Synagogue Loses Appeals, Must Close by End of October

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday ordered an Orthodox Jewish congregation to close a synagogue that has been operating illegally in a two-bedroom house in a residential neighborhood of Encino by the end of October. The Sephardic Jewish Center began holding weekly services in a 1,000-square-foot house near Ventura Boulevard and Lindley Avenue four years ago without getting city permission to operate a house of worship in a residential zone.

Councilwoman Laura Chick said she regretted having to close a religious institution but added that “it is not possible to ignore a long, disruptive track record.” In November, a city zoning official turned down the synagogue’s request for a conditional-use permit, saying the temple did not belong in a residential area. In January, the Board of Zoning Appeals concurred. The synagogue appealed, first to the planning subcommittee of the council, and on Wednesday to the full council.

Most of the synagogue’s 60-member congregation are Iranian immigrants who speak little English. Because as Orthodox Jews many believe that they should not drive on the Sabbath but must walk to the synagogue, congregants said the closing of the temple will make it harder for them to practice their religion. It will also be more difficult to interact as members of a community, they said, and preserve their culture.

Rabbi Joseph Cohen, leader of the Sephardic Jewish Center, said he was very disappointed by the City Council’s decision, which allows the synagogue to stay open until the end of October, through the Yom Kippur holiday. Fred Gaines, attorney for the synagogue, said the temple leadership is studying its options, which include moving to another location and suing the city.