Saban Theatre Opens Free Seats for Striking Writers, Actors for High Holy Day Services

The Beverly Hills Temple of the Arts at the Saban Theatre, often hailed as the largest arts and entertainment synagogue throughout the U.S., has extended a courtesy to striking members of the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA, along with their immediate families, for its High Holy Day Services on Rosh Hashanah (September 15 and 16) and Yom Kippur (September 24 and 25). The regular cost of tickets to both services is a steep $500 each for those who are not Temple members.

Rabbi David Baron explained the decision, stating that the institution, carved from the arts and entertainment industry, is morally bound to support writers and actors in its community, especially during ongoing strikes, hoping and praying for an expedient resolution.

The Yom Kippur services, a highlight during Judaism's holiest day, will take on added gravity. Guest appearances include Cristiano J. Zeledón, a former Marine who will share his experience of surviving a Russian missile strike in Ukraine while providing humanitarian aid. The congregation will also hear from Aron Bell, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor, who, along with his late siblings - the Bielski Partisans - saved the lives of 1,200 Jews, a heroic feat depicted in the film Defiance.

Jonny Daniels, the head of the From the Depths Foundation, will discuss the discovery and restoration of an ancient Torah Scroll in Filipów, Poland, by Holocaust survivors. Attendees will also enjoy a remarkable musical performance by Broadway performer Ilysia J. Pierce, Hazzan Nathan Lam, and a choir composed of voices from Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. The musical aspects of the sessions will be directed by Grammy-winning composer Sharon Farber.

The afternoon proceedings of Yom Kippur will feature interactive discussions led by Rabbi Baron and vignettes from the play Survivors presented by Arts For Change. The play, penned by Wendy Kout, depicts the testimonies of 10 Holocaust survivors, portrayed by a diverse array of Latino, Asian, and African-American actors.

Additionally, there will be a screening of Adi Eshman's short film, Anne, which explores Anne Frank's story from the perspective of two girls of different racial backgrounds. Former SAG President Barry Gordon and Ilysia J. Pierce will discuss the intricacies of casting non-Jewish actors in Jewish roles. Councilman John A. Mirisch, will address the importance of "Standing Up to Anti-Semitism." SAG-AFTRA and WGA members in good standing can reserve their complimentary seats by contacting the temple.

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Enjoy free seats, they say, an inviting gesture nestled amidst the turmoil of strikes. A solid offer from our local synagogue - an institution that, rather fittingly, exists due to the artistic trajectory of the city itself.

It's like a grand movie script penned by the same writers who now take to the picket lines. A platoon of high-caliber guest speakers awaits participants, ranging from war veterans to Holocaust survivors. And indeed, the narrative only deepens with a former marine recounting tales of missiles and altruism in Ukraine.

Feast your ears on Hollywood's own Grammy-winner Sharon Farber orchestrating a harmony of voices sourced from two emblematic LA music institutions, and gaze upon diverse performers breathing life into gripping Holocaust tales. That's not a congregation, that's an Oscar nomination waiting to happen.

Stir in a sprinkle of socio-cultural commentary, courtesy of a 10-minute short film with a unique take on Anne Frank's diary and discussions on casting diversities in Jewish roles. This isn't your grandma's Yom Kippur at the local community center; it's a culturally and artistically diverse tapestry weaving social commentary into the ancient rites of Yom Kippur.

Still, amidst the whirlwind of art, drama, and history that is the Yom Kippur service at the Saban Theatre, a rather somber note incessantly rings - the strike. Oh, how it brings a bitter pill to the mouth of Hollywood. But hey, if it means the striking writers and actors save $500, that's surely a silver lining, isn't it?

So, whether you're within the striking ranks of writers and actors or simply thirsty for a unique Yom Kippur experience, the Saban Theatre opens its doors, free of charge. Just be sure to save me a seat.