funds due to cancelled travel plans, Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) is offering emergency loans up to $3,000 to residents of L.A. and Ventura Counties who are U.S. citizens. Must have at least one person who can sign on your loan and guarantee repayment. Must be 18 or over to apply. People of any faith are eligible. For more information, visit jfla.org.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE LA
Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFSLA) is delivering meals to homebound seniors and people with disabilities and maintaining and stocking its SOVA pantries, which are distributing pre-packed bags of groceries to minimize risk to clients and volunteers. According to a JFSLA spokesperson, JFSLA has been delivering over 7,500 meals, weekly, to over 700 individuals, during the pandemic. Call (877) 275-4537. For more information, visit jfsla.org.
JEWISH FUNDERS NETWORK
The Jewish Funders Network, which aims to grow the impact of Jewish philanthropy, holds online events and webinars; provides information on funding opportunities for Jewish groups and offers various resources for nonprofits, parents and educators and others. More at jfncovid19response.org/resource-hub.
JEWISH TOGETHER
Jewish Federations of North America provides information to Jewish nonprofit agencies about how to apply for a government loan. For more information, visit jewishtogether.org, which also features virtual meet-ups, daily videos and additional resources.
KARSH CENTER AT WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE
The Karsh Center’s food pantry is open from 7:30-9:30 a.m. on Sundays. The center is available for any queries Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call (213) 401-4651 or email info@karshcenter.org.
L.A. REGIONAL FOOD BANK
Food bank operations are continuing with no major impact on staff and facilities. If you are in need of food assistance, visit the L.A. Regional Food Bank’s food pantry locator or dial 211.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
If you or someone you know needs free and confidential support during this crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a national network of local crises centers, at 800-273-8255. Counselors who speak English and Spanish are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Los Angeles-based Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services — reported on by the Journal here — is one of the leading members of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is also offering supportive services at this difficult time. Learn more at didihirsch.org.
RESTAURANTS DELIVER: HOME MEALS FOR SENIORS
California is partnering with counties, cities and tribes to provide three nutritious meals a day to older and other adults at high risk from COVID-19 and provide economic stimulus to local businesses and workers. The webpage for the program advises to continue checking the page for additional details. More details here.
SHOPPING HELPERS L.A.
Sisters Kayla Newman, 19, and Leeat Hatzav, 20, have created WhatsApp groups to connect elderly people and the immunocompromised with those who can offer shopping assistance. Serving Pico, La Brea and the Valley. For more information, call (323) 628-7017, email shoppinghelpersla@gmail.com or visit myshla.com.
SECURE COMMUNITY NETWORK
Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, has convened a working group to offer guidelines to Jewish organizations on how to reopen safely. Documents outlining best practices for reopening as well as questions and considerations organizations ought to take into account when reopening are available here.
SINGLE JEWISH MOMS CONNECT
Single Jewish Moms Connect, a project of Chabad’s Bais Chana Women International, offers support to women who are divorced, widowed and single-by-choice and are dealing with the coronavirus. The organization hosts twice-weekly Zoom meetings, connecting women to resources in their communities and launching a program to pair volunteers with mothers to give their children 30 minutes of homework help and other entertainment via video conferencing.
SYNAGOGUE REOPENINGS
The California Department of Public Health has issued guidelines for the reopening of houses of worship and to ensure the safety of those attending services. View the 13-page document, which was released May 25, here.
TED LIEU
California Rep. Ted Lieu, who represents the state’s 33rd district, is available to those who have questions related to COVID-19, about financial relief, unemployment benefits or small business support. For information, call (323) 651-1040 or visit lieu.house.gov/coronavirus.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP OR VOLUNTEER
AMERICAN RED CROSS
There is an ongoing critical need for blood donations due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Red Cross is offering COVID-19 antibody testing for all donations. For more information, visit redcrossblood.org.
