About Oraynu

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="02c285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Verdana" ><B>ORAYNU CONGREGATION for Humanistic Judaism</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ORAYNU CONGREGATION for Humanistic Judai"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>About Oraynu</B><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Philosophy"><U>Philosophy</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQs"><U>FAQs</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Leadership"><U>Leadership</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Oraynu Childrens School"><U>Oraynu Children's School</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Programs"><U>Programs</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life Cycle"><U>Life Cycle</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Upcoming Events"><U>Upcoming Events</U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=17.5% BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="02ad4fe0dkelyh.png"> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Philosophy"><U><B>PHILOSOPHY</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQs"><U><B>FAQs</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Leadership"><U><B>LEADERSHIP</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Oraynu Childrens School"><U><B>CHILDREN'S SCHOOL</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Programs"><U><B>PROGRAMS</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Life Cycle"><U><B>LIFE CYCLE</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Upcoming Events"><U><B>UPCOMING EVENTS</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Shofar Oraynus Newsletter"><U><B>NEWSLETTER</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id56.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>RESOURCES/</B></U></A><A HREF="id56.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>LINKS</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>CONTACT US</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ORAYNU CONGREGATION for Humanistic Judai"><U><B>HOME</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="08f52500.png" border=0 width="82" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B>About Oraynu</B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B><IMG SRC="0ab2c320.gif" border=0 width="44" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT><B>Originally founded in 1969 by a group of families as the Secular Jewish Association, </B><B>ORAYNU </B><B>CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM</B><B>  is based on the cultural and philosophical ideals of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) that originated more than 200 years ago.</B><B>  </B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Wingdings" ><B>n</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT>Humanistic Jews are cultural Jews who find that Judaism is most meaningful in the context of a secular worldview and humanistic values. As a Congregation, we celebrate Jewish identity and blend tradition with contemporary rational thinking. We enrich our lives with the High Holidays, Oneg Shabbats, by enjoying Jewish music, Jewish history, and by cultivating our ties to the Jewish community and the State of Israel. We instill our children with a love of Jewish culture and a pride in their Jewish heritage. As Jews and as human beings, we believe that we have the power and responsibility to direct the course of our lives. </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Wingdings" ><B>n</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT>Ideological, ceremonial and educational leadership is provided by <I>Madrikhim</I> certified by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.</div> <bR> <div> Check out the following links for more information on:</div> <div> <A HREF="#traditions_1" TITLE="About Oraynu"><U>Traditions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#education" TITLE="About Oraynu"><U>Education</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#community" TITLE="About Oraynu"><U>Our Community</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#affiliations" TITLE="About Oraynu"><U>Affiliations</U></A></div> <bR> <div> _________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>TRADITIONS</B><B> <A NAME="traditions_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> Meaningful traditions are blended with relevant contemporary ideas</div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Holidays</B></FONT></div> <div> Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are observed with philosophical reflections, poetry, prose, Torah readings and music. Traditional readings and songs are often adapted to be consistent with humanistic ideas. Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim and Passover are celebrated in conjunction with our Children's School as community events.   Oneg Shabbats may either have a family focus or an adult cultural component. </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B>NEWS!!</B></FONT> Oraynu has published a new haggadah for both the congregation and wider community, <I>Roots and Branches: A Humanistic Haggadah for Passover</I>.  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="id64.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Roots and Branches: A Humanist Haggadah "><U>For more information, click here. </U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Life Cycle Events</B></FONT></div> <div> We offer Jewish and intercultural weddings, as well as baby-namings, humanistic brit, bar/bat mitzvot for youth and adults, funerals, memorials, unveilings, memorial dedications, adoptions or Jewish commitment ceremonies. Please contact Rabbi Eva Goldfinger at 905-889-7450 for more information.</div> <bR> <div> ___________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>EDUCATION</B><B> <A NAME="education"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Oraynu Children's School</B></FONT></div> <div> Oraynu's secular, Jewish curriculum is directed towards understanding our past and enriching our present lives. Jewish history, culture, traditions and ethics are enjoyed and studied as expressions of our identity. Jewish continuity and pluralism are encouraged by open and rational examination of traditional stories and legends. We promote personal integrity, the respect for the beliefs of others, and responsibility to society, and take pride in our rich heritage.  </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">JK to Grade 7, Sunday mornings, Bayview/401 location </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Unique Two-Year B'nai Mitzvah program, including community service and group ceremony</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Hebrew language classes </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Family holiday celebrations<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Adult Study</B></FONT></div> <div> Discussions and lectures are offered</div> <div> - to strengthen our understanding of Jewish history and culture</div> <div> - to explore the philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism</div> <div> - to re-examine human relationships and contemporary world issues</div> <div> - to support all those who wish to identify with Secular Humanistic Judaism</div> <bR> <div> ___________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>OUR COMMUNITY</B><B> <A NAME="community"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> Integrating secular, humanistic Jewish ethics into our daily lives</div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Social and Cultural Activities</B></FONT></div> <div> Adult get-togethers, literary events, bi-monthly magazine, <I>The Shofar</I></div> <div> Oneg Shabbats</div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Youth Programs</B></FONT></div> <div> Social and cultural activities</div> <div> Discussions, workshops, conferences</div> <div> Community volunteer projects</div> <div> Youth leadership training program</div> <bR> <div> <B>n</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006699" FACE="Verdana" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>Intermarried Couples</B></FONT></div> <div> At Oraynu, we honour your choice to spend your life with the one you love. You will be welcomed and respected. At Oraynu, intermarried couples participate in all aspects of our Congregation and bring their own unique and special contributions to our community. </div> <bR> <div> ___________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>AFFILIATIONS</B><B> <A NAME="affiliations"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Society for Humanistic Judaism (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.shj.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shj.org"><U>www.shj.org</U></A></FONT>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.jewishtoronto.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.jewishtoronto.net"><U>www.jewishtoronto.com</U></A></FONT>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education (The Mercaz), formerlyToronto Board of Jewish Education   <A HREF="http://www.bjetoronto.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bjetoronto.com"><U>(</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.bjetoronto.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bjetoronto.com"><U>www.bjetoronto.com</U></A></FONT>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">International Federation of Secular Humanistic Jews, representing groups across North and South America, Europe, Australia, Russia and the C.I.S., and Israel  (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.ifshj.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ifshj.org/"><U>www.ifshj.org</U></A></FONT>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">International Institute for Secular Humanistic Jews - the educational arm of the movement - which trains and certifies leaders (Madrikhim and Rabbis).  Numerous weekend courses and workshops are offered throughout the year. The Institute, headquartered in Tel Aviv and in Farmington Hills, Michigan, also provides a wide variety of scholarly materials including books, curricula for schools, articles, etc. (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.iishj.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.iishj.org"><U>www.iishj.org</U></A></FONT>)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a7300a700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Leadership Conference of Secular Humanistic Jews (<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.lcshj.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lcshj.org"><U>www.lcshj.org</U></A></FONT>) certifies qualifying professionals as Secular Humanistic Jewish clergy, provides continuing education for the Movement leadership (clergy, educators, spokespersons and music directors) and establishes ethical standards and professional guidelines for leaders within the Movement </div> <bR> <div> <B>Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism</B> is part of a growing international movement as an affiliate of the <B>Society of Humanistic Judaism </B>(<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#993333" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="http://www.shj.org./" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.shj.org./"><U>www.shj.org</U></A></FONT>). The movement is a positive force in the continuity of the Jewish people. It offers Jews in over a dozen countries inspirational, educational and social programs. All members receive a copy of its quarterly magazine, 'Humanistic Judaism.' The congregation receives visits from movement leaders at least every other year. We receive a library of the publications of the Society and discounts on purchases. We receive newsletters from all affiliates so that we can share our resources. There is an enormous collection of ceremonies, holiday celebrations and observances that we can access.</div> <bR> <div> Humanistic Judaism was recognized in 2000 by the <B>United Jewish Communities </B>(U.S.) as the fifth branch in Judaism following Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Oraynu is grateful for the support of the <B>Rasch Foundation</B>, and for annual grants received from the <B>UJA Federation</B> and the <B>Centre for Enhancement of Jewish Education.</B><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id17_m.htm" TITLE="About Oraynu"><U><I>Back to Top</I></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:info@oraynu.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:info@oraynu.org"><U>info@oraynu.org</U></A></div> <div> or call 416-385-3910</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>