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| Kahal History |
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Kahal's History
It all began in the early 1920's, when Jews of Iraqi ancestry began settling in
Los Angeles. Among them was Rabbi Yehoshua Yitzhak, Z"L, a religious
functionary, and his wife. He served as Mohel, Shohet, and Hazan to the nucleus
of Sephardim until his death in 1937. Soon after, his brother-in-law, Rabbi
Moshe Masliah arrived from Baghdad and Surabaya (Netherlands, East Indies), to
serve the small but growing community. Rabbi Masliah had the distinction of
having been a pupil of the Ben Ish Hai, Hacham, Yosef Hayim, and one of his
disciples. He was sought after also as a Darshan.
Due to meager material resources and elusive unity, the Baghdadi Jews did not
officially incorporate as a congregation in Los Angeles until June 6, 1959.
Interestingly, the three signers of the application hailed from different
oriental countries: David Haimoff (Bukhara); Azriel Cohen (Syria), and Abraham
Isaac (Baghdad). For many years this congregation lead a nomadic existence,
having services only during the Yamim Noraim, each time renting a different
hall. By the end of 1967, leading members decided that the time had come to
search for a permanent building in a central location. A school building at
1520 South Robertson Boulevard was bought, and after extensive remodeling, Kahal
Joseph held open house on May 19, 1968. Thus began regular Shabbat services,
soon followed by the many other activities associated with a vibrant
congregation.
Shortly thereafter, Los Angeles saw an increased influx of Sephardim from the
farthest corners of the Orient India, Indonesia, Singapore, Burma, and many
others. They were soon followed by Sephardim from Australia and England who,
though economically comfortable, sought to improve their lifestyle even further.
Language posed no problem, all spoke English. Before long, those who had
established themselves in business succeeded, and Sephardic names appeared on
the letterheads of private nursery schools, the fashion industry, Carpeterias,
and more. The younger generation soon entered the professions of medicine, law
and architecture. When immigration to Los Angeles reached mass proportions,
many Sephardim became realtors and insurance brokers.
Since its founding in 1959, Kahal Joseph has made amazing progress. Among some
120 Jewish congregations of various persuasions in the Los Angeles area, our
congregation ranks as a leader. We pride ourselves on being the only one
following the Baghdadi minhag in the Western United States. Yet, it also
represents one of the most diverse groups, as members come from no less than
twelve different countries. However, they all share a common denominator: their
faith and their heritage, the same Hebrew pronunciation, and common customs.
Around the year 1975, some 160 families were affiliated with Kahal Joseph.
Before long, we had outgrown our Robertson facility, and in May of 1977,
acquired the building we now occupy, at 10505 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los
Angeles. Because of its desirable location in the Westwood area, many Sephardim
living in that neighborhood were attracted to the beautiful sanctuary. Our
membership increased steadily, now including many young Sephardic families from
all over the world, and even a sprinkling of Ashkenazim who like the homey
atmosphere of our Synagogue.
Since the institution of regular services, Kahal Joseph was served by Rabbi
Elias Levi, Z"L, who was a native of Baghdad. He was the first Sephardic Rabbi
ordained and graduated from Yeshiva University in New York. In 1983, Rabbi
Moises Benzaquen was invited to share rabbinic responsibilities with Rabbi Levi.
By then our membership had grown to 220 families. Rabbi Benzaquen became the Rabbi of Kahal Joseph, when Rabbi Levi, Z"L, went to his
eternal reward. Rabbi Benzaquen served the Congregation from 1987 to 1996, and was followed by Rabbi Hillel Benchimol who served as the Rabbi from 1996 to 2001. In August 2002 Rabbi Haim Ovadia moved to Los Angeles to become the Rabbi and spiritual leader of Kahal Joseph. Rabbi Ovadia is the great grandson of Rabbi Yehuda Fetaya, a great Iraqi Rabbi who studied with the Ben Ish Hai, Hacham Yosef Hayim.
Ever since its early days of existence, Kahal Joseph has been blessed with the
creative and energetic presence of Hazan Sassoon Ezra from Calcutta, India. He
not only arouses nostalgia with his strong traditional rendition of our prayers,
but he has also been serving Kahal Joseph faithfully in all aspects of its
administration.
No congregation has ever succeeded without a vibrant, hard-working Sisterhood
and the one at Kahal Joseph has always been supportive of each of the
Synagogue's activities, playing a major role in its fund-raising drives,
aesthetic improvements, and social functions. Their emphasis is on providing
enjoyable and meaningful programs for the children. Celebrations for Purim,
Simhat Torah, and Hanukkah always attract record crowds of all ages. Efficient
and talented, they swing into action for the many social events Kahal Joseph
plans each year.
The scope of programs at Kahal Joseph keeps growing: a Talmud Torah for all
ages, Bible classes, Hebrew classes, Shabbatonim, guest speakers, and
participation in city, state, and nationwide Sephardic events. Each Shabbat the Kol Mebasser is published: a weekly bulletin
offering pertinent information on religious observances, community news, and an
inspirational message. Kahal Joseph also publishes "The Shofar" a bi-annual newsletter with news of the Congregation.
With Kahal Joseph membership reaching the 300 family mark, there arose with it a need for more space to accommodate an ever-increasing demand for a wider range
of programs and activities. Thus, in late 1991 began a concerted effort led by Joseph Dabby, a member of the Board and the Chair of the Building Committee, toward a large scale expansion of the facilities. Since each member had a personal stake in the
outcome, practically everyone became involved. By the end of summer of 1991,
building permit in hand, negotiations were initiated with a contractor.
Throughout, unforeseeable problems kept confronting the building committee;
heavy rains impeded progress, and as always, there was the ongoing urgent need
for funds. Miracle of miracles and against all odds, the reconstruction of our
dream Synagogue was completed. Kahal Joseph can now boast of having the finest
facilities of any Synagogue of its size. Rosh Hashanah, 1994, is an historic
date for our Kahal in more ways than one. That was the date when all of us in
attendance gave prayerful thanks to Hashem for granting us the privilege to
worship in such a magnificent environment, in dignity and in awe, befitting the
occasion.
Kahal Joseph can now confidently meet its present and anticipated future growth needs. The
magnificent interior is matched in beauty and aesthetics by an equally stylish
exterior the result of a painstaking labor of love by a variety of dedicated,
talented professionals in our midst. They, along with their helpers, deserve to
be recognized for the countless hours of continuous hard work, never resting
until the plans reached perfection.
Today Kahal Joseph, with a membership of over 450 families is the most vibrant Sephardic Synagogue in California, and perhaps in the United States. |
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