Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Temple Isaiah recently celebrated the first anniversary of ChaiVillageLA, the nation’s first synagogue-based Village. Temple Emanuel Rabbi Emerita Laura Geller (left) joined West Hollywood residents Rabbi Joel and Susan Levine, of the Village Steering Committee, and Barbara Meltzer, chair of the West Hollywood Human Services Commission.

(photo by Barry E. Levine)

The keynote speaker was Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, who called ChaiVillageLA a model that should be replicated throughout the city. The event at Temple Emanuel was attended by 180 guests. Part of a rapidly growing national Village movement, ChaiVillageLA is a social venture of “neighbors helping neighbors,” an approach that enables people to continue living in their homes and communities as they age.

“We know that the vast majority of congregants who are 50-plus want to continue living in their own homes as they grow older and we are pleased to have created this unique model, not only for the larger Jewish community, but for all faith-based organizations,” Geller said.

For information, call (310)592-0321, or visit chaivillagela.org.