CALIFORNIANS FOR ALL
Californians for All is currently identifying unmet volunteer needs. If you have not experienced symptoms related to the coronavirus and want to learn more about how you can help out, visit californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19. Opportunities include supporting food banks, donating blood and delivering meals to seniors in need.
DONATE SUPPLIES
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center welcomes the donation of supplies, including sanitizer, masks, gloves, gowns, face shields and food. Learn more here.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY DONOR GROUP
Entrepreneurs Emily Kane Miller and Elizabeth Faraut’s Emergency Supply Donor Group (ESDG), a sponsored project of Jumpstart Labs, and the Greater Los Angeles Hospital Registry have teamed up to get personal protective equipment and other essential medical supplies to frontline responders. To make a donation to ESDG visit the group’s website, and to see what supplies are needed at hospitals in the L.A. area, visit the Greater L.A. Hospital Registry.
JDC
Global humanitarian organization JDC is providing food, medication, homecare and other forms of aid to vulnerable populations around the world. If you would like to make a financial contribution to these efforts, visit jdc.org/coronavirusupdates.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles has provided advice for philanthropy and lists giving opportunities on its website, jewishfoundationla.org/giving-opportunities.
ISRAAID EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Israeli disaster relief NGO IsraAid is seeking volunteers to help support communities affected by COVID-19. This include picking, packing and shipping goods to support local food distribution services. For more information visit israaid.org/israaid-emergency-volunteer-program.
L.A. EMERGENCY COVID-19 CRISIS FUND
Help support families, healthcare workers, un-housed neighbors and others with a contribution to the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the life of Angelenos. To make a donation, visit mayorsfundla.org/covid19.
PLEDGE TO PROTECT
Jewish nursing homes, hospice care centers, home care and other front-line providers for the elderly are suffering a shortage of PPE – personal protective equipment – including gloves, masks and gowns. The Jewish Federations of North America has launched a fundraising campaign to support the purchase of this equipment for these facilities. As of this writing, the campaign had raised approximately $430,000 of its $3 million goal. A donation of $18 is enough to purchase 27 surgical masks, four N95 masks, four isolation gowns and two boxes of disposable gloves. To learn more or contribute, visit jewishtogether.org/pledgetoprotect.
RESPONDERS FIRST
Launched by Friends of West L.A., the Responders First initiative is providing meals for first-responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department and the West L.A. Police Department and ER heroes from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, while raising funds for local restaurants. Participating restaurants include California Chicken Cafe, Poquito Mas and Jersey Mike’s. To make a contribution and to learn more, visit http://respondersfirst.la.
ONLINE JEWISH ACTIVITIES
Minyans, Shabbat services, book clubs, topical discussions, mediation and yoga are just a few of the dynamic virtual Jewish programs being offered at the following places.
ADAT ARI EL
San Fernando Valley congregation Adat Ari El holds a variety of online programming — including a “Two Rabbis Walk into a Bar” conversation series, regular song sessions and gardening and yoga classes — at adatariel.org/virtualadat.
AJC ADVOCACY ANYWHERE
American Jewish Committee provides online content and programs to inform and engage on global political issues during this challenging period. ajc.org/events/advocacyanywhere.
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF HEBREW UNIVERSITY
Experts at Hebrew University discuss the coronavirus pandemic in a series of videos available at afhu.org.
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
Experts from Tel Aviv University participate in weekly webinars on the coronavirus, discussing their COVID-19 research, how to maintain hope during these times and more. Explore these webinars at aftau.org/webinar-library.
AMERICAN JEWISH UNIVERSITY B’YACHAD TOGETHER
An online portal at American Jewish University features online immersive and experiential learning opportunities delivered via Zoom. aju.edu/byachad-together.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY FOR PEACE
Creative Community for Peace, a nonprofit comprised of entertainment industry professionals who stand against the cultural boycott of Israel, is going virtual. As we continue to follow stay-at-home orders, tune in to the CCFP website for webinars on the Israeli film and television industry in the time of COVID-19, music supervision during this new normal and a virtual performance by musicians David Broza and Mira Awad. More info here.
