|
|
Welcome to the Congregation Serving
the communities of Fairfield County and beyond since 1967
Home Newsletter (opens pdf file in new window) Invitation to Membership and High Holidays Membership Form Children's Sunday School Adult Ed Directions Other Links at bottom of page |
So you’re thinking of
joining the Congregation but you have a few questions. The following are
questions that have been frequently asked about Humanistic Judaism. The answers
are by no means conclusive but offer a perspective.
What makes this Congregation
different from other congregations?
We believe that people
are the source of moral and intellectual authority. Our services and programs
are creative and participatory rather than prescribed and worshipful. Our Sunday
School and our Bar/Bat Mitzvahs encourage rigorous and creative preparation of a
Jewish subject rather than rote learning and we stress family involvement rather
than rabbinical dictate.
What does "God" have to do with
all this?
Some of our members
have concepts of a personal God; many don’t.
In essence, we believe that religion is a search for the meaning of
life--and that we are responsible for the exploration. We do not believe in
"omnipotence." We have no "dogma". We use free inquiry to challenge old precepts
and to create new approaches that make Judaism more meaningful for all. This is
reflected in the way we celebrate holidays, write our own services, and
participate in the ongoing evolution of Jewish experience.
How inclusive is the Congregation?
Very. What we have
discovered is that Judaism has always had a humanistic orientation - therefore,
we’ve been able to be far more inclusive than exclusive. Many intermarried
couples have found that our Congregation is a very warm, welcoming and
supportive group. We believe that we are free to experiment and do what we
believe without fear of sanction. We question and occasionally fail, but are
never uninvolved.
Who does what in the Congregation?
Our organization is
entirely cooperative. There is no paid rabbi or executive director. Most everyone participates in some way. We have experienced members who can, as
needed, perform marriages, officiate at funerals, coach Bar/Bat Mitzvah, lead
communal events, etc. We invite
guest lecturers to discuss topics of interest, and remunerate our Sunday School
teachers. We share in the
responsibility of creating services, getting speakers, writing newsletters,
developing and running educational programs, developing Sunday School curricula,
making coffee, building sukkas, and enjoying each others company.
We are unencumbered by
the corporate structure and expense of most synagogues. We don’t own a building
and therefore do not have a building fund. We rent schools and various other
halls for major services and Sunday School education, and our members host
Friday evening and other programs in their homes.
How is the Congregation
administered?
The Congregation is
administered by the officers and Board of Directors, which is made up of
officers and key committee heads. All members are welcome to attend our open
Board meetings and contribute.
The cooperative nature
of the Congregation involves time and commitment, dues are affordable, and
membership is highly rewarding.