Or Emet – the Minnesota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

Adult Program: “From Fork to Forest: Why We Can’t Solve the Climate Crisis Without Changing How We Eat”
2026-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, Or Emet will host a presentation titled “From Fork to Forest: Why We Can’t Solve the Climate Crisis Without Changing How We Eat.”
The event will run from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.
Presenters Nicola Philpott, co-leader of the Minnesota west suburbs chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Anna Larsson, an executive team member of The Climate Reality Project, will explore the overlooked role of the global food system in driving climate change.
Even if fossil fuel use ended today, emissions from food production alone would push the planet beyond climate targets. Philpott and Larsson will explain why this issue deserves more attention and will outline practical steps individuals and communities can take to support a more sustainable food future.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Or Emet Book Club: 'The Flight Portfolio,' by Julie Orringer
2026-01-25 10:30 - 12:00 | TBA
The Flight Portfolio, by Julie Orringer, will be discussed. If you are interested in participating, contact Bruce Pomerantz at bruce.f.pomerantz@comcast.net for location information.
(In case of bad weather, the book club will meet Sunday, Feb. 1.)

Shabbat Service | Program: "The State of White Christian Nationalism and Antisemitism"
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55416, United States
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10-11:30 a.m., Or Emet will host a Humanistic Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen followed by a Q&A with Angela Denker, a local journalist, Lutheran pastor and author. A social time will follow.
The events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis.
The conversation with Denker will center on the rise and threat of white Christian nationalism, online radicalization, violent masculinity and their growth and prominence in Trump’s second term. Denker will also help explain the role of so-called “Christian Zionism” and how Christian nationalists understand the role of Israel in their theology and politics, in contrast to Zionism within the Jewish community.
Denker is an award-winning author, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America pastor and veteran journalist. Her first book, “Red State Christians,” was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award winner for political and social sciences. Her second book, “Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood,” was released in March 2025.
She is a former columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post and Fortune magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian nationalism.
Those who cannot attend the program in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For more information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

New and Prospective Member Brunch
2026-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | TBA
Join us for a casual, informative brunch (bagels!) and an opportunity to meet Or Emet’s Rabbi, Eva Cohen, and other congregational leaders. New Or Emet members and others interested in learning more about our congregation are welcome. (Golden Valley location will be provided when you sign up.)
You’ll be able to connect with members and others while learning about Humanistic Judaism, our Jewish Cultural Sunday School, our B’Mitzvah programs, adoption into Humanistic Judaism and the Or Emet community.
In the past, this event has been lively, fun and informative. All are welcome; families and children are welcome, too, of course!
Membership information is also available on Or Emet’s website, oremet.org.
If you are interested in attending and for more info, please email president@oremet.org.

Executive Committee Meeting
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
If interested in attending, please contact info@oremet.org; 612-787-7812
For more information about Or Emet​ and/or membership, contact info@oremet.org, 612- 787-7812 or visit oremet.org.

Jewish Cultural Sunday School #5
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School (JCSS) for 3 to 13-year-olds meets monthly on Sunday mornings, with a concurrent program for their parents and other adults. The focus of each varies monthly.
Or Emet adult programs are free and open to the public.
For more information about Or Emet’s JCSS, visit the school blog on the Or Emet website, oremet.org.
To arrange a JCSS visit, learn more about JCSS, the youth program and/or for JCSS -related questions and issues, contact school director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org.
Please direct inquiries about Or Emet and/or membership to info@oremet.org.

