| Abstract: |
The Jewish Secular Community of Cleveland, Ohio (f. 1967), is a group whose members share with other Jews a common history,
literature, culture, and tradition without necessarily having a belief in God. The group's founding members were drawn together
by their desire to offer their children a Jewish education outside of the existing religious institutions and their earliest
efforts were focused upon the development of a school. By the mid-1970s, however, adult education, holiday observances, and
life cycle ceremonies had been introduced and a social action committee had been formed. The collection consists of board
meeting minutes, newsletters, membership rosters, curriculums, and programs from events the organization has hosted, as well
as a collection of the papers of Mark Weber, one of the group's most active members. This collection is of value to researchers
studying ethnic and religious groups and institutions in the United States in general, and in Cleveland, Ohio, in particular.
Of interest are minutes from the Jewish Secular Community board meetings, and newsletters, all of which discuss the current
status of the organization and express thoughts about the future of the organization as well as events the Community celebrated.
Also included are curricula for the group's school, illustrating the principles of secular humanism. Those interested in secular
Jewish culture in Cleveland and the formation and expression of Jewish identity during the twentieth century will find this
collection of value.
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