We host hundreds of community programs each year with civic advocacy, social justice, and education at the forefront of our work.
We hold forums on key social issues, host discussions on ethics and philosophy, and partner with other organizations to serve the public good. Issues of war, social policy, and human rights have been discussed here by Al Gore, Paul Krugman, Cornell West, Naomi Klein, Toni Morrison and many, many others.
Our building is also a thriving home for arts and culture, with films, theatrical events, book discussions, and writing, music, and art workshops. Our Concert Hall comes alive with a variety of pop, rock, jazz, and classical music programs, including the American Classical Orchestra, the JVC Jazz Festival, the Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center, the Juilliard School and WFUV’s concert series.
Sunday Platform (Hybrid)
Sundays, 11:00am-12:15pm
Our most important community gathering, join us every week for speakers exploring current events, Humanist philosophy, and the ethical questions of the day. Community lunch follows!
Ethics in The News (Hybrid)
2nd Sundays, 1:00-2:00pm
Moderator: Joe Fashing
Join in the lively give-and-take on compelling issues and current events and bring your own ideas. Suggested readings are available ahead of time in that week’s event listing on our calendar.
Say Yes to Science (Online)
2nd and 4th Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm
Moderator: Dr. Carol Portlock, retired oncologist
Join retired oncologist and Society Member Dr. Carol Portlock reviews new and intriguing science in multiple fields, including those relevant to COVID and beyond.
Midweek Meditation
Tuesdays, 5:00-5:45pm
Moderator: Larry Hurst
A midweek meditation for relaxing body and mind.
Getting to Know You (Members Only)
2nd Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm
Moderator: Larry Hurst and Elinore Kaplan
In this session, two members dialogue with one another (or with one of the moderators). The “dialogue partners” respond to 4 or 5 questions they themselves have chosen (about growing up, career, interests, adventures, etc.; plus one about being a member of NYSEC). It’s all part of getting to know our Ethical Culture family in a comfortable, casual way.
Camaraderie and Conversation with Joe Chuman
with Leader Dr. Joe Chuman
3rd Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm
This is a monthly discussion group focusing on contemporary issues and occasionally classical writings relating Ethical Culture and Humanism. We will primarily make use of articles from journals of opinion and book chapters when relevant. Rather than taking a merely journalistic approach, the discussions will aim to illuminate the philosophical concepts and values which underlie the issues being discussed.
Poetry Circle (Online)
1st Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30am
Moderator: Elinore Kaplan
Share the poems of your choice. Read them aloud. We’ll listen attentively and discuss some — a line, a word, an image. Tell us a little about the poets, too.
Great Literature Discussion Group
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7-9pm
Moderator: Gunther Tielemans
Read the selections in advance and be prepared to discuss the questions that interest you by referring to the specific related text.
Storytelling Circle
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
Moderator: Doris Hart
One of the oldest traditions around the world is storytelling — folk tales, fairy tales, historic tales, family tales. Bring whatever story you choose. We’ll gather ’round the virtual campfire and listen.
Jazz Cafe
2nd Fridays, 7-9:30pm
Join us for The Jazz Café at Ethical, a welcoming place to unwind, relax, and enjoy great music, refreshments, and good company.
Ethics and the Theater
Members of the Society and theater professionals read plays dealing with ethical and moral issues before a live audience. Readings are followed by discussions of the ethical issues raised by the play.
Humanist Happy Hour
1st and 4th Fridays, 7-9:00pm
Stop by our twice-monthly gathering of NYC’s Humanist, atheist, agnostic, and secularist groups featuring drinks, snacks, and great conversation. BYOB (no liquor) with snack potluck. We hope to see you there!
The Society’s 800-seat Adler Hall is a favorite of musicians for its warm, full acoustics. From classical music at our Sunday meetings played by Music Director David Gracia, to the many music partners who use our space, the Concert Hall is a gem of New York City venues.
The Society presents some of its own music programming and also works with other music presenters to bring the best of music to our wonderful venue.
For a complete list of upcoming concerts managed by Metropolitan Entertainment, please visit their website.
