|
|
 |
|
|
|
Celebrations, Observances and Life Cycle Events
The Jewish Cultural School and Society functions in a similar manner to a synagogue. We provide the leadership and
community to share life-cycle events, major Jewish holidays and other observances within a Secular Humanistic Jewish philosophy.
Such events are typically held in various community centers in Essex County, New Jersey.
The programs for our observances and holidays are based on materials supplied by CSJO and the International Institute
for Secular Humanistic Judaism. However, these scripts are open to ongoing creative interpretation by JCSS members. Our ceremonies
and observances transmit essential Jewish values and ethics together with emotionally moving components of Jewish symbolism,
prose poetry and music. An institute "certified leader" or Madrikh(a) (Hebrew; vegvayzer in Yiddish) is available as an officially
registered member of the Jewish clergy and is able to perform wedding ceremonies, baby namings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, funerals
and memorial services.
Fall
JCSS celebrates Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with ceremonies occurring on the eve of the holiday. On Yom Kippur JCSS
families, located near to one another, are encouraged to break the fast together. Sukkot is usually celebrated outdoors at
a location in South Mountain Reservation. Members and their children share a potluck lunch, build a sukkah and take part in
games and craft activities.
Winter
Chanukah is celebrated as a child-oriented event with student
readings, plays, games, crafts and candle-lighting all topped off with a potluck lunch. Families are encouraged to bring gifts
for needy children and adults; after being wrapped these gifts are distributed to community shelters.
Spring
JCSS observes both Purim and Pesach. Like Chanukah, Purim is a child-oriented holiday that is enjoyed with crafts
and games. Our Seder draws a large multi-generational participation and is celebrated with readings from a secular Haggadah;
Our familiar potluck lunch rounds off the occasion. Shevuos is celebrated outdoors in keeping with its pastoral origins
and explores themes of education, social justice and intermarriage.
Shabbes/Shabbat
About four times a year, JCSS sponsors shabbes celebrations in member's homes on Friday evening.
After a pot luck dinner, we light candles, eat challeh and drink wine accompanied by Jewish humanist sayings, poems and songs.
Children are welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
