Open House and 1st Day of Sunday School with Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

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.

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.

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.