Sholem Community

Rosh Hashanah / Rosheshone in the Park
2022-09-26 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, United States
Welcome the Jewish New Year with stirring readings, literature, and poetry based in our Jewish heritage and our secular, progressive values.
Bring a picnic for your family and, if you like, a dessert to share for lunch following the program.
We will provide challah, apples and honey (or B.Y.O.)
FREE and family-friendly!
Donations welcome – suggested contribution $10 per adult.
Clover Park, BBQ Group Area 1
2600 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, 90405
(Shaded picnic area just west of the parking lot)
Feel free to bring a chair or two.
(There is limited seating at the park’s picnic tables.)
ATTENTION: Signs in parking lot indicate parking is limited to 2 hours.
Plan to arrive at 11 a.m. and be seated; Program will begin at 11:15 a.m.
For more information, write to info@sholem.org.

Sholem Sunday School (2nd day)
2022-09-25 10:00 - 12:30
Sholem Sunday School
Meets on the campus of:
Short Avenue Elementary School
12814 Maxella Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90066
ALEF/BEYS (preK-2nd), GIML (3rd/4th), DALED (5th/6th), and HEY (7th/8th) classes meet 10am – 12:30pm
VOV (9th-12th) class meets 11:15am – 1:30pm
All prospective families are welcome to come check out a class.
We offer rolling admissions.
Click here for more information about our school
Contact our principal Ross Helford ross@sholem.org, so he may plan to greet you.

Sholem Sunday School - 1st Day of 2022-2023 (at Stoneview Nature Center)
2022-09-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Stoneview Nature Center, 5950 Stoneview Drive, Culver City, CA, 90232
After a one-week delay due to the LAUSD hack prohibited us from returning, we are excited we WILL be starting the 2022-23 school year Sunday, Sept 18th. Instead of Short Elementary School, will be meet at our home away from home over the last few years:
Stoneview Nature Center

Stoneview is located on the west side of La Cienega opposite Kenneth Hahn Park. It is a lovely, open, peaceful space. There is ample parking. Once the main lot gets filled, they have more parking in an unpaved lot that’s off to the right as you enter. Here is the address:

Stoneview Nature Center
5950 Stoneview Dr,
Culver City, CA 90232

We will begin gathering at 10AM, and will have ample bagels and coffee (and probably some juice too). Around 10:20, we will have a morning assembly, learn a little about the Jewish new year, hear the shofar/shoyfer, then meet our classes.

Classes will end between 12:15-12:30.

Parents are welcome to stay, and especially parents of new students, please do! Stoneview is a beautiful place to spend a morning, and be in community.

Parents who are dropping off, there will be a sign out sheet.

As of now, the forecast is high in the mid-70s with a 30% chance of rain. We will take those odds, but kids should make sure to have hats, wear sunscreen, and bring water.

Any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to respond to this email. Very much looking forward to a good turnout on our first day of the Sholem school year this Sunday at Stoneview!

A gut yor,

Ross Helford
Sholem principal
rosshelford@gmail.com

Click here for more information about our school

Sholem School Orientation Online on Zoom
2022-09-11 10:00 - 11:00
Sholem School Orientation
Sunday, Sep 11, 2022
10:00 AM Pacific Time
Please email ross@sholem.org for Zoom login.
School enrollment & community membership registration is up and running!
Renew or join at:
https://www.sholem.org/school-tuition-community-membership
Hope to see many of Sholem parents & guardians virtually this Sunday, and in person next Sunday, either at Short or Stoneview!

