FAQ

What is Der Nister? Is it a cultural center? A synagogue? A library? A bookstore?

Der Nister is a synagogue that also functions as a cultural center. It is located in a bookstore.

What Jewish denomination or movement are you part of?

Der Nister is not affiliated with any denomination or movement as of present. Rabbis Hollander and Golden were ordained as Conservative rabbis and are, as individuals, members of the Rabbinical Assembly. Rabbi Rosenfeld was ordained non-denominationally with extensive training from a Reform rabbi. 

Our services hew more closely to Conservative services, but we collectively do not adhere to any strict definition. Our standard prayer book is the Siddur Sim Shalom For Shabbat and Festivals, 1998 edition. However, a wide variety of other siddurim are available for those who are more accustomed to other prayerbooks.

Are religious services at Der Nister egalitarian? 

Neither seating arrangements nor the roles that people can play in our services are gender based.

Are all Jews counted in minyans?

Ten Jews makes a minyan, so come on down.

Am I welcome at Der Nister no matter my opinion on Israel?

Yes.

Is Der Nister an ‘anti-Zionist’ synagogue?

No.

Is Der Nister a Yiddishist organization?

No. Der Nister’s strong Yiddish programming should be understood as one part of its broad Jewish agenda.

What does Der Nister mean?

Der Nister (pronounced DEHR NIH-STUR) means the “The Hidden One” in Yiddish (Nister is the Yiddish version of נסתר/Nistar in Hebrew), which was the pen-name of the legendary Soviet-Yiddish writer Pinchas Kahanovitch. As a name, it is an allusion to God as understood in the theology of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, who wrote that God is hidden in this world, waiting to emerge.

When was Der Nister founded?

Plans were drawn up for it while Rabbis Hollander and Golden were in rabbinical school together in 2019. It officially began in the Spring of 2020 — right in time for COVID.

How is Der Nister funded?

Der Nister is an all-volunteer organization that is funded by generous local donors and ticket sales. Rabbi Hollander’s Jewish bookstore, which is predominantly online mail-order based, is the means through which Der Nister has a permanent space.

As Der Nister becomes a full 501(c)3 non-profit we will be looking to broaden our funding base and begin to pay the professional staff which will enable us to expand the range of our programming and services.

Do you have a membership policy?

We are planning on instituting a membership policy in the near future. You are welcome to join in any and all of our activities whether you plan to be a member in the future or not.

When I donate money through the fiscal sponsor YAAANA, is it going to Der Nister?

Yes. YAAANA is a very reliable partner. Even though the PayPal link may not say Der Nister, it is accounted as ours. We are forwarded all donations immediately. It does take us some time to respond ourselves, but we look to change this over time. 

We also plan on transitioning away from fiscal sponsorship to full 501(c)3 status, which will allow us to place our name on the donation page and respond quicker to your donations.

How can I help?

We always need volunteers to watch the downstairs front door during events, help prepare in the mornings before Shabbat services, and help set up for events. More specialized forms of help, whether it be legal or accounting, design or marketing, grantwriting or fundraising, database management or bookkeeping, are welcomed and appreciated.

Where should I park? How do I get to Der Nister?

While there is street parking on this block, it is often hard to find. There are paid parking lots across the street and on both sides of the building. It is worth noting that this block is filled with active nightclubs, and those paid parking lots become prohibitively expensive on Friday and Saturday nights. During those nights, the best and safest option is to park near 7th and Hill and walk down 7th.

We are between a 5 to 15 minute walk to the Pershing Square, 7th Street and Historic Broadway metro stations.

Carpooling, rideshare and public transit are recommended on weekend nights especially.

To make your way to Der Nister from the 110 freeway, it is best to get off at 6th street and go down 6th until Spring and turn right.

Der Nister is located in the building that houses the LA Cafe. During events, someone will let you in. For religious services, you should write to us at golden@dernister.org for the building code. Make your way to the 14th floor. One elevator reads out misleading numbers on its electronic display — if you press 14, trust that it will take you to the correct floor. Make your way all the way down the hall to 14A.

How do I get to the roof?

As you exit the elevator, open the first door on your right labelled “roof.” If you see 14B, you have gone too far. Go up the staircase, out the door and past the gate. DO NOT USE THE FIRE ESCAPE. Please note there is no elevator access to the roof and it is not handicap accessible.

Is it safe to come to Der Nister? 

Der Nister, located in the Historic Core of Downtown, is in an area that draws both the indigent population as well as business people, partygoers and cultural activists. We are confident in the safe passage of all; we nonetheless escort those who are nervous to their cars or wherever they may be going. It is wise to take precautions about hiding valuables from view in cars, as one would in most places in the city.

What security measures do you take?

We screen all who come to our events  — for this reason, it is vital to register with us. We do not give out the building code unless we are confident in the person we are giving it to. We are installing a front door camera/doorbell so we can keep the front door shut during non-essential times.

Der Nister has a close relationship with the local precinct captain, who is under the understanding that they are watching over a Jewish house of worship. Der Nister leadership has also undergone essential security training and will take on additional training. They are regularly updated on both Downtown-related and Jewish-specific issues and plan accordingly.

When are Shabbat Services held?

Shabbat morning services commence at 10:30 and occur without fail every Shabbat of the year. 

We do not hold weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services regularly at this time. We will be holding more Kabbalat Shabbat services this year. To find out if one is coming up, subscribe to our newsletter or check the events tab on our website. 

Do you have Torah scrolls?

We have one at this time. It is generously on loan from our friend Cary Pollack.

Do you offer childcare?

Not yet. That will change if we have regular demand.

Can I use my phone at Der Nister on Shabbat or Holidays?

