RABBIS CHOSEN: The independent synagogue Makom Ohr...

RABBIS CHOSEN: The independent synagogue Makom Ohr Shalom, which celebrates Jewish traditions of meditation and mysticism, has chosen two part-time rabbis to lead its services in Encino.

Rabbi David Cooper, author of three books on Jewish meditation, and Rabbi Mordecai Finley, a former assistant rabbi at Stephen S. Wise Temple, will jointly conduct the 8 p.m. service Friday, then alternate at subsequent bimonthly services of the congregation, said Lee L. Auerbach, a spokesman for the congregation.

The 18-year-old synagogue, which holds services at Encino Community Church in Tarzana, has been without a spiritual leader since its Founding Rabbi Ted Falcon left Southern California a year ago.

In addition to serving as one of Makom’s rabbis, Finley will continue to conduct Saturday morning services for Ohr HaTorah, a new congregation. Cooper will commute between Los Angeles and Jamestown, Colo., where he and his wife own a retreat center, according to Auerbach.

PALAU APPEARANCES: Evangelist Luis Palau, who will lead a five-day crusade for the San Fernando Valley starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Van Nuys’ Birmingham High School, will begin a series of additional speaking appearances tonight at a Spanish-language rally at Church on the Way in Van Nuys.

Palau, whose international evangelistic association is based in Portland, Ore., will speak at a women’s luncheon Wednesday and a business and professional luncheon Friday, both at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. The cost is $20 and $25, respectively. For information, call the crusade office at (818) 779-8400.

He is also the featured speaker at 8 a.m. next Saturday for the Los Angeles Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Actor Dean Jones is the master of ceremonies, and the Rev. Jack Hayford, pastor of Church on the Way, is on the program. Tickets cost $19. For information, call (818) 779-8310.

MUSIC & DRAMA: “An Evening of African American Expression,” featuring dramatic and comic skits, choir performances and rap music selections, will be presented at 6 p.m. today at the gymnasium of the David M. Gonzalez/Pacoima Recreation Center, 10943 Herrick Ave., Pacoima.

Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Parks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Pacoima and the recreation center. For information, call Lizz Arceneaux at (818) 830-3119.

JEWISH COURSES: Adult Jewish education courses on the Bible and on American Jewish women will be offered for four Monday evenings in June at the West Valley Jewish Community Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills.

The registration deadline is Wednesday for “About the Bible,” taught by Mal Cohen, and “American Jewish Women,” taught by Gladys Sturman. Call (818) 587-3300 for prices and details.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.