In 1981 Rabbi Aharon and Rivka Sirota arrived in Denver, Colorado with a dream. Rabbi Sirota, a native of the USSR, came to America at the age of 17, leaving behind communism and persecution. During the 1980’s and 1990’s thousands of Jewish Russian immigrants arrived in the USA and many of them settling in Denver. The Sirota’s had a dream to help these immigrants settle and keep them attached to Judaism. Many of them had only vague memories of their parents or grandparents practicing a Jewish tradition. Life under communism did not allow for the practice of Judaism, the consequences severe. Many immigrants were elderly. They did not speak English and finding employment was difficult. The Sirotas took on this challenge and in 1991 founded the Western Center for Russian Jewry. It began in a living room , then into a store front and in 2001 into the current location, a Synagogue and community center. The fall of communism seems like a long ago memory, long forgotten from the front pages, however, thousands of Russian immigrants still live under tough conditions. Denver has a large elderly Russian population and the Sirotas work tirelessly to help these families. Rabbi Mendy Sirota and his wife have now joined the effort and a second generation of the SIrotas are working tirelessly to work with the youth. The mission has expanded. It is not only now for children and grandchildren of immigrants. Rabbi Mendy has embarked on reaching out to all youth including teens at risk.WCRJ is a Synagogue, cultural,and education center, day care, and preschool for Jews of all walks of life. At our Center people tend to develop lasting friendships and truly feel a part of the community. You’ll find services that are spiritually uplifting and meaningful, plus sermons that are relevant, inspirational and topical. You will also enjoy our unique combination of cherished traditional values and contemporary ideas that successfully meet the needs of modern Jewish families. I am certain that you will be able to feel comfortable and inspired, no matter your level of observance. This, plus amazing family and youth programming and a strong emphasis on congregational participation are some of the reasons our center has grown so rapidly.Whether you are searching for a childcare center or a Hebrew School for your school age child, a Woman's Club or a Center for Adult Study, we may be what you have been searching for. Founding Principles The WCRJ is founded on the principle that, while Jews embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews no labels, no affiliations. They develop a sense of community and enhance the experience of being Jewish. They have successfully catered to hundreds of families from all backgrounds, offering Jewish educational programming in an accepting and innovative setting where all feel welcome. The goal is to create a positive Jewish experience for everyone as they strengthen their ties to the Jewish community. The WCRJ is a place where every Jewish person is welcome - regardless of affiliation or level of commitment. Our sole purpose is to create a warm welcoming environment to explore and experience our heritage in a non-judgmental and inviting atmosphere.