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Events and Calendar

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Mishkon is the historic heart of Jewish life in Venice, located a few blocks from the ocean. Over the past few years, we have successfully maintained our thriving preschool and enhanced learning opportu­nities, launched new initiatives targeting engage­ment of different demographics, piloted unique programs internally, and branched out into the local Venice and Main Street communities!
 
 
Mishkon Committee Members: if you have an event you would like submitted to the calendar, please fill out our event form here. 

Film Screening
"The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue"
Adult Education Committee 
Sunday, November 16  Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The movie starts at 5 p.m.
Mishkon's Adult Education Committee will be hosting a film screening in the social hall. In a harrowing real-life story, the documentary "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue" follows retired Israeli General Noam Tibon, who on October 7, 2023, received a desperate text from his son: Terrorists had stormed his home, and he, his wife, and their two young daughters feared for their lives.
 
Baby and Me Music Class 
Friday, November 21  9 - 10 a.m.
Each week, one of our wonderful local community partners will join us for a fun activity, like music and sensory art. This week will be led by Ryoji. Ryoji will introduce students to a fascinating array of musical instruments from around the world! Learn more and RSVP here.
 
Story Time and Book Swap
Friday, November 21  3:30 - 5 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of storytelling and book swapping at our “I Am Thankful” Story Time at Mishkon! Bring new or gently used board books, picture books, or chapter books to swap for someone else’s previously loved treasures. Remaining books will be donated to families in need this holiday season. RSVP here. $5 covers treats and coffee.
 
Community Shabbat Evening 
Friday, November 21  5:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Join Mishkon’s community for a three-part Shabbat evening! The night will kick off with a Pre-Neg Pizza Party with Mishkon’s preschoolers, followed by a Kabbalat Shabbat service in Mishkon’s Sanctuary with Rabbinical Intern Lily Gross, and ending with a delicious community dinner.
Registration is required here.
 
Baby and Me Story Time
Friday, December 5  9 - 10 a.m.
Each week, one of our wonderful local community partners will join us for a fun activity, like music and sensory art. This week will be led by Books and Cookies, who brings books to life, engaging children with high-energy, interactive storytelling that includes music and movement. Learn more and RSVP here.
 
The Study of Hanukkah, with Rabbi Katzan
Sunday, December 7  10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hanukkah is one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar, though much of its meaning gets missed by thinking it’s just another winter holiday. Please join Rabbi Katzan for an enriching study of Hanukkah, exploring its significance and meaning for us living in a post-October 7 world.
RSVP for this in-person event at Mishkon here.
 
Community Tot Shabbat and Kiddush
Saturday, December 13  10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a joyful and interactive pre-Hanukkah Tot Shabbat service with music and storytelling, followed by grape juice and challah on the bimah with Rabbi Katzan, and a kiddush lunch. Tot Shabbats are free, and members and non-members are welcome. Please let us know if you will be attending here.
 
Mishkon's Hanukkah Candle Lighting Party
Sunday, December 14  5 - 9 p.m. 
You're invited to celebrate with Mishkon’s welcoming community as we share latkes and enjoy award-winning Kosher brisket, vegetarian dinner options, and sufganiyot, with song and spirit at our beautiful synagogue, located a few blocks from the beach. Other activities to look forward to include competing in Jewpardy (Get it? Jewish Jeopardy!), making Hanukkah decorations and cards, and playing bingo and Pin the Candle on the Menorah!
 
Hanukkah Happy Hour
Young Professionals Mingle
Tuesday, December 16  5 - 7 p.m. 
Looking to celebrate Hanukkah and connect with new Jewish friends? Join us for a free festive Young Professionals Mingle! Enjoy wine, beer, and soft drinks alongside munchies and relaxed conversation. Learn more and RSVP here.
 
Chinese Food and Movie Night
Thursday, December 25  5 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
Come celebrate Xmas the Jewish way, with Chinese food and a movie! Dinner will be a catered Kosher Chinese meal, paired with schmoozing followed by our feature film. The film will be announced shortly. 

