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Beth Shir Sholom, House of the Song of Peace, was created in 1991 when Beth Sholom Temple (who occupied the present Temple building) combined with West Los Angeles' Temple Shir Shalom (which was led by Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels). Beth Sholom Temple had roots that extended back into the Santa Monica community prior to World War II. With the Nazi horrors as a backdrop, on January 17, 1939 , fourteen people met in the home of Mr. And Mrs. Harry Markowitz to form what would become Beth Sholom Temple. The initial congregation met in the Unitarian Church of Santa Monica for Shabbat services. The first Shabbat service in the present Temple building was held on May 1, 1942. The building was financed in part by a loan from movie mogul Louis B. Mayer. In 1949, Rabbi Laurence A. Block became Beth Sholom's spiritual leader and served the Temple for the next 28 years, while teaching religion and philosophy at Santa Monica College. Among many prominent Beth Sholom members have been the voice of Bugs Bunny, Mel Blanc, blues guitarist Hollywood Fats and actor twins Emile and Eugene Kaufmann. Temple Shir Shalom was established by a small group of families that formed around Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels in February of 1980. They first met in the homes of congregants. In 1981 Shir Shalom established itself in the facilities of a West Los Angeles swim school, and was often referred to as the "shul with the pool." In 1982 Shir Shalom found a home in the basement social hall of St. Bede's Episcopal Church. The Temple became known for its music, creative liturgy and its focus on social action programs, including public weekly anti-nuclear war vigils. Today, our progressive Reform community is a welcome home to people with diverse backgrounds, who approach their Judaism with different needs and expectations. A unifying element of Beth Shir Sholom is our music. Our sanctuary and souls are filled with joyous sounds at every service. Our energy and personality are expressed at our unique Shabbos Tish. The Tish is a communally centered collage of guided meditation, klezmer, Sephardic and original music, interactive study, and spirituality.
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