What we’re about
The Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, in Teaneck, NJ, was founded in 1953 as a progressive, ethics-centered community and is part of the Ethical Culture movement which was founded in New York City in 1873 by Felix Adler. Ethical Culture puts ethics, human flourishing, social justice and political action at the center of the search for a meaningful life.
Join this Meetup group and, better yet, come for a visit! All our Meetup group meetings are open to the public and include more than just Meetup members. Members participate in social justice and community building projects. There's also plenty of opportunities for fun and games through our community wide celebrations.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Ongoing Exhibit: 'Albert Einstein, Champion of Social Justice'Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
As part of our 1,000 Cranes of Peace Project and in partnership with the Princeton Einstein Museum of Science, our Society will host an exhibit honoring Albert Einstein’s lesser-known legacy as a civil-rights advocate and ethical leader.
The exhibit, from Aug. 6 at 7 pm through Sept. 7 at noon, will be on display during the candlelight vigil on Aug. 6, as well as Sunday mornings, except Aug. 31, from 10:30 am to noon.
- Discover Einstein’s deep commitment to racial and social justice.
- Learn about his connection to the Ethical Culture Movement; he was the keynote speaker at its 75th anniversary.
- Explore his complex role in the development of the atomic bomb, including his later regret: “I made one great mistake in my life… when I signed the letter to President Roosevelt recommending that atom bombs be made.”
Our 1,000 Cranes of Peace Project, including this exhibit, the candlelight vigil, and a family workshop on Aug. 24, was inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Hiroshima survivor who later died from radiation poisoning.
While in the hospital, she began folding 1,000 origami cranes, based on the Japanese legend that doing so would grant her a wish for healing. Whether or not she reached her goal, Sadako’s cranes have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance—and now, our inspiration.
We invite you to get details on all events in our 1,000 Cranes of Peace Project and to join us!
- Candlelight Vigil Marking 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima BombingEthical Culture Society of Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
All are welcome to join us for a candlelight vigil marking the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Sign a statement in support of House Resolution 317, the “Back from the Brink” resolution introduced by Reps. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and Jill Tokuda of Hawaii, urging renewed efforts in nuclear disarmament.
- Begin folding origami cranes as part of our goal to complete 1,000 cranes by Sept. 7. Crane packets will be provided.
This vigil is part of the Society's 1,000 Cranes of Peace Project, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Hiroshima survivor who later died from radiation poisoning.
While in the hospital, she began folding 1,000 origami cranes because of the Japanese legend that doing so would grant her a wish for healing. Whether or not she reached her goal, Sadako’s cranes have become a global symbol of peace and remembrance—and now, our inspiration.
Our 1,000 Cranes of Peace Project also includes an exhibit on Albert Einstein, champion of social justice, and a family workshop to create cranes and peace packages for partner schools in Japan and Mexico.
You are invited to get more details on all 1,000 Cranes of Peace events and to join us!
- David Sprintzen: Human Emergence and Our Place in the Natural WorldEthical Culture Society of Bergen County, Teaneck, NJ
Today’s talk by David Sprintzen, professor emeritus of philosophy at Long Island University, caps off our three-week Philosopher’s Series, offering food for thought from noted philosophers as well as brunch!
Our speaker, a leading scholar of Albert Camus, will present ideas from his new book, “Human Emergence and Our Place in the Natural World,” and explore humanity’s evolving role in the ecological and philosophical landscape.
Brunch at 10 am
Doors open at 10 am for an optional brunch ($12 per person), featuring classic Western favorites alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes, a tasty tribute to philosophy’s ancient roots. Reservations are recommended for brunch. Please email curt@ethicalfocus.org to reserve your spot.Talk at 10:30 am
This talk, beginning at 10:30 am, is free and open to all at the meetinghouse and on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, please email admin@ethicalfocus.org by noon on Friday.Childcare
Childcare is available with advance notice—please email curt@ethicalfocus.org by noon on Thursday if you’d like childcare.Earlier talks in the series
The Philosopher’s Series includes “The Changing Nature of Work in an Age of AI” by Society Leader Curt Collier, who also teaches ethics and philosophy of science at Fairleigh Dickinson University, on July 27, and “Beyond Stoicism: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life” by renowned philosopher Massimo Pigliucci on Aug. 3.We hope you can join this feast for the mind and body!
