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CHJ Open House brunch features Sunday school and introduction to humanistic judaism
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Sep 8, 2010 - 9:57 AM

An introduction to the people, school, and programs of the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ), the first day of Sunday School, and a brunch, are all part of the Congregation’s back-from-summer Open House, scheduled for Sunday morning September 12 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.

Michelle Tomarkin of Fairfield says, “Our family has become part of the CHJ family and it all started with the Open House!” Michelle is now Membership Chairman of CHJ. Lisa Sullivan, a Norwalk native and Sunday School co-director, 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, a co-director of the Sunday School. “Guests will feel welcome in our community.” Rochelle Green of Westport will be on hand to talk about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program.

Sunday School begins promptly at 9:30 am with singing in Hebrew and English. All children are invited to attend a developmentally appropriate class at no charge. Sunday School will end with a shofar demonstration by member Joy Moon of Fairfield. Shofars are used in Jewish tradition to trumpet in the New Year. 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.

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. The curriculum is enriched by Hebrew, music, art, dance, and crafts. 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. Information on upcoming events will be available. Members hail from almost every town in Fairfield County.

Dana Preis of Easton, CHJ’s president, hopes those seeking a Jewish community will "come and check us out. I think you'll find our approach to be refreshing. CHJ's focus on Humanistic values and appreciation for Jewish culture makes us a valuable 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. The public is asked to confirm attendance by calling (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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