Programs
By blending meaningful traditions with relevant contemporary ideas, we express our Judaism in a manner consistent with our Humanistic Jewish beliefs.
HOLIDAYS
Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidrei (Yom Kippur Eve) and Yom Kippur are observed with philosophical reflections, poetry, prose,Torah readings, stories and music which combine to create a wonderful sense of spirituality.
Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu Bish'vat, Purim and Passover are celebrated as family and community events in conjunction with Oraynu Children's School.
Oneg Shabbats may be family-oriented or geared toward adults, be holiday-related and have a cultural/social component.
Shavuot, Yom Hashoah, Yom Ha'atzma'ut may be marked as well.
NEWS!!
Oraynu has published a new haggadah for both the congregation and community use: Roots and Branches: A Humanistic Haggadah for Passover. For more information, click here.
LIFE CYCLE EVENTS
Egalitarian ceremonies mark the birth of a child, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and marriage. We provide funeral and memorial services to comfort and support the bereaved. Click Life Cycle
ADULT STUDY
Discussions and lectures are offered
to strengthen our understanding of Jewish history and cultureto explore the philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism
to re-examine human relationships and contemporary world issues
to support all those who wish to identify with Secular Humanistic Judaism
Guest Speakers/Faculty
Oraynu's distinguished roster of guest speakers and lecturers/course leaders has included: Sally Armstrong, Dr. Jerald Bain, Prof. Frank Bialystok, Alan Borovoy, Dr. Robert Buckman, Rabbi Adam Chalom, Bernie Farber, Gabe Glazer (Israel), Prof. Louis Greenspan, Dr. Zev Katz (Israel), Prof. Dan Merkur, Prof. Ruby Newman, Prof. Barry Olshen, Prof. Derek Penslar, Eli Rubenstein, Prof. Jeffrey Rosenthal, Rabbi Judith Seid, Rabbi Sherwin Wine
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Adult Get-togethers
Literary Events, e.g. Book Reviews, Sponsorship at Jewish Book Fair
Theatre and Film Nights
Bi-Monthly Newsletter - The Shofar (To view a copy of the latest issue, click here.)
Oneg Shabbats
YOUTH PROGRAMS
This program provides a supervised peer community for ORAYNU youth, aged 13-18, offering:
social and cultural activities
discussions and workshops
community volunteer projects
opportunity to attend conferences with secular humanistic Jewish youth from Canada and the U.S.
continuing involvement in the Jewish community
Youth Leaders-in-Training Program - a program designed to give Oraynu youth the opportunity to: continue their Jewish education with a peer group, gain work experience as volunteers in the Children's School or other Oraynu programs and develop leadership skills. Successful completion of 4 years of training culminates in certification as a Secular Humanistic Jewish Youth Leader.
SOCIAL ACTION AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER (TZEDAKAH) PROGRAMS
Learning about Darfur - Oraynu's Solar Cooker Project; Pencils for Kids
Raising scholarship funds for girls in Niger
Out of the Cold
Food and Clothing Drives
Click here for more information our social action initiatives.
ORAYNU CHILDREN'S SCHOOL
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. We also offer a unique two-year B'nai Mitzvah program.
JK to Grade 7, Sunday mornings, Bayview/401 location
Group B'nai Mitzvah ceremony, including community service
Hebrew language classes
Family holiday celebrations and Oneg Shabbats
Oraynu Children's School is funded with support from the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS OR UPCOMING EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US:
or call 416-385-3910
