About Us

Mission
ERETZ Synagogue is a traditional Jewish congregation servicing its community for 40 years. Our mission is to provide an inclusive, warm, and welcoming community to find a spiritual path that deepens the bond with Judaism's enduring traditions.

We strive to strengthen the connection with our congregants to help them live a more meaningful and purposeful life through the teachings of Judaism. We help promote a sense of peace and unity within our community and beyond with our acts of loving-kindness and social justice. We pursue our mission through prayer, rituals, learning, music, and the other gifts G-d has given us.

History
Following an ancient tradition, those of us who comprise a segment of the Jews of Persia who left Iran in the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution to settle in the San Fernando Valley area decided to build a synagogue of our own. Since there were less than ten thousand of us, we could have worshiped at the many synagogues in the immediate area.

We felt we needed a place that would enable us to practice our faith and act as the focal point for our own particular Persian Jewish culture, which our families and ancestors developed over 2,500 years of living in the land of Cyrus the Great.

These include support for the State of Israel, assistance to the sick and the needy among our community members, the establishment of a center for our children's religious studies, and more.

There was a pivotal moment in this organization when an older generation who had planted strong traditional seeds started having children. These new generations would evolve Eretz into the modern spiritual Jewish community that it is today.

Now the Eretz founders' children have grown up, and we are entering yet a new generation! For the past ten years, with the launch of new programs and the mystical teaching of the Kabballah, it is these new generations who now make up the core of this modern-day spiritual community known as Eretz Synagogue.
A new history and herstory are in the making…

meet Our Team

Rebecca Aghalarpour

Executive Director

Rebecca Aghalarpour has served as Executive Director of Eretz Cultural Center since 2018, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, community engagement, and organizational development. She is dedicated to expanding Eretz's impact through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and strong community connections, while fostering a welcoming environment where individuals and families can learn, grow, and thrive together.

Shiva Naim

Front Office Manager

Shiva Naim has served as Front Office Manager at Eretz Cultural Center since 2019, overseeing daily operations, member communications, and program coordination. With a background in administration and a degree in Civil Engineering, she brings professionalism, organization, and dedication to every aspect of her work. Known for her warm and welcoming personality, Shiva helps create the friendly and supportive environment that makes Eretz feel like home.

Yasmin (Yassi) Morim

Program Director

Yasmin (Yassi) Morim serves as Program Director at Eretz Cultural Center, bringing a lifelong commitment to community service, leadership, and program development. With a background in finance, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, she creates meaningful programs and events that strengthen community connections, celebrate our heritage, and enrich the lives of individuals and families throughout Eretz.

Ernesto Saucedo

Facility Groundskeeper

Ernesto Saucedo has been a valued member of the Eretz Cultural Center team for over 12 years, serving as Facility Grounds Manager. Through his dedication, attention to detail, and hard work, he ensures that our campus remains beautiful, safe, clean, and welcoming for members, families, and visitors. His commitment plays an essential role in creating the warm and inviting environment that defines Eretz.