Our History
80 years of faith, family and belonging
Temple Menorah has been a home for Jewish life in the South Bay since 1946. We are a Reform congregation where tradition runs deep, every person is welcomed, and community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you have been with us for decades or are just finding your way here, we are glad you are part of our story.
Who We Are
Rooted in tradition, open to all
For 80 years, Temple Menorah has been a center for Jewish life in the South Bay: established and trusted, warm and unpretentious.Everything we do connects our community - in worship, in learning, and in caring for one another and the world.
Grounded in Jewish wisdom
Our community is rooted in the timeless wisdom of Jewish tradition. Through Torah, prayer, learning, and deeds of loving kindness, we help one another to find meaning and purpose. Our goal is to build on what we learn about Judaism so we can live it together.
Everyone belongs
Temple Menorah is a place where all are welcome. Interfaith couples and families, singles, seniors, and members of every age and background find their home with us.
Add your light to ours.
Be. Here.
EIGHTY YEARS OF HISTORY
Temple Menorah through the years
From a single letter to a thriving congregation, our story is one of community, devotion, and welcome. Here are a few of the moments that shaped Temple Menorah.
1946
It began with a letter
Isaac H. Grancell wrote to the Jewish families of the South Bay, inviting them to come together. On August 21, 1946, they answered, and our congrega tion was born, first known as the South Bay Jewish Community Center.
1946
A school takes root
Our religious school opened its doors to seventeen children, a small but determined beginning for a community devoted to Jewish learning.
1947
A name of our own
In March 1947, the South Bay Jewish Community Center became Temple Menorah.
1957
Temple Menorah's First Rabbi
Rabbi Henry Front began his tenure, the first in a line of dedicated rabbis who would guide our community in the decades to come. Rabbi Front served our community until 1962
1961-1962
Building our home
Construction began on our current home on Camino Real in Redondo Beach. Rabbi Leon Kahane and Cantor Avshalom Cohen lead the congregation
1969
A sanctuary dedicated
Our sanctuary was dedicated to the Grancell family, whose vision helped bring the congregation to life.
1970s
Tuvia School opens
Our preschool, Tuvia School, began nurturing the South Bay's youngest children, a tradition of early childhood education that continues nearly 50 years later. A rescued Torah finds a home Temple Menorah became the home of a rescued Holocaust Torah scroll, a sacred symbol of the endurance and continuity of the Jewish people.
1987
Three decades of leadership
Rabbi Steven Silver began a 30-year tenure that shaped the warm and welcoming community Temple Menorah is today.
2017
A new chapter
Rabbi Leah Lewis became senior rabbi, leading the congregation forward into its eighth decade.
2026
80 years strong
Temple Menorah celebrates its 80th anniversary, honoring all who came before and embracing the future together. We welcome Rabbi Jill Gold Wright as the new settled senior rabbi.
“A community is more than each individual event. It is the feeling, the welcoming, and the people.”
Temple Menorah Member
Clergy and Leadership
Guided by wisdom and heart
Across nearly 80 years, Temple Menorah has been guided by devoted spiritual leaders: Rabbi Henry Front, Rabbi Jerome Unger, Rabbi Leon Kahane, Rabbi Steven Silver (now our Rabbi Emeritus), and Rabbi Leah Lewis. In 2026, Rabbi Jill Gold Wright began her service as our settled Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Rebeccah Yussman serves as our Rabbi-Educator.
Rabbi Jill Gold Wright
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Jill joins Temple Menorah after a 27-year tenure in academia before entering the rabbinate. She brings with her a wealth of experience as an educator, rabbi, and builder of community.
Rabbi Rebeccah Yussman, M.A., MAEd
Rabbi-Educator
A dedicated rabbi and educator who has spent more than ten years at Temple Menorah leading youth and adult programs, overseeing Camp Menorah, and supporting the pastoral needs of our congregation.
Rabbi Steven Silver
Rabbi Emeritus
During his 30-year tenure from 1987 to 2017, Rabbi Silver led Temple Menorah through significant growth in membership, education, and community engagement, and now serves as Rabbi Emeritus.
From Our Community
Words worth reading
Stories, reflections, and perspectives shared by our clergy and community.
High Holy Days
Please enjoy Rabbi Jill’s sermon from the first day of Rosh Hashanah, entitled “What a Wonderful World”
High Holy Days
Please enjoy Rabbi Jill’s Erev Rosh Hashanah Sermon entitled “Come Away With Me”
Rabbi
Thank you for visiting our site! We have a new motto at Temple Menorah: Add your Light to Ours. Be. Here. Every person – specifically you! – has an inner light – a n’tzitzah – a divine spark. What I meant when I wrote those words is an invitation for you to add your light […]
Your place in this community is waiting
Whether you are ready to join or just have a few questions, we would love to hear from you.