As Humanistic Jews, we want our children to
understand and appreciate the values and traditions of their
forebears without feeling compelled to agree with all the beliefs
and practices of past generations. Instead, we want our children
to develop their own convictions on the basis of knowledge,
ethical values, and compassion for others. Most importantly, we
want to give our children a form of Judaism that will sustain them
and grow with them throughout their lives.
Twice a month (8 times per semester), Kol Haverim offers Sunday School
classes to provide our children with an understanding of Jewish history,
traditions, ethics, art, and music without teaching prayers or the
existence of God. Holidays are celebrated throughout the year in
the congregation and the children are prepared for and participate
in each. Love of learning, social responsibility and ethics are
just some of the traditional Jewish values that are stressed in
our non-traditional school.
Overall, our goal is familiarize our children with the Jewish
past and to explain the development of many traditional rituals
while providing them with alternative interpretations and reasons
for remembering and participating in them.