Judaism for beginners in Los Angeles
New to Torah? Start learning at Bait Aaron
Bait Aaron is a Torah outreach center. Since 1999, HaRav Moshe Nourollah, Shlita, has helped hundreds of people come closer to their Jewish heritage, from crash courses in Hebrew and basic Judaism to in-depth Torah study. Every age and every background is welcome.
Ways to start
Learning that meets you where you are
Through learning and friendly, upbeat, non-judgmental conversation, Bait Aaron helps people bring a new dimension to their everyday Jewish lives.
Learn to read Hebrew
Crash courses in Hebrew help you follow the siddur and read the words of the Torah yourself.
Basic Judaism
Shabbat, kashrut and the daily schedule of tefillah, explained simply and practically. The Rav, an expert on kosher slaughtering, shows how doable keeping kashrut can be.
One-on-one with the Rav
Every level is welcome, from your first word of Hebrew to in-depth Gemara.
Put on tefillin
Find the Rav after davening, and he will help you put on tefillin.
Ask the Rabbi
On Shabbat afternoon, about one hour before Mincha, HaRav Moshe Nourollah, Shlita, sits for open questions, followed by a short shiur. There is no wrong question.
Sit in the Kollel
You can sit in the Kollel for five minutes or for two hours. Someone will find you a page to learn.
When to come
Learning and davening schedule
| When | What | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Every weekday | Shacharit | 7:00am (6:45am Rosh Chodesh) |
| Every morning | Morning Kollel, after Shacharit | 7:45am and 8:45am |
| Every night | Night Kollel, followed by Arbit | 8:30pm to 10:00pm |
| Shabbat morning | Shacharit, and the JFK Minyan for young professionals with Kiddush | 7:30am and 9:30am |
| Shabbat afternoon | Ask the Rabbi and a shiur, then Mincha and Seudat Shelishit | About 1 hour before Mincha |
Shabbat Mincha follows sunset, so those times are approximate. See Minyan Times for this week.
Your first visit
Coming to shul for the first time
- Come as you are. Whether you daven every day or it has been years, there is a seat for you.
- Find the door. Bait Aaron is at 301 S. La Peer Dr., on the corner of 3rd Street. Enter from the 3rd Street driveway.
- Ask for help. Someone will help you find the place in the siddur.
- Stay for Kiddush. On Shabbat, the kehilla sits down together after davening. It is the best way to meet people.
Guidance
Help with everyday Jewish life
Shabbat and kashrut
The Rav and his fellow rabbis offer guidance on Shabbat, kashrut and the daily schedule of tefillah.
Young couples
Shidduchim, and marriage counseling for young couples.
Jewish schools
Help placing students in Jewish schools.
Young professionals
The JFK Minyan davens every Shabbat at 9:30am, then Kiddush from the grill and the smoker. Your first Shabbat with us.
A bar mitzvah
Bar mitzvah preparation has been part of Bait Aaron since 1999. Bar mitzvah at Bait Aaron.
Every chag
Shofar, Megillah and Kiddush through the year. Yom Tov schedule.
Questions people ask
I am not religious. Am I welcome at Bait Aaron?
Yes. Bait Aaron is a Torah outreach center, and every Jew is welcome, young and old, born frum or just beginning. Come as you are.
I can’t read Hebrew. Can I still come?
Yes. Bait Aaron offers crash courses in Hebrew, and at any minyan someone will help you find the place in the siddur.
Do I need to know anyone?
No. You do not need to know anyone, and you do not need to know how everything works. Ask, and someone will help.
Can I learn one-on-one?
Yes. Learning with the Rav is open to every level, from your first word of Hebrew to in-depth Gemara.
Can I put on tefillin at Bait Aaron?
Yes. Find the Rav after davening, and he will help you put on tefillin.
Is there a minyan for young professionals?
Yes. The JFK Minyan davens every Shabbat at 9:30am, followed by Kiddush. See the JFK Minyan page.
To set up a time to learn with the Rav, call or text Bait Aaron.
Call or text 310-951-1939Bait Aaron Torah Outreach Center · 301 S. La Peer Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90048 · Mara D’Asra: HaRav Moshe Nourollah, Shlita