Dedication Set at Historic Synagogue

The oldest synagogue structure in the San Fernando Valley--Adat Ari El’s David Familian Chapel--will be designated as a California State Point of Historical Interest on Sunday, exactly 50 years after the building was dedicated.

The chapel, with its many stained-glass windows depicting Jewish holidays, has always had a warm feeling, said Rabbi Moshe Rothblum, who has been with the 900-family Conservative synagogue since 1971.

“It has a sense of history that this is where it all began,” he said.

Founded in 1938 as the Valley Jewish Community Center, the congregation met in a number of locations, including a former speak-easy on Chandler Boulevard, until 1944 when Nate Blumberg and his family donated two acres of land at Burbank and Laurel Canyon boulevards. Five years later, the chapel was dedicated in honor of David Familian, a Russian immigrant who became one of the leading philanthropists of the local Jewish community. In 1972, the congregation adopted the name Adat Ari El.

Sunday’s celebration is planned from 10 a.m. to noon at the synagogue, 12020 Burbank Blvd. There will be inspirational talks, greetings from political leaders and liturgical music.