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“Rabbi Brous shares remarkable compassion, insight, and moral vision in these pages that illuminate a way forward at a time when the fog of fear and anger in the world grows ever dense. This wonderful book is welcome, affirming, and urgently needed.” —Bryan Stevenson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy
Join us for a conversation with one of our country’s most prominent rabbis, Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR, discussing her new book, The Amen Effect, which explores what it will take, in a time of loneliness and isolation, social rupture and alienation, to rebuild our society.
Rabbi Brous will be in conversation with celebrated Los Angeles-based activist and founder of Homeboy Industries, Father Gregory Boyle.
Co-presented with
Featured Author and Moderator:
Rabbi Sharon Brous
Rabbi Sharon Brous is the founding and senior rabbi of IKAR, a trail-blazing Jewish community based in Los Angeles. Brous has been named #1 Most Influential Rabbi in the U.S. by Newsweek/The Daily Beast. She blessed Presidents Obama and Biden at their National Inaugural Prayer Services, and her TED Talk, “Reclaiming Religion,” has been viewed 1.5 million times. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post.
Father Gregory Boyle
Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world, now in its 32nd year. A recipient of the California Peace Prize and Laetare Medal, he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame and named a 2014 Champion of Change by President Obama. He is also a New York Times bestselling author of four books, most recently Forgive Everyone Everything (2022). He was born and raised in Los Angeles.
EVENT FAQ
Where does this event take place?
This program will take place at the Los Angeles Central Library’s Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Click here for a list of public transportation options.
We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is available at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. If you park at the Westlawn Garage, 524 S. Flower Street lot, there is a $8 charge if you exit after 9:00 PM ($1 with Library card validation before 9:00 PM).
Where can I get a parking validation?
Patrons can obtain validation upon presenting a valid library card at the Central Library’s Information Desk (first floor) BEFORE the program. For more information, visit the Central Library’s website.
Reservation policy for Free Programs
As this program is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.
You are welcome to come as a standby guest. Standby numbers are distributed one hour before the program on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is subject to availability.
All books are non-refundable. Thank you for supporting the Los Angeles Public Library.
Will the author be available to sign my book?
Yes, the author will be available to personalize your book.
Book purchases will be only available for in-person pick-up at the event. Please note: We strongly encourage you to purchase your book(s) in advance of the event; we cannot guarantee quantities available for sale at the event.
