Social Action |
As part of our progressive
tradition, Sholem encourages social action. In 2002, we
began a new social action program, studying the problems in our
public schools and working for educational equity. |
Fundraising |
Sholem's fundraising
efforts are modest (compared to many other Jewish
organizations). We do encourage donations.
Contributions are tax deductible, since we are a 501(c)(3)
organization. |
Holiday Celebrations |
Innovative observances of Jewish holidays are created by the Sholem Community to reflect our non-theistic approach and to meet spiritual needs. Community holiday observances mark the high points of the Jewish calendar: the New Year Festival, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Israel's Independence Day and Shvues (Shavuot). |
Life-cycle events |
Marriage, baby-naming, bar/bas mitsve preparation, funerals, and memorials may be officiated by Secular Jewish Leaders (vegvayzer in Yiddish, madrikhot[im] in
Hebrew). The Sholem Community and its members utilize the services of Education Director Hershl Hartman, a Certified vegvayzer, and other Recognized vegvayzer/Leaders whom he has trained. |
Cultural activities and adult education |
An active Adult Education program includes a stimulating lecture/discussion/seminar series cosponsored by the Arbeter Ring/Workmen’s Circle and the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Topics have included Jewish history from ancient times through the U.S. experience…holidays… Yiddish literature and culture…roots and ideas of Secular Jewishness. Discussions of social/political/environmental issues lead to informed activism by Sholem members. |
The Sholem Community has a Yiddish chorus, which performs at holiday celebrations. In addition, Sholem sponsors concert series featuring individual artists and groups whose work celebrates Jewish and other peoples' cultures. Sholem members attend organized theater
parties, enjoying plays of interest in the Los Angeles area. |
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Sholem also stages original theatrical productions. The presentations typically dramatize significant periods of Jewish history or adapt works of Yiddish literature. The productions are researched, written, produced and directed by members of the community, and involve as many members — from ages 4 to 84 — who wish to participate in an outstanding theatrical series. In March 1997, Sholem presented a dramatization in English of "Wandering Stars," the Yiddish novel by Sholom Aleichem about romance and the Yiddish theatre. |
"Bread & Roses" (March, 2000) dramatized the Triangle Fire tragedy. Among other productions, “1492” depicted the expulsion of Jews from Spain; “Red Night” was based on the McCarthy era witch-hunts. View our March 2011 Commemoration of the Triangle Factory Fire
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In April 2008, the Sholem Community wrote and performed a series of sketches, monologues, and musical numbers exploring the age old question "OY - What is a Jew?"
The DVD is now on sale
with FREE SHIPPING
Original music and sketches include:
- "What is a Jew?"
- "When You're a Sec"
- The Italian Jew
- Jewish-American Idol
- The Yiddish Teacher
- Madonna songs
- Heart-felt monologues
Plus much more - 113 minutes of fun!
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