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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. 

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!
 
Baby & Me Friday 
Friday, May 9  9 - 10 a.m.
Led by ARTWELL
This workshop provides a nurturing environment for self-expression, fine-motor-skills development, confidence building, and emotional regulation/mindfulness
 
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!

Baby & Me Friday 
Friday, May 16  9 - 10 a.m.
Led by ARTWELL
This workshop provides a nurturing environment for self-expression, fine-motor-skills development, confidence building, and emotional regulation/mindfulness
Guest Speaker Maxim D. Shrayer "The Refusenik Experience"
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.
 
Volunteer at St. Joseph's Bread and Roses Café
Tuesday, May 20  8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Social Action Committee
Mishkon's Social Action Committee is volunteering at the St. Joseph's Center Bread and Roses Café. 
St. Joseph's Bread and Roses Café serves freshly made, hot meals in a restaurant-style setting to men and women who are homeless. 
 
Baby & Me Friday 
Friday, May 23  9 - 10 a.m.
Led by Zooga
Zooga's mission is to inspire fun and promote fitness to kid's and families through yoga and much more!
Scholar in Residence Dinner
Friday, May 30  6 - 8 p.m. 
 
Shabbat on the Beach
Friday, June 6  5:30 - 7 p.m. 
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. Challah and grape juice will be provided for services, and FUN will be provided with beach games, kites, paddle ball, corn hole, and more after services! Feel free to bring your own instruments to join Rabbi Katzan during Shabbat on the Beach. Make sure to bring beach chairs, blankets, jackets, and your own dinner if you plan to picnic on the beach afterward.

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.  
 
 
Tue, April 29 2025 1 Iyyar 5785