About

Register now!

We welcome students throughout the school year. We offer a prorated fee schedule if you are interested in participating now.  

Shalom Sunday School is the education program for our community, dedicated to preserving and passing on Jewish identity, values, and culture through a non-theistic, humanistic approach. In our school, children learn about Judaism and experience their Jewish heritage through a supportive, non-religious, experiential curriculum. Like you, our families value intentional, meaningful experiences for their children.

Our parents and children come from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who know nothing about Judaism and those who can share their love and knowledge of Jewish culture. In addition to families with two Jewish parents, our Shalom Sunday School families include interreligious, interracial, LGBTQ+, and those who have adopted/converted to Judaism. There is a place here for YOU!

Because we welcome families from both the east and west sides of Lake Washington, our Shalom Sunday classrooms are located in the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. The classrooms offer our learners a bright and warm environment for learning. Teachers use activities, art, and music to help kids experience Jewish culture. With a kitchen too, cooking Jewish foods is always a treat!

We have resumed in-person instruction. We adhere to the COVID policies set forth by the JCC, which include proof of vaccination for everyone; however, masks are currently not required.

Our teachers are experienced and bring their own rich and diverse Jewish backgrounds.

Shalom Sunday School has spots available now in our K/1st/2nd, 3rd/4th/5th, and 6th/7th/B Mitzvah, as well as our Preschool class (4 yr olds). Shalom Sunday meets twice a month on Sundays, from September through June (the preschool meets once monthly). Students learn about Jewish identity, holidays, values, and history, all from a secular humanist perspective. Classes meet for two hours and are followed by a thirty-minute closing community “Circle Time” for families and teachers to review the day and do a short activity together. Register here!

During the year, students also get involved with projects outside the classroom. Projects vary but have included tree planting, volunteering at the annual Jewish Family Services Food Sort event, leading holiday events, and raising funds for international charities.

B Mitzvah

A Secular B Mitzvah ceremony signifies a young person’s desire to identify with Jewish culture and is an important expression of the family’s support. Our secular Jewish B Mitzvah ceremonies are non-religious, unique to each family, and conducted within the embrace of our community.

School Philosophy

Shalom Sunday School families have an opportunity to understand their heritage and identity through exposure to Jewish values, history, and celebrations. Shalom Sunday Program Goals are:

• To learn and experience Jewish history, culture, and community.
• To understand one’s heritage and to develop a meaningful Jewish identity.
• To expose students to Secular Humanistic values, including self-reliance, ethical behavior, social justice, and involvement in family, community, and the world.

Adult Discussion Group

While your child is in class, you can join in the experience! Once a month, we have an adult discussion group held while students are in class.
This is your opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings about Jewish parenting and identity from a secular perspective. Our conversations often range from our upbringings and beliefs to discussing the role of Jewish rituals and traditions in your family life.

Contact Us with Any Questions

If you are curious, contact us with the below form to arrange a visit.
To see a description of our classes and schedule for the 2021-2022 school year, please visit our classes page.