When Beth Jacob Congregation’s Senior Rabbi Kalman Topp reached out and told Lili Bosse of his intention to honor her at an upcoming event, the Beverly Hills mayor was caught off-guard; unlike members of Beth Jacob, Bosse does not identify with the Orthodox strain of Judaism.
While she is not currently a member of the Orthodox congregation, she does have a familial connection to the Beverly Hills synagogue. When her immigrant and Holocaust survivor parents moved to Beverly Hills, they chose to live within walking distance of the historic community, located at Doheny Drive and Olympic Boulevard, so her father could worship there. Incidentally, Bosse and her husband, Jon, were married by the synagogue’s former senior rabbi.
When Bosse learned she was being honored by the synagogue, these memories came flooding back.
“It’s very overwhelming to me,” she said, “and very emotional for me.”
Bosse will be recognized with Beth Jacob Congregation’s inaugural Distinguished Leadership Award during its annual Tiferet Gala, taking place March 19 at the Peterson Automotive Museum.
Bosse will be one of several honorees at the glitzy affair.
Topp told the Courier Bosse is being honored for her ongoing commitment to standing up against antisemitism in Beverly Hills and beyond, from representing the city at the Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, held last year in Athens, Greece, to appearing on an episode of “Dr. Phil” dedicated to addressing the spike in anti-Jewish activity.
“Her extraordinary dedication and energy make her an excellent role model at our synagogue, which celebrates activism, civic duty and selflessly advocating for justice,” Topp said.
Accepting the forthcoming honor, Boss said, will provide an opportunity to shine a light on an issue she holds dear–human kindness.
“For me, it’s very powerful,” said Bosse, “because if there’s any way it will shape the way people treat each other, it’s worth it.”
For details about the upcoming gala, visit wizevents.com/bethjacobgala2023.
