The Skirball Cultural Center is a prominent nonprofit institution located in Southern California, dedicated to celebrating Jewish culture and values while fostering a welcoming environment for diverse communities. Established in 1996, it serves as a vital cultural hub that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, including more than 80,000 schoolchildren from various socioeconomic backgrounds[1][2].

History and Vision

The center was conceptualized and founded under the guidance of Dr. Uri Herscher, a German-Jewish refugee whose personal experience inspired the creation of an inclusive cultural institution. Encouraged by philanthropist Jack H. Skirball and other donors, Herscher chose a fifteen-acre site in Los Angeles for the center’s location. The campus was designed by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie to function as a dynamic cultural village accessible to a broad urban population[2][4].

Dr. Herscher’s vision was to create a multifaceted Jewish institution that not only honors ancestral Jewish values—such as justice, equality, freedom, hospitality, and respect for human dignity—but also connects these principles to contemporary American life. This mission emphasizes welcoming the stranger, a core Jewish tradition, while being inspired by American democratic ideals[1][3][5].

Programs and Impact

The Skirball Cultural Center offers a wide range of programs and exhibits that explore Jewish history, culture, and ethical values. Its offerings include museum galleries, an archaeology discovery center, an auditorium, classrooms, a library, and various educational and programmatic facilities. The center’s strong ties with the Los Angeles school system enable it to engage a diverse young audience, fostering cultural understanding and social justice awareness from an early age[1].

The institution has grown to become the largest Jewish cultural organization in the United States, supported by a community of over 7,000 sustaining members and an endowment exceeding $150 million. Its ongoing dedication to creating an inclusive space encourages dialogue and reflection on big societal questions such as honoring memory and pursuing justice for all members of society[1][2][5].

The Skirball Cultural Center stands not only as a monument to Jewish heritage but also as a place that fosters shared humanity and cultural engagement across diverse populations in Los Angeles and beyond. Its commitment to accessibility and progressive values continues to shape its role as a significant cultural and educational resource.

[1] https://www.skirball.org/sites/default/files/skirball_backgrounder_updated_feb_2015.pdf [2] https://www.skirball.org/about/history [3] https://www.skirball.org/about [4] https://scalar.usc.edu/hc/the-growth-of-jewish-institutions-in-the-sepulveda-pass/skirball-cultural-center [5] https://www.givinglistlosangeles.com/2023/11/17/the-skirball-cultural-center-a-good-place-for-everyone/