Laurie Braude 80th Birthday
2022-08-28 14:00 - 17:00
Click here for location and ticketing/donation information
Laurie Braude 80th Birthday Celebration

SUMMER MEETING ONLINE SUNDAY, JULY 24 @ 10AM (PDT)
2022-07-24
Sholem’s annual summer meeting
has been rescheduled!
A number of folks who want to participate are unable to make the in person gathering originally scheduled for this Sunday, so we’ll be meeting via Zoom a week later.
Please plan to log in to join the discussion.
Learn what’s planned for Sholem’s 2022-2023 year.
Share your feedback and ideas!
Summer Meeting ONLINE
Sunday, July 24, 2022
10:00 a.m. PDT
CLICK HERE to join ZOOM
Questions: regan@sholem.org

Draya Ramer's Bas Mitsve Ceremony (6/5)
2022-06-05
All are invited for the Bas Mitsve ceremony of Draya Ramer.
Draya will present:
Food: A way of Jewish Memory, Survival, and
Honoring Family Traditions, Old and New
Sunday, June 5, 2022
10:00 a.m. (PDT)
CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK
Meeting ID: 84270259308
Passcode: [REDACTED]
* * * * *
About Sholem’s secular Bar/Bas Mitsve program…
(see information in section above)

Sholem’s secular Bar/Bas Mitsve observances meet the needs of families who honor their heritage and define their Jewish identity as cultural, historical, or ethnic, rather than religious. Students in our Sunday School choose a topic for in-depth research or for significant thought. The choices reflect the individual’s areas of interest…those aspects of Jewish heritage and identity that are most meaningful at this point in the young person’s life. For more info about our program, click here.

Sarah Curley's Ba's Mitsve Ceremony (6/4)
2022-06-04
All are invited for the Ba’ Mitsve Ceremony*
of Sarah Elenore Curley
Sarah will present
Torah-fying Tales:
Jewish Horror on the Silver Screen
Saturday, June 4, 2022
IN-PERSON & ZOOM OPTIONS
4:00 p.m. In Person
The Shay Hotel
8801 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
RSVP to debmag@gmail.com by Thursday 6/2 for In Person
4:30 p.m. (PDT) Zoom
CLICK HERE FOR LINK
Meeting ID: 568 184 1552
Passcode: [REDACTED]
No RSVP necessary for Online.

Sholem’s secular Bar/Bas Mitsve observances meet the needs of families who honor their heritage and define their Jewish identity as cultural, historical, or ethnic, rather than religious. Students in our Sunday School choose a topic for in-depth research or for significant thought. The choices reflect the individual’s areas of interest…those aspects of Jewish heritage and identity that are most meaningful at this point in the young person’s life. For more info about our program, click here.

LAST DAY OF 2021-22 CLASSES PRESENTATION & BYO PICNIC SUNDAY
2022-05-22 10:00 - 14:00
Join us on this final day of our 2021-2022 school year!
Enjoy presentations & performances.
BYO lunch for community picnic & socializing.
We will begin at 11:30am in the auditorium. All classes will do a short performance or presentation. Graduation certificates will be presented to both our Sholem Sunday school graduates as well as our 12th Grade seniors graduating from high school.
Sholem’s highest honor, the Golden Bagel, will also be awarded to one of our adult members for their exceptional service to the community.
Sunday, May 22
10:00am Classes begin
11:30am Assembly (auditorium)
followed by BYO Picnic (outdoors)
Short Avenue Elementary School
12814 Maxella Avenue, L.A. CA 90066
Please bring a mask to wear indoors.
Questions: Contact regan@sholem.org

IMPORTANT IN-PERSON MEETING FOR SCHOOL PARENTS
2022-04-03 10:30 - 11:30
SUNDAY, APRIL 3 @ 10:30AM
A message for our Sunday School parents…
Following a long and challenging absence, we are pleased to be returning to meeting in person and look forward to reconnecting.
During the pandemic, Sholem was able to make accommodations for the Sunday School, adult activities, and holiday celebrations to continue. These changes caused a reevaluation of the future of Sholem. This is what we will be in a dialogue at this meeting. Sholem is facing some challenges and our school parents need to be an integral part of the decision making.
Please plan to attend this meeting.
We hope as many of us as possible will be there to share a wide range of thoughts, ideas, and visions for Sholem’s future.
(Fellow community members are also welcome!)
Sunday School Parents
Sunday, April 3rd
10:00am Coffee, Bagels & Shmooze
10:30-11:30am Meeting
Short Avenue Elementary School
Questions: regan@sholem.org

