About Us

Our Beginnings

The Jewish Secular Community of Asheville started with a few like-minded people who celebrated Jewish holidays together. The community grew by word of mouth, as others expressed interest in learning more about Secular Humanistic Judaism. As we grew, we developed a more formal organizational structure, and in 2012 the JSCA was founded as an all-volunteer, 501-C3 non-profit organization.

What We Believe As Secular Humanistic Jews

• We believe that human beings are responsible for solving human problems. Each of us takes responsibility for our own behavior, and all of us take collective responsibility for the state of our world.
• A Jew is anyone who identifies with the history, culture, and future of the Jewish people.
• Jewish identity is best preserved in a free, pluralistic environment.
• The freedom and dignity of the Jewish people must go hand in hand with the freedom and dignity of every human being.

What do Secular Humanistic Jews Do?  

We build Community by providing members with cultural, social and educational experiences to share together; and by offering support and care to members in need. 

We celebrate Jewish Holidays and Shabbat Services in the Secular Humanistic tradition.

We commit Ourselves to Social Justice and to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) by engaging in social action projects.