CALABASAS : Town’s First Synagogue to Open in School Building
In response to the growth of the Calabasas Jewish community, residents have organized the town’s first synagogue at a local elementary school.
The synagogue will offer orthodox Shabbat services at Bay Laurel Elementary School every Saturday starting Sept. 3, giving many local Jews a place of worship within walking distance. A service is also scheduled this Saturday.
“On the Sabbath, it’s preferred that we not use mechanical means of transportation,” said Nigel Hamer, one of the founders. “A lot of us will be able to walk, instead of having to drive to Woodland Hills or Encino.”
Between 1979 and 1993, the Jewish population in Calabasas grew by 631% to 5,509 people--faster than in any other part of Los Angeles County, according to figures compiled by the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles.
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