Secular Jewish Community and School

Who we are | What we do | When we celebrate | How to join us

Who we are

The Secular Jewish Community and School (SJCS) is an organization committed to teaching and celebrating Jewish history, culture, music, literature, values and identity in a secular, humanistic context.

We are diverse and inclusive in our beliefs, our backgrounds and our family structures. We welcome anyone who wishes to learn more about Jewish heritage in a nonreligious context to be part of our community.

Join us! Your participation and ideas are welcome in our growing community.

What we do

We offer Sunday school classes, holiday and lifecycle celebrations and other community activities that provide a sense of Jewish identity and transmit the values of social justice and individual responsibility.

When we celebrate

We celebrate selected Jewish holidays and events in an inclusive and participatory setting for adults and children alike. The goal is to deepen a sense of community that is progressive and reflects our values and beliefs.

How to join us

We invite individuals, couples and families to join our growing community. It is easy, down-to-earth, and most important at your level of comfort. We meet on Sunday mornings, 9:30 to noon, from September to May at Irving Elementary School, 1125 S. Cuyler in Oak Park, Illinois.

We encourage parents and other members to stay for adult education while the children are in Sunday school. We provide bagels and coffee and an opportunity to engage in discussions on a variety of topics.

E-Mail us at elisa.lapine@secularjewish.org

SCJS is a member-led and member-run organization. We value the contributions and expertise of our diverse community. Our organization has developed and grown through the commitment, enthusiasm and participation of our members—both in running the organization and being involved in the classroom. We strongly encourage parents to remain on-site during Sunday School hours so they can participate in various school and community activities. In our Sunday school, we offer separate classes for Pre-K/K 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and B'nai Mitzvah. Our B'nai Mitzvah program includes three vital components: an independent study of intellectual and cultural interest to the student, community service/social action project, and a celebratory community ceremony which indicates that the Bar/Bat Mitzvah understands and accepts the moral obligations incumbent on an adult Jew. At all levels, children learn conversational Hebrew and join the adults for singing (in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English) and cultural celebrations.
SJCS celebrates events, such as Sukkot at members homes. We have events at residences, and public places in Oak Park & River Forest, Illinois.