SHOLEM RETURNS TO SHORT AVENUE ELEMENTARY SUNDAY
2022-03-27 10:00 - 12:30
After two years of hybrid Sunday school, Sholem is at last returning to Short Avenue Elementary School!
Please note revised class schedule:
Sunday, March 27
10:00-10:20am
Bagels, shmooze, assembly
10:20am-12:15pm
Alef, Beys, Giml, Daled, Hey classes
11:30am-1:30pm
Vov class
If you have any questions about our secular Sunday school or are interested in having your child/ren try a class, please email our principal Ross Helford at ross@sholem.org.

Purim Carnival
2022-03-20 10:00 - 13:00
Sholemites and guests are invited to our Purim carnival! We’ll be doing our usual pantomime reading of Sholem’s Super-Colossal Purim Mishmash shpil, adapted from megiles ester by Hershl Hartman, our Education Director. As is our tradition, our Sunday school classes will each be hosting a carnival booth.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:
Megile (megillah) readers! Hamantashen bringers!Cleaner-uppers!
If you can pitch in, please let us know.
RSVP regan@sholem.org
Sunday, March 20
10:00am – 1:00pm (PT)
10:00 Shmooze, bagels & coffee
11:15 Megile reading & pantomime
11:30-1:00 Purim carnival
Goodman-Manpearl Residence
939 San Vicente Blvd.
Santa Monica. CA 90402
Proof of vaccination required, as age appropriate
(or negative test within last 24 hours.)

Festive attire, crazy hats, etc. are encouraged!

Isaiah Edward Griffin Bar Mitsve Ceremony, Dec.4, 4pm
2021-12-04 16:00 - 17:00
All are invited for our community’s next Bar Mitsve ceremony, which will take place via Zoom.

Isaiah Edward Griffin‘s Bar Mitsvepresents
“The Virtual Reality of Jewish Community”

Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021
4:00 p.m. (PDT)

RSVP to sabrinajoanna@yahoo.com
to receive the Zoom link

About Sholem’s secular observance…
The bar/bas mitsve candidate chooses a topic for in-depth research and/or significant thought. Then, working with their advisor, the student prepares an approximately 20-minute presentation on this topic and how it reflects the aspects of Jewish heritage and identity that are most meaningful to them at this point in their life. To learn more about Sholem’s secular bar/bas mitsve observances, click here.

Dialogue about the book “RECLAIMING JUDAISM FROM ZIONISM" (Part 2), Oct. 24, 2pm
2021-10-24 14:00 - 15:30
This will be a dialogue about the book “Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism,” an opportunity to explore this important, emotional and complex issue.
In the book, Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism, edited by Carolyn L. Karcher, forty Jews of diverse backgrounds tell a wide range of stories about the roads they have traveled from a Zionist world view to activism in solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis striving to build an inclusive society founded on justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
On October 17, Karcher will provide an overview of the book and set it in historical context. On October 24, she will interview three of the book’s contributors–Emily Siegel, Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, and Chris Godshall–about their upbringings, the experiences that led them to question and ultimately to renounce Zionism, and where they stand now. Both sessions will conclude with a Q&A.
Sundays Oct 17 & 24
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (PDT)
Part 1 – October 17
Karcher will provide an overview of the book.
CLICK HERE to register for Part 1
Part 2 – Sunday, October 24
Karcher will interview three of the contributors.
CLICK HERE to register for PART 2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Co-presented by SoCal Arbeter Ring/Workers Circle
THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE from the independent distributer Bookshop.org as well as other sources.

