Humanistic Jewish Community
For more than 20 years, those who identify as secular, ethnic, cultural, atheist, agnostic and Humanistic Jews have found their Jewish home in Beth Chaverim. Established in 2003, Beth Chaverim (“House of Friends”) is a Humanistic Jewish community of caring individuals who want to express their Judaism in a cultural way that is personally meaningful and explore theological questions in an open, thoughtful environment. Interfaith and intercultural families are welcome and integral parts of the community.
Beth Chaverim is committed to education as the means to develop Jewish identity and social action as the way to be a responsible member of the community.
Memberships are available for individuals and families and include membership in The Society for Humanistic Judaism. Family membership includes enrollment in the religious school. Read more about our school and programs.
About Us
Our Congregation
Beth Chaverim is a Humanistic Jewish community. Humanistic Judaism centers Jewish culture and heritage as the basis for Jewish identity. It defines Judaism as the collective historic experience of the Jewish people and promotes a community of shared Jewish values, especially for those Jews who cannot intellectually or emotionally embrace a supernatural being, or who are unsure about the existence of such a being and want to express their Judaism in an honest and meaningful way.
We are affiliated with the Society for Humanistic Judaism.
Beth Chaverim is also associated with 18Doors.org.
Available Programs
Religious school
Religious school meeting weekly on Sunday mornings for grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
Read Hebrew & B Mitzvah Prep
One-year learn to read Hebrew program, in conjunction with Bar/Bat Mitzvah (B Mitzvah) preparation culminating in a B Mitzvah ceremony
Jewish Holidays
Jewish holiday celebrations including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’shevat, Purim and Passover
Distance Learning
Distance learning program for families living more than 50 miles from us
All of our educational offerings are held in the northern suburbs of Chicago unless otherwise noted.
Testimonials
Robin C.
We have all found Beth Chaverim an overwhelmingly welcome, flexible, non-judgmental engaging opportunity that we will forever be grateful for, willing to accommodate any/all learners at whatever level a family needs.
Richard S.
I think the Beth Chaverim affords each individual, adult or child, the opportunity to expand their Jewishness in many directions
Caroline B.
Thank you so much for coming into our classroom to share about your religion and answer our questions! I really enjoyed hearing about the ways humanistic Judaism uses stories from holy and other texts, and finds a moral lesson within them. It’s super awesome how people can use a religious text in a non-religious context for moral guidance, and I loved learning about that!
