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Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

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A Most Unusual Opening of the Year

September 1, 2015

For the first time in decades, the Ethical Culture Society will not open with a welcome from its Leader, Joe Chuman.

While not physically sick, Joe’s spirit is very ill. As you know, his wife, Linda, passed away on August 31. In an attempt to make some sense of this suffering for myself and others, I wondered what meaning we might be able to squeeze out of this nightmare.

Despair is suffering without meaning.

Viktor Frankel

I think the humanists must project the meanings day after day, and it’s hard work many days.

Lisel Burns

Some of the hardest work we members of the Bergen Society have had to do is to be patient. This waiting, in an age of instant information, was painful. Joe is a public figure, always accessible. Respecting his privacy thwarted so many of our instincts both individually and as a community; to reach out, to comfort, to know more, to shed a tear together, to connect, to encourage, to hug, to listen, to bear witness.

Joe had needed to keep himself focused entirely on Linda. We now wish him the strength to endure what’s ahead. As for us, we have each other to turn to with our worries and our grief. We stand ready to be present and to be leaned on, but not until the time is right. When the time comes, we will meet that suffering with patience and with love.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce that Linda Gerstmann died August 31st. The world is a darker place with the passing of Linda, the wife of our Leader Joe Chuman. Information about visiting with the family will follow when we have more details.

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  • Meet Our Newest Members, Andy and Deborah Krikun
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Ethical Brew

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‘How Race Impacts Conservation’

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Ethical Culture was founded to focus on community and good works, rather than personal salvation. Read more…

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Address: 687 Larch Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Phone: 201-836-5187
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Recent Posts

  • Society Gets Grant to Explore Concept of ‘Sacred Spaces’ January 31, 2023
  • Church-State Separation: Who Stands to Lose if the Wall Fails? January 30, 2023
  • Two Grants Help Fund ‘Great NJ Science Show’ January 29, 2023
  • Meet Our Newest Members, Andy and Deborah Krikun January 29, 2023
  • Struggle over Church-State Separation has Deep Roots in America January 28, 2023

We believe in ethics. We believe in people.

Please believe in us.

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What We Do For Fun….

There's always time for play: celebrations, discussions (some in Spanish -- find Conversemos on our calendar on the fourth Tuesday of the month), hikes, picnics, cultural outings, and more. Come join us!
Kids get into the act
Diane running the show

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