Leader’s Blog
Responding to Attacks on Inclusion and Democracy
Our hearts are heavy after last week's three major hate attacks: the shooting of two African American elders in Kentucky, after the shooter had first attempted to enter a black church he found locked; the pipe bombs sent to major political figures in perhaps the...
Quick Guide to Forgiveness
In this fall season, with Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah on many minds, the topic of forgiveness often comes up. What does forgiveness mean in Ethical Culture? What is our responsibility to forgive? Felix Adler, founder of Ethical Culture, addressed forgiveness in An...
Worth and Dignity of Abusers
(from a short piece I wrote in 2003) I am often asked how I can have faith in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. If someone abuses you or others repeatedly, seriously, are they still persons of worth? Here's my quick summary of conclusions I've come...
Holidays at the Turning of the Year
At the time of the turning of the year, a question I often get asked by people outside of Ethical Culture is, "What kind of holidays does an Ethical Society celebrate?" Or, sometimes more specifically, "What do you do about Christmas?" When I testified before a judge...
Ethics in Action: Values to Action
If you want to "step up" your commitment and action, sometimes it helps to step back first and reflect. Taking time to reconnect with your values when making ethical choices is one of the sources of strength if you want to "commit ethical action" more often and more...
Ethics in Action: Money and Time
Sometimes, the most effective way we can spend our time is to spend some money. More time than money? More money than time? When you earn your money directly or indirectly through work, money is a kind of stored-up time. Gloria Steinem once suggested that you can...
Ethics in Action: So Much to Do, So Little Time
So many needs, so little time In choosing social justice work, you’ll look first for your values and base your choices on those.. You’ll also look for the most pressing need and where you have the skills and knowledge to be most effective. The issue of “so little...
Ethics in Action: What Can I Do Right Now?
— Jone Johnson Lewis, Leader, Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture First, breathe. Yes, breathe. Three deep breaths, with long exhales, every time you start to feel anxious, fearful, overwhelmed, or confused. Second: save contact information for the...
Stories and Story-Telling
It’s November, and stories are part of this month. Whether thinking about writing fiction (#NaNoWriMo) or about the cultural stories of Thanksgiving and what they cover up, we understand the power of stories to tell truth or cover truth.