Question 1

WHAT DOES BETH CHAVERIM MEAN?

Accepted Answer

In English, “BETH CHAVERIM” means House of Friends.

Question 2

WHAT IS HUMANISTIC JUDAISM?

Accepted Answer

Humanistic Judaism combines the philosophy of humanism, which is the belief in the power and authority of human beings over their own lives with a broad definition of Judaism as the collective historic experience of the Jewish people.

Question 3

DOES BETH CHAVERIM USE HEBREW?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though the vast majority of services are in English.

Question 4

DOES BETH CHAVERIM HAVE A TORAH?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is read at bar/bat mitzvahs and the High Holidays.

Question 5

ARE THERE OTHER HUMANISTIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are congregations and communities across North America.

Question 6

DOES BETH CHAVERIM HAVE A RABBI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld who was ordained in 2009 by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.

Question 7

WHAT LITURGY DOES BETH CHAVERIM USE?

Accepted Answer

All of the services are written and complied by our rabbi. Poetry, prose, and songs are used to reflect the meaning of the day. All language used is non-theistic.

Question 8

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT BETH CHAVERIM?

Accepted Answer

You can email us at info@bethchaverim.net
or visit our Facebook page 
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064599464952

Question 9

WHERE DOES BETH CHAVERIM HOLD EVENTS?

Accepted Answer

Beth Chaverim uses a variety of community resources for its Sunday School, holiday celebrations, and cultural/educational programs.

You can find out more information about these events by checking out our calendar and emailing us at info@bethchaverim.net for event locations!

Question 10

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE IN BETH CHAVERIM ACTIVITIES OR ATTEND HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES?

Accepted Answer

We welcome you to contact us about our programming. High Holiday tickets are available to non-members and much of our programming is open for prospective members to experience our community.

Question 11

WHAT IS THE CENTRAL VALUE OF HUMANISTIC JUDAISM?

Accepted Answer

It is that every individual has dignity that is to be maintained and enhanced. 
Learn more about Humanistic Judaism.

Question 12

DOES BETH CHAVERIM HAVE PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS AS WELL AS FAMILIES?

Accepted Answer

In addition to family oriented activities, Beth Chaverim has a monthly book club and bible study designed for adults. Each year there are different adult programs emphasizing Jewish holidays and culture. Learn more about our programming here.

Question 13

HOW OFTEN DOES RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MEET?

Accepted Answer

It meets on Sundays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Those students studying for a bar/bat mitzvah meet one additional hour, 11:30 – 12: 30, for one year.

Question 14

ARE INTERFAITH FAMILIES WELCOME AT BETH CHAVERIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and all members of these families are full participants.

Question 15

WHO FOUNDED HUMANISTIC JUDAISM?

Accepted Answer

Rabbi Sherwin Wine. 
You can learn more about Rabbi Wine and his work at www.sherwinwine.com

Frequently asked questions