Our History

In 1947, a small group of families in Los Angeles dreamed about founding a temple that would become a part of the sweeping movement to establish Reform Judaism in Southern California.  It was a dream of a religious home, the simplicity and sincerity of which would reflect our faith.

With the leadership and guidance of Rabbi Alfred Wolf, Temple Beth Aaron was formed.  Soon after, members of this young congregation heard a legendary rabbi speak.  This rabbi had survived the Holocaust and risked his life as one of the most important leaders of German Jewry in its struggle to survive under Nazism.  He was a model of the human capacity to rise above the most degrading experiences.

This rabbi’s name was Leo Baeck. So moved were they by his inspiration - our founders chose to rename the young congregation Leo Baeck Temple.

Temple History

With the arrival of Rabbi Leonard Beerman in 1949, Leo Baeck Temple flourished and membership grew large enough to purchase a home of our own.  At the cost of $14,000 Leo Baeck Temple moved into the former Canadian Legion Hall at 434 South San Vicente Boulevard.  The main hall became the sanctuary, the garage became the social hall, and apartments above became offices and classrooms.  In 1952, Rabbi Leo Baeck joined us to dedicate the congregation bearing his name. More  

Leo Baeck Bio

Penetrating insight tempered by a profound awareness of human worth marked Leo Baeck as an intellectual and spiritual leader.  Born in Germany in 1873, his rabbinic career paralleled the flowering of Jewish culture there. More