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Jewish Services, Observances & Information

Your religious traditions can continue while you or a loved one are at Cedars-Sinai. We offer in-house and televised services, and our chaplains can facilitate religious rituals. We also provide kosher meal options and many other ways for you to practice your faith during your stay.


Weekly Services

All services take place in the chapel, located on the Plaza Level, between the North and South towers. Some events may also be viewed on Cedars-Sinai closed-circuit TV on Channel 50.

Jewish Services in the Chapel

The chapel is open to patients, visitors and Cedars-Sinai employees 24 hours a day. The worship schedule includes weekly services, and prayer books, bibles, psalms, prayer shawls and yarmulkes are available.

  • Friday, 3-3:30 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat-Welcoming of the Sabbath
  • Tuesday, 12 p.m. – Rabbi Weiner's Torah Study

Televised Services and Programs

Jewish religious services are broadcast on Cedars-Sinai TV, Channel 50, for easy viewing in patient rooms and other areas of the hospital.

  • Friday, 3 p.m. – Shabbat On the Go Program (live)
  • Friday, 4 p.m. – Kabbalat Shabbat-Welcoming of the Sabbath (pre-recorded)
  • Saturday, 9 p.m. – Shabbat Services (pre-recorded)
  • Tuesday, 12 p.m. – Rabbi Weiner's Torah Study (live)
  • Daily, 1:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – "Healing Through Jewish Songs and Stories"
  • Holiday services (pre-recorded)

Jewish Expectant Parent Workshop

This unique parenthood preparation class is designed to educate new parents from across the spectrum of Jewish life about the critical questions they'll face bringing a child into the world.


Other Spiritual Care Services

Accommodations for our Jewish patients, guests and staff members include:

  • Electric Sabbath candles – call 310-423-5550 (or 310-423-5180 for after-hours assistance).
  • Guest cot for an overnight stay in patient room – call the Hospitality Department: 310-423-4444.
  • Refrigerators available for patients with special requirements (chaplain approval required) – call 310-423-5550.
  • A mezuzah affixed to the doorway of every patient room.

Additional observances and rituals include:

  • Elevator 13 in the main building and Elevator 38 in the Saperstein building stop at every floor on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.
  • Candle-lighting times and the status of the local eruv – call 1-877-ERUV-INFO.
  • A chaplain to facilitate a yahrzeit observance – call 310-423-5550.
  • Holiday observances as they arise such as communal sukkah, Purim and High Holidays.

Kosher Food Availability

Patients can request kosher meals made with food that's freshly prepared by our kosher kitchen and certified by the Rabbinical Council of California. Kosher meals are available on campus at the Ray Charles Cafeteria and the Plaza Café. There are also several kosher restaurant options and markets in the area. Call us for more information.


Brit Milah (Circumcision) Assistance

New parents who wish to observe the Jewish tradition of brit milah may contact the Spiritual Care team to arrange for an experienced, trained mohel to perform the circumcision and help you find a place to hold the celebration. If a mohel is unavailable, one of our Jewish staff physicians may perform the brit, after consulting with a rabbi.


Additional Resources

Hospital stays or visits don't have to interfere with your religious practices. Here are a few key resources for members of the Jewish faith:


Advance Healthcare Directives

By completing an advance healthcare directive, you can clearly state your healthcare goals, values and preferences. An advance healthcare directive allows you to share with your care team and loved ones what is most important to you when thinking about your health—and gives you greater peace of mind.

Review these forms and resources. Talk with your doctor, your family and your rabbi or spiritual adviser, and work with them to complete your advance healthcare directive. That way, your care team and those most dear to you can honor your healthcare decisions.

Documents specific to Judaism:

Additional resources appropriate for all faiths:

Have Questions or Need Help?

Call the Spiritual Care team Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm PT, or send a message. You can also visit our offices, which are on the Plaza Level, between the North and South towers, next to the chapel.