Kosher Los Angeles

For anyone planning to move to a new location — whether it’s across town or across the country — there are a lot of things to consider, and of course there’s so much more to take into account if maintaining a kosher lifestyle is of paramount importance. If you’re considering such a move, there are several reasons why Los Angeles deserves a top spot on your list of cities to consider.

Population.  Although it’s not always the case, usually the larger the city, the greater the number of Jews living there, and therefore the greater the likelihood of finding a community of fellow-religionists who will welcome you into their already thriving kosher lifestyle. Here are the basic  facts about the Jewish population of the world today:  It is mainly urban; after Israel, where the Greater Tel Aviv area boasts the highest concentration, the United States is next. Los Angeles is second only to New York in Jewish population, and so it happens that L.A. is second only to New York as well in the number of Jewish social, cultural, educational and religious resources available.

Climate.  One of the top reasons for the great migration of Jews from New York. Chicago, Philadelphia and other cities to Los Angeles in the past was undeniably the temperate climate. L.A.’s climate is classified as a Mediterranean climate, just like Israel!  If you live in L.A., you can comfortably observe all the Jewish holiday and observances that are supposed to take place outdoors, such as Sukkot.  Not only that, but the variety of geographical features in the immediate L.A. area allows for fun family outings to dozens of stunning places that only take an hour or less to reach:  beach, mountains, and desert!

Kosher Food. Kosher groceries, supermarkets and kosher restaurants abound.  And again, the climate makes a difference — you’ll find outdoor dining on shaded restaurant patios all along Robertson Blvd. — just like in Israel!

Religious Observance. There are at least 67 synagogues in the Greater L.A. area.

Jewish Culture –  The highlights:  The Simon Wiesenthal Center (also known simply as the Museum of Tolerance) and the Skirball Cultural Center, especially appreciated by parents of young children because it  has loads of fun, hands-on  activities for children.

Campus Life.  In addition to lively Jewish social organizations,  on-campus kosher food is now available not only at the American Jewish University, but at UCLA and USC as well.