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WE ARE SECULAR HUMANIST JEWS ... AND WE'D LIKE YOU TO KNOW ABOUT US!
Humanistic Judaism embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines rational thinking with a celebration of Jewish culture and identity. It affirms the power and responsibility of human beings to shape their own lives independent of supernatural authority.
WHO IS A JEW?
A Jew is a person of Jewish descent or any person who declares himself or herself to be a Jew and who identifies with the history, ethnic values, culture, civilization, community and fate of the Jewish people.
WHAT IS A SECULAR HUMANISTIC JEW?
A SECULAR person believes that there is no superhuman force guiding our lives. A HUMANIST believes that each person is responsible for his or her own life, through his or her own efforts.
We Humanistic Jews embrace a positive philosophy of life. This upbeat approach enriches the celebration of our Jewish identity.
WE BELIEVE:
In our independence from supernatural authority.
In our connection to a 5,000-year-old history.
In our right to claim our tradition and choose what is relevant and significant to our lives today, as many of our ancestors have done.
In the use of reason and scientific methods as the best way to discover truth.
That the world is a natural place, governed by natural law.
DO WE CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS?
YES! We celebrate and honor our Jewish identity as part of a worldwide extended family whose shared history is remembered in beautiful celebrations: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukah, Purim, Passover and others. Each enables us to renew our relationship with our past and with one another.
YOU MAY SOMETIMES FEEL ALONE .... YOU NEED NOT BE.
We know that many Jews are unaffiliated. No single belief system can satisfy all Jews. We offer an alternative to traditional religion! Join us, and be part of a community.
WE BALANCE CULTURE WITH SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
Friday night meetings differ each week: a Humanist Oneg Shabbat; Jewish cultural events; exciting debates or forum discussions on thought-provoking topics; meetings with guest speakers or special entertainment.
Community observances of the Jewish Holidays.
Special interest groups, such as the Yiddish Club, the Film Club, a playreading group and classes on Jewish history and philosophy.
A monthly newsletter of columnists and notices of current activities.
A quarterly magazine from our national office, one of the finest in the
secular movement.
Active participation in the Orange County Jewish Federation and support of its functions.
Lay Leader services available for all life cycle ceremonies and counseling.
A variety of committee meetings form the direction and culture of the chapter.
Every member is encouraged to be active.
HOW DO YOU BENEFIT? By sharing the warmth of being with like-minded people.
Your horizons are widened when you understand how our philosophy of life can help make new friends with diverse opinions, but a common thread.
More accurate information on the real beliefs and behavior of our ancestors who helped make us into what we are today.
IS THIS MORE THAN JUST A LOCAL CHAPTER?
As a member of the SOCIETY FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM, you participate in a worldwide movement which includes North America, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Israel.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US!
Together we can investigate the uniquely satisfying and rich heritage of
Humanistic Judaism, which dates back to ancient times.
Together we can celebrate Jewish Holidays as Humanists.
Together we can work for a better world for ourselves, and our children.
YES, I/we would like to join the O.C.S.H.J.
Name/s: ..........................................................................................
Address: ........................................................................................
..................................................................zip.................
Phone #: ( ) ..........................
E-Mail: ........................................................................................
Check enclosed:
$110 Single ....... $160 Couple ........ Fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30.
**** As we are situated inside a Senior community, we are only allowed a certain percentage of non-resident members.
MAIL TO: O.C.S.H.J., Box 2534, Laguna Woods, CA., 92654.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, VERY SOON!
SHALOM!