David Suissa writes: The Hub on Venice aims to be just that, a busy gathering place that caters to different interests and crowds, such as the literary and culinary crowd (Sophos Café, a restaurant and music-poetry lounge); the spiritual and personal growth crowd (Institute for Spiritual Formation and Moral Psychology); Jewish families with young children (Early Childhood Center); unaffiliated Jews who can sample an array of classes and Jewish activities (Beach Communities Jewish Center); and even non-Jewish families from the neighborhood who might be interested in things like homework clubs, music, art and fitness classes or volunteer work (Venice Boulevard Community Center).
Of course, the heart of The Hub continues to be the “progressive yet traditional” Ohr HaTorah synagogue, with its full program of Torah and liturgy classes by Rabbi Finley, as well as prayer services that Meirav orchestrates with an innovative blend of musical traditions.
Will this ambitious Hub concept take off? You can judge for yourself on April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., when The Hub on Venice will host its community open house at its location on the corner of Venice Boulevard and Barrington Avenue.
It’s clear that it took an enormous amount of effort and diligence to get this far. Getting financial support for big new ideas is not always easy. Last summer, Meirav took her Hub concept to community donor groups, but with little success. In the end, the initial funding has come from Ohr HaTorah’s own base of supporters, which include a few Hollywood players who are devoted followers of the Finleys.
I can see why the Finleys have attracted devoted followers. For one thing, they have no patience for things that don’t work. The rabbi’s teachings, which often delve into psychology, are unapologetic in trying to improve people’s lives and attitudes. “Just because you’ve been hurt doesn’t mean you’ve been wronged” is a classic example of his no-nonsense approach.
