Welcome to the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County Connecticut.

A Letter from the President of CHJ

Humanistic Judaism offers contemporary Jews a true alternative to the other branches of Judaism. Our services reflect a bold, creative approach to Judaism as a cultural, historical affiliation. On the High Holidays we take pride in celebrating and reflecting on our Jewish identity, in examining who we are as Jews in the modern world. As Humanistic Jews, our every observance is marked by honest self-reflection and a positive commitment to our self-defined values and ethics. If you'd like to learn more about CHJ, feel free to call us at 203-226-5451 or visit the rest of our website. You can also learn more about Humanistic Judaism by visiting the website for the Society for Humanistic Judaism ( a larger organization with which we are affiliated).

A membership in CHJ allows you to enjoy our year-round schedule of activities and celebrations. If you have school-aged children, you might want to join to give your kids the opportunity to learn about their Jewish identity in our Sunday School, where Jewish tradition and values come alive through readings, discussion, music, and arts and crafts.

We also welcome you to our High Holiday services. This year, as in previous years, there is no charge for High Holiday Services. Childcare will be provided during all day programming. If you decide to join CHJ before October 30, you may apply any donations to your membership fees. Please call us with your questions or to make a reservation. 203-226-5451.

It's my pleasure to invite you to share the coming year with us, and I hope to see you soon.

Best regards,
Dana Preis, President

Join the effort to save the people of Darfur, victims of a genocide the world has not yet had the courage to stop. Read about CHJ's actions to turn the tide.

Sunday, September 12, 9:30 am
Open House Brunch &
First Day of Sunday School

Bagels & cream cheese — and more! Don’t miss this opportunity for a personal introduction to CHJ at our annual Open House. You’ll learn about our Sunday School, our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, our cooperative structure, and how we blend humanist philosophy with Jewish traditions. Children are invited to attend Sunday School classes until 11:45 am. Location: Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport

High Holidays

Important: New location for all events. Get directions.
Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport.

Wednesday. September 8, 7:30 PM: Rosh Hashanah Evening Service at Unitarian Church, Westport. Doors open at 6:30 pm

Thursday, September 9: Rosh Hashanah Day Programs at Unitarian Church, Westport

2:30- 3:15 pm Family service (All children welcome)

3:30 - 5:00 pm Adult Workshops (Supervised activities for children)

Friday, September 17, 7:30 PM: Kol Nidre Evening Service at Unitarian Church, Westport Doors open at 6:30 pm

Saturday, September 18: Yom Kippur Day Programs at Unitarian Church, Westport.

2:30 -3:15 pm Family Service (All children welcome)

3:15- 3:45 Tashlich (for all ages)

4:00-5:10 pm Adult Workshops
(Supervised activities for children)

5:15 pm Memorial & Closing Service
(Supervised Activities Continue)

Break Fast follows Closing Service

Directions to Unitarian Church
10 Lyons Plains Road
Westport CT 06880
(203) 227-7205

We welcome visitors to our programs so they may determine if an affiliation with our Congregation is appropriate for them. To learn the location of an event and reserve your spot, or to get three monthly newsletters mailed to your home, or to simply get more information, call 203-226-5451.

HUNGER. We encourage all members to bring non-perishable food to all events so we can help replenish the food banks. Hunger is a year-round problem, even in our area.

Living Our Values: Fighting hunger locally and globally! Donations of food, personal hygiene products, and money continue to be collected at all CHJ events.

CLOTHES. No matter the season, we collect clothing too for the local shelters. Please consider donating (for winter) warm jackets, coats, sweaters, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves; as well as other clothing in good condition.

BOOKS FOR ZIM Also, please consider donating school supplies, sports equipment (soccer balls, softball, basketballs, volleyballs) that will be sent to Zimbabwe as part of the Books for Zim project. Anything that can be used by a school (including books) is welcome!

Send your children to a Jewish Sunday School whose teachings reflect your own views on what it means to be Jewish in America today. No doctrine, no dogma. A place where they can learn about Jewish history, holidays, culture, literature, art, and music in a warm participatory environment. For children pre-school and up. Small class size fosters involvement and learning. And, when it comes time for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, it will be a ceremony your whole family will be proud of.

The Congregation is run as a cooperative and offers full range of member-led activities celebrating our Jewish heritage and values. Activities include adult education, tzedakah/social action, book discussion, and women's rap group. The Congregation values its sense of community. Interfaith families are welcome.