About Us

At its core, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Religious School embraces the philosophy of reform Judaism - the fusing of Jewish practice and tradition, ideals and faith, with our 21st century sensibilities, innovations, and realities.

Emphasizing mitzvot, values, rituals, and a focus on tikkun olam, we offer many engaging learning options including: once a week classes, once a month programs, in home religious school and bar/bat mitzvah preparation, a variety of high school programming, youth groups, retreats, and service learning trips. Upper grade students often choose more than one of our many exciting and challenging options.

With community building as the foundation of all religious school experiences, we provide an environment for active, living Judaism that is sensitive to students’ busy, often overextended schedules, and speaks directly to our families. We strive to engage each student’s mind, spirit, and desire for continued connection to Judaism, our community, Los Angeles, and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grade should I enroll my student?
My daughter/son really wants to be in the class with their friend and this is the only way I can get them to go. Is this possible?
When does it happen?
My child has learning differences. Can they still come?
Can I come check it out?
Do I have to be a member?
Is there an attendance requirement?
How much does it cost?
What if my spouse isn’t Jewish?
My child is only with me every other week. Can they still come?
What will they be doing in class?
Once my child starts Bar or Bat Mitzvah tutoring, do they still need to come to Religious School?

What grade should I enroll my student?

It’s never too early! Of course, it is our hope is that all of our students start in Kindergarten and make Religious School something they love coming to all the way up through high school (and then they return to teach!)

We understand that every family’s needs are different and we will work with all of our students to make sure they can participate in the learning whenever they start. Preparation for bar or bat mitzvah formally begins in grade three.

My daughter/son really wants to be in the class with their friend and this is the only way I can get them to go. Is this possible?

We hope so! The sooner you complete your registration, the more likely we can help!

Students feel more comfortable and look forward to coming to Religious School when there is a familiar face in the room, especially when the class meets much less frequently than their day school. We do our best to accommodate friend requests, but we must also take into consideration class size, and the ratio of boys and girls in the room.

When does it happen?

Excellent question. Our K-12 program at the Glazer (East) campus meets Sundays from 9 a.m. - 12:00 pm. At the Irmas (West) campus, we have school on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. OR Tuesday OR Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

My child has learning differences. Can they still come?

Of course! We are absolutely committed to making this a Jewish home away from home for everyone who wants to be a part of our community. Please give us a call at 424-208-8906 so we can get to work on a plan to accommodate all of your student’s needs and welcome them into the Wilshire Boulevard Temple family.

Can I come check it out?

Yes! It would be best if you could come see us in action, but we’d be happy to give you a tour of the facilities and tell you a little bit more about what we do here. Please contact the Religious School office at 424-208-8906 to schedule a school visit or tour.

Do I have to be a member?

Yes! Becoming a member of Wilshire Boulevard Temple is part of the Religious School registration process. We want everyone to feel welcome to join our community, and upon completion of your registration, Randy Fried from our membership department will be in touch to discuss membership contribution levels, as well as the benefits of membership.

Is there an attendance requirement?

There is! Hebrew and prayer learning ramps up in grades 3-6, as part of cumulative curriculum leading up to their bar or bat mitzvah. In order to stay on track, we require 70% attendance, or approximately 18 class meetings. Many of our students have sports, enrichments and other commitments, so we will do the best we can to help your kids not fall behind. This may take the form of at-home practice with some of our recommended Hebrew apps and games, make-up classes on another day during the week, or we might make arrangements for the students to come by the office after school for 30 minutes of drop-in Hebrew help.