Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound

I am not Jewish, but my wonderful wife is very Jewish, by culture and identity. However, we’re not religious. As the kids came along we wondered, «What should we do for our kids?» We tried a reform synagogue and other groups but they just didn’t fit us. Then we found Shalom Sunday School and the Secular Jewish Circle. The kids have been involved in the non-​religious Sunday School on Mercer Island and loved learning and experiencing their heritage. Because the school is part of the Secular Jewish Circle, we also found a rich and involved community. We wanted our three kids to have a strong sense of identity and a familiar community — it’s worked out better than I ever would have imagined! I’d suggest anyone who is curious check out the school or SJC web site.

I grew up in an assimilated household, but once I had a child realized that I needed him to have a Jewish experience. I’m not religious, but do hold high values and ethics. I wanted to teach my son the Jewish traditions and beliefs of my people in a non-​religious way. Secular Jewish Circle was a perfect fit for us. My son has now received a secular humanist Bar Mitzvah, and is well on his way to becoming a leader in the community. I can’t say enough about the Shalom Sunday and B’nai Mitzvah program SJC offers. And I’ve found a community of like-​minded secular Jews who feel like family to me.