Our Facilities | Our Sanctuary | Miller Hall | Mollie Wise Foyer | Goodman Courtyard | Approved Caterers


Description
In 2006, Temple Israel will celebrate 80 years as a congregation. When it was founded in 1926 by Hollywood's Jewish film moguls, the Temple was dubbed "Filmland's House of Worship." The congregation quickly gained renown for dedication to public service in the community as well as active involvement in international issues. Among the most influential figures in Temple Israel's history was the charismatic Rabbi Max Nussbaum, for whom the majestic Sanctuary is named along with his wife, Ruth, who continues to play an active role in Temple life. While a rabbi in Nazi Germany, Nussbaum courageously rescued a Torah from the flames of the infamous Kristalnacht, and that relic now rests safely in the Ark of the Temple's Sanctuary.

In 1947, during Rabbi Nussbaum's 32-year tenure, the Temple found its current site in a peaceful, residential neighborhood at the base of the Hollywood Hills. Fashioned of grey stone with a red-tile roof, the Sanctuary and its adjoining buildings are striking examples of modern Spanish Revival architecture. The Sanctuary boasts massive oak doors, and an eye-catching Star of David inscribed into the building's facade above the threshold evokes both cultural pride and rich tradition.

The setting and the Synagogue are both beautiful and inspirational, conveying a sense of awe and humility while at the same time artistically illustrating the continuity and commitment of the Jewish people.

In the Sanctuary's ornate foyer, rich woods offset a meticulously handpainted coffered ceiling. A Star of David motif is subtly expressed in the green carpeting that continues throughout the Sanctuary. A bride makes her entrance from the foyer and savors the long walk down the aisle, past many rows of guests who look on from plush velvet seats. Byzantine-style chandeliers dangle from a lofty vaulted ceiling, and two tiers of gorgeous stained glass windows bathe the scene in soft, heavenly light.

Poised on the stairs of the Bimah, the wedding couple holds hands under a decorated chuppah. Behind this romantic tableau stands the Ark, an imposing monument fashioned in creamy Italian marble with silver doors and large stone lions, representing strength, courage and majesty. Other important Jewish themes are dramatically depicted in symbolic artwork all over the Sanctuary, so that each moment is infused with deep spiritual significance.

The Temple is available to all individuals celebrating milestone events within Jewish tradition. When planning Bar or Bat Mitzvah, wedding, anniversary, special birthday or children’s party, think of Temple Israel first. The Temple is your home and we are your extended family.
Our temple spaces are available for Jewish lifecycle events including weddings, and memorial services. (Please note, we host b’nai mitzvah events for Temple Israel of Hollywood members only.)

Contact: Jennifer Flatow
Facilities/Catering Manager
Phone:(323) 876-8330 ext.205
Fax: (323) 876-6341
Email: jennifer@tioh.org