We discourage phone use for religious and aesthetic reasons on sacred days. If you really do need to use your phone, please leave the prayer space and be discreet. All photography is forbidden inside the Der Nister space on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.

I’m looking for a minyan. Does Der Nister reliably have minyans?

On holiday services and Kabbalat Shabbat, we always attract a minyan. We do not yet regularly get minyanim for Shabbat morning, but if you have a special need for a minyan on that day, please inform us ahead of time and we can work to ensure one. We do not currently have daily minyans. If you are looking for one in Downtown, please contact us.

Do you hold High Holiday services?

Yes. Every year we hold Rosh Hashanah Evening service for Day 1, Day 1 and 2 Morning services for Rosh Hashanah, Tashlich, and every service for Yom Kippur, from Kol Nidre to Ne’ilah.

Do you host Seders?

We have not hosted seders in the past, but that decision has not been made for the upcoming year. Check back with us.

Do you build a Sukkah? Can I visit it?

Yes. We build a Sukkah on the communal roof and obtain a lulav and etrog for public use. We do not sell lulav and etrog, but we can direct you to where to obtain them. If you are interested in visiting at any point over Sukkot, email Rabbi Golden at golden@dernister.org. 

Is the food kosher?

The food at Der Nister is hechshered, but only ingredient kosher. A future kitchen remodel is needed in order to raise the kashrut standard. The kitchen is dairy only, though we do serve meat on special occasions sourced from kosher caterers, and during our barbeques, on a kosher BBQ grill. We use meat dishes not housed in the dairy kitchen on those occasions.

How do I stay informed?

You can sign up for our newsletter which comes out twice a week. Wednesdays are dedicated to events only, and Fridays include informative columns. You can also follow our Instagram page, or simply check our website for updates.

When are you open?

Outside of events and religious services, we are open for visitation by appointment throughout the week. We particularly invite people to come Friday afternoon.

Does Der Nister offer classes?

Rabbi Hollander gives a free Torah class weekly on Monday at noon on the Disney Hall Blue Ribbon Garden. If you are interested, write to Rabbi Hollander at hollander@dernister.org. Other classes are offered sporadically. Check our website for any updates.

I am interested in learning Hebrew and/or Yiddish. Do you offer classes?

We offer online classes in Classical Hebrew (Biblical and Rabbinic Hebrew) and Yiddish over the summer. We hope to expand our current offerings to other times of the year, and also teach Modern Hebrew, based on demand. Rabbi Golden is available for individual instruction in any of these languages. Contact him at golden@dernister.org 

Do you have programs in Hebrew for Israelis and Hebrew speakers?

Not at this time. This may change in the future. If you are interested, please contact Rabbi Rosenfeld at rosenfeld@dernister.org.

I have an idea for a program. What should I do to make it happen?

We are always happy to take suggestions for future programming. Write to Rabbi Rosenfeld with ideas at rosenfeld@dernister.org. Please be mindful that we have very limited resources, and may not be able to execute the idea as envisioned. 

Do you rent out Der Nister for filming, b’nai mitzvahs, etc.?

Yes. Please speak with Rabbi Hollander by calling the Der Nister phone line at 213-265-7163 or emailing him at hollander@dernister.org.

We do not rent out Der Nister for cultural events that are not co-sponsored by Der Nister, nor for political events at all.

What sound equipment do you have available for performances?

Ask Rabbi Golden at golden@dernister.org for audio questions.

What is the seating capacity at Der Nister?

Approximately 60 in the front area and 25 in the back.

I need to speak to a Rabbi. How can I make an appointment? 

To reach a specific Rabbi contact them at their Der Nister email addresses which are found on our Contact page. If you don’t know who to speak to, contact Rabbi Hollander on the Der Nister phone line at 213-265-7163.

I am considering conversion. Can you help?

Conversion is a very personal process. We are happy to discuss it with you. We may be the right people for you to work with. If not, we will help you find a person who better fits your needs.

Wait, are there really Jews Downtown?

For as long as the city of Los Angeles and its Downtown have existed, there have been Jews here.

Nowadays, Downtown, like many neighborhoods in Los Angeles, has a substantial Jewish population. Jews both work and live here, but they are often socially isolated from each other by which specific community they are in. We seek to be part of the solution to this situation. 

Can I go out for hechshered kosher food Downtown?

Yes. Holy Grill and Michael’s sell kosher food during the workweek. Boichik’s Bagels are sold throughout the week, but only its bagels are hechshered. For more information, check out this guide to Jewish Downtown.

How do I get in touch with Chabad Downtown LA?

If you are looking for services from Downtown Los Angeles’ Chabad, located on Olive St., please visit https://www.downtownjcc.com/ 

Do you offer housing assistance?

Unfortunately, we are not equipped to offer housing assistance at this time.

Can I buy one of the books at an event?

Why stop at one? It can be hard to complete a transaction at an event as Rabbi Hollander is easily distracted by the demands of the event. Patience is rewarded. 

Please keep in mind that books are not available for purchase on Shabbat or during religious services.

How do I find out the price of a book?

Prices should be marked at the top open corner of the first page of the book in pencil. If that space is unmarked, Rabbi Hollander can check the price for you in his database.

Are the books in the bathroom for sale?

No. Those are part of Rabbi Hollander’s personal collection. If you can convince him that you really need to read one of them, he might loan it out. 

Are the records for sale?

No. They are part of Rabbi Hollander’s and Der Nister’s collection. 

How can I check if a book is in stock?

Consult https://www.hollanderbooks.com/advSearch.php. 

Do you accept book donations?

We do accept donations of Jewish books in good condition. Large donations can be picked up. Smaller donations should be dropped off with us here at Der Nister. Contact Rabbi Hollander at boychik@hollanderbooks.com