Jewish Community in the Valley (Los Angeles, Berkeley: renting, high school, living)

[MovingFromTexas]

We are in the process of deciding whether to relocate from Texas to Los Angeles. We are looking for a warm, welcoming Jewish community with a cost of living that would allow us to keep our children in Jewish Day School. Since the cost of living is lower in the Valley, we have been advised that we would be better off moving to the Valley as the West Side is too expensive. Can anyone share any information about the Jewish Community in the Valley?(Sherman Oaks and Encino would be the preferred communities as the Western Valley would be a VERY long commute)

We would specifically like to know if there are interesting, intelligent people in the Jewish Community in the Valley. Also, we would like information on how easy it is to make friends. Thanks!!

[LaoTzuMindFu]

Look up Valley Beth Sholom in Encino - Valley Beth Shalom Welcomes You! . Very close knit community where everyone knows everyone and their families. While I am not jewish, I've gotten to know many families there through my coaching of my son's little league teams at Encino Little League. Some of my best friends are actively involved with VBS. This is a great place to start but unless your family earns $200k annually, you may find Encino to be a bit out of your reach.

[Charles]

I realize the West Valley is a long commute. Perhaps you were considering Temple Judea, Temple Aliyah, or Shomrei Torah Synagogue on sort of the northern end of Valley Circle in West Hills? Also consider ( I think one is Orthodox) Temple Beth Haverim, Chabad of Agoura, Beth Emunah Messianic, and Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills which may actually be an easier drive since they are right up the 101 with no street traffic.

[Rats]

almost the entire SFV (minus the seedy areas like Pacoima) is a huge Jewish community, especially the areas along Ventura Blvd.

[jessemh431]

The SFV is the most Jewish area in LA. I'm Jewish myself so I know. When we have congregational meetings, pretty much everyone is from the valley. Mostly Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City but south Ventura Blvd in the mountains.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

The SFV is the most Jewish area in LA.

More than the Fairfax district?

[jessemh431]

Originally Posted by Charles

More than the Fairfax district?

Well, Fairfax District is probably the most Jewish area anywhere outside of Israel, except for maybe somewhere in NYC, but they are mostly Hasidic and Orthodox, which I believe the OP is not, because they don't normally go on the internet for these type of things.

Now, if she's Reformed or Conservative (like me) the valley is the best place, then areas of West LA, but the valley is more Jewish than West LA.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Well, Fairfax District is probably the most Jewish area anywhere outside of Israel, except for maybe somewhere in NYC, but they are mostly Hasidic and Orthodox, which I believe the OP is not, because they don't normally go on the internet for these type of things.

Now, if she's Reformed or Conservative (like me) the valley is the best place, then areas of West LA, but the valley is more Jewish than West LA.

Is Stephen S. Wise off Mulholland considered the Valley? That's where I got married.

[jessemh431]

Not really sure. I consider the valley anything north of Mulholland Drive, not sure what the actual definition is.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by MovingFromTexas

We are in the process of deciding whether to relocate from Texas to Los Angeles. We are looking for a warm, welcoming Jewish community with a cost of living that would allow us to keep our children in Jewish Day School. Since the cost of living is lower in the Valley, we have been advised that we would be better off moving to the Valley as the West Side is too expensive. Can anyone share any information about the Jewish Community in the Valley?(Sherman Oaks and Encino would be the preferred communities as the Western Valley would be a VERY long commute)

We would specifically like to know if there are interesting, intelligent people in the Jewish Community in the Valley. Also, we would like information on how easy it is to make friends. Thanks!!

I really don't know how to answer the question about "if there are interesting, intelligent people in the Jewish Community in the Valley."? I'm trying to think of how to answer that and I am without words. On to the other questions.....There are no Jewish villages in the Valley especially since it is so spread out. Pockets everywhere. Do you like small congregations or large established ones? Orthodox or reformed, wealthy or middle class, in an actual temple or renting in a building? Do you want to live close to L.A. or as far out as you can like in the Westlake Village area? We have belonged to two temples..one in Westlake Village that has a very nice day school and one in North Hollywood that I absolutely loved because the Rabbi was very progressive and hip (from Berkeley)that also has a day school through high school. Not bad in cost either. Let me know if I can help.