Karcher is Professor Emerita of English, American Studies, and Women’s Studies at Temple University and the author of many books and articles about the struggle for racial and gender equality in the U.S. Siegel is Program Director at Eyewitness Palestine. She holds a B.A. in International Relations with minors in Jewish Studies and Sociology from the University of Delaware and an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution form American University’s School of International Service. Madmoni-Gerber is Associate Professor of Communication, Journalism, and Media at Suffolk University. She is the author of Israeli Media and the Framing of Internal Conflict: The Yemenite Babies Affair. Godshall is currently completing his law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, with the aim of working on civil and human rights.

Dialogue about the book "RECLAIMING JUDAISM FROM ZIONISM" (Part 1) Oct. 17, 2pm
2021-10-17 14:00 - 15:30
This will be a dialogue about the book “Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism,” an opportunity to explore this important, emotional and complex issue.
In the book, Reclaiming Judaism from Zionism, edited by Carolyn L. Karcher, forty Jews of diverse backgrounds tell a wide range of stories about the roads they have traveled from a Zionist world view to activism in solidarity with Palestinians and Israelis striving to build an inclusive society founded on justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
On October 17, Karcher will provide an overview of the book and set it in historical context. On October 24, she will interview three of the book’s contributors–Emily Siegel, Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, and Chris Godshall–about their upbringings, the experiences that led them to question and ultimately to renounce Zionism, and where they stand now. Both sessions will conclude with a Q&A.
Sundays Oct 17 & 24
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. (PDT)
Part 1 – October 17
Karcher will provide an overview of the book.
CLICK HERE to register for Part 1
Part 2 – Sunday, October 24
Karcher will interview three of the contributors.
CLICK HERE to register for PART 2
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Co-presented by SoCal Arbeter Ring/Workers Circle
THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE from the independent distributer Bookshop.org as well as other sources.

Karcher is Professor Emerita of English, American Studies, and Women’s Studies at Temple University and the author of many books and articles about the struggle for racial and gender equality in the U.S. Siegel is Program Director at Eyewitness Palestine. She holds a B.A. in International Relations with minors in Jewish Studies and Sociology from the University of Delaware and an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution form American University’s School of International Service. Madmoni-Gerber is Associate Professor of Communication, Journalism, and Media at Suffolk University. She is the author of Israeli Media and the Framing of Internal Conflict: The Yemenite Babies Affair. Godshall is currently completing his law degree at Georgetown University Law Center, with the aim of working on civil and human rights.

"ORCHESTRATING CHANGE" Screening & Discussion (World Mental Health Day) Oct.10, 2pm - 4pm
2021-10-10 14:00 - 16:00
ORCHESTRATING CHANGE is the documentary film that tells the inspiring story of Me2/Orchestra, the only orchestra in the world created by and for people living with mental illness and those who support them. Co-founded by Ronald Braunstein, once a world-renowned conductor whose career was shattered when his own diagnosis of bipolar disorder was made public, the mission of the orchestra is to erase stigma one exhilarating concert at a time. As they rehearse, perform and prepare for a major concert, these extraordinary musicians have no idea how much the orchestra will change their lives in poignant and powerful ways.
Winner of the 2021 Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media
Screening to be followed by Q&A with the filmmakers Barbara Multer-Wellin (a Sholem board member) and Margie Friedman, both Emmy-winning nonfiction writer/producers with decades of experience.
Sunday, Oct 10, 2021
(World Mental Health Day)
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (PDT)
1:50 p.m. Zoom room opens
2 p.m. Screening (85 mins)
3:30 – 4 p.m. Discussion

Co-presented by SoCal Arbeter Ring/Workers Circle
CLICK HERE to Register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

