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Kol Hadash ["new voice"] has been a warm and welcoming, full-service Humanistic Jewish Congregation for more than 20 years. Like other congregations, together we celebrate major Jewish holidays, provide a cultural Jewish education for our children, mark the Jewish life cycle from birth and Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah to weddings and memorials, run adult learning programs, collaborate on community service projects, and enjoy fun social and community service activities. But unlike other congregations, we pride ourselves on Doing Jewish Differently.

See how below!

Humanistic Philosophy: People Not Prayer

We share a human-centered, secular philosophy that focuses on this world, this life, and what people can do for themselves and for each other. This approach harmonizes our Jewish life with our everyday life, agreeing with the many American Jews who do not believe in the omnipotent and intervening God of the Bible and traditional prayer book. We believe that people have both the power and responsibility to improve our lives and the world around us. If the supposedly “divine” commandments of Jewish tradition were actually written by people, then we are free to choose what speaks to us and helps guide us today.

Cultural Judaism: We Say What We Mean and Mean What We Say

Humanistic Judaism celebrates major Jewish holidays and lifecycle events, interpreting them in a secular and cultural context rather than a traditionally religious one. We read meaningful poetry and prose that resonate with our Jewish cultural heritage and encourage reflection and meditation. We sing Jewish songs in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish – always providing translations and transliterations (pronunciation in English letters). Bottom line: We read, say and sing what we truly believe!

Different from Other Liberal Judaisms: Consistently Focused on Humanity and the Natural World

While Reform, Reconstructing, and Humanistic Judaism  recognize the importance of human action and the evolution of Jewish practice to fit today’s values, Humanistic Judaism consistently expresses its non-theistic approach in everything we do. Rather than praying to or relying on a god, we focus on what humans can know and can do (that’s why we’re called “Humanists”!). Kol Hadash is a comfortable home for people and families who identify as Culturally Jewish, Just Jewish, Jew-ish, Not Religious, Secular, Humanistic, Atheist, and/or Agnostic. No prior knowledge or Jewish literacy is needed; come as you are!

Full Inclusivity: We Celebrate Jewish Life with Our True Selves in All Our Diversity

Humanistic Judaism embraces and celebrates the reality of intercultural and interfaith partnerships, LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and families in every form and variety. Children of intercultural/interfaith families can be both Jewish and something else, rather than either/or. And all family members are fully welcome to participate in all Kol Hadash programs, services, and life cycle events.

Membership: No Financial Barriers -- Everyone Self-Selects Their Own Contribution

Membership in Kol Hadash is about meaning, not money. We welcome everyone, regardless of ability to contribute financially. This is another example of how we live our values with consistency and integrity. All members anonymously select whatever contribution level is commensurate with their financial ability, sense of value, and desire to advance the mission of Kol Hadash.

Holiday Celebrations: We Replace Worship with Belief in Human Power and Responsibility

Our cultural holiday celebrations adapt familiar Jewish traditions, rituals and blessings to be consistent with our secular philosophy. We have services and/or celebrations for all the major Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, and Passover. We also have twice-monthly Friday evening adult Shabbat services. And we have special holiday services and celebrations for children and families.

Rabbi Adam Chalom: The Full Package -- Engaging, Innovative, And Scholarly!

Rabbi Adam Chalom has served as the full-time rabbi of Kol Hadash since 2004. He is a dynamic and illuminating speaker, a clear and inspiring teacher, and a warm and approachable presence at Kol Hadash. He is also a source of compassionate and caring support through difficult times, and a leading voice in the international movement of Humanistic Judaism. He earned a B.A. in Judaic Studies from Yale University; a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies at the University of Michigan; and his rabbinic ordination from the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ).

Sunday School: Our Goal Is Cultural Literacy and Critical Thought, Not Indoctrination

Our Sunday School students explore the entire range of the Jewish experience and are encouraged to think critically and decide for themselves what “Being Jewish” and “Doing Jewish” means to them. We are distinct in emphasizing asking questions rather than memorizing answers, making choices rather than obedience, and focusing on people rather than faith.  We have weekly Sunday School classes for 1st through 9th grade Confirmation, with formal Hebrew learning beginning in 5th grade. We also offer monthly Adult Tot programs and a no obligation  "Sunday School Try Out."

