It all began in the early 1920’s, when Jews of Iraqi ancestry began settling in Los Angeles. Among them was Rabbi Yehoshua Yitzhak, Z”L, a religious functionary, and his wife. He served as Mohel, Shohet, and Hazan to the nucleus of Sephardim until his death in 1937. Soon after, his brother-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Masliah arrived from Baghdad and Surabaya (Netherlands, East Indies), to serve the small but growing community. Rabbi Masliah had the distinction of having been a pupil of the Ben Ish Hai, Hacham, Yosef Hayim, and one of his disciples. He was sought after also as a Darshan.
The scope of programs at Kahal Joseph keeps growing: a Talmud Torah for all ages, Bible classes, Hebrew classes, Shabbatonim, guest speakers, and participation in city, state, and nationwide Sephardic events. Each Shabbat the Kol Mebasser is published: a weekly bulletin offering pertinent information on religious observances, community news, and an inspirational message. Kahal Joseph also publishes “The Shofar” a bi-annual newsletter with news of the Congregation.
Today Kahal Joseph, with a membership of over 450 families is the most vibrant Sephardic Synagogue in California, and perhaps in the United States.