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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!
 

Baby & Me Friday 
Friday, April 25  9 - 10 a.m.
Led by ARTWELL
This sensory workshop is a bonding experience for children to make a mess through sensory exploration and tactile art! Afterward, you’re invited to join our preschoolers for Shabbat songs and challah!
Learn more and sign up
 
Guest Speaker Dr Nili Alon Amit
Happiness & Well-Being in Jewish Literature
Sunday, April 27  11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Zoom 
Adult Education
Dr. Nili Alon Amit will explore the concept of happiness in the Bible up to Israel's pre-state pioneer poets. Dr. Amit will lead us through a historical overview that includes medieval Jewish writings, Kabbalah, and Spinoza. She will discuss the core of the human search for well-being.
 
Baby & Me Friday 
Friday, May 2  9 - 10 a.m.
Led by Books & Cookies
This week, we will be joined by one of our wonderful local community partners, Chudney Ross of Books and Cookies. Ross brings books to life, engaging children with high-energy, interactive storytelling that includes music and movement. Afterward, you’re invited to join our preschoolers for Shabbat songs and challah!
 
Mishkon’s Casino Royale Gala
Sunday, May 4  5:30 - 9:30 p.m. in Mishkon's newly remodeled social hall
The 2025 Mishkon Gala will be a night of high-stakes fun with a raffle and gambling (with Mishkon Money), cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a mission to support Mishkon. Don’t roll the dice on missing out — get your tickets now!
 
Singles Mingle on Main Street
Tuesday, May 6  5 - 7 p.m.
Looking to find a Jewish partner? Join Mishkon Tephilo at its first singles happy hour for young Jewish adults on Tuesday, May 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. (ages 26-40) Meet us on the cozy back patio of the Library Alehouse, 2911 Main St., Santa Monica., for some tasty microbrews and relaxed conversation.
Arrive before 6 p.m., and your first beer or glass of wine is on us!
 
Lag BaOmer BBQ
Thursday, May 15  6 - 9 p.m.
Rabbi Katzan is hosting a Lag BaOmer BBQ with food, music, and singing around the “bonfire” in his backyard!

Learn more and RSVP here!

Guest Speaker Maxim D. Shrayer
Sunday, May 18  11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Zoom 
Adult Education
Author and Boston College professor Maxim D. Shrayer, a former refusenik born in Moscow, emigrated from the Soviet Union in 1987. In this compelling talk, Shrayer will explore the history of the refusenik movement, offer personal reflections on life behind the Iron Curtain, and read excerpts from his acclaimed memoir, Leaving Russia: A Jewish Story.

Yom HaShoah Program: Suitcase of Memory
Tuesday, April 22  4 - 5 p.m. in Mishkon's Library 
Adult Education and the Mishkon Preschool
Mishkon's Preschool and Adult Education Committee invite you to a special presentation by Dr. Nili Alon Amit, a speaker from the Holocaust Education Center at StandWithUs. She will explore how antisemitism can infiltrate education and will discuss thoughtful approaches to Holocaust education for young children. This adults-only class is available for everyone, but this program is geared toward preschool parents and grandparents. Light refreshments will be provided.
 
Yom HaShoah Performance: Between the Lines
Wednesday, April 23  4 p.m. PT
The mother of our member Ginni Rosenfeld will be one of four Survivors participating in a wonderful program at Witness Theater in New York. This preformance is the culmination of months of collaboration among four Holocaust Survivors and 16 students. 
You can Livestream this performance. Learn more here.

Holocaust Remembrance Day
Wesnesday, April 23  6 - 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Katzan has been invited to speak at the Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council (SMAIC) commemoration of Yom HaShoah on April 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Santa Monica, 1260 18th St., Santa Monica, CA 90404.

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.
Join us on our exploration of classic Rabbinic midrash Monday with Rabbi Dan.
 
Torah Tuesday
Tuesdays  7 p.m.
Join us for an open reading of the Parsha of the Week, the weekly Torah portion, with Rabbi Katzan.
 
Intermediate Hebrew
Wednesdays  5:30 p.m.
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 the first Shabbat of each month, 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 stimulating and engaging discussions.
 
Barbara's Book Club
Tuesdays  Once a month from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
 
Zemirot for Shabbat
Third Shabbat of the Month
Find Ginni Rosenfeld after Kiddush on the third Saturday of every month, and raise the roof singing everyone's favorite Hebrew songs.
 
Community Scholar Program
Mishkon has become a partner organization with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program. Almost all of their adult education programs are on Zoom, and they use internationally recognized scholars as presenters. Programs are recorded and available for viewing on the occsp.net website. Everything is free to Mishkon members. Click here to learn more. 

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. 
 
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. 
 
Preparing for Passover with Rabbi Joshua Katzan
Sunday, April 6   9:30 - 11 a.m.
Join Rabbi Katzan as he guides us through the physical and spiritual preparations for Passover, helping you to create a Seder that is both joyous and meaningful for family, friends, and children. He will cover everything from getting ready for the holiday to the structure and deeper significance of the Seder. Parents, don't miss this opportunity to discover new ways to engage your children in the rituals and traditions of this special holiday! (This class is for adults only).
 
Passover Day 1 and 2 at Kehillat Ma'arav
April 13 and 14   9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Mishkon Tephilo will be visiting Kehillat Ma'arav for services on Day 1 and Day 2 and hosting Kehillat Ma'arav for services on Day 7 and Day 8.
Learn more here
 
Passover Day 7 and 8 at Mishkon Tephilo
April 19 and 20   9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Mishkon Tephilo will be visiting Kehillat Ma'arav for services on Day 1 and Day 2 and hosting Kehillat Ma'arav for services on Day 7 and Day 8.
Learn more here
 
 

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.

Main Street Farmers Market
Sundays  8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
This market is a collaboration with the Main Street Business Improvement Association, Ocean Park resident group, the Victorian, and the Heritage Museum. Approximately 40 certified California farms, live entertainment, activities, and Main Street- based retail vendors present a vibrant atmosphere where locals and visitors shop and spent the morning with friends and family.  
 
 
Mon, April 28 2025 30 Nisan 5785