Jewish Tradition tells us that learning is a life long endeavor. It includes the dictum that we should make every person our teacher. In that way we keep our minds nimble, and our eyes open to the ongoing wonders of the world around us. At Temple Beth El we believe that learning is not an obligation, but a privilege and a great opportunity.
Our ancestor Rabbi Akiva, was illiterate at the age of 40 but finally was able to sit with his little son in class to learn the alphabet, and then became a great sage. A role model for all of us, teaching us, once again, that it is never too late to learn, or learn something new. Like him, we find there is a thirst for knowledge and quenching that thirst can actually be fun and fulfilling. We also believe that such learning will surely lead to blessings. Finally, at Temple Beth El we believe that not only when there are two Jews, are there three views, but that we can be enhanced by each of them.
Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Discover what could be meaningful to you in Judaism and at Temple Beth El. All people, perspectives and questions are welcome!
Speakers, Scholars and Artists in Residence, and Classes with Our Clergy and Educators.
If you are interested in being part of the next cohort of one of these opportunities, please contact TBEoffice@bethelsp.org
Introduction to Judaism is an engaging multi-session course for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life. Discover what could be meaningful to you in Judaism and at Temple Beth El. All people, perspectives and questions are welcome!
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Cantor Ilan Davidson has been pleasing audiences with his singing since before he could read. At age five, he began singing with his Cantor, Philip Moddel, and hasn’t shut up since. At ten, he made his Operatic debut with the Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s production of Bizet’s Carmen, as a street urchin. Since then, he has performed roles in opera and musical theatre, performing, directing, and producing world-class productions.
Among his many accomplishments, Cantor Davidson is also known as a contemporary Jewish songwriter and performer, having delighted audiences all over the world, including Israel and Lithuania with the soulful sounds of his music. His recordings, Stained Glass (1995) and In A Hanukkah Mood (2007) are collections of original and covered songs by himself and many contemporary Jewish artists. His most recent recording, God Is In This Place (2020), is a collection of original liturgical pieces for the Friday night Shabbat Service, commissioned and written in honor of his 25th Anniversary as the Cantor of Temple Beth El.
Cantor Davidson left the stage and in 1995 joined the Temple Beth El family, in San Pedro, where, in his nearly 30 years of service, he has brought many new programs and much enthusiasm to all he does. Coming from a long line of Cantors, it must have been Besheret for Cantor Davidson, although talented in all areas of musical performance, to finally settle down into his career as Hazzan for Temple Beth El in San Pedro, California. In 2007, Cantor Davidson founded a new foundation, KindredSPIRITS, producing an annual world humanitarian aid event. KindredSPIRITS premiered on June 5, 2008 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, adding that prestigious concert hall to the ever growing list of venues around the world, where Davidson has performed. During the 10 years of humanitarian events, Global KindredSPIRITS, Inc., as an official 501©3, raised awareness and close to $500,000 for its beneficiaries over the decade.
As a past president of the South Coast Interfaith Council, Ilan fought for tolerance and understanding of ALL faiths in a difficult climate. For the past 7 years, Cantor Davidson has been service as an LA County Commissioner, representing the 4th District on the Human Relations Commission, where he currently serves as President. Whether it is raising his voice for justice, Hazzanut, Pop, Opera, Musical Theatre, or folk music, Cantor Ilan Davidson shares his soul and genuine love in every note.
When asked about his finest accomplishment, Cantor Ilan invariably responds, “After all the great concerts, services, and roles, my finest role in life is that of husband to my beautiful wife, Jodi, and daddy to my gorgeous daughters, Jordan and Zoe.”
Office: (310) 833-2467 Ext. 106
