North Hollywood : Synagogue’s Plans to Expand Are Contested

A proposal to expand an Orthodox synagogue in North Hollywood has run into opposition from nearby residents who complain that it has not been a good neighbor--the second time in recent weeks that the plans of Valley synagogues have come under fire.

This time, the synagogue is the Em-Habanim Sephardic Congregation Temple at the southeast corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Califa Street. The temple seeks a conditional use permit to more than double its quarters. The temple has also applied for a zoning variance to build a parking lot down the street, in the middle of a row of single-family homes.

A city zoning hearing on the temple’s application will be held on Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sherman Oaks Woman’s Club.

On June 29, the Los Angeles City Council turned down an application by the Sephardic Jewish Center in Encino for a conditional use permit to continue using a two-bedroom house in a residential area as a synagogue.

There are a number of similarities between the two cases. Neighbors near both temples say congregants’ cars have gobbled up parking in the neighborhood and frequently block driveways. This, neighbors claim, despite the fact that Orthodox Jews are not supposed to drive on the Sabbath, Friday night and Saturday.

“They have been very bad neighbors,” said Ed Mayer about Em-Habanim. But Sidney Chriqui, one of the Em-Habanim’s founders, said he has letters from other neighbors who support the temple.

Both temples are home to Sephardic Jews, Jews who trace their roots back to Spain rather than Eastern Europe. And leaders from both synagogues defended their activities, saying they provide wholesome activities for young people.

Em-Habanim wants to add to its existing one-story building a two-story wing to house a social hall, preschool and kitchen. The project would add 10,300 square feet to the 4,100 square-foot temple. Em-Habanim also wants to build a 49-space parking lot down the street.