Twenty-one families a shared dream. That’s how Temple Akiba began. In 1952 four families met. They planned a new temple in Culver City. Their initial meeting sparked a movement. Soon twenty-one families joined the cause. They held a raffle. They raised $180. The formation of Temple Akiba was well underway.
Temple Akiba advertised in local papers. On March 18 1953 a meeting took place. It was held in the Culver City Council Chambers. The name Temple Akiba was chosen. The Temple decided to affiliate with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. This later became the Union for Reform Judaism. Twenty-five families were members at that time.
The first Shabbat services happened on March 27 1953. They were held in a rented hall. A religious school and a Hebrew school started soon after. A Brotherhood a Sisterhood and a youth group formed. Temple Akiba applied for a charter. In September 1953 the charter was granted. Membership grew to 75 families. Rabbi Hershel Lymon became the leader. Fundraisers began. The goal was to build Temple Akiba a home.
The first High Holy Day services were in the Culver City Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Membership soared past 167 families. Over 1400 people attended those High Holy Day services. An escrow opened in December 1953. The goal was to purchase land on Sepulveda Boulevard. That’s where Temple Akiba stands today. The Brotherhood handled monthly payments. The lot wasn’t fully paid until 1963.
Temple Akiba’s first Bar Mitzvah was January 15 1954. In 1955 three small buildings were acquired. These were a gymnasium a shower house and another building. The buildings were moved onto the lot. Families worked evenings Saturdays and Sundays. They poured foundations plastered and roofed. Ladies provided food and coffee. A Z Moss completed interiors. He paved the lot installed patios and gardens. Temple Akiba’s first sanctuary was dedicated.
By 1960 Temple Akiba outgrew its facilities. A new temple was planned. Architect Robert Kennard designed the new building in 1962. He suggested Albert Wein for sculptures and artwork. Wein created the 24-foot bronze Akiba sculpture. It expresses light hope freedom and peace. The final service in the old temple was held in August 1963. It was on the patio under the stars. Groundbreaking for the new building followed the next Sunday.
Two hexagonal structures were built. Construction took 15 months. On January 1 1965 a New Year’s service took place. The sanctuary was unfinished unheated and lacked doors. Only a single light bulb lit the space. From May 15 to May 23 1965 an eight-day celebration marked the dedication. The Temple Sisterhood raised money for a well-equipped kitchen. They continue their tradition of service.
Rabbi Allen S Maller became Temple Akiba’s spiritual leader in 1967. He started creative services including monthly family services. Youth groups adult education and a lay choir flourished. In 1969 Temple Akiba elected its first female president. She was the first woman president in the western region of the UAHC. She was one of only four in the United States. Many other women followed.
By the end of 1977 Temple Akiba had almost 300 families. In April 1978 Temple Jeremiah of Westchester merged with Temple Akiba. Rabbi Emeritus Mordecai Soloff and almost 100 families joined. About 80% of Temple Jeremiah members remained. A joyous walk escorted the Jeremiah Torahs to their new home in June 1978. Temple Akiba’s Nursery School began in 1979. It continues to thrive. It serves young children and families providing a source of new members.
In May 1986 Temple Akiba celebrated paying off its mortgage. This was commemorated with a special Shabbat service. The mortgage was burned in a gala celebration. Rabbi Maller retired in 2006 after 39 years. Rabbi Zachary R Shapiro became the new rabbi. He designed new programs continuing the temple’s mission. Temple Akiba’s growth is due to Rabbi Shapiro’s leadership. It’s also thanks to the revitalized nursery and religious schools. Young Jewish families are moving to Culver City and the surrounding areas.
In 2015 Temple Akiba renovated its sanctuary. They updated offices the conference room bathrooms and added a welcoming courtyard. Temple Akiba stands as a testament to a community’s enduring faith and its commitment to growth.