Lev Eisha services are held on the first Saturday of the month, at 9:30 a.m., from September through June. Our Shabbat service is designed to address the spiritual needs of women. We start with uplifting songs, many based on the psalms, to help bring us into the state of mind to be ready for the traditional prayers. They are lively and enticing--you won't want to miss our opening songs!
At Lev Eisha we have a complete service, following the opening songs of praise with Birchot HaShachar, the morning personal prayers; Psukei D'zimrah, songs of reverence; Shachrit, our central creed (the Shema, the Amidah, and the Torah service (including the Aleinu, and the Mourner's Kaddish)), our closing circle and kiddush. Mostly still singing. And dancing! Lifting our voices, making a joyful noise, and truly celebrating Shabbat.
During the Torah service we'll call whole groups to come up to the Torah. We do the required three readings, but don't specifically follow the triennial cycle. If you'd like to be a Torah reader please contact our Ritual Chair.
We use our own siddur, created specifically for Lev Eisha, which contains the songs and prayers, the Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration.
Lev Eisha is an organization of Adat Shalom, a Conservative synagogue, however, Lev Eisha members and participants come from all affiliations, Reform, Renewal, Reconstructionist, and Orthodox, as well as Conservative. Our members represent the full spectrum of thought and practice. During the Lev Eisha service, there is also a Conservative service in another room, which is often attended by family members of our congregants.
Although Lev Eisha is not specifically "Conservative", while we are on the premises of Adat Shalom we follow Conservative observances of Shabbat out of respect for our parent organization and host. For more information please see the FAQs.
Membership dues go towards paying for the costs of presenting the services. Members receive discounts on classes and events, and can participate in the leadership of Lev Eisha. For more information see this year's membership form, or pick one up when you come to the service. For your convenience, you can now complete the membership process online using your credit card or PayPal account and our online membership form. The membership term runs from July to June; however, memberships received toward the end of the membership year will be counted towards the next year. Contact the Membership Chair for more information.
Cantorial Singer Cindy Paley is one of the founders of the Lev Eisha service. She serves as Music Educator at Valley Beth Shalom.
Mollie Wine is a professional musician and Jewish educator, as well as a beloved member of Lev Eisha, who is often called upon to substitute for Rabbi August or Cindy Paley when either is unavailable. Mollie will sometimes get up and lead singing even when she's just attending the service as a member. Please tell her if you enjoy her participation on those occasions, but please remember that she is not staff, and is there to enjoy a spiritual and joyful Shabbat.
Please feel free to contact the Lev Eisha Board about any of your questions or concerns. You can reach any of the officers by e-mail, either using their first names or titles at leveisha.org, or send your question to Information and it will be routed to the correct person.
If you call the Adat Shalom office at 310.475.4985 the staff will be happy to help to the best of their ability.
Postal mail should be sent to:
Lev Eisha of Adat Shalom
3030 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
