Yom Kippur in Los Angeles

The Hippie: Dreadlocks and Bagels What: Yom Kippur meditation and break-fast When: Saturday, September 22, 9 AM Where: 1404 Greenfield Ave #1 Why: Mix up your Yom Kippur experience with a day of dharma talks, meditation, and inspirational readings. 30-45 minute sitting sessions will be interspersed with walking meditations and discussions. Participants are welcomed to bring a piece of poetry or other appropriate, inspirational readings to share. Break the fast afterwards with a potluck meal starting at 6:30 PM. It's free, but remember to register on the site.

The Hipster: Way Too Cool for Hebrew School What: Free Reform Yom Kippur services and break-fast When: Friday, September 21, 6 PM, Kol Nidre; Saturday, September 22, 11 AM morning services; 6 PM Neilah Where: The Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd Why: Let's face it, you feel much more comfortable in a club than you do in a synagogue, and you're not exactly interested in spending hundreds of bucks on a High Holy Day ticket. Each year, the Laugh Factory opens its doors to the Jewish community for the High Holidays. Call the club at (213) 656-1336 to reserve seats.

The Beshert Seeker: Something Old, Something Newish, Something Borrowed, Something Jewish What: Yom Kippur Disco Break-fast When: Saturday, September 22, 7:45 PM Where: Westside JCC, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd Why: Even if you don't join Ikar for their Yom Kippur services, study sessions, and restorative yoga (which you should), make sure to arrive after the blow of the shofar at 7:33 PM. That's when the food will be served and the party will start. Enjoy a Mediterranean-style buffet and dance the night away with a young community of L.A. Jews.

The Nouveau Jew: Better Late Than Never? What: The Happy Minyan Yom Kippur When: Kol Nidre Friday Sept. 21 6:30 PM, Shacharis, September 22 8 AM Where: Karate Academy, 9218 West Pico Blvd Why: You're overjoyed by your newfound Jewishness, so join the most joyful congregation of all to celebrate a fun, frum Yom Kippur. The fabled Happy Minyan invites you to participate in their special Yom Kippur services with Chazan Yehudah Solomon, lead singer of the Moshav Band.

The Super-Jew: You've Got the Spirit, Yes You Do! What: Yom Kippur, televised When: 6 PM Sunday, October 5; 8 AM & 6 PM Monday October 6. Where: Your living room Why: You like Yom Kippur so much, you want to do it twice. On October 5, the Hallmark Channel is airing a nationally televised service featuring Jewish stars like Jason Alexander, Larry King and Jason Segal (Freaks and Geeks). Invite over some friends to watch the half-hour show on Adelphia Cable Channels 10 and 20.

The Intellectual: Smarter Than Jew What: Lecture by Dr. Judea Pearl, father of slain reporter Daniel Pearl When: September 22, 2007 11 AM Where: Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks Why: Dr. Judea Pearl, father of Daniel Pearl, is well-versed in the power of devoting one's life to bringing healing and hope to others in the face of evil and injustice. He established the Daniel Pearl Foundation, which promotes cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music, and innovative communications. A $112.50 ticket will grant you access to Dr. Pearl's speech, as well as to all of Temple Beth Haverim's Yom Kippur services, from Kol Nidre to Neilah and Havdallah.

The Alterna-Parent: Day Care and Dinner Parties What: Free Yom Kippur family service When: Saturday, September 22, 2007 1:30 PM to 3 PM Where: University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd Why: Short and sweet like your little ones, University Synagogue's Yom Kippur Family Service is a light, hour-long program that's specially oriented to children. No tickets are required, and it's free and open to the public.