Sholem Community

Dialogue about the book “RECLAIMING JUDAISM FROM ZIONISM" (Part 2), Oct. 24, 2pm
2021-10-24 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
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.

Sunday School
2021-04-18 10:00 - 13:30, 2021-03-07 10:00 - 13:30, 2021-02-21 10:00 - 13:30, 2021-01-31 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

Sunday School + Holocaust Survivor Story: Dr. Marianne Richter @ 11:30 am
2021-04-11 10:00 - 13:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house

Sunday School + David Pettit, Natural Resources Defense Council
2021-03-14 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

Sholem is pleased to present David Pettit, Senior Attorney, Climate & Clean Energy Program at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council.) David is returning to Sholem, after his talk four years ago, to offer his perspective on what we may expect with the environment during the next four years under the Biden-Harris Administration.
David will be introduced by Sholem member, Deborah Gregory, President of the non-profit Ballona Creek Renaissance.

Talk is at 10:30am.
Check back for link.

Rediscovering Our Radical Roots w/ Hershl Hartman (#4): Radical Jewish Women
2021-03-07 14:00 - 15:30
This session will focus on the historical contributions of radical Jewish women leading the Immigrant Revolt of the 1880s-1920s.

As we mark International Women’s Day (March 8), we recall that sweatshops, tenement houses and streets saw struggles against economic oppression, often by Jewish owners exploiting their own. We will meet some heroes and explore the heritage with which they endowed us.This virtual discussion series is led by Hershl Hartman, Sholem’s Education Director, and co-sponsored by the Workers Circle.REDISCOVERING OUR RADICAL ROOTS – Part 4Discussion with Hershl HartmanSunday, March 7
2-3:30 p.m. (PT)CLICK HERE to register in advanceAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For a recording of session #1 (10/25/20): click here

For a recording of session #2 (11/22/20): click here

For a recording of session #3 (1/31/21): click here

Gil Maruvada's Bar Mitsve Ceremony
2021-03-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house
All are welcome for Sholem’s second virtual Bar Mitsve ceremony! Please join us for Gil Maruvada’s presentation, “Artificial Intelligence or Stupidity: Jewish and Indian Perspectives on Synthetic Life”

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.

Gil Maruvada’s Bar Mitsve Ceremony
Saturday, March 6
10:00 a.m. (PT)
CLICK HERE for the Zoom Webinar

Purim Celebration (No School Classes)
2021-02-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Jerry’s house
All are invited to Sholem’s virtual Purim assembly to enjoy music, history, and our Purim Shpil. Participants are encouraged to have graggers or any type of noise makers on hand. The celebration will be followed by socializing in the main Zoom room and “carnival” games for kids of all ages in breakout rooms.

Costumes or crazy hats/hair are encouraged—there will be a ‘costume challenge’ booth!
CLICK HERE in advance to register

BLACK HISTORY: Meeting the Moment - A Conversation
2021-02-21 14:00 - 15:30

NO SHOLEM
2021-02-14 | Jan & Jerry’s house

Sunday School (No Adult Activity)
2021-02-07 10:00 - 13:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house

Rediscovering Our Radical Roots w/ Hershl Hartman (#3)
2021-01-31 14:00 - 15:30

Sunday School, Mindful Awareness w/ Marilyn McLaughlin, MLK & Tu B’Shvat Assembly
2021-01-24 10:00 - 13:30 | Jan & Jerry’s house