Adult Program: "Jewish Communities in Ancient Egypt"
2026-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
On Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, Or Emet will host a presentation by Dr. Patricia Ahearne-Kroll, Associate Professor in the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures at the University of Minnesota. She will speak about Jewish communities in ancient Egypt.
Ahearne-Kroll will talk about the evidence for Jewish life in Hellenistic and early Roman Egypt and the various ways these populations interacted with the multicultural realities of Egypt.
Ahearne-Kroll holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (Hebrew Bible) from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Her research has focused on literature from Egypt during the Second Temple period in Israel, as well as the impact of religious practices in Hellenistic Egypt on discourses of power and identity.
Those who cannot attend in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
We continue to collect empty pill bottles and personal care items for clients at Listening House, a St. Paul drop-in center. Donations are gratefully accepted at all Shabbat and Sunday programs.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Shabbat Service | Program: "An Inside Look at BRKFST’s Groundbreaking, Multicultural, BIPOC Group"
2025-12-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55416, United States
On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10-11:30 a.m., Or Emet will host a Humanistic Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen, followed by a presentation by Lisa “MonaLisa” Berman, co-founder and co-artistic director of BRKFST Dance Company.
Berman will present “An Inside Look at BRKFST’s Groundbreaking, Multicultural, BIPOC Group.” She will describe how BRKFST creates intellectually rigorous, physically demanding works of art through abstraction, breaking and contemporary dance vernacular — dance that evolves naturally from within a community.
Berman and Joseph “MN Joe” Tran co-founded BRKFST in St. Paul in 2014. Guided by the hip-hop adage “each one teach one,” where everyone remains both teacher and student regardless of their background, identity or status, BRKFST honors its roots from breaking culture by embodying inclusivity, passing down their knowledge to the next generation and representing the form with foundation and innovation.
Berman is the recipient of the McKnight Dancer Fellowship, Jerome Travel and Study Grant, multiple Minnesota State Arts Board and Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grants, and most recently, the Bridge Fund for Dancers Grant through the City of Minneapolis Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Expanding her artistic practice to interdisciplinary exploration, Berman partnered with film director Maria Juranic, co-creating, producing and choreographing the short, experimental dance film “Dreamers.” The film was chosen as an official selection in 11 international film festivals, receiving the Grand Jury Award at the In/Motion Festival and Best Experimental Film at the Tirana International Film Festival in Albania.
Those who cannot attend the Shabbat service in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For more information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Or Emet Hanukkah Party
2025-12-14 16:00 - 18:30 | First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mount Curve Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Members and their guests are invited to celebrate Hanukkah again with Or Emet!
Featuring fun group crafts, dreidel games, song, dance, menorah lighting and a community dinner. All will be family and kid friendly.
We will also be collecting hats and mittens on our mitten menorah to donate.
Please RSVP and sign up to volunteer by Dec. 3.
For more information about Or Emet programs, email info@oremet.org.

Jewish Cultural Sunday School #4
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:30 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States

Adult Program: "Lessons From Listening House" and Judaica Swap
2025-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
On Sunday, Dec. 7, Or Emet will host a program on Listening House of St. Paul, a day shelter and resource center that provides hospitality and practical assistance to adults experiencing homelessness, poverty and loneliness.
The program will run from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.
Andrea Hinderaker, the volunteer coordinator for Listening House, will share updates on the facility, including its recent transitions, and offer reflections on the current state of homelessness in the Twin Cities. She also will share perspectives on the culture of homelessness and the spirit in which Listening House offers its services.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
After the program, Or Emet will host a free Judaica swap meet. Attendees are encouraged to bring items such as ceremonial and ritual objects, textiles, books, art and jewelry to swap with others. Unclaimed items will be donated to Heritage Judaica, a local nonprofit that collects and offers Judaica at no cost.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Yiddish Shabbos featuring Yiddish music and dance by Di Bayke Klezmer Band
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55416, United States
On Friday, Nov. 21, from 7-9 p.m., Or Emet will host a Humanistic Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen, followed by a special Yiddish Shabbos program.
The evening’s events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis.
The family-friendly Yiddish Shabbos will feature Yiddish music and dance by the Minneapolis-based Di Bayke Klezmer Band. Di Bayke — pronounced “dee bye-keh,” which means “the tall tale” in Yiddish — will perform and teach the traditional dance music of Eastern European Jews. Refreshments will be provided.
Or Emet suggests a $10 donation per person/family and encourages people to RSVP via this link. Those who RSVP will receive access to digital sheet music and recordings; attendees are encouraged to bring an instrument to join in.
Those who cannot attend the Shabbat service in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For more information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

'Contemporary Humanistic Judaism' study group
2025-11-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The group meets on Zoom and focuses on Rabbi Chalom’s book Contemporary Humanistic Judaism — Beliefs, Values, Practices. Contact Allan Malkis to attend and/or with questions at amalkis51@gmail.com.

Jewish Cultural Sunday School #3
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:30 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School (JCSS) for 3 to 13-year-olds meets monthly on Sunday mornings, with a concurrent program for their parents and other adults. The focus of each varies monthly.
Or Emet adult programs are free and open to the public.
For more information about Or Emet’s JCSS, visit the school blog on the Or Emet website, oremet.org.
To arrange a JCSS visit, learn more about JCSS, the youth program and/or for JCSS-related questions and issues, contact school director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org.
Please direct inquiries about Or Emet and/or membership to info@oremet.org.