POETRY READING & CONVERSATION with Author JACK ROTHMAN, Oct.3, 10:30am
2021-10-03 10:30 - 11:30
In honor of National Poetry Day, we are delighted to host Jack Rothman, UCLA Professor Emeritus and author, for a poetry reading and discussion.
Jack Rothman has combined his academic fields of social work and sociology with his passion for social justice to develop practical ways for communities to organize. He has been active in issues from opposing blockbusting by real estate agents to helping organize the first teach-ins against the Vietnam War to reactivating the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Los Angeles. After retiring from his position as full-time professor, he even gave stand-up comedy a try. A renowned author of some 25 books, The Voice of Consciousness: Poems Composed After Ninety is his first poetry collection.
A long-time member of the Sholem Community and SoCal Arbeter Ring/Workers Circle, Rothman and wife Judy helped found The Jewish Cultural Society in Ann Arbor Michigan, which recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. He last spoke at Sholem in 2017, sharing his story about finding his family’s forgotten shtetl in the Ukraine, Searching for Butsnevits: A Shtetl Tale.
Co-presented by SoCal Arbeter Ring/Workers Circle
CLICK HERE to Register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
To purchase The Voice of Consciousness from Small Press Distribution CLICK HERE or from Amazon CLICK HERE.

Sunday School - Sukkot Observance at Stoneview Nature Center
2021-09-26 10:00 - 12:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house
All are welcome for the 3rd meet up of Sholem’s 2021-2022 school year: Sukkot-themed classes outdoors at Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City. REMEMBER to bring your own water, snack, sunhat/block, and face mask.
Stoneview Nature Center
5950 Stoneview Dr.
Culver City, CA 90232
General: (310) 202-3002

Sholem’s secular Sunday school engages kids (ages 4-17) in an exploration of Jewish identity rooted in Jewish cultural literacy and traditions of social justice. The school meets most Sundays, September through May, and offers rolling admission. For more info, CLICK HERE. During these first weeks of September, prospective families are invited to have their child try out a class for free. RSVP to ross@sholem.org so we know to expect you.
Next week, the school returns to our regular schedule, meeting online unless noted otherwise:

ALEF/BEYS (preK-2nd) – 10:15-11:45am
Outdoors at Well Baby Center
12316 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
GIML (3rd/4th) 10am-11:30am
DALED (5th/6th) 11am-12:30pm
HEY (7th/8th) 11am-12:30pm
VOV (9th-12th) 12:15-1:45pm
Enrollment is open! Questions about Sholem’s school? Email ross@sholem.org.

Enroll Now

Sunday School - 2nd Day
2021-09-19 10:00 - 13:45 | Jan & Jerry’s house
Sholem’s secular Sunday school engages kids (ages 4-17) in an exploration of Jewish identity rooted in Jewish cultural literacy and traditions of social justice. This day, our ALEF/BEYS class (preK-2nd grade) meets outdoors at Well Baby Center in Mar Vista; the rest of the classes will meet via Zoom.
During these first weeks of September, prospective families are invited to have their child try out a class for free. RSVP to ross@sholem.org so we know to expect you.

Sholem’s Sunday school is currently meeting ONLINE unless noted otherwise:
ALEF/BEYS (preK-2nd) – 10:15-11:45am
Outdoors at Well Baby Center
12316 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
GIML (3rd/4th) 10am-11:30am
DALED (5th/6th) 11am-12:30pm
HEY (7th/8th) 11am-12:30pm
VOV (9th-12th) 12:15-1:45pm

The school meets most Sundays, September through May, and offers rolling admission. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Enrollment is open! If you have questions about Sholem’s school, email ross@sholem.org.

Enroll Now

Yom Kippur (9/16) in the Park
2021-09-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Rancho Park-Cheviot Hills. Picnic Area #1 (behind the swimming pool), 2551 Motor Ave. (One block south of Pico), Los Angeles, CA, 90064, United States
Join us at the Cheviot Hills park for a family-friendly discussion of ethics in our daily lives.
For more information, write to newyearfestivals2021@sholem.org