“ESCAPE TO ISRAEL”
Travel to Israel may be out, but the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angele’ virtual program, “Escape to Israel,” aims to bring Israel to you. Featuring 15 Zoom sessions, over six weeks, highlighting different aspects of the Jewish homeland, this Federation initiative – which kicked off July 7 — includes a live guided tour of an Israeli moshav, a conversation with the co-creator of hit Israeli television show, “Fauda,” and a trip to sites in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The program runs through Aug. 12. To take part, visit jewishla.org/virtual-israel-2020.
FIDF ENGAGE
Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has launched FIDF Engage, a hub of digital events includes falafel cooking classes, Krav Maga workouts and other ways to connect with IDF soldiers. fidf.org/covid19/engage.
HILLEL@HOME
Virtual meet-ups and online gatherings bring together Jewish and Jew-ish students from around the world in real-time. Additionally, Hillel connects students to volunteer opportunities and support resources. More at https://welcome.hillel.org/hillelathome/
HILLEL AT UCLA
Join the Dortort Center for Creativity in the Arts at Hillel at UCLA for online gatherings. To learn more, visit uclahillel.org/upcoming_events.
IAC @ HOME
The Israeli American Council holds English and Hebrew language online events for kids, teens, college students, young professionals, parents and others. https://www.israeliamerican.org/home
INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH SPIRITUALITY
Whether you are a JewBu or are interested in a contemplative spiritual practice, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality (ISJ) is offering a number of free, supportive resources during these pandemic times. ISJ’s current online programs include daily guided meditation, Mondays-Fridays, 9:30-10 a.m. PST; online Jewish yoga, Mondays, 8-8:45 a.m. PST; and weekly Torah study, Tuesdays, 8:45-9:15 PST. Sign up or learn more at jewishspirituality.org.
ISRAEL IN LOS ANGELES
The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles has been holding a series of webinars about issues pertaining to Israel via the initiative, IsraelConnect. To view these webinars and for information on upcoming events, visit the consulate’s Facebook page at facebook.com/IsraelinLA.
JEWISH EMERGENT NETWORK DIGITAL OFFERINGS
Jewish Emergent Network members – Lab/Shul, Romemu, Sixth and I, Mishkan, the Kitchen and IKAR – offer an array of digital experiences for these COVID-19 times. For more information, visit jewishemergentnetwork.org.
JEWISH NATIONAL FUND ON DEMAND
During the course of the pandemic, Jewish National Fund (JNF) has been working to create experiences for people to remain connected with Israel. For upcoming live JNF events, visit this page, which is being updated with new content regularly.
JEW IT AT HOME
More than a dozen synagogues and Jewish organizations are curating online events and resources, including Shabbat services, daily meditation and yoga and book clubs, appropriate for kids, adults and families. jewitathome.com.
JIMENA ONLINE
JIMENA: Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa) offers an array of online learning and engagement opportunities. Along with virtual events, which are being added every week to the organization’s events page or Facebook page, you can also participate in the JIMENA Buddy System, pairing people of all ages with elderly individuals for weekly check-ins via FaceTime, Zoom or over the phone. French, Hebrew, Spanish, Farsi and English speakers needed. Learn more at jimena.org.
“L.A.’ CHAYIM!”
As part of the Jewish American Heritage Month and “L.A.’ Chayim!” exhibit, a July 15 webinar, “Celebrating our Diverse Jewish American Heritage: The Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish Roots of L.A,” features Jewish Journal Publisher and Editor-in-Chief David Suissa, Journal columnist Tabby Refael, Rabbi Daniel Bouskila and L.A. City Councilman David Ryu. If you have questions about how to join this virtual experience, email Terra Zicklin at TZicklin@JewishLA.org.
LOS ANGELES MUSEUM OF THE HOLOCAUST
Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust offers virtual educational resources, including live-streamed events, recorded survivor testimonies and a digital archive. lamoth.org.
