The Open Temple - Venice, California

Chéri W. W. (.

Our family had roots at a Chabad that ran back decades. Time and location meant that we needed to find a new Temple home, and we have. Open Temple is a great focal point for the Jewish community of Venice and surrounding areas. We joined Open Temple in 2016 after a long search. We looked for a warm and welcoming community, friendly congregation, humane and talented clergy, with a strong spiritual environment and opportunities to become involved. We found all this and more. Rabbi Lori Shapiro is exceptional, the congregation is inspirational.  The activities are creative, numerous, varied and meaningful including Goat Yoga! Great people, great events, great house band. Something for everyone and a wonderful sense of belonging to anyone who passes through the doorway. I am so pleased to be a co-creator for the past 3.5 years. My family and I consider Open Temple our Jewish home.

Jenny L. G.

Open Temple is truly a place like no other. My family and I were not looking to join a congregation yet then we found Open Temple. We find reflection, celebration, deep learning and community here and truly look forward to being present. Rabbi Lori and her team are sincerely committed to co-creating in a profound way, which allows for an expansive, innovative and loving experience.

Ajae C.

Open Temple is a very special community. Rabbi Lori Shapiro inspires families with dynamic, interactive experiences throughout the year. Our son loves Arts 36 and comes home energized from the music, dance, theater, and hands-on fine arts projects grounded in Jewish culture and history.

Gina D.

Rabbi Lori Shapiro has shared her unique vision of Judaism creating a space to open our minds. Open Temple brings Judaism to life for so many who had become apathetic or could not relate elsewhere. With a wide variety of events that engage people to promote critical thought and provide spiritual direction we can all gain something clearly lacking in today's society.

Andy G.

Best temple and Rabbi anywhere in the world -- Lori is gem of a person as are all the people and creativity she surrounds herself with and which in turn inspires so many others. Really an amazing open-minded community and approach to spirituality with a new vision for the best of what religion can be.

Elya B.

After years of "temple-cruising" at the High Holy Days, I found Open Temple through an email from the Electric Lodge. When I walked into Rosh Hashanah services, saw the pinball wizard theme, listened to the fabulous and innovative band, then heard Rabbi Lori speak - with all her energy and passion and deep knowledge - I knew I'd come home, that this was the religious community I'd been searching for.

Besides the regular Shabbat and High Holy Day services, Open Temple is unique in the variety and creativity of its community outreach activities - from the monthly Art Truck at Venice First Fridays, to its Rosh Chodesh women's group, its Passover Seder Quest, its Hanukkah on the canals boat parade, its wide range of spiritual classes, its new monthly poetry gathering, even sound baths at the beach. While my own kids are long past religious school age, it's delightful to see how much the children of Open Temple enjoy and embrace what they've learned at Open Temple's innovative religious school program and other family-oriented activities.

One of the things I love most about Open Temple is how inclusive it is. My non-Jewish husband has enjoyed many Open Temple events with me, my then-college-aged son and several of his non-Jewish friends joined in the festivities at the Passover Seder Quest last year, and when I had friends (also not Jewish) visiting from out-of-town last year, they had a blast at Open Temple's Unplug Venice event. I am so grateful to be part of this warm and welcoming community!

Aviva M.

Not traditional Judaism, a mix of many spiritual things but not what I’m used to experiencing as a Jew who’s been practicing in multiple countries including Israel. Left somewhat confused.

Rosh Hashana evening was $180 and there wasn’t any food or even apples, we watched a performance on the pier while lots of rock music played from near us. It was also really cold and we didn’t know what to expect so we weren’t prepared for the cold of sitting on the pier watching. I wouldn’t honestly consider this Judiasm.

Wayne C.

Amazing Rabbi, amazing mission, special place. Very open and welcoming to all faiths, beliefs, religions. Creates a wonderful sense of community. Kudos to Rabbi Lori and her team.