Mishkon serves its community in many ways

THIS POST is the 3rd in a series of 4 excerpts from our application last week for consideration for a grant award from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a non-profit organization. 

Below the jump, this post lists some of the ways that Mishkon Tephilo contributes to our local community — and in return deserves support from that community. 

Contributions to our community

As the only house of worship on Main Street in its vibrant commercial/restaurant quarter, our synagogue’s civic participation includes membership in the nonprofit Venice Beach Business Improvement District, which keeps the neighborhood clean and safe. Its board of directors meets often in our facility. We are also a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.

The Preschool @ Mishkon welcomes children of all faiths or none; currently most of its families are not Jewish and therefore not eligible to join the synagogue.

Our Social Action Committee has current partnerships with the Westside Food Bank (collection site; take part in 5K Hunger Walk); Meals on Wheels West (occasional deliveries); and St. Joseph’s Center Bread and Roses Café, serving meals to the unhoused.

Last year, our sanctuary hosted the world premiere of a documentary about homelessness in Venice, and an art opening by a local mosaic artist.

3-25-23:
Sanctuary rented for the Venice premiere of a documentary about local homelessness,
which was also a fundraiser for two community nonprofits,
as well as an exuberant gathering of artists and activists.
Photo courtesy UNZIPPED Movie LLC.

3-25-23:
Attendees, before the documentary screening.
Last year, we removed 10 rows of seats at the back of the sanctuary,
creating an accessible space for congregating.
This reflects our approach to rehabilitation.
Photo courtesy UNZIPPED Movie LLC.

Our historic sanctuary’s front flagstone steps and patio have long been a place of repose for passersby and nearby workers. It is shaded by a street tree that we have professionally tended, providing the best refuge from the summer sun for blocks around.

While walking his dog,
this fellow stopped to take a phone call from a friend,
in the shade of “our” tree.
In 2021, we did restoration work on the flagstone.
Restoration of the façade walls is a priority for this year. 

Various classes on Jewish topics, both in person and online, welcome non-members at no cost.

Our Social Hall used to be a venue for community meetings; family life-cycle celebrations; performances; and more. With assistance, we can revive the Social Hall so that it becomes a center for the local community again.