OPEN TEMPLE HAPPENINGS
“Still open, now online:” That is the tagline for Venice congregation Open Temple’s virtual programming. From Shabbat Shal(OM) virtual yoga, to “Quarantine Shabbat,” this inclusive community has an online event for you. opentemple.org.
PICO SHUL COMMUNITY
Stay connected with the millennials of Pico Shul. On Monday-Thursday, Pico Shul’s Rabbi Yonah Bookstein leads a Shulchan Aruch (“Code of Jewish Law”) study group at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom, and on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. he leads a recurring meeting via Zoom on Chassidic teachings. Additionally, Happy Minyan’s David Sacks leads online classes, including the Sunday morning “Spiritual Tools For an Outrageous World.” For more information, visit the websites of either Pico Shul or Happy Minyan.
“POLITICS IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS”
Journal contributor and USC politics professor Dan Schnur hosts this weekly webinar, which takes an analytical approach to the biggest stories of the week. Tune in Thursdays at 11 a.m. PST at the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.
RAMAH AT HOME
Ramah Ba-Bayit, or “Ramah at Home,” is a compilation of programs from Ramah camps and Israel programs on Zoom, Facebook Live and more. View these programs here.
SEPHARDIC EDUCATIONAL CENTER
The Sephardic Educational Center (SEC) holds virtual events celebrating Sephardic community and heritage. Learn more on the SEC Facebook page.
SINAI STREAMED
Sinai Temple has shifted its programming to an online platform dubbed “Sinai Streamed.” For more information, visit the Sinai Temple YouTube page or sinaitemple.org.
SKIRBALL AT HOME
While Skirball Cultural Center remains closed, the museum has launched online resources, including a virtual tour of the Jewish deli, book recommendations and more. skirball.org/Skirball-At-Home.
STANDWITHUS CONNECT
Pro-Israel education organization StandWithUs has been holding high-quality, interactive webinars for people of all ages on its Facebook page.
STEPHEN WISE TEMPLE
Stephen Wise Temple provides live-streamed services and events at its website wisela.org.
UCLA Y&S NAZARIAN CENTER FOR ISRAEL STUDIES
The UCLA Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies offers a range of educational programs, including live webinars and recorded content, and promotes the study of modern Israel at UCLA and beyond. For more information, visit international.ucla.edu/israel/home.
VALLEY BETH SHALOM AT HOME
Valley Beth Shalom is offering a variety of online programs, from morning minyans to Torah study at vbs.org.
VIRTUAL SHABBAT COMMUNITY
Hollywood Temple Beth El celebrates Shabbat online in song and study, every Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m.-noon, through April. Click on the Zoom link to join.
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE @ HOME
Pray, play, learn and connect. For more information, visit wbtla.org.
YACHAD ON DEMAND
Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, offers live events, a video library, resources and more. Visit yachad.org/yachadondemand to access these programs.
YICC’S SHABBAT AT HOME
Modern Orthodox congregation Young Israel of Century City offers resources, including Torah portion commentaries, online lessons and more, for celebrating Shabbat at home. yicc.org.
KOSHER FOOD
BIBI’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ
Bibi’s Bakery and Café is open for pickup and delivery only. Customers may order through the bakery and cafe’s website or on the phone. Owner Dan Messinger is updating the menu, which now includes make-your-own pizza kits with tomato sauce, dough and cheese. Normal operating hours may change but are: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 8928 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 246-1788. bibisbakerycafe.com.
GOT KOSHER?
Got Kosher? Bakery and Deli has been open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and is offering pickup and curbside orders, in-house deliveries through its website and online deliveries through DoorDash, Postmates, GrubHub, ChowNow, Uber Eats and Toast.com. The Pico-Robertson restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday, from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Friday, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Got Kosher’s menu includes its pretzel challah and Pareve pastries, the full restaurant items of the adjacent Harissa Restaurant, a weekly revolving international Shabbat menu as well as catering platters of food and pastries and senior meals. 8914 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 858-1920. For more information, visit gotkosher.com.
