New Jewish congregation to gather in Calabasas for High Holidays

A new Jewish congregation, Young Israel of Calabasas, will gather for High Holiday services at Bay Laurel Elementary School, 24740 Paseo Primario, Calabasas. According to Dr. Sam Fink, president of the newly-formed Young Israel of Calabasas, "Our congregation was formed to blend the best of Jewish tradition with the modern values and lifestyles that are so central to life in the Conejo and West San Fernando Valleys." The congregation will be led by prominent spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Fischer. Rabbi Fischer is noted for his columns in the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, opinion pieces in the Los Angeles Times and his books on popular Jewish themes. Ordained at Yeshiva University and educated at Columbia University in New York City, Fischer "symbolizes the new congregation’s vision of synthesizing an ancient faith and traditions with the modern world," according to Fink.

"We are committed to Jewish traditions, beliefs and practices," Fischer said. "We believe that the Torah teaches us how a Jew should live, and we study the Bible every week to augment our learning and understanding of God’s expectations." Fischer said that the Young Israel of Calabasas is part of a national group of synagogues, all operating under the umbrella of the National Council of Young Israel.

For more information about participating at the synagogue’s services, arranging for Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah celebrations or attending classes, please call Fischer at (818) 222-9898.