Mishkon Tephilo

Mishkon Tephilo Mishkon is the historic heart of Jewish life in Venice, just a few blocks from the ocean. He has also studied and worked in Israel. WE WELCOME YOU!!

Whether you are looking for a place to celebrate the holidays, seeking a preschool, Jewish education for your child, planning a life-cycle event, new to Judaism, or OUR SPIRITUAL LEADER IS RABBI JOSHUA KATZAN
Rabbi Katzan served as the senior rabbi at Congregation Habonim in New York City for eight years, but he has deep roots in Los Angeles. In fact, his great-grandparents were founders of Mishko

n, his great-grandfather was the first president of Mishkon, and his parents were married at Mishkon. Rabbi Katzan has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Northridge and received his Rabbinic Ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University), along with master’s degrees in education and rabbinic literature. Additionally, he holds certifications in non-profit business management and Jewish meditation instruction. He has wide experience in education at all levels, non-profit organization, and music, especially guitar. Most recently, he’s been teaching at Ziegler. Feel free to call Rabbi Katzan at (310) 392-3029 extension 6, on his direct line at (323) 943-2943, on his cell phone at (303) 204-0351, or email him at [email protected]. MORE ABOUT OUR CONGREGATION
Temple Mishkon Tephilo is one of the oldest continuously operating synagogues on the Westside and has occupied its present historic building since 1948. Our congregation is egalitarian and participatory, while remaining traditional. Mishkon events and services emphasize music, food, spirit, and accessibility. Our intimate, friendly community includes 150 member families. We value full participation, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status. Mishkon appeals to those who respect tradition while remaining open to new ideas. Our unique character attracts people from all walks of life, who serve as one another's extended family. We are affiliated with the Masorti movement. Mishkon provides extensive educational and social activities and programs for everyone, including Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation for students of all ages. Our Shabbat services are lay-led and feature lively discussions about the Torah portion. Following services on Saturdays, we enjoy delicious lunches prepared by members of our congregation. The Susan Sims-Bodenstein “Preschool by the Sea” serves children ages 3 to 5, and our toddler program is for ages 2 and 3. We provide a warm, nurturing environment influenced by Jewish traditions, where children can develop to their fullest potential. Our children internalize Jewish values and traditions through Shabbat observance and the celebration of all Jewish holidays. See http://www.mishkon.org/susan-sims-bodenstein-preschool

The Mishkon Tephilo Religious School has a unique hands-on curriculum that creates learning and a love for Judaism in each child. Family Education Programs give families an opportunity to learn together. School-Wide Programs involve the entire Religious School. Adult programs are varied and extensive. We have lively holiday celebrations, including Purim festivals, Chanukah parties, and Tu’Bishvat seders and hikes. We also hold monthly book club gatherings and regular classes with our rabbi as well as with knowledgeable congregants, such as Jeffrey Fleck, who leads a monthly Rashi study group. COME FOR A VISIT … STAY FOR LIFE.

Thank you for joining Mishkon and The Braid for last week's story telling workshop! We are thrilled about this partnersh...
06/03/2026

Thank you for joining Mishkon and The Braid for last week's story telling workshop! We are thrilled about this partnership and thankful for everyone in attendance for sharing your vulnerable and beautiful stories. We were so impressed by your talent and strength.

Mishkon will be hosting a screening the 2009 documentary film Dressing America followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker!Date...
06/02/2026

Mishkon will be hosting a screening the 2009 documentary film Dressing America followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker!

Date: Sunday, June 14
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Location: Mishkon Tephilo in Venice
Tickets: Tickets are $5 for non-members and FREE for Mishkon members
RSVP here https://www.mishkon.org/event/Dressing-America.html

Rich in storytelling and sumptuous visual detail, Dressing America encompasses one-hundred-fifty years of fashion history, populated by pioneering, larger-than-life characters. It’s also the story of individuals, like 84-year old Holocaust survivor, Charles Edelstein, who still travels from his home in Oceanside, Long Island, to peddle fabrics to a new generation of foreign-born garment center businessmen. In short, the film is a tribute to a vibrant, colorful and creative industry that has grown up and been nurtured by a Jewish presence for over a century and a half.

Thank you to everyone who helped Mishkon's Social Action Committee make 60 lunches for the unhoused and food-insecure. T...
05/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who helped Mishkon's Social Action Committee make 60 lunches for the unhoused and food-insecure. They were delivered to a Hang Out Do Good [HODG] drop-off site in Santa Monica, then transported to the Hollywood Food Coalition. HODG was so thankful for our contribution, especially because during three-day weekends, people donate fewer lunches.

Mishkon members spent Lag Ba'Omer at the Rabbi's home, singing, schmoozing, and noshing around the camp fire. We are so ...
05/08/2026

Mishkon members spent Lag Ba'Omer at the Rabbi's home, singing, schmoozing, and noshing around the camp fire. We are so lucky to have such a close-knit community!

☀️It’s summer time, and that means Shabbat on the Beach is back! Bring a friend or the whole family! Warm your toes in t...
05/05/2026

☀️It’s summer time, and that means Shabbat on the Beach is back! Bring a friend or the whole family! Warm your toes in the sand, and join your community in singing and celebrating the joys of a magical Shabbat experience. Feel free to bring your own instruments and a picnic.

⛱️Learn more about this FREE event and RSVP here https://www.mishkon.org/shabbat-on-the-beach.html

🐚Upcoming Shabbat on the Beach dates:
Friday, May 29
Friday, June 12
Friday, July 10
Friday, August 7
Friday, August 28

The Braid is the leading non-profit organization creating, curating, producing, and preserving stories grounded in Jewis...
05/04/2026

The Braid is the leading non-profit organization creating, curating, producing, and preserving stories grounded in Jewish culture and experience. Join The Braid’s Literary Manager and storytelling expert Lisa Kenner Grissom for a dynamic, 2-hour interactive storytelling/writing workshop. You’ll get an inside look at The Braid’s creative process, while discovering how to shape and share your own personal story.

Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Mishkon Tephilo in Venice

This event is limited to 20 people. Learn more and get your tickets here https://www.mishkon.org/event/the-braid.html

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making last weekend's Gala so special! Nearly 120 people schmoozed, ate fabulou...
04/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making last weekend's Gala so special! Nearly 120 people schmoozed, ate fabulous food, danced, bid on silent auction items, and heard from our honorees.

Messages for our honorees came from all across the country to congratulate them and to thank them for their years of support for this community.

Read some of those messages, in this year's tribute book here
https://tinyurl.com/yc2vherm

Thank you, Ann and Barry Steinberg and Shiri and Yoni Sassoon, for all you do for Mishkon.

04/14/2026

🫧Tot Shabbat and Kiddush!🫧

Join us for a joyful and interactive Tot Shabbat service with music and storytelling, followed by grape juice and challah on the bimah with Rabbi Katzan, and a kiddush lunch with the congregation. Tot Shabbat will be led by Mishkon member Jeffrey Prince, who has a special talent for engaging our preschoolers through his interactive songs and exciting Jewish stories.

Saturday, April 18 at 11 am in Venice. RSVP here https://www.mishkon.org/event/community-tot-shabbat.html

Tot Shabbat is hosted once a month and is tailored to children 6 and younger. Tot Shabbat is free and open to members and non-members — please sign up below if you’ll be joining us!

Schedule:
11 a.m. Free play
11:15 a.m. Tot Shabbat service
12 p.m. Join Rabbi Katzan on the bimah
12:15 p.m. Kiddush lunch (bagels, fruit, and more)

Address

206 Main Street
Venice, CA
90291

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5am
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.mishkon.org/preschool.html

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