JEFF’S GOURMET SAUSAGE FACTORY
Operating at modified capacity, Jeff’s Gourmet Sausage Factory is providing carryout orders, curbside pickup and delivery on Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 8930 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 858-8590. Order online at jeffsgourmet.com. The restaurant is also providing customers an opportunity to purchase “A Meal for Heroes,” via its DoorDash menu, for $10. “Meals are being safely delivered everyday to healthcare workers and elderly and disabled community members in need of a good hot meal,” the DoorDash site says.
LA GONDOLA
The Beverly Hills kosher restaurant has reopened for in-house dining for lunch and dinner, allowing 60-percent occupancy. “The vibe is great, and people are ready to eat out,” chef Nir Weinblut says. The restaurant is also open for takeout and deliveries from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fridays and 5-7:30 p.m. Sundays. lagondola.com.
PICO GLATT MART
The glatt kosher market, under Kehilla Supervision, is open for business. 9427 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. For free delivery or curbside pickup, call (310) 785-0904 or email picoglatt@yahoo.com. picoglattmart.com.
SANTA MONICA GLATT KOSHER MARKET
Joe Azizi, co-owner of Santa Monica Glatt Kosher Market, said his market is working with Gourmet Runner, a delivery outsourcing company, to provide groceries to people at home. Service areas include Santa Monica, Venice, La Brea area and Beverly Hills. 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday. 11540 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 473-4435.
SHABBASKET.COM
Enliven your Shabbat with Challah, desert and more delivered to your door, via shabbasket.com. All items certified under OK Supervision. Deliveries available to those in the zip codes of 90034, 90035, 90036, 90211, 90212 and 90019. Deliveries must be placed by 7 p.m. on Thursday. shabbasket.com.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
FACEBOOK GROUPS
Several Facebook groups are responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 including Parnassah Task Force L.A. and Jewish Crisis Response Task Force, providing advice, networking, temporary job or business referrals and information on volunteer opportunities. Learn more about these groups from their public Facebook pages.
LACMA @ HOME
Watch short films, exhibition walk-throughs and documentaries; enjoy online courses, lectures and teaching resources; and browse masterful artworks at lacma.org. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art website has made available these virtual resources and more for free to the public.
ONLINE SHABBAT MATERIAL
Education organization Builders of Jewish Education is curating digital content to help celebrate Shabbat at home. Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Humanistic and interfaith families can view the wealth of material at bjela.org/shabbat-resources.
SHABBAT ALONE, TOGETHER
In the time of COVID-19, OneTable Shabbat is facilitating virtual Shabbat dinner experiences. For additional information, visit onetable.org/shabbatshalone.
VIRTUAL PARTY GAMES
Since in-person social gatherings are temporarily prohibited, try playing party games over Zoom, Google Hangouts or other video conferencing platforms.
CELEBRITIES
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback recently played this Charades-like game over Zoom with a group of old friends from Palo Alto, where he served as a rabbi and educator for 11 years before becoming senior rabbi at Stephen Wise Temple. “You pick the name out and it says, ‘Michelle Obama,’ and you say, ‘The previous First Lady of the U.S.,’ and the person on your team says, ‘Michelle Obama,’” Zweiback said, explaining the rules. He was surprised by how much he enjoyed the virtual experience. “It worked way better than we thought it would. It was really fun.”
MEDITATION CLASSES
Author, teacher and speaker Gilla Nissan leads meditation classes via Zoom. Sun. 10 a.m.-noon, Tues. 7-9 p.m., Wed. 4 p.m., Thurs. 9:45-11:30 a.m. By donation. Zoom meeting ID: 548 712 0394
Headspace and the L.A. County Department of Mental Health have partnered to provide support and resources during this time, including guided meditations available for free on this site.
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