What Wilshire Boulevard Temple does

Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish congregation founded in 1862 as Congregation B'nai B'rith — Los Angeles' first synagogue — and currently operating three purpose-built campuses across the LA metro (Mid-Wilshire/Glazer, West Los Angeles/Irmas, Brentwood/Resnick), plus summer camp operations. The organization delivers a cradle-to-grave portfolio of services including Early Childhood Centers (birth through age 5) at three campuses, Brawerman Elementary Schools (K-6), Sunday/Wednesday Religious Schools, the WBTY teen engagement program with BBYO chapters, B'nei Mitzvah preparation, the Choosing Judaism conversion program, Jewish Food Lab, adult lifelong learning, affinity groups, and lifecycle services for births, weddings, and bereavement. Social impact is delivered through the Karsh Family Social Service Center and Karsh West, serving immigrant and working-family populations with food assistance, healthcare navigation, legal aid, and ESL.

The underlying technology stack is modest and member-experience oriented: a Finalsite-powered website (wbtla.org), WBT@Home livestream platform broadcasting services across all three campuses, YouTube video archive, Zoom for online classes and clergy conversations, and social channels (Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) for community engagement. No proprietary technology, AI/ML capabilities, or public APIs are disclosed.

The revenue model is a hybrid of recurring and transactional streams: annual membership dues (subscription, with children through age 25 included and the membership year running June through May), religious school and early childhood tuition, summer camp fees, premium event venue rentals (including the architecturally significant Audrey Irmas Pavilion designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas), and a tiered charitable giving pyramid spanning Chaverim ($1-$1,799), Tomedim, Bonim, Shomrim, Manhigim, and Hineinu ($100,000+), plus monthly giving circles and planned giving/legacy society contributions. The go-to-market motion is community-led and direct-to-consumer, driven by word-of-mouth referrals, lifecycle event conversion, and integrated enrollment through schools and camps.

Name

Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Legal name

Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Website

https://wbtla.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1862

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Jewish congregation operating three campuses in Los Angeles that delivers religious services, K-12 education, summer camps, social services, and event rentals to multi-generational Jewish families and the broader LA community.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Organization / Synagogue Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL), Fundraising & Annual Giving (EDALAOAB)

Keywords

• Jewish religious services
• Religious education programs
• Summer youth camps
• Community social services
• Event venue rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Membership Dues: Annual membership contributions that provide access to all campuses, High Holy Days tickets, lifecycle support, religious schools, and community programs. Membership year runs June 1 through May 31 with pro-rated options starting November 1.
2. Religious School Tuition: Tuition fees for Early Childhood Centers, Brawerman Elementary Schools (East and West), and Religious School programs for students TK through Grade 6.
3. Summer Camp Fees: Camp registration fees for Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp serving children in Grades 2-10, currently operating from Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA.
4. Event Rentals: Venue rental revenue from weddings, b'nei mitzvah ceremonies, concerts, and community gatherings across all campuses including the Audrey Irmas Pavilion.
5. Donations and Tributes: Charitable contributions including Annual Fund gifts, tribute gifts, planned giving, monthly giving (Chai Society), and sponsorship of programming. Full membership dues are considered charitable contributions.
6. Catering and Vendor Services: Approved caterer list and vendor services for event rentals, generating referral and service fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a multi-campus Jewish congregation offering Shabbat services, holiday celebrations, lifecycle events, and religious education from infancy through Grade 12, plus summer camps, social services, and event venue rentals. The organization's primary revenue comes from annual membership dues, school and camp tuition, and charitable donations supporting operations across three physical campuses in Los Angeles (Mid-Wilshire, West LA, Brentwood) and one online platform (WBT@Home).

