Education
Our Shabbat School program offers a fun and engaging way for young children to learn about Jewish holidays, traditions, and values. Music education is included. We hold twice-monthly classes on Saturday afternoons to coincide with our Shabbat-Havdalah service. Our students participate in Shabbat blessings for candles, wine, and bread before going to their class. After class they rejoin the service for Havdalah blessings and songs.
This program prepares students for their B Mitzvah (a gender-neutral, non-binary term for “Bar Mitzvah” and “Bat Mitzvah”) with a focus on Jewish history, ethics, and the significance of the ceremony. Students are encouraged to explore their Jewish identity and develop a personal project as part of their preparation. We offer both two-year and individualized B Mitzvah programs.
B Mitzvah Prep Adult (Ages 14+)
This program may be offered for individuals or a group. The focus is on Jewish history, ethics, philosophy, and culture. The individual or group also participates in developing the ceremony. The B Mitzvah participates in the ceremony, explains their commitment to Humanistic Judaism, and gives a d’var Torah (word of Torah) presentation on a meaningful area of Judaism.
Adopting Humanistic Judaism
Humanistic Judaism uses the term “adoption” rather than “conversion” for those who want to formally identify as Humanistic Jews. The culmination of study and participation in the community is a ceremony where the adoptee acknowledges their commitment to the Jewish people and the community in turn, acknowledges the adoptee as one of their own.
Adult & Post-Mitzvah Continuing Education
Regular and ongoing Humanistic Judaism education occurs twice monthly during our Shabbat-Havdalah gatherings. Presentations/discussions may be led by members or invited guests. Topics have included ancient Israelite history, biblical interpretation, Jewish graphic novels, historical and modern Jewish music, and Jewish cultural identity.
Cultural Shabbat School (Ages 6-11):
B Mitzvah Preparation (Ages 11-13):
Ad hoc educational opportunities also occur during the year. In addition, all members can participate in programs offered by the Society for Humanistic Judaism.
Participation in these educational opportunities is included in Cultural Synagogue membership. Please contact us for more information.