Mishkon 2024 Gala
Mishkon Tephilo honoree Murray Kalis and his daughter, Sam Aotaki, kick up their heels on the dance floor. Courtesy of Mishkon Tephilo
Longtime Mishkon Tephilo congregant Murray Kalis was honored by Mishkon Tephilo at the synagogue’s 2024 gala on May 19 at the 1217 Second Street venue in Santa Monica. More than 130 people attended the sold-out “Mad Men”-themed event, celebrating Kalis’ 50-year legacy in advertising.
In keeping with Kalis’ role as an Emmy Awards judge, guests entered the room on a red carpet, were greeted by paparazzi flashbulbs and enjoyed an eye-popping reel of Kalis’ commercials over the decades.
Kalis’ impressive career spans from psychological operations in the Korean War, to creative director stints at top agencies like Leo Burnett, Burson-Marstelle, and Young and Rubicam, to principal of his own firm, Kalis Inc. His daughter, Karen Solomon, had the crowd in stitches with her stories about growing up with a father in advertising.
Mishkon Tephilo is the historic heart of Jewish life in Venice, located a few blocks from the ocean. The oldest operating synagogue on the Westside, its diverse community and thriving preschool warmly welcome everyone, including interfaith families and converts to Judaism.
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