Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture

The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture is a modern building on Ash Street with classrooms, an auditorium, and spaces for community gatherings. The facility runs weekly reading groups, multi-year educational programs, and regular events with shared meals throughout the year.

The center was founded in 1945 as the Vancouver Peretz Institute and relocated to its current location in 1961. A major renovation in 2001 modernized the building to better meet the expanding needs of the community.

The center holds the largest Yiddish library in British Columbia and hosts regular performances by the Vancouver Jewish Folk Choir. These collections and musical events show how visitors can experience and share Jewish culture from a secular perspective.

The facility is accessible to visitors without special preparation and offers open reading circles and meals at community events. It helps to plan ahead since some programs run continuously over longer periods.

The center is the only institution in Vancouver devoted to secular progressive Jewish education, blending Jewish traditions with modern perspectives. This approach sets it apart from religiously oriented Jewish organizations in the city.

Location: British Columbia

Address: Ash Street

GPS coordinates: 49.22920,-123.11800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12