Temple Israel celebrates centennial
In 1926, seven men decided to found a temple that would serve the needs of Jews in Hollywood and Temple Israel of Hollywood was born. With its location in Hollywood proper, it’s no wonder that five of the original creators were prominent in the film industry. According to the TIOH website, “The congregation began to take shape with a special character—Jewish intellectuals with political and social awareness and close ties with the Hollywood artistic community.” One hundred years later this month, the temple still has that reputation. According to Zach Lasker, TIOH’s executive director, “The initial group laid the seeds and the synagogue blossomed.”
A VIEW of Temple Israel of Hollywood at 7300 Hollywood Blvd. from the 1950s. TIOH is celebrating its centennial this month.
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS of the temple’s capital campaign in 2014, Mitchell Schwartz of North Van Ness Avenue carries the torah through synagogue.
Photo by Andy Romanoff
The temple first bought a church on Ivar Street in 1930 with funds raised at a Monster Midnight Show held at the Pantages Theater. About 20 years later they moved to their current location at 7300 Hollywood Blvd. In 1957, TIOH bought Hillside Memorial Park and later added a mortuary that now serves the greater Jewish community throughout the region. Lasker said, “We take care of all life cycle moments, from cradle to grave.” Elizabeth Taylor’s conversion to Judaism and later, one of her weddings, took place here in 1959. As did Al Jolson’s funeral in 1950.
The artistic and socially active nature of the temple has brought many interesting figures over the years. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke from the same pulpit that’s still in the sanctuary today just days after Malcolm X was assassinated. Sammy Davis Jr. gave the lecture “Why I Am a Jew” in the same spot. Israel’s former Prime Minister Golda Meir was honored at a gala; later Congressman Adam Schiff spoke at a gala—and the list goes on.
A PRESCHOOL TEACHER interacting with a student.
The Hollywood figures that have helped raise funds —some of which have also been members—include Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, George Burns with Gracie Allen, Ann Miller, Shirley MacLaine, Judy Garland, Marta Kaufman, and Matthew Weiner.
TIOH has three schools that in total educate 550 to 600 students annually, according to Lasker. Their nursery school, Bay-Nimoy Early Childhood Center, received a generous donation from and is dedicated to Leonard Nimoy and his wife, Susan Bay.
For the past 30 years, Temple Israel has hosted a festive Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and live music as well as toys, clothes, and necessities to give away for those in need. Lasker stated, “Part of our responsibility is to take care of our Hollywood neighbors.”
Big Sunday, a local nonprofit that has a constant rotation of ways to give back to the community, grew from the temple’s annual day of community service.
PRESENT DAY Temple Israel of Hollywood.
These are just a couple of the happenings that occupy a very robust calendar of events.
How is TIOH going to celebrate its 100 years?
The synagogue is creating an endowment to pave the way for the next 100 years. When the Chronicle spoke with Lasker, they had just raised $10 million. The key to this fund is to not touch the principal and use only the interest for annual needs. Lasker said, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving.” TIOH will be reaching out to its congregants to further fund the endowment. Lasker hopes the centennial gala they are hosting Thu., Dec. 3, will be a celebration of the success of the endowment campaign.
WEDDING OF Elizabeth Taylor to Eddie Fisher in 1959. Rabbi Max Nussbaum, “Hollywood’s Rabbi,” officiated.
Other ways they are celebrating the past 100 years is with a coffee table book being compiled by a congregant. It’s due to be completed this summer. And a special mezuzah, a small parchment scroll placed in a case and affixed to a doorpost, is being designed by artist Amy Golant, who spent some time at TIOH as a child.
And, come July 1, TIOH will be ushering in a new senior rabbi, Mark Miller. This will be his third pulpit.
Lasker has been with TIOH for five years. When asked what he likes about the temple he said, “I had fallen head over heels in love with the community as a creative, safe, inclusive, and holy space. The vibrant nature of this community drove me to want to work here.”
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