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Health & Fitness

Open House Brunch and Sunday School with Congregation for Humanistic Jews

Bagels and cream cheese and other treats add to the lure at the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism’s annual Open House brunch and first day of Sunday School on September 8, 2013. An introduction to the people, school, and programs of the Congregation are all part of the back-from-summer event, taking place at 9:30 AM at Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport.  The public is invited free of charge.  New and prospective members will be warmly welcomed. 

CHJ President, Jane Campbell of Trumbull, is looking forward to meeting new people and discussing the Congregation’s philosophy and how it fits in with 21st century Jewish families. Arkadiy Stepanskiy of Fairfield says, “Our family has become part of the CHJ family and the Open House gave us a really nice way start those connections!” Lisa Sullivan, a Norwalk resident and former Sunday School committee member, and her daughter, Elise, are also long-time members who discovered CHJ through the Open House.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about the Congregation, Humanistic Judaism, our Sunday School and adult education programs, and all the activities and experiences we offer throughout the year,” says Beth Ulman, also of Fairfield, co-director of the Sunday School and Mitzvah Coordinator.  “Guests will feel welcome in our community.” She will be on hand to talk about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program.

Sunday School begins promptly at 9:30 am.  All children are invited to attend their age/grade appropriate class at no charge. Parents may remain with their children until they are comfortable and then attend the Open House, which includes brunch, meeting members, and learning about the programs and activities of the Congregation and the basic tenets of Humanistic Judaism.

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The CHJ Sunday School provides a contemporary Jewish education for children in kindergarten through Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  Children learn about Jewish holidays, history, literature, and traditions of the Jewish people in a warm, participatory environment. Hebrew, music, art, dance, and crafts enrich the curriculum. Jewish and Humanistic values and their relation to interpersonal, social and environmental issues are explored in all areas of the curriculum.  Small class size fosters involvement and learning.   A supervised preschool playgroup is open to children 0-5 years of age.

In addition to the Sunday School, the Congregation has a full calendar of activities for adults including Jewish holiday celebrations, a wide array of weekend evening and Sunday morning programs, discussion groups, and a book group.  Members hail from almost every town in Fairfield County.

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The CHJ Teen Mitzvah Club will be collecting school supplies and cereal boxes at the Open House and assembling backpacks for clients of the Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport.  Donations will be gladly accepted.

Dana Preis of Easton, CHJ’s past-president, hopes those seeking a Jewish community will "come and check us out.  Our approach is refreshing.  CHJ's focus on humanistic values and appreciation for Jewish culture makes us an important and welcoming presence in the community."

Jewish and Interfaith families interested in learning about the Congregation are invited to attend this Open House.  Sunday School classes will conclude at 11:45 AM. Additional information, and to let the Congregation know to expect you, please call (203) 226-5451.  To learn more about the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism and its programs, check the website: www.humanisticjews.org.

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