Temple Israel of Hollywood
Not having a permanent location yet established for the Temple, it was split up into several locations. The Temple House, located in Japanese actor’s Sessue Hayakawa’s home, served as the religious school. A Methodist Church located on Vine and Lexington Street served as a place for services, while an American Legion Hall, hosted major plays and productions. Others places such as the Roosevelt Hotel, Masonic Temple, and the Los Angeles Breakfast club were also used for Temple needs.
Temple Israel was able to establish its first permanent residence around 1930 supposedly at 1783 Ivar Avenue, or at the corner of Ivar Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. The congregation had more than 250 members at this point, and a new building was needed. A First Methodist Church located on Ivar Street became available, and Temple Israel needed funding to purchase it, thus the annual Monster Midnight Show held at the Pantages Theater was born. This Midnight Show would prove vital for Temple Israel, helping to raise the necessary funds needed to purchase a new house of worship.
The Midnight Show brought actors such as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and George Jessel into the temple. Director Edward Laemmle and film producer Sol Wurtzel also were members. Unlike the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Temple Israel of Hollywood was less extravagant and took a longer time to find its permanent residence.