Product overview

Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a multi-campus Jewish synagogue and educational institution offering a comprehensive suite of programs across three physical campuses in Los Angeles (Glazer/Mid-Wilshire, Irmas/West LA, and Resnick/Brentwood) plus digital programming. The portfolio includes Early Childhood Centers (Erika J Glazer, Mann Family, and Resnick Family), Brawerman Elementary Schools (East and West), Religious School across all campuses, and the Center for Youth Engagement encompassing WBTY7, WBTY teen programs, B'nei Mitzvah preparation, Teen Leadership, and Teen Travel. Community programming includes Lifelong Learning, Jewish Food Lab, Affinity Groups, and Shabbat/Holiday services. Social impact is delivered through the Karsh Center and Karsh West social service hubs. Digital offerings include WBT@Home livestreaming and online programs. The organization also operates Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps (Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp) and manages event venues including the Audrey Irmas Pavilion and multiple campus sanctuaries for rentals. Giving programs encompass the Annual Fund and Legacy Society planned giving.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Childhood Centers Nurturing, play-based early childhood programs infused with Jewish values, serving children from Baby & Me through age 5. Three center locations: Erika J Glazer Early Childhood Center (Mid-Wilshire), Mann Family Early Childhood Center (West LA), and Resnick Family Early Childhood Center (Brentwood).
• Brawerman Elementary Schools Rigorous K-6 elementary education in a warm, inclusive setting anchored in Jewish tradition. Brawerman East Elementary School operates at the Glazer Campus (Mid-Wilshire) and Brawerman West Elementary School operates at the Irmas Campus (West LA).
• Religious School Supplemental Jewish education for students in grades TK through 6, offered across all three campuses on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Includes Dor L'Door concierge learning for families with extenuating circumstances.
• Center for Youth Engagement Hub for supplemental Jewish educational programs for students in grades TK through 12, encompassing Religious School, WBTY7, WBTY teen programs, B'nei Mitzvah preparation, Teen Leadership, and Teen Travel experiences.
• WBTY (Wilshire Boulevard Temple Youth) Teen engagement program for grades 8-12 including Teen Connect, BBYO chapters, Madrichim leadership program, Confirmation Program, Jewish Teen Leadership Institute, AJU Jewish Learning Experience, and Love & Relationships Retreat.
• Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps Historic summer camps including Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp, offering summers filled with laughter, learning, and Jewish joy for kids in grades 2-10. Currently operating from Carlsbad due to Malibu restoration.
• Choosing Judaism Conversion Program 13-week conversion program exploring Jewish beliefs, practices, history, holidays, values, and culture in community with others on a similar path, accompanied by ongoing clergy mentorship.
• B'nei Mitzvah Program Nine-month preparation process for Jewish adulthood including one-on-one tutoring, clergy mentorship, Torah study, D'var Torah writing, tikkun olam projects, and family rehearsals, culminating in ceremonies at Glazer or Resnick campuses.
• Karsh Center Social Services Social service hub providing food assistance, healthcare, mental health support, legal aid, ESL classes, family support, and volunteer engagement. Karsh Family Social Service Center is located at the Glazer Campus, with Karsh West at the Resnick Campus.
• Lifelong Learning Adult education programs including Torah study, Jewish texts, speaker series, community conversations, workshops, retreats, Adult B'nei Mitzvah preparation, and Choosing Judaism courses.
• Shabbat Services Music-driven weekly Shabbat services across all three campuses with various formats including Celebration Shabbat, Shabbat Family Jam, Pop Up Shabbat, and WBT@Home online streaming.
• WBT@Home Online platform providing livestreamed Shabbat services, on-demand messages and teachings, bringing the temple experience into members' homes via streaming on Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook.
• Jewish Food Lab Culinary program promoting Jewish culture through cooking classes, holiday workshops, guest chef events, family and youth programs, food justice conversations, and dining/book clubs.
• Event Rentals and Audrey Irmas Pavilion Facility rental services across all campuses including the Audrey Irmas Pavilion (newly designed by OMA/Rem Koolhaas, featuring the Wendy and Leonard Goldberg Grand Ballroom, Chapel and Terrace, and Rooftop Garden), the Byzantine Revival Sanctuary at Glazer, the Marcia Israel Chapel/Auditorium at Irmas, and the Kopelson Family Sanctuary at Resnick for weddings, b'nei mitzvah, and community events.
• Annual Fund Giving Program Unrestricted giving program securing campus operations and shared temple life including Shabbat services, lifecycle events, learning programs, and tikkun olam initiatives. Includes tiered giving levels from Chaverim ($1-$1,799) to Hineinu ($100,000+).
• Legacy Society (Planned Giving) Estate planning program allowing members to include the temple in their will, featuring bequests, charitable gift annuities, endowed gifts, and recognition as Legacy Society members.
• Affinity Groups Interest-based community groups including The BLVD (young professionals), Women's and Men's Groups, and Bagels and Books book club, fostering connection across generations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands served annually through Karsh Center social services
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Jewish University (AJU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with American Jewish University for teens in Grades 10-12 to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school, earning undergraduate college credits through the AJU Jewish Learning Experience Course (JST 313: Introduction to the History, Culture, and People of Israel).
• BBYO (B'nai B'rith Youth Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBYO chapters launched in 2026 at both Resnick Family Campus (Brentwood) and Glazer Campus (Mid-Wilshire). BBYO is an international teen-led, staff-supported Jewish youth movement where teens create programs, lead events, and build community through their chapter.
• Jewish Center for JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Jewish Center for Justice for the L.E.A.D. Advocacy Trip to Sacramento, empowering teens to engage in advocacy and civic engagement through direct dialogue with California policymakers.
• Korean American Federation of Los AngelesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Rooftop Ruach Shabbat gatherings combining music, storytelling, and community celebration across Jewish and Korean American communities.
• Religious Action Center (RAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerL'Taken Social Justice Seminar partnership enabling teens to engage deeply with pressing social justice issues alongside Jewish teens from across the country, culminating in advocacy presentations at the U.S. Capitol.
• Wallis Annenberg GenSpacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated within the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, GenSpace provides programming and community engagement focused on vitality and connection for midlife and beyond.
• Los Angeles Public LibraryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for postcards program where seniors receive hot meals and connection through written correspondence, facilitated by Karsh Center volunteers.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stephen S. Wise Temple:

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCnBQEyJVEsbUHqOKXGrPx_g/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/wilshireboulevardtemple
• Instagraminstagram.com/wilshireboulevardtemple/?hl=en
• Xx.com/wbtla
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1491223

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wilshire Boulevard Temple