Our History

Hillel Foundation of NSW established, supported by B’nai B’rith, laying the groundwork for what would become Shalom Institute

Hillel Foundation of NSW joined the JCA as a founding member

Shalom College cornerstone laid at UNSW

AUJS headquarters established at Shalom College, with funding support for cultural and educational activities for Jewish university students

Dr Hilton Immerman appointed College Master and Hillel Director, ushering in a new era

Network launched, offering engagement opportunities and invigorating community participation for young adults

Shalom College and Hillel Foundation of NSW merged to become The Shalom Institute

Shalom College celebrated its 20th anniversary

Melton established, offering adult education courses on a variety of topics and ideas

Limmud Oz founded as the first Limmud outside the UK, inspiring thousands to take the next step on their Jewish journey

JCA Capital Appeal attracted significant donations, including contributions from Eric Caspary, enabling the development of the Eric Caspary Learning Centre and expanded student accommodation

Eric Caspary Learning Centre opened

Shalom Gamarada Indigenous Residential Scholarship Program founded, providing housing, academic, and wellbeing support to First Nations students

Derech Eretz founded in partnership with AUJS and B’nai B’rith, building meaningful relationships between Jewish and First Nations

Sydney Jewish Writers Festival created to celebrate Jewish literature and storytelling

Shalom Baby launched, providing a network for young Jewish families

Derech Eretz merged with Stand Up

Graf Oration founded, showcasing some of the world’s leading Jewish thinkers

PJ Library commenced delivery in NSW and ACT, connecting young Jewish families to Jewish life and values through free Jewish books 

Jewish Food Festival and Jewish Comedy Showcase launched

Moishe House launched, expanding community spaces and experiences for young adults to connect with their Jewish identities and peers

Shalom launched (distinct from Shalom College), combining several programs into a single entity focused on programming

B’nai B’rith NSW relocated to Shalom College’s Eric Caspary Learning Centre

Adamama Jewish educational urban farm launched, focusing on sustainability and community building

Succah by the Sea exhibited as part of Sculptures by the Sea, offering a creative reimagining of Jewish rituals

Jewish Comedy Showcase, Limmud Oz and Zikaron BaSalon were taken on by community members with Shalom’s continued support

Jewish Food Festival relaunched

The Shalom Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary

Adamama Community Garden launched for young Jewish adults to connect with nature and each other

Conversation Starter launched, bringing Jewish rituals and concepts into homes through curated resources

Shalom launches performing arts programming with Kadimah Yiddish Theatre’s (Melbourne) production of Yentl at the Sydney Opera House, debuting as an associate producer and showcasing its commitment to promoting Jewish culture through dynamic artistic collaborations

Shalom Collective launched (rebranded from Shalom), ushering in a bold, new era for the Jewish community to Experience Jewish Together