The Peretz Centre provides an organizational “home” for Jews who want to participate in Jewish life, culture and community, but who do not seek religious involvement. This includes those who identify as “secular humanist” or “cultural” Jews, as well as intercultural families (“mixed marriages”) who wish to explore and deepen their Jewish identity and to develop Jewish identity in their children.

Since 1946, the Centre has provided educational, cultural and social programs for all ages. Our programs include Sunday School and secular bar/bas mitzvahs, the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir, the Sholem Aleichem Seniors, monthly Friday night secular Shabbes observances, Yiddish classes and a Yiddish reading group, and celebrations of the major holidays, including a Community Third Seder, which 200 people attend every year.