Sholem is a secular and progressive Jewish educational, cultural, and social institution. Our Sunday school teaches Jewish history, culture, and ethics. We offer a bar/bas mitsve program and observances of Jewish holidays.

We offer pretty much what a synagogue does, but from a secular — meaning “non-religious” point of view.  We have been in the Los Angeles area since the late 1950s. Most of our activities revolve around our Sunday school (held during the school year) between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm at the American Jewish University (where we rent space). 

Many of our adult activities (seminars, panel discussions, guest speakers) take place at the same time the school is in session, and we also have activities such as theater parties and holiday observances that are unrelated to the school schedule.  We have approximately 50 and 60 kids in the school and a parent/toddler group.  We pride ourselves on our progressive outlook, our welcoming and warm environment, and our sense of community. 

Our organization runs in part as a cooperative.  Members are actively engaged in Sholem’s management and operations.  The only paid staff are our school personnel and a development director. We are affiliated with the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations.