Men of Kol Ami

Men of Kol Ami (MOKA) is our Congregation's "brotherhood." Brotherhoods within the Reform movement have several purposes. The primary responsibility of MOKA is to create programming that is meaningful and relevant to our temple brothers. Additionally MOKA, in consultation with our Rabbi, donates needed items and lends necessary support to our Congregation at large. As a member of the North American Federation of Temple Brotherhoods ("NFTB"), an umbrella organization of more than 200 Reform Jewish Brotherhoods across North America, MOKA has been recognized for its growth and outreach to new members and for its innovative programming ideas and support of our Congregation.

MOKA is planning programming for the upcoming year including a spirituality workshop with our Rabbi, a health seminar, a men's dinner/cabaret at The Skirball Center, a member's talent show, a service project for the temple, a spirituality healing workshop, Brotherhood Shabbat, another summer pool party, and various social opportunities, including happy hours and dinners. MOKA also sponsored a kiddush for the Congregation's first Shabbat morning service in our new sanctuary, and MOKA has pledged to purchase gifts for our B'Nai Mitzvah students.

Additionally MOKA, in consultation with our Rabbi, donates needed items and lends necessary support to our Congregation at large. As a member of the Men of Reform Judaism, an umbrella organization of more than 200 Reform Jewish Brotherhoods across North America, MOKA has been recognized for its growth and outreach to new members and for its innovative programming ideas and support of our Congregation.   MOKA welcomes and embraces all members of the Kol Ami family - young and old, single and married, straight or gay/bi/transexual, diverse ethnicities, new members and long time leaders.   We offer an array of programs which is attractive to a wide range of personalities and interests. 

PAST EVENTS:  This past year MOKA's events have included our Annual Pool Party, a Sukkot Spirituality Workshop and Dinner, a Food Tasting and Recipe Auction, our annual Cabaret Show fundraiser, a Chanukah Party, an annual educational seminar and brunch,  outtings to the LA County Museum of Art and the Getty Villa Museum, Brotherhood Shabbat, a Celebration Theater outting with a reception and Q & A with the cast of "Beautiful Thing", a Dodgers Baseball Game, MOKA Movie Night, MOKA Goes to the Hollywood Bowl, and Happy Hour Mixers.   Our events are often free of charge or simply cover expenses, with a couple of higher priced events which serve as fundraisers.  Anyone who requires financial assistance for any MOKA event is invited to talk confidentially with the MOKA Chairs or with the temple's Executive Director.   

GET INVOLVED:  All Kol Ami males are invited to participate in the quarterly MOKA Planning Meetings where we determine future events, enlist volunteers and determine event chairs.  This is a great way to meet new people, to get invovled and to give back.  Contact MOKA Co-Chairs Steve Addison (310.429.2009) or Glenn Rosenblum, Co Chair (818.508.0303) if you are interested in donating your time and talents    

HELPING THE CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY:  A portion of the proceeds from MOKA fundraising events provides assistance to the Congregation by giving each Kol Ami family a Holocaust Memorial candle and providing candles for West Hollywood's Yom Hashoah observance, purchasing a table and journal ad at the Annual Gala, providing a religious school scholarship, buying several Chumashim (Torah commentary books) and prayer books, sponsoring an oneg shabbat reception, as well as purchasing gifts for our B'Nai Mitzvah students.  In the past MOKA has purchased tables, chairs, books and other needed items and sponsored Kol Hashmayim receptions and shabbat lunches.  MOKA often makes contributions to community AIDS organizations such as APLA (via the S.T.A.G.E. Benefit), Being Alive (In honor of Rabbi Eger receiving a special award from them), Project Chicken Soup, as well as gay and lesbian organizations in Israel.      

For further information please contact the Temple office at: (323) 606-0996.