The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) was established in 1985 to serve the needs of the growing movement of Secular Humanistic Judaism. Its three primary purposes are to train rabbis, leaders, educators and spokespersons, to commission and publish materials for the movement and to offer public seminars and Colloquia for education and inspiration. The IISHJ has ordained over 50 Leaders/madrikhim(ot)/vegvayzer and Rabbis in North America since 1985.
The current activities of IISHJ are focused on its work in North America and supporting its Israeli partner Tmura-IISHJ. The original IISHJ campus is located at the Ben and Lorraine Pivnick Center for Humanistic Judaism in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. The IISHJ administrative office is in suburban Chicago, Illinois. Seminars are held at both the Deerfield and the Pivnick Center campuses, as well as with Secular and Humanistic Communities throughout North America.
The Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ) is an organization for those deeply rooted in Jewish heritage, who value Jewish culture and community, who enjoy Jewish ritual and meaningful celebration, without a belief in ancient myths, supernatural beings, or intellectual compromise. Founded in 1969 by communities and leaders in Michigan, Illinois and Connecticut, the Society connects 30 congregations and communities in North America that promote the message of the Secular Humanistic Jewish movement. The SHJ supports existing and helps to establish new communities that support the cause. Based on its Core Principles, SHJ develops celebration and curricular materials, publishes a magazine, Humanistic Judaism, and sponsors annual youth conclaves.
The Cultural and Secular Jewish Organization (CSJO) promotes and supports a secular Jewish identity and way of life. CSJO was founded in 1970 as the Conference of Secular Jewish Education, a network of schools and communities that largely emerged from the Yiddish Socialist Left in the United States and Canada. Its emphasis on progressive social action, secular Yiddishkayt (Jewishness) and Jewish history and diverse culture remain core elements of its activities. CSJO is currently composed of independent organizations and individuals whose unity of purpose is a secular expression of their Jewish heritage, with particular emphasis on the cultural and ethical aspects of Jewish learning. For the CSJO, the continuity and survival of the Jewish people are paramount; our prophetic tradition of social justice and humanism is the foundation upon which our continuity is built. It provides us with standards for the conduct of our lives and those of succeeding generations. In addition to its publications and community development work, CSJO holds an annual conference for adults and teens each U.S. Memorial Day Weekend in various cities in North America.