Who We Are

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1917, Temple Mishkon Tephilo is one of the oldest continuously operating synagogues on the Westside and has occupied its present historic building since 1948. We embody the “Venice spirit,” meaning we are a group of quirky, intellectual, artistic, and warm folks who would love to have you join us in whatever part of our buffet you would find most fulfilling. We try to serve the religious, spiritual, social, interfaith, and educational needs of our members, whether they are 3 or 100 years old.

We have a renowned preschool, as well as an active adult education program. Our religious school is small, and, because of that, we can cater very easily to the needs of each student.

We have many committees and interest groups. Some are set up to support our members who are ill or in mourning. Our book club offers discussions that are so lively that even those who haven’t read our monthly selection seem to find the meetings intellectually stimulating and interesting. We have a variety of Kiddush arrangements that provide an opportunity to schmooze and catch up with fellow Mishkonians,  who, you will find, become part of your life very quickly. 

Even online during the pandemic, our Shabbat and holiday services are lively, with lots of singing and congregational participation.  Since we have chosen not to have a full-time cantor, you can participate directly and even lead our services. Please let us know if you would like to lead sections of the service or read Torah or a Haftorah. We have members who would love to help you renew your synagogue skills if need be. 

Our rabbi, ordained by the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, is Joshua Katzan. Rabbi Katzan served as the senior rabbi at Congregation Habonim in New York City for eight  years, but he has deep roots in Los Angeles. In fact, his great-grandparents were founders of Mishkon, his great-grandfather was the first president of Mishkon, and his parents were married at Mishkon. 
 
Rabbi Katzan has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Northridge and received his Rabbinic Ordination at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University), along with master’s degrees in Education and Rabbinic Literature. Additionally, he holds certifications in non-profit business management and Jewish meditation instruction. He has wide experience in education at all levels, non-profit organization, and music, especially guitar. He has also studied and worked in Israel. Most recently, he’s been teaching at Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies.  Please feel free to reach out to Rabbi Katzan below:

RABBI JOSHUA KATZAN

Office Phone: (310) 392-3029 ext 6

Direct: (323) 943-2943

Email: rabbikatzan@mishkon.org

We welcome you to come discover more about yourself and your Judaism. We value full participation regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status. Mishkon Tephilo welcomes interfaith families with open arms.