More About EHSLI

Dear Friend,
Welcome! We’ve prepared this packet to help you become familiar with us and with the variety of programs and activities of the Society.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island is part of the Ethical Culture Movement, which was founded in 1876 in New York City by Felix Adler. This Society was founded in 1950, and we have called this building home since 1957. We are also an official chapter of the American Humanist Association, a way of helping us connect further with like-minded individuals in our community and throughout the country.

Felix Adler called Ethical Humanism the “Religion of the Future.” We are non-theistic and place human worth and dignity squarely at the center of life. Ethics are judged in human terms and although members come from many different backgrounds, we share a belief in Deed before Creed.

In our community, we focus on questions like “How are we to live together?” and “What’s our responsibility to our fellow humans?” Historically, social action is a part of our community both individually and collectively.

We urge you to participate in what interests you. In fact the quickest way to make friends and to become comfortable is to get involved. The following pages will give you an overview of what we are about and the information you need.

Ethical Humanist Society
Board of Trustees

You’re invited to join programs that stimulate the mind, nourish the spirit, and build connection. Some gatherings are in person, some are online via Zoom, and many are hybrid. For the latest access details, please check our weekly newsletter or contact the office.

Our central weekly gathering features silent reflection, poetry, music, and a talk by an invited guest or Ethical Society Leader—designed to inform, inspire, and spark dialogue. Stay after for friendly conversation, Q&A, and occasional social action opportunities.

In person: 38 Old Country Road, Garden City, NY
Online: Zoom link provided in the weekly newsletter (phone access available).
Questions? office@ehsli.org · 516-741-7304

From beginners to long-time practitioners, all are welcome. Member Judy Rosemarin leads a gentle hour of brief teaching, guided practice, and sharing.

How to join: Please register by emailing office@ehsli.org or calling 516-741-7304; we’ll send the Zoom link.

Join Leader Richard Koral for an informal, lively conversation on current events, public life, everyday ethics, and the choices we face. Come ready to listen, reflect, and share.

How to join: See the weekly newsletter for the Zoom link (or request it from the office)

A colloquy is a small-group hour of shared reflection and gentle inquiry in a confidential, nonjudgmental space—an opportunity to pause, consider a theme, and speak from the heart. Sessions are facilitated by Arthur Dobrin.

Format & access: Meets in person or online depending on the week. Please check the calendar/newsletter or contact the office for details.

EHSLI is a member of the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association. Being part of these groups connects us with the larger Humanist movement across the country.

We are deeply committed to social action. Our history includes work in:

• Civil and human rights
• War resistance and peace advocacy
• Women’s equality
• Environmental action

Today, our members lead community service efforts ranging from food and clothing drives to health care forums, letter-writing campaigns, prison advocacy, and climate change initiatives. We believe that individual and collective actions make a difference.

Founded in 1985, Ethical Friends of Children assists more than 2,500 children and families each year by providing clothing, furniture, and baby essentials—free of charge. Located within our building and staffed entirely by volunteers, this program embodies our values in action.

We welcome donations of gently used clothing, furniture, and baby items.
efoc@ehsli.org ·  Social Action page

EHSLI offers a wide range of activities for intellectual growth, reflection, and fun. Join us for:

• Social events and celebrations
• Poetry and book clubs
• Group discussions and colloquies
• Meditation and reflection groups
• Music and cultural programs

• Access & links: Zoom links and phone options may change—please use the weekly newsletter or contact the office for current details.
• Accessibility: Live captions are available on Zoom; other accommodations (e.g., ASL) can often be arranged with advance notice.
• Stay in the loop: Email office@ehsli.org to be added to our newsletter and receive program reminders.

When you are ready to join our community, please submit your application in person at our building to a Membership Committee member, OR complete the form online.

Here’s what to expect once you have submitted your application:

• The Membership Committee will review your application.
• Richard Koral, our leader, will contact you to arrange a chance to meet you.
• The Ethical Humanist Board will review your application.
• Upon Board approval, a pledge form will be sent to you which outlines our dues process.
• You will be notified of approval and an official welcome will be scheduled.

Being part of EHSLI means becoming part of a true community—one where you can meet like-minded people, explore new ideas, and take part in meaningful action. Should you have any questions or wish to speak with someone directly about your application, please contact Richard Koral at leader@ehsli.org.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island
Member of the Ethical Culture Movement · Founded in 1876

Ethical Culture—also called Ethical Humanism—is a progressive philosophy centered on ethics and dedicated to the idea that the supreme aim of life is to create a world of respect, justice, and love.

We place our faith in the demonstrated capacity of people to do wonderful things. We are awed by the mysteries of the natural world and support the use of science to explore and explain them.

For Ethical Humanists, the ultimate questions are not about gods or an afterlife, but rather:

~How can we create meaning in this life?
~How should we treat one another to build a humane and just world?

At EHSLI, it is our members and the countless activities we undertake that define who we are and what we stand for. Our community hosts colloquies, group discussions, poetry circles, book clubs, meditation sessions, concerts, and festivals—all designed to foster learning, reflection, and connection.

“The place where people meet to seek the highest is holy ground.” ~Felix Adler

If you’ve been searching for a place that reflects your values of fairness, honesty, justice, and human dignity—you belong here.

If you are open-minded and feel a sense of responsibility to both our local community and the world at large—you belong here.

If you are seeking a non-theistic community grounded in kindness, compassion, and peace—you belong here.

If you are an idealist who lives in the real world—you belong here.

If you want to raise children in a community that cherishes kindness, respect, and social responsibility—you belong here.

We look forward to welcoming you and making this your spiritual home.

Ethical Humanism places emphasis on personal responsibility and deeply held values. For some, this is their religion; for others, it is a life philosophy. Either way, Ethical Humanism places ethical action and ethical relationships at the center of life.

We are non-theistic, meaning the Society takes no position on the existence of God. Our concern is with “getting it right with each other” here on earth. We are respectful of all faith traditions, focusing on what we share rather than what divides us.

Like traditional religious communities, we:

• Celebrate births
• Conduct wedding ceremonies
• Host memorial services
• Provide ethical education for children and youth

Ethical Humanism appeals to people who want to live by their values, enjoy fellowship with others, and work together to make the world a better place.

“To care for anyone else enough to make their problems one’s own is the beginning of real ethical development.”

– Felix Adler, Founder of Ethical Culture

No. Ethical Humanism has no formal creed or dogma. Our motto, “Deed Before Creed,” reflects our belief that what we do is more important than what we believe.

Ethical Humanists strive to create a more humane world through ethical relationships. Ethics emerged as people learned to live together in communities, and for us, the authority for a good life is found in our own choices and relationships. The pursuit of ethical wisdom is a lifelong goal—one that guides our actions toward creating a world of respect, justice, and love.

The Ethical Humanist Society is a diverse community of caring people from all race, ethnic and gender identities who are dedicated to a life guided by ethics, fairness and hope. We commit ourselves to:

Bring out the best in the human spirit;

Appreciate and celebrate the unique worth, dignity and contribution of every person;

Support each other through the stages of life;

Raise the quality of all our relationships;

Promote democracy, equality, social justice, education, and science;

Act with reverence and responsibility toward the natural world;

Advocate the deed before a creed; and

Build a culture of ethics for a more just, caring and sustainable world.

We welcome as members those who embrace these ideals