This book on the Indian Wars, published a few years ago, stayed with member David Bland and changed his way of thinking about global events in the 21st century. So he is sharing a review.Read More
The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County
Ethical Culture puts ethics and human flourishing at the center of the search for a meaningful life. Sign up for our newsletter.
January 2021 Update on Re-entry to Our Meetinghouse
Sunday Platform: 11 am
Our thought-provoking platform addresses cover a wide range of subjects relating to ethics in modern life. Please join us, then stay for coffee and conversation.
Sunday School
Families of all backgrounds, particularly with mixed religious heritage, have had their children learn to find answers to the most important questions.Progressive Social Action
Ethical Culture has an extensive history of accomplishments in the area of Social Action, as well as regular panels and educational seminars.Curt Collier
Interim Leader Curt Collier served as head of three other Ethical Societies. He sees his role at Bergen as helping us to determine our new direction.Social Life
Get-togethers take many different forms, either spontaneous or recurring: dinners, parties, hikes, picnics, and cultural outings.
The Arts & Ethical Brew
Ethical Brew is a live venue for music and social action. Half the proceeds are donated to worthy causes. Many members are musicians, writers, and visual artists.Upcoming Events
Job Club Workshop
Conversemos (Let’s Talk)
Mindfulness at Midday: Meditation, Movement, and Discussion Group
Platform: Growing Up and Healing the World
Job Club Workshop
Socrates Cafe
Recent News And Opinion

At Online YES Conference, 28 Teens Discuss Education
Garrick Sandhusen from our Society was one of 28 teens who attended the online YES (Youth of Ethical Societies) Conference this month. The teens led discussions on many aspects of education, this year’s topic.Read More

What is the Commemorative Fund Committee?
The Martin Luther King Birthday Committee’s annual scholarship program was one of the recipients of donations from our Society’s Commemorative Fund Committee. Susan Lesh explains the origins and recent activity of the Commemorative Fund.Read More

It’s Spring!
Beautiful birds, pussy willows, building renovations, and lots of vaccinations–signs of spring and other fresh starts abound, says Society President Susan Lesh in this column. After a year of restrictions, she sees lots of hopeful signs.Read More

Gathering in the Great Outdoors
Several members have answered the invitation of our Social Affairs Committee to lead a hike, a stroll, or other fun get-together. In March, small groups got together for an invigorating hike, an inspiring morning of bird-watching, and a fun kite-flying adventure.
See the Photos

A Visit in Sand County
A visit to a naturalist author’s former cabin is the backdrop for Leader Curt Collier’s discussion of the power of relationships to transform lives and to build connections with one another and with nature.Read More

Despite the Snow, Cold, and Covid, Camaraderie Finds a Way
The power of suggestion–“Want to come out for a while?”–spurred Society members Ron and Lisa Schwartz to create cocktail parties in their driveway. Now, hearty souls in warm clothing drop by for some socially distanced fun!Read More

The Power of our Ethical Culture Way of Life
In his first column as our interim leader, Curt Collier explains why he is on a mission to create caring relationships with others, to create safe places where dialogue can emerge, and where we deeply listen to others. Read More

One Step at a Time–and Watch the Ice!
We are moving forward with vaccinations, with staying connected, and with selecting our interim leader, says Society President Susan Lesh. Hope is alive for getting together in person soon–until then, we have to be careful “on the ice.”
Read More
Ethical Kids!
Let us say more about our programs to grow Ethical Kids.

Our Sunday SchoolToddlers through Teens
We provide a sense of belonging in an established community of people actively living according to their ethical ideals.Read More...

You've got FAQsWe have Answers
What is the Ethical Society and the Ethical Movement? Which goals are stressed when developing curriculum? How are parents involved in the classes?Read More...

Youth GroupAges 14 to 22
Our Youth Group is a place for our Sunday school graduates (usually aged 14 to 22) to do good work and hang out.Read More...
Proud History of Progressive Social Action
Ethical Culture has an extensive history of Social Action and our Society has initiated major social justice projects. This is a summary. See more on our Social Action page.
Early Accomplishments
1950s - 1970s
- Founded the Fair Housing Council of Northern New Jersey
- Active in desegregating the Teaneck Public Schools
- Founded Camp Elliott, a multi-racial summer camp
Focus on Justice
1980s - 1990s
- Spearheaded a multi-faceted commitment to housing justice and sheltering the homeless
- Engaged collectively in civil disobedience and create The Sanctuary for Central American Refugees, preparing us for the next challenges
Still Making a Difference
2000 to Present
- Founded the The Northern New Jersey Sanctuary Coalition. Along with other organizations, it provies humanitarian services for political asylum seekers.
- Founded the group which became the Bergen County Brady Chapter to end gun violence
Adult Ed: Personal Growth for Grown-Ups
We are committed to the ideal of lifelong education. We learn from each other in variety of programs that address all subjects related directly or indirectly to ethics.

Socrates CafeLast Monday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up

Bergen County Film SeriesFirst Friday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up

Do Tell! True Stories NightUsually 2nd Friday, 7pm
RSVP on MeetUp or just show up
Our Most Viewed Articles

iChildhood
In this column, Janet Glass explores the challenges of raising children in a wired world, which requires a new type of awareness from parents.

The Spread of Democracy
Democracy is spreading. This column by our representatives to the UN describes what that means for human rights.

Religion and Religious Violence
Leader Joseph Chuman discusses how religion relates to violence in general and to terror in particular.

The Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Each Side’s Contrasting Narratives
Each side in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has its own narrative. What is important for understanding of both sides is to know what they leave out.

How to Tell the Difference Between Right and Wrong
Let us make up a myth to provide ourselves with moral backbone. As long as we are careful to bear in mind that it is a myth, the overall effect should be positive.

Ethical Dilemmas of Globalization
Some say globalization has created a runaway world. Our UN correspondent looks at the contentious issue of globalization in trade and its effects on the poor as well as the rich.

Darwin’s Challenge to Religion and the Religious Response
Leader Joseph Chuman looks at why creationism is so popular and offers a proper religious response to Darwinism.

Free Will: The Last Great Lie
Robert Gulack assembles all the available evidence, which has piled higher and higher in the last 100 years, to refute the notion of free will.

What to Do When Life Is Not Fair
The antidote to injustice is action. Take unfairness and transform it into a task, says Leader Joseph Chuman.