Welcome to the Or Adam Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

The  Or Adam community is a group of diverse people who value their Jewish identity. We believe in the greater good of humanity based on personal responsibility and the knowledge of what is right and wrong; we are not reliant upon God, government, or an outside authority to tell us how to behave. Our humanistic Jewish celebrations and services are inspirational but not religious.

Or Adam was founded by two local families in 1987 and is an affiliate of the Society for Humanistic Judaism (shj.org) and the International Federation of Secular Humanistic Jews (ifshj.net).

To hear a message from Rabbi Jeffrey, Or Adam’s ceremonial leader, click on the “Message from the Rabbi” page.

Hebrew for Light of Humanity, Or Adam Congregation provides a welcoming approach to Jewish celebration for all people who value Jewish identity by birth, by choice, or by association and desire to express their connection to Jewish heritage and culture consistent with a humanistic philosophy of life.

Or Adam reflects our love and respect for Jewish culture and tradition and emphasizes that our destiny is guided by the human power within ourselves and not supernatural forces.

Humanistic Judaism is a philosophy affirming that the power of individuals to achieve a meaningful and ethical life lies within themselves and other people. Humanistic Jews believe that Jewish history teaches the value of self-reliance. Humanistic Judaism addresses the needs of cultural, ceremonial, ethical, and ancestral Jews and their loved ones, who seek to identify with the Jewish people and Jewish heritage.

We welcome singles, all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including same sex couples and all kinds of families, whether blended, traditional, interfaith, intercultural, or interracial. Our members range widely in age and background.

We offer activities to satisfy that variety of interests: Shabbat and other holiday celebrations, Sunday school education through B’nai Mitzvah, classes for adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah and adoption, life-cycle celebrations, weddings, memorials, and a variety of enrichment programs that foster and enhance close relations among our members. 

Our Mission

Or Adam provides an environment for families of all kinds to discover and grow their Humanistic Jewish cultural, ethical, inspirational, and ancestral identities as self-determining individuals in their community and worldwide. 

Our Vision

Or Adam is a Congregation without borders, which brings together Jews in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and around the world, to express our human connection to Judaism, celebrate cultural, and the inspirational aspects of holidays, festivals and life-cycle events, and experience Jewish learning within a warm and inviting community in a secular humanistic atmosphere.

If you have questions regarding an event, celebration, gathering, or in general, please fill out the form below and one of our members will contact you.