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Community Corner

Special Havdalah Service at Compo Beach, Saturday August 17

Join members of the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism for a friendly-family evening at Compo Beach in Westport, 6:00 PM, Saturday, August 17. The evening begins with some enjoyable socializing and ends with a meaningful service as the sun sets. Havdalah is the concluding celebration of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. The traditional symbols of wine, braided candle, and spice box will be used in a brief humanistic ceremony.

This annual event is open to the public, and participants come from all over Fairfield County. It is a wonderful way for prospective members to be introduced to the Congregation. The relaxed atmosphere allows attendees to get to know one another through compelling conversation at a beautiful outdoor setting. Prospective members, current members and guests all discuss news, every day events and share thoughts on what being Jewish means to them in a warm, open and friendly atmosphere. Families are welcome.

Please let us know to expect you by calling (203) 226-5451. Please bring your own picnic dinner and supplies. The Congregation will provide dessert. 

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Compo Beach is located at 64 Compo Beach Road, Westport. To gain entrance to the beach mention the Havdalah event at the security gate for a temporary parking pass. Drive straight after gate, and then turn right. Follow the road around the curve and look for the CHJ banner on the right.  Meet at the CHJ banner on the beach. Dinner and hobnobbing begins at 6:00; the service begins at sundown.  Flashlights and chairs or blankets are recommended. Rain date is Saturday, August 24.

Humanistic Judaism emphasizes personal responsibility in fulfilling the Jewish ideals of loving, kindness, justice, and good deeds. These ethical ideals are shared by Jewish tradition and humanist philosophy. Humanistic Jews practice in personally meaningful ways, consistent with a modern understanding of the world. CHJ offers a Sunday School for school-age children from kindergarten through Bar/Bat Mitzvah, as well as adult education and a preschool playgroup.

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The Congregation is a warm and welcoming, inclusive community. An Open House is scheduled for Sunday morning, September 11, at Bedford Middle School in Westport. Humanistic Judaism is the most recent group recognized as a major branch of Judaism by the United Jewish Communities. Our local CHJ Congregation was founded in 1967.  Humanistic Judaism is now active in many countries throughout the world.  For more information about the Open House, Sunday School, and CHJ, call (203) 226-5451 or visit www.humanisticjews.org.

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