Adult Program: "Thanksgiving: From Thankfulness to Taking Action"
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Or Emet will host a program titled “Thanksgiving: From Thankfulness to Taking Action” from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.
Led by Or Emet members Arty Dorman and Michal Moskow, the program will cover the following topics: 1) The Kristallnacht anniversary: Is thankfulness possible, especially for survivors, after events such as Kristallnacht and, in our day, the war in Gaza and other wars? and 2) How can thankfulness move us to take action on behalf of those, in general, who are less fortunate than we?
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Shabbat Service | Program: "The State of the State: 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights in Minnesota Today"
2025-10-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN, 55416, United States
On Friday, Oct. 24, from 7:30-9 p.m., Or Emet will host a Shabbat service led by Rabbi Eva Cohen, followed by a program and social time. The evening’s events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis.
Following the service, Matt Lewellyn-Otten (they/he), director of religious and community organizing for OutFront Minnesota, will present “The State of the State: 2SLGBTQIA+ Rights in Minnesota Today.” (2SLGBTQIA+ stands for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual+.)
Lewellyn-Otten will discuss their work with OutFront Minnesota, as well as the ways in which white Christian nationalism deeply affects 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Minnesota.
Lewellyn-Otten joined the OutFront Minnesota team in 2021. They work with faith communities and other communities across the state to build the power of the LGBTQIA+ community, listen to the needs of queer people and their allies, educate the public on issues affecting the queer community and mobilize communities to create systemic change.
Lewellyn-Otten holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the College of Charleston and a Master of Divinity degree from the Boston University School of Theology. In their studies and career, they have sought ways to build better understanding across communities and create spaces of connection and growth.
Those who cannot attend the program in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. For more information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

‘Contemporary Humanistic Judaism’ study group
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom

Jewish Cultural Sunday School #2 (Sukkot)
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States

Adult Program: "The Secret Lives of Or Emeters"
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Or Emet will host a program titled “The Secret Lives of Or Emeters” that will give members the opportunity to get to know one another.
Co-facilitated by Or Emet members, this participatory program will be a chance for those in attendance to have fun while learning about one another’s unique qualities and experiences — all in a safe and supportive environment.
Newcomers to Or Emet as well as longtime members are bound to be fascinated, enjoy good-natured laughs and leave with an even more positive feeling about the Or Emet community.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Yom Kippur Service and Break-Fast
2025-10-02 16:00 - 20:00 | MN
Or Emet invites everyone to share in our High Holiday services. We are a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
Today’s Yom Kippur service will be led by Rabbi Eva Cohen. Those who cannot attend in person can join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
Following the Yom Kippur service, a break-fast meal will be served. Details will be added a few weeks before the event.
In keeping with High Holiday tradition, Or Emet welcomes donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to be shared with a local community center.
For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, email highholidays@oremet.org. For general information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Kol Nidre Service
2025-10-01 19:00 - 20:30 | First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mount Curve Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Or Emet invites everyone to share in our High Holiday services. We are a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
Tonight’s Kol Nidre service will be led by Rabbi Eva Cohen. Those who cannot attend in person can join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
In keeping with High Holiday tradition, Or Emet welcomes donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to be shared with a local community center.
For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, email highholidays@oremet.org. For general information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Tashlich Service and Potluck
2025-09-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Holland Lake Shelter, 1100 Cliff Rd, Eagan, MN, 55123, United States
Tashlich is a ceremony about identifying and letting go of undesired behaviors. It is held outside and is especially fun for children. Registration is required.
Please email highholidays@oremet.org for details and to register.
For Humanistic Jews, the High Holidays are a time to reflect on the relationship of the universe to human need and desire. We assess our behavior during the past year and affirm the possibilities for change, improvement and happiness. We acknowledge that while some things may be beyond our control, other things can be attained with human will and intelligence.
The High Holidays open the Jewish year with the most important message of Jewish history: human dignity is not the gift of destiny; it is a human achievement, requiring courage and self-reliance. In keeping with High Holiday tradition, Or Emet welcomes nonperishable donations at all services.
For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, email highholidays@oremet.org. For general information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Rosh Hashanah Eve Service
2025-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mount Curve Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Or Emet invites everyone to share in our High Holiday services. We are a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
Tonight’s Rosh Hashanah service will be led by Rabbi Eva Cohen. Those unable to attend in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
In keeping with High Holiday tradition, Or Emet welcomes donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to be shared with a local community center.
For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, email highholidays@oremet.org. For general information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

Jewish Cultural Sunday School #1
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:30 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States

Adult Program: "From Actor to Playwright: A Jewish Life in the Theater"
2025-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Twin Cities German Immersion School,, 1031 Como Ave, St Paul, MN, 55103, United States
On Sunday, Sept. 14, Or Emet will welcome Minneapolis actor-singer Ryan London Levin, who will talk about his transition from actor to playwright.
The program will run from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.
Levin, who grew up in a Jewish household in South Minneapolis and performed for years with local theater companies, is thrilled to be making his playwright debut with the production of “American Golem: The Kid Cann Story.”
The play tells the true story of a Romanian Jewish immigrant who landed in 1920s Minneapolis and found success in the underworld. It will be performed at History Theatre’s Raw Stages New Works Festival in October. Levin will discuss why Kid Cann inspired him to start writing and why we will be interested in his story.
Levin currently is performing in “Treasure Island” with Children’s Theatre Co. in Minneapolis. He recently was seen in “Violet” at Ten Thousand Things Theater and “Just for Us” at Six Points Theater.
Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance for the Zoom option.
The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.
Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective.
For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact JCSS director Molly Phipps at school@oremet.org. For information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.
