Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

09/28/2025

Tickets still available for our unique Yom Kippur observances. Join our warm and inclusive congregation for our secular, humanistic Yom Kippur services with choir and musical ensemble! Kol Nidrei soloist is the Juno award-winning artist Lenka Lichtenberg , and the service offers a moving Nizkor remembrance as well. On Yom Kippur Day, our Stories of Transformation program honours lawyer Ben Ferencz and 16th century heroine Dona Gracia Nasi.

Venue is The Avenue Banquet Hall, just west of Dufferin St. on Steeles Ave West. Tickets: https://www.oraynu.org/upcoming-events
In-person and live-streamed. For further information, please call 416-385-3910 or email: [email protected] We look forward to welcoming you!

09/13/2025

Join our warm and inclusive congregation for our secular, humanistic High Holiday services with choir and musical ensemble!
Commentaries by our Rabbis and Madrikha.
Kol Nidrei soloist: Juno award-winning artist Lenka Lichtenberg
Our adult services and children’s programs take place at The Avenue Banquet Hall, just west of Dufferin St. on Steeles Ave West. For tickets, visit https://www.oraynu.org/upcoming-events.
In-person and live-streamed.
For further information, please call 416-385-3910 or email: [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you!

09/01/2025

Secular, cultural, agnostic, or a “wondering” Jew? Looking for a welcoming congregation that fits with your beliefs?
You belong at Oraynu!
Join us online September 9 at 7:30 pm to learn about Humanistic Judaism, our congregation and our Children’s School, and to consider if we may be a good fit for you.
Intermarried, LGBTQ+, all are welcome.
Please register at https://www.oraynu.org/events

08/15/2025

Registration now open for our Jewish Sunday School that kids and parents love! The joy of learning and community-building, combined with a strong curriculum and experienced teachers, makes Oraynu Children’s School a great place for your child to absorb Jewish values, culture, and history through a secular, humanistic framework. If you would like to learn more, please contact our school office at 416-385-3910 or Principal Risa Morris at: [email protected]

07/29/2025

There’s still time to register! Since Oct. 7th, the GTA has seen more than its fair share of antisemitism, and it has especially been affecting schools within the TDSB. How is the TDSB’s Human Rights Office responding to this? How are they protecting Jewish students?
Join Oraynu for an in-person evening with members of TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee including Committee Chair Shari Schwartz-Maltz and longtime member Shelley Laskin. They will present the work of the Committee, how they engage to track hate crimes, what the data says, what the TDSB has done and what actions the Committee has encouraged the Board to do about it. North York location; lots of free parking.
Don’t miss it: Register now: www.oraynu.org/events

07/21/2025

Since Oct. 7th, the rise of antisemitism globally has been well-documented. The GTA has seen more than its fair share, and it has especially been affecting schools within the TDSB. How is the TDSB’s Human Rights Office responding to this? How are they protecting Jewish students?
Join us for an in-person evening with members of TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee including Committee Chair Shari Schwartz-Maltz and longtime member Shelley Laskin. They will present the work of the Committee and how they engage to track hate crimes, what the data says, what the TDSB has done and what actions the Committee has encouraged the Board to do about it.
Register now: www.oraynu.org/events

07/06/2025

Join us for Shabbat at the MNJCC! Topic is Latin-Jewish Journeys: Migration and Memory with Dr. Analucia Lopezrevoredo. Friday, July 18 at 7:30 pm. Kindly register in advance: www.oraynu.org/events

06/19/2025

Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism is seeking a new PART-TIME RABBI or MADRIKH/A or SPIRITUAL LEADER whose training and ordination or philosophy will mesh with the needs of a secular humanistic Jewish congregation. We are 140+ families strong, have a vibrant member base and a wonderful Sunday school.
At Oraynu, the Rabbi/Leader tends to be more hands on, involved in: program planning, leading 2-3 events per month (including one Friday evening Shabbat program), meeting/speaking with individual members, officiating life cycle events, visiting the Children’s School and submitting a Rabbi’s Message for our bi-monthly newsletter, plus other notifications to members if needed.
As we are humanistic, there is no prayer in our services, whether for Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the other festivals we observe. Our in-house created liturgy features powerful philosophical reflections, evocative poetry and wonderful music.
For more information/to apply, please go to https://www.oraynu.org/career-volunteer-opportunities

NEW RABBI, MADRIKH/A, OR SPIRITUAL LEADER NEEDED FOR ORAYNU CONGREGATION We are seeking the services of a PART-TIME RABBI or MADRIKH/A or SPIRITUAL LEADER whose training and ordination or philosophy will mesh with the needs of a secular humanistic congregation -- one of the largest in North America....

05/24/2025

Join Oraynu for a fascinating discussion on Jewish women and the American sitcom. May 29th at 7:30pm via Zoom. Register at: www.oraynu.org/events

04/20/2025

ORAYNU CHILDREN’S SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – May 4 at 10:15 am
A Jewish supplementary Sunday School that kids and parents love! The joy of learning and community-building, combined with a strong curriculum and experienced teachers, makes Oraynu Children’s School a great place for your child to absorb Jewish values, culture, and history through a secular, humanistic framework. Join us at our school location at Glendon College, 2275 Bayview Avenue and get all your questions answered. If you would like to learn more, please contact our school office at 416-385-3910 or Principal Risa Morris at [email protected]

04/07/2025

Do you identify as a secular or cultural Jew? Join us as Oraynu Congregation welcomes Rabbis Adam Chalom and Jodi Kornfeld on April 15th at 7:30 pm via Zoom for an enlightening evening of discussion about their new book, Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values and Practices. Come learn all about this newest branch of Judaism. To get your link, please register at: https://oraynu2.shulcloud.com/event/contemporary-humanistic-judaism.html

03/29/2025

This year, join Oraynu for a First Nite Seder, using our own "Roots & Branches" Humanist Haggadah for Passover. Ideal for adults/teens/ older kids. It's a part-catered/part-potluck affair. Come experience the unique way we mark this iconic holiday of freedom. Register by April 1st please: https://oraynu2.shulcloud.com/event/first-night-seder-2025.html