About ShalomLA

Our mission is to empower young Jewish adults to create meaningful connections, embrace Jewish values, and unite a strong, supportive community.

We throw Jewish events in the San Fernando Valley for people aged 18–30.

Every single one has sold out.

It started when Ori texted 10 friends to meet at a park. 20 showed up. Then 40. Then we did a potluck and 100 people were inside his house. We realized pretty fast this wasn't just a friend group - there were hundreds of young Jewish adults in the Valley with what felt like no one throwing any Jewish events for them.

So we decided to make it official.

We formed a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called ShalomLA and got to work.

In a couple months, we threw our first event. It had 550+ people.

Every event since: sold out.

We keep everything kosher, never host on Shabbat, and we don't care how Jew-ish you are. Whether you are Orthodox, unaffiliated, and everything in between, you are welcome at ShalomLA.

Our community is growing so fast, and your support means the world to us.

We hope to see you at the next event :)

Meet the Founders

Josh Karasik

Co-founder

Hi, I’m Josh! I’m 23 and from Thousand Oaks, California. I recently graduated from California State University Northridge (CSUN) and am pursuing my passion for Software Engineering. I’m currently developing my own app while working toward my goal of joining a top tech company.

I went to a private Hebrew school until I was 10, but after that, I never really found a Jewish community. That changed last year when I met Ori at a bar mitzvah, a night that introduced me to so many Jewish friends who are now some of the closest people in my life.

Seeing Ori bring young Jewish adults together inspired me, and I knew that with our combined skills, we could make something big. That’s why we co-founded ShalomLA—to build a thriving community where young Jewish adults can connect, grow, and support one another.

Our goal is simple: to create a real, exciting, and welcoming young Jewish community. I’m so excited about this, and I hope to see you at one of our events soon!

Ori Sherman

Co-founder

Hi, I’m Ori! I’m 22 years old and live in California. I’m currently pursuing my degree in business where I’m honing my skills in leadership and community building.

From a young age, being part of a Jewish community was deeply important to me, and I’ve made it my mission to carry that forward into adulthood. In June 2024, I took the initiative to start a movement, bringing together young Jewish adults. What started as a small group quickly grew into a thriving community of almost 200 people—demonstrating how important this was in our community.

I partnered with Josh to co-found ShalomLA, a nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful relationships, embracing Jewish values, and connecting with those around us. Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves, a space where young Jewish adults can come together, support one another, and create lifelong relationships.

How You Can Support Us

Join Our Cause

Donate