The Or Emet Jewish Cultural School (JCS) is a monthly Jewish alternative Sunday School program for preschoolers though Bar/Bat Mitzvah age. The curriculum emphasizes Jewish history, culture, the arts, and the traditions that shape our identity and values.
Unlike more traditional Jewish education programs, Humanistic Jewish education is non-theistic. Humanistic Jews believe a rational worldview and Jewish identity are complementary. We teach Jewish history as a human saga, a testament to the significance of human power and responsibility. Our children learn that morality and ethics come from experience rather than the dictates of supernatural authority. (For more information about Humanistic Judaism, see the Society for Humanistic Judaism website at www.shj.org.)
Or Emet celebrates Humanistic Judaism’s proud tradition of leadership in social movements for peace and justice, and teaches the responsibility of tikkun olam—working to improve our world. We encourage our children to develop their own convictions and seek truth and meaning on the basis of knowledge, reason, ethical values and compassion.
The JCS provides an open environment where students may freely express thoughts, feelings, and questions. Family and community participation are central to the success of our school. We welcome and affirm children of interfaith/intercultural families. We do not tolerate any bigotry or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, class or cultural background, ability/disability or sexual orientation.
