About Us
Main office
201 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291
310-392-3029 (ext 1)
office@mishkon.org
Sanctuary entrance
206 Main Street
Venice, CA 90291
Preschool
310-396-7733
preschool@mishkon.org
Religious school
310-392-3029 (ext 4)
religiousschool@mishkon.org
Mishkon Tephilo. Its historic landmark building on Main Street in Venice houses a beautiful synagogue that warmly embraces interfaith families and converts to Judaism. People notice its relaxed and inclusive vibe and find us less formal than other synagogues — as one of our regulars put it, "Hawaiian shirt optional."
Mishkon is participatory and many congregants engage in synagogue services, leading a section or reading from the Torah on Shabbat. Services are held Friday night (usually on Zoom or at the beach), Saturday morning and all holidays, with occasional family services and alternative learning services. Kiddush lunch, a great place to meet new people and catch up with old friends, is usually held immediately following services on Saturday morning.
Mishkon is more than a synagogue. The preschool's child-centered curriculum and the religious school that deepens children’s love for Judaism are attractive to parents from the surrounding Westside area. And people enjoy the rich variety of Mishkon's adult education program, its Culture Club, its focus on social action, and its social activities including Book Club and Games Day. Mishkon is growing — come join us.
Our Mission
Mishkon Tephilo is a participatory, egalitarian congregation. The commitment and participation of all congregants are equally valued, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status. We welcome interfaith families with open arms. Our mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive community where people of all backgrounds can come together to explore and deepen their experience of Judaism and to inspire one another to live lives filled with purpose, meaning, and compassion.
We are committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We believe Judaism directs us to master ourselves, as well as the power of community to transform lives. We take seriously the obligation to make a positive impact on the world around us (Tikkun Olam).
Mishkon Tephilo is guided by the Rabbinic idea that “the world stands on three pillars: Torah (learning), action (as a form of worship), and lovingkindness.”
Through our engaging and dynamic programming, we aim to provide opportunities for learning, spiritual growth, and community service, and celebrate the rich traditions and heritage of Judaism at all ages. We believe that, by coming together to pray, study, and work toward a common goal, we can create a world that is more just, more compassionate, and more connected. And by doing this together, we enhance one another’s overall wellbeing and happiness.
Above all, our mission is to embody the Jewish values of kindness, generosity, and love in all that we do and to inspire others to do the same. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our members, our community, and the world, and we invite all those who share this vision to join us on this journey.
Our history
Mishkon Tephilo has a rich history. Our Articles of Incorporation are dated 1917, and the congregation’s first recorded board meeting was held in 1918. Among the founders of Mishkon was the great-grandfather of our current rabbi, Joshua Katzan, who was also the first president of Mishkon. Our first facility was built in 1922, and our current location was dedicated in 1948. We became the first Conservative synagogue in the Western United States to be led by a female rabbi when the congregation hired Rabbi Naomi Levy in 1989. She served until 1996.
We invite you to join us at one of our many events, activities, or services to experience our vibrant and welcoming community.