Bar/Bat/B Mitzvahs: Completely Customized To Be Meaningful to the Student and Their Family

Every B Mitzvah service (a gender-inclusive term for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs) is devoted to only one student, and the B Mitzvah is the only reason for the gathering. Rather than having to read the assigned Torah portion of the week, students choose their own Hebrew reading based on what they find meaningful. (Don’t worry, Rabbi Chalom guides students in this process.) Their focus can be on a Torah or other Hebrew text and commentary, or they can speak on a topic, issue or person from the Jewish experience. Rabbi Chalom works one-on-one with each student for several sessions to research and prepare their presentation and to find their related community service project. All family members can participate fully in our B Mitzvah ceremonies.

Have questions? Interested in learning more?

Rabbi Adam Chalom is always happy to talk with you in person, by email or phone (847-383-5184, rabbi@KolHadash.com).

You can also contact our Administrator (info@KolHadash.com).

Please join us for our upcoming events
Guests are always welcome!

Family Challah Making, Pizza Lunch & Jewish Culture
A Hands-On Secular Jewish Family Event

Come make challah, enjoy pizza, and connect with Jewish culture in a warm, family-friendly setting. Join Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation for a hands-on challah making class and pizza lunch. Families will mix, knead, shape, and braid their own challah dough, then take it home ready to bake. Along the way, children and parents can enjoy the experience of making something together while learning about a meaningful Jewish food tradition.

This event is especially for families with children in grades K–5, and older children are welcome. No baking experience is needed — just come ready to roll up your sleeves, get a little floury, and have fun.

This event is open to everyone! Families who are culturally Jewish, secular, Humanistic, interfaith, Jewish by choice, spiritual but not religious, atheist, agnostic, or simply exploring Jewish culture are welcome at Kol Hadash.

Sunday, August 23, 11:00AM - 1:00PM at Deerfield High School- Please park and enter through the rear/east building entrance.

Cost: Free for Kol Hadash members; $15 per family for all others
Food: Pizza lunch included; gluten-free pizza available
Registration: Advance registration is required, please

Register for Family Challah Making & Pizza Lunch!

Secular Jewish Sunday School Open House

Kids Try a Class • Parent Info Session • Family Bagel Brunch

Looking for a way for your child to feel connected to Jewish culture, holidays, history, values, and identity — but not sure a traditional synagogue or Sunday School feels right for your family?

Join us for a free Open House at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation on the first day of Sunday School. Kids can try a Sunday School class, parents can learn more at a relaxed Parent Info Session, and everyone can enjoy a Family Bagel Brunch & Activities together.

At Kol Hadash, children explore Jewish culture, holidays, history, values, community, and identity through questions, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Families who are secular, cultural, interfaith, Humanistic, not religious, agnostic, atheist, Jew-ish, Jewish and something else, or still figuring it out are welcome at Kol Hadash.

Come as you are! No prior Jewish education, Hebrew knowledge or synagogue background is expected.

No congregational membership is required for Youth Learning until your oldest enrolled child reaches 4th grade. Membership pledges are self-selected because at Kol Hadash, membership is about meaning, not money.

Come for the morning. Let your child try a real Sunday School class. Meet people in our community. Ask questions. See whether Kol Hadash feels like a fit for your family.

Sunday, August 30, 2026, 9:30 AM–11:30 AM at Deerfield High School, Our Sunday School location- Please park and enter through the rear/east building entrance.

Fall registration is now open for Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation’s Sunday School! Register before August 15 and receive discounts!

As our returning students and alumni know, we offer a fresh, meaningful approach to Jewish identity—focusing on human responsibility, history, and culture. It’s a place where kids can ask big questions, explore their heritage, and build community in a warm, welcoming environment.

- Empowering, secular Jewish curriculum
- Inclusive community for all families
- Focus on ethics and social justice

If you have friends or family who might be interested, encourage them to discover a Jewish education that matches their family's values and celebrates their humanity and heritage.

Learn more and register today. Any questions? Contact Youth Education Director Ilana Shaffer at youthed@kolhadash.com or 773-209-8266