Kol Nidre (9/15) Virtual Observance
2021-09-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house
Kol Nidre is the highlight of the Sholem calendar. Informed by Jewish traditions in music and spoken word, we reflect on our lives and the state of the world through a humanistic and progressive prism. This is a moving opportunity to renew ourselves for the upcoming year; to grieve our losses and reinforce our hopes.
Tickets start at $50 for members. We encourage purchase of $200 Supporter Tickets to help support Sholem (Each Supporter will receive a tax receipt for $150 donation per ticket, and thanks in our printable digital program guide, if desired.)
Get your tickets for our on-line observance!
Has COVID-19 impacted your ability to pay? Write to newyearfestivals2021@sholem.org
When you sign up you can:

Submit a photo of your deceased loved ones in an online montage to the moving soundtrack of Keep Me In Your Heart for Awhile by Warren Zevon. Click Here for Last Year’s Photo Montage
Submit names for In Memoriam (the names of your loved ones of blessed memory will be included in our printable digital program guide).
RSVP for our informal outdoor masked, physically distanced Kol Nidre watch party in Santa Monica
Advertise your service or business in the digital program guide.
Submit names for Yizker (have the name of your loved one who you lost IN THE LAST YEAR read aloud during the event).

Click Here for Tickets

1st Day (9/12) of Sunday School Classes
2021-09-12 10:00 - 12:30
Join us on the first day of Sholem’s 2021-2022 school year for an in person meet up outdoors at Stoneview Nature Center in Culver City. Come meet Sholem’s principal, teachers and Sunday school families, both continuing and prospective. (Remember to bring your own water, snack, sunhat/block, face mask.)
FREE – All are welcome!
If you are new to Sholem, please send an email to ross@sholem.org so we know to expect you!
Note: We expect our second session of Sunday school, September 19th, to again be via Zoom. We are currently waiting to hear if and when we will be returning to weekly meetings on the campus of Short Avenue Elementary School. Sign up for our mailing list, if you aren’t subscribed already, to be informed.

Rosh Hashanah (9/7) in the Park
2021-09-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Rancho Park-Cheviot Hills. Picnic Area #1 (behind the swimming pool), 2551 Motor Ave. (One block south of Pico), Los Angeles, CA, 90064, United States
Welcome the Jewish New Year with stirring readings, literature, and poetry based in our Jewish heritage and our secular, progressive values.
Please B.Y.O. picnic, challah, apples, honey, and have a mask on hand. COVID protocols will be observed.
All are welcome
NO CHARGE

Summer Potluck & Planning
2021-07-24 10:30 - 14:30
All school parents and community members are encouraged to come together to learn what’s planned and share ideas for Sholem’s 2021-2022 year. Bring something for the potluck brunch; bagels & coffee will be provided. Kids are welcome to hang out and take a dip in the pool – bring your own towels and plan to supervise them.
Saturday, July 24
10:30am Potluck Brunch
11am-1pm Planning Meeting
1pm Socializing continues
2:30pm Wrap-up
RSVP dan@sholem.org to confirm attendance
Simply write RSVP – YES in the subject line, to simplify communication.
Address will be provided upon receipt of your RSVP.

Sunday School Graduation
2021-05-23 10:00 - 13:45

Sunday School; Holocaust Survivor Story: Irwin Kra at 11am
2021-05-16 10:00 - 13:45

Sunday School; No Adult Program
2021-05-09 10:00 - 13:45

Sunday School; Dialogue on Houselessness at 10am
2021-05-02 10:00 - 13:45

Sunday School; Community Kibbitz @ 10:30am (PT)
2021-04-25 10:00 - 13:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house
Sholem’s secular Jewish Sunday school meets for online classes: ALEF/BEYS (preK-2nd) & GIML (3rd/4th) begin at 10am. DALED (5th/6th) at 11am. HEY (7th/8th) begin at 11:15am. VOV (9th-12th) begins at 12:30pm. Enrollment is open! Questions about Sholem’s school? Email ross@sholem.org.

Enroll Now

It’s been a while since we’ve kibbitzed together. Here’s another opportunity for the community to check in and support each other’s well being in this moment as we navigate 2021. Let’s tawk!
CLICK HERE to register for Kibbitz.
