Re: Jewish temple for agnostic non-Jew and family

I recently attended Purim service/potluck/party at Kol Hadash at the Albany Community Center. It is the only Humanist Synagogue in the Bay Area and draws congregants from miles away. It was news to me that there are Jewish services for atheists but apparently that's what Humanistic Judaism is. I also went to one of their regular Havdalah dinners at a private home (that is seeing out the Sabbath). Nice people. Good diversity of ages and types of people. Certainly not ''yuppies''. See their web site: www.kolhadash.org Lindy

The school in particular may fit your needs - the classes are very small, interactive, and engaging, with teachers who are very experienced and knowledgeable. I think that they really allow kids to explore Judaism on their own terms.

I think that there are a couple more classes this year - you should contact them if you want your kid(s) to come and sit in on a class.

Here's info from their website:

Northern California Community for Humanistic Judaism

Kol Hadash is a New Voice for Jews and their families who care about their Jewish heritage but want to celebrate it in a community based on humanistic rather than theistic beliefs. If you are looking for what it means to be Jewish, or what it means to be in a family with Jewish roots, we offer answers that are quite different from those found in traditional congregations.

Mission Statement
We celebrate Jewish identity, history, and culture within a nontheistic secular framework.

http://www.kolhadash.org/

Kol Hadash
P.O. Box 1471
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Phone: 510-428-1492
Fax: 510-236-8936
Email: KolHadash[AT]aol.com

Re: Seeking a diverse, open minded reform synagogue

I came from an Eastern European background as well and altho we were always very culturally Jewish, I didn't feel connected to the Religious aspect of Judiasm. Having a child, I wanted to connect to that Jewish part of me. We joined Kol Hadash, a Humanistic Jewish Society. They are all about Jewish traditions and values in a non-religious setting. Several of the families that I know of are from mixed religious upbringing. They have a Sunday School, Shabbot Services, celebrate the holidays etc. The only thing is that they don't ''do Yiddish'' (which I would prefer) but include more Hebrew in their Sunday School and some of the Services. It started off and relatively speaking is still a small group, with mostly older families however lately, many new families with children have been joining. Check them out at www.kolhadash.org You can also get a free newsletter. You can email me if you would like more info. Good Luck Betty