Currently, the Shalom Theater is the only Jewish theater in Russia. It is very popular with the public and enjoys notable success abroad, especially in Israel and in the USA. Its director Alexander Levenbuk considers the theater to be a key ingredient in the mutual understanding between the Jewish people and those of other faiths. In 2016, the Shalom Theater joined the International Institute, an organization affiliated with UNESCO with the aim to advocate free cultural self-expression in the cause of peace.
Founded in the late 1980s, the theater attracted immediate public attention. The repertoire of the Shalom Theater is based mostly on classical and modern works by Jewish authors, which are invariably full of gentle or grim humor. The troupe includes actors of various nationalities and gives performances in Russian. The theater stages traditional productions, shows for children, musicals and also hosts concerts and poetry readings and often goes on tour around Russia and even abroad.