Not all rabbis will quote Mick Jagger or Bob Dylan in a sermon.

However, Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, the new spiritual leader at Temple Solel of Hollywood since Aug. 1, has built up a national following by writing twelve books and having a blog he writes on contemporary topics titled “Martini Judaism for those who want to be shaken and stirred.”

“I am fond of Bob Dylan’s music. I am particularly devoted to the music of Leonard Cohen, who writes songs that reflect a deep sense of Jewish spirituality,” said Salkin.

“It’s not just Jewish rock musicians. I greatly appreciate that the Rolling Stones played a concert in Tel Aviv this past year. Mick Jagger even spoke Hebrew to the audience. Good for the Stones for defying the cultural boycott of Israel.”

“I am honored to work at Temple Solel because it is a multi-generational community. I have discovered a deep hunger and interest in learning. My job is to continually try to light and fan those flames,” said Salkin.

“We are thrilled to have Rabbi Salkin as our senior rabbi,” said Joseph Stadlen, president of Temple Solel. “His enthusiasm, spirit and approach to teaching will resonate well with our congregation and we look forward to continued learning of the Jewish religion through his wisdom, knowledge and experience.”

Salkin’s range of topics written is broad, with articles written on masculinity and Judaism, spirituality of work, interfaith relations, Jewish history with articles published in “Washington Post,” “The Wall Street Journal,” “Readers Digest” and “The Forward.”

Continue Reading

Cantor Israel Rosen, left, with crystal microphone as presented by Temple Solel president Joseph Stadlen. (Submitted photo)

---

Temple Solel in Hollywood had a jubilant celebration recently in honor of Cantor Israel Rosen for his 30 years at the congregation featuring a Mediterranean brunch and shuk.

What was most unusual about the celebration is that Cantor Rosen is not retiring from his work. Most congregations usually only have a gala event for a rabbi or cantor upon retirement.

The celebration featured a shuk inside the temple making the 175 guests feel as if they were in a Jerusalem market, featuring displays of chocolates, jewelry and Judaic merchandise.

“Cantor Rosen is from Israel, so we wanted to make him feel at home by recreating an Israeli village in his honor,” said Stacey Fisher, chair of the 24 member committee for the event.

Temple Solel’s caterer Artisan Foods created Israeli culinary delights that added to the festive atmosphere.

“For the last thirty years, Cantor Rosen has touched hearts for his enthusiasm and innovative programs, such as Israeli dancing for so long that we wanted to create a special day for him,” added Fisher.

“Cantor Rosen is very much beloved by everyone at Temple Solel and we want him to be with us forever,” said Temple Solel president Joseph Stadlen at the event.

The celebration included the Shalom Band singing many Israeli and popular songs. When the song “Hallelujah” was played, the cantor was lifted up in a chair, as if he was a groom, while many others in the congregation spontaneously broke into a jubilant flash mob dance.

Stadlen presented Rosen with a crystal microphone as part of the celebration.

Continue Reading