Rabbi seeks permit for a synagogue on Orange Dr.
TORAH DEDICATION WAS held in mid-September in front of the home at 200 N. Orange Dr. in Citrus Square.
•Residents mostly speak against request at hearing
Residents and congregants spoke passionately for five hours at a zoning meeting last month about a proposal to turn a home at 200 S. Orange Dr. into a house of worship for Modern Orthodox Jews.
Longtime residents—some of whom have lived in the Citrus Square neighborhood, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, for decades—said the former duplex had been operating “illegally” as a place of worship for years. Its religious services bring more than 100 people on weekends to the quiet neighborhood.
By contrast, members of Bais Medrash of Hancock Park—the impromptu synagogue—spoke of how the synagogue has changed their lives. They explained that the synagogue brings a sense of peace as a welcoming space that is open to all and also is a safe haven for Jews, who are being persecuted more and more in the city of L.A.
The meeting was hosted on Zoom Sept. 10 by Associate Zoning Administrator Phyllis Nathanson, who is considering a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the home.
In October 2024, the owner of the home, Rabbi Yekusiel Kalmenson, applied for the permit to convert the existing building on the 8,000-square-foot lot into a house of worship “filling a vital need for the local Jewish community,” according to the application.
Rabbi Kalmenson’s consultant, Beth Palmer, explained at the hearing that the rabbi seeks to convert the downstairs of the property for prayer and other services. The property includes a 419-square-foot garage to be used as a children’s play area.
Yekusiel purchased the residence 10 years ago and opened his home to small, daily prayer services of up to 10 people.
As his congregation grew the charismatic rabbi rented a space on nearby La Brea Avenue. He moved services to his backyard when the 2020 COVID pandemic hit, and concerns circling the safety of nearby homeless camps was coupled with increased threats against Jews, especially like ones targeted towards those who wear the garb that distinguishes the Modern Orthodox sect. The walk to La Brea was also cited as a hardship for some members.
“It’s a three-minute walk to La Brea,” contested Leslie Maisel, who, like many residents who spoke at the hearing, identified as Jewish and questioned why the permit was only applied for after neighbors complained.
“As a neighbor who has watched this home change into a fully programmed synagogue… I am glad to hear that the Rabbi rented space in 2022—I wish they had continued to pray there. However, I take complete offense at the claim that one of the reasons for creating a synagogue on Orange Drive is that older people cannot walk that far.
“This is a zoning issue, not a religious rights issue,” said Maisel, adding, the city is following a playbook after a federal law, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and dating back to Etz Chaim, a synagogue at a corner home at Third Street and Highland Avenue.
Etz Chaim won a lawsuit against the city after its CUP was denied.
“The facts and circumstances surrounding the Etz Chaim case and this one are very different,” Maisel said.
“This is a case the city should fight to stop, as the number of houses of worship being operated in neighborhoods across Los Angeles continues to grow.”
The Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council and Council District 5 both recommend the CUP, with conditions, including limiting activities to the existing first floor of the house and garage, establishing a maximum occupancy and restricting parking on Orange Drive. The organization also stipulated that the dates and hours as well as holidays need to be specified and that the CUP shall expire with change of ownership of the property.Comments are being accepted by Fri., Oct. 10. Write to Alexander Truong, city planner, 200 N. Spring St., Room 763, L.A., 90012; alexander.truong@lacity.org; or call 213-978-3308.
Rabbi responds
The Chronicle reached out to Rabbi Kalemnson who kindly responded. We edited his comments for space.
Q: Are “ALL” people welcome to the services as many noted at the hearing?
A: Yes. Our doors are open to anyone who wishes to attend respectfully, while honoring our traditions and customs. We welcome diversity and are always glad to share the beauty of our services with others.
Q: Other than services, what does the temple host and when? Meals, school for kids?
A: We are currently working closely with the zoning administrator to provide a detailed schedule of activities. In general, our primary focus is prayer services and community gathering on Shabbat and holidays.
Q: If you have members driving from Brentwood, why can’t you continue using the space on La Brea?
A: Less than one percent of our members live outside the immediate neighborhood—over 99% walk to services. Safety concerns raised during the recent hearing were the primary reason we moved back to Orange Drive.
Q: How many adults come to a regular Shabbat morning service? How many kids?
A: Attendance varies from week to week, but always remains within the occupancy limits established by fire codes and regulations.
Q: Are the kids in services or playing on Shabbat?
A: Some children sit with their parents in services, while others spend time outside the sanctuary in the play area. In those cases, they are supervised by adults.
Q: Do you think you have a good relationship with your neighbors?
A: We enjoy warm relationships with many of our neighbors and are grateful for their friendship. At the same time, we recognize concerns were voiced at the hearing, and we are committed to improving communication and building stronger ties with those neighbors as well.
Q: Are you exclusive or do you invite your neighbors to events? If so, how do you communicate the invitation?
A: One of the helpful pieces of feedback we heard at the hearing was that neighbors would like more communication from us. We took that to heart. We’ve already set up a dedicated email account and are working on publishing a community calendar on our website, as well as exploring other ways to keep neighbors informed and invited to participate. This information will also be included in the package the zoning administrator requested.
Q: Why did you continue for years illegally?
A: Hosting prayer services in one’s home is not illegal and does not require a permit. The question, which we’ve discussed extensively with multiple departments, was at what point a permit might be required. After much consultation, we chose to apply for a Conditional Use Permit, and that process is now fully underway.
Category: Real Estate