It's never too late to continue learning and growing, and Mishkon Tephilo offers various adult education opportunities for individuals to explore and deepen their understanding of Jewish traditions, texts, and practices. With classes offered both in-person and online, participants can choose what best fits their schedule and learning preferences.

For those interested in joining the Adult Education Committee, contact committee chair Phil Bell at shalvah@aol.com.

Midrash Monday 
Mondays  7:30 p.m. on Zoom (on summer hiatus)
Join us on our exploration of classic Rabbinic midrash Monday with Rabbi Dan. Zoom One-Click 
 
Torah Tuesday
Tuesdays  7 p.m. on Zoom 
Join us for an open reading of the Parsha of the Week, the weekly Torah portion, with Rabbi Katzan. Zoom One-Click
 
Intermediate Hebrew
Wednesdays  5:30 p.m. on Zoom (on summer hiatus)
Join us for Hebrew with Beatrice Zelenko. We welcome anyone comfortable speaking Hebrew at an intermediate level. 
 
The Art of Cantillation
Rabbi Dan is training members in rendering the Torah text in a musically pleasing and grammatically faithful performance. Interested Mishkonians should contact Rabbi Dan at dan@shevitz.net.
 
Chug Rashi
First Shabbat of the Month (on hiatus)
Chug Rashi meets at Mishkon Tephilo after kiddush to explore the weekly Torah portion through Rashi's commentaries. Longtime member Jeff Fleck, who has a doctorate in Comparative Literature, leads the engaging discussions.
 
Barbara's Book Club
Tuesdays  Once a month at 6 p.m.
 
Guest Speaker Program 
Mishkon's Adult Education Committee has a thriving guest speaker program with scholars, artists, historians, poets, community members, and more. View our calendar for upcoming guest speakers here, and watch past conversations on our YouTube page.
Join Mishkon Tephilo for heimisch, warm, and engaging Shabbat services led by Rabbi Katzan and the Mishkon community. Whether new to Hebrew or well-versed in liturgy, the music and practice of our service will quickly feel like the warm embrace of a trusted friend, enhanced by helpful tips from members and the rabbi. All are welcome to attend Kabbalat Shabbat and candle lighting on Friday or Shabbat morning services on Saturday.
Kabbalat Shabbat on Zoom
Fridays  6 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Zoom
We'll receive Shabbat together with song and sharing. Join us as we sing some of the beautiful melodies of the Kabbalat Shabbat service. Zoom One-Click 
 
Shabbat Morning Services
Saturdays  9:30 a.m. at Mishkon
Join the Mishkon community on Saturday morning for a heimisch, warm, and engaging Shabbat service. After the Shabbat service, all are welcome to join our Kiddush. 
 
Shabbat on the Beach
Returning in the summer of 2026
 
Hanukkah at Mishkon
Mishkon's Hanukkah Candle Lighting Party
Sunday, December 14  4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. 
 
Chinese Food and Movie Night
Wednesday, December 25  3:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

Mishkon Tephilo has been a cornerstone of the Westside of Los Angeles since its founding in 1918, and our historic synagogue has witnessed the transformation of Main Street over the past 75+ years. We invite everyone to explore this vibrant city with us and get involved as our home continues to grow. Below, you’ll find events and programs happening throughout our greater L.A. community.
 

Share your upcoming events with us by emailing marketing@mishkon.org or by filling out this form.

Venice-opoly Launch Party
Saturday, November 8  1 - 4 p.m. 
Our neighbor, the Venice Heritage Museum, has created Venice-opoly, a spin on the classic board game Monopoly. The museum has traded out the locations on the original game for places you will recognize from our Venice community! Mishkon Tephilo is lucky enough to be included as a stop on the board game, and we are excited for the launch party on November 8. Learn more and RSVP here.
 
Skirball Cultural Center Exhibitions
      Open until March 1, 2026
      Opens October 7
      Opens October 16
Sat, November 15 2025 24 Cheshvan 5786