Valley Beth Shalom

Valley Beth Shalom is a Conservative Synagogue in Encino, Los Angeles, California. With over 1,800 member families [ [http://www.forward.com/articles/next-generation-of-pulpit-rabbis-shakes-up-la/ http://www.forward.com/articles/next-generation-of-pulpit-rabbis-shakes-up-la/] , The Jewish Daily Forward, September 23, 2005, accessed April 17, 2007.] it is one of the largest synagogues in Los Angeles and one of the largest Conservative synagogues in the United States.

The synagogue and its schools provide education for all ages. The Harold M. Schulweis Day School, a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association, has over 250 students. Etz Chaim Hebrew School is also headquartered at the synagogue. VBS is a member of the Far West Region of United Synagogue Youth.

The clergy include Senior Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, arguably one of the most influential and renowned rabbis of his generation [ [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17721005/site/newsweek/ The Top 50 Rabbis in America] Newsweek, April 2, 2007, accessed April 17, 2007] , Rabbi Joshua Hoffman, Rabbi Noah Farkas, Rabbi Paul Steinberg, Cantor Herschel Fox, and Cantor Phil Baron.

The synagogue has launched a number of programs including the Jewish World Watch [ [http://www.vbs.org/rabbi/hshulw/global.htm GLOBALISM AND JUDAISM] Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, Rosh Hashanah 2004, accessed April 17, 2007] , an NGO, is a prominent founding member of the Havurah movement [ [http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=13890 Courage and Innovation] Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, April 1, 2005, accessed April 17, 2007] , and has popular adult education programs.

Valley Beth Shalom's chapter of United Synagogue Youth is a member of the Far West Region of USY, which is part of the Pacific Southwest Region of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. VBS USY provides educational, spiritual, religious and social opportunities and activities for its members and the community. V.B.S. United Synagogue Youth is the official teenage youth group of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue. VBS USY actually consists of seven groups - Bonim - Grades K and 1, Machar - Grades 2 and 3, Kadima, which is for children in the 4th - 6th grades, Junior USY for teenagers in the 7th - 8th grades, Senior USY, which is for teenagers in the 9th - 12th grades, Yoetzim Leadership Program - Grades 8 - 12, and B'Yachad Special Needs Youth Group - Ages 11 - 18. VBS USY has a website: http://www.vbsusy.org/index.htm

External links

* [http://www.vbs.org Valley Beth Shalom website]
* [http://www.vbsds.org Harold M. Schulweis Day School]
* [http://www.vbs.org/education/hebsch1.htm Etz Chaim Hebrew School]
* [http://www.vbs.org/usy/usyis.htm Valley Beth Shalom USY]
* [http://www.schulweisinstitute.org/ Schulweis Institute]
* [http://www.jewishworldwatch.org/ Jewish World Watch]

References