We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Goldberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up in Echo Park Silverlake and there was no Jewish spiritual community here. When my journey began to become a rabbi I knew that I wanted to focus on these very east side neighborhoods where I grew up. I began by helping to revilatize historic Jewish temples in Highland Park and Koreatown and knew it was time to focus on starting a community in Echo Park Silverlake. And beyond geography Nefesh is meeting the needs of Jewish people and others seeking a dynamic spiritual community aligned with their values. and
Founding Nefesh allowed me to build a community that drew upon ancient Jewish wisdom and tradition, specifically Mussar – a values-based set of Jewish teachings, that also was unapologetically inclusive, expansive, justice-driven, and joyous.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nefesh is inclusive, expansive, justice-driven, and joyous. You can come just as you are, no need to hide parts of yourself or your identity. All of you and those you love are welcome. Through wisdom teachings, incredible music, and spiritual practices Nefesh is a place to grow as a human being and to help make the world around us a better place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We meet for services right next to Echo Park Lake. You can walk around the lake or even better paddle yourself around in a swan boat. And we are just down the road from the legendary Dodger Stadium!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Der Nister

Website: https://www.nefeshla.org/

Instagram: @NefeshLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nefeshLA/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NefeshLA

Other: More info about how to give to Nefesh or just us as kin (our membership model) can be found at this link. Our website is NefeshLA.org, our instagram handle is at @NefeshLA, our phone number is 323-818-5796, and you can email us to learn more about Nefesh at info@NefeshLA.org. 323-81

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.