N E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•S IKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBL ICAN•L IBERAL•CONSERVAT IVE•PROGRESS IVE• INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•S IKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBL ICAN•L IBERAL•CONSERVAT IVE•PROGRESS IVE• INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J A N U A D U BUDDHIST•S IKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBL ICAN•L IBERAL•CONSERVAT IVE•PROGRESS IVE• INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST

2 W E S T 6 4 T H S T R E E T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • W W W . E T H I C A L . N Y C

ETHICAL OUTLOOK

Summer 2019

“DEEP RIVER”The Dream Unfinished, Activist Orchestra Thurs., July 11, 7:30–9pm The activist orchestra, The Dream Unfin-ished, for its 2019 season, “Deep River,” has focused on the intersection of climate and social justice through the lens of composers who hail from communities impacted by cli-mate change and other environmental issues.

Their season finale at Ethical NYC includes speakers and activists who will provide a local and global perspective on the impact of climate change on communities of color, and will premiere new orchestrations of works by Trevor Weston, Zenobia Powell Perry, and others.

Tickets: $25-$100www.eventbrite.com/e/deep-river-season-finale-tickets-60572135889

SeaSon Finale hosted by WQXR’s Terrance McKnight

INSIDEEthical & Me: MARIFER TORRES-SANDOVAL.................................3

Ethical Enrichment.....................................................4-5 Fun With Friedman’s Fables

the Joy oF Personal Writing

Sunday Platforms..........................................................6

About Our Programs.....................................................7 ethics and the theater

Snaps...........................................................................9

Our Ethical Family.......................................................10 Annual Memebers’ Getaway.........................................11

Four hundred years of systemic racism and white supremacy in the United States have caused horrific damage to people and communities of color. Whites who acknowledge this damage and want to help heal the wounds of racism, however, sometimes are paralyzed by the weight of this history. How can we get beyond unproductive guilt so as to contribute to campaigns for real racial justice? Hugh Taft-Morales explores how he used history to recommit himself to anti-racism activism.HUGH TAFT-MORALES is President of the National Leaders Council of the American Ethical Union. He taught philosophy and history for 25 years in Washington, DC, after which he transitioned into Ethical Culture Leadership.

This week’s shared charity — and the shared charity for the month of August — is the New York Society for Ethical Culture’s Social Service Board, which is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable members of our community through social service projects that make a difference. For over 130 years Ethical Culture has served New York City through the work of the SSB, working to build a more ethical world. The core programs of the Social Service Board focus particularly on children and adults at risk and in need.

RACISM AND THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY

PlatForm addreSS with Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader, Philadelphia and Baltimore Ethical Societies

Sunday, July 28, 11am–12:30pm

WHAT IS AN APOLOGY WORTH?

PlatForm addreSS with Dr. Richard Koral, Leader, Ethical NYC and Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island

Sunday, August 11, 11am–12:30pm We endlessly give and receive insults, injuries, hardship and distress. How is it that we can live together? Through the art of the apology, we restore the torn fabric of our relationships. This week’s shared charity is the Supportive Televisiting Program of the New York

Continued on p.6

Our summer theme is “THE GOOD LIFE.” We all wish for life to be good in terms of wellbeing and happiness. The expression also means “acting the good.” Let’s find time this summer to both celebrate and reflect upon life’s goodness. Look for related programs marked with this symbol.

2 ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019

I am writing this column while sitting on an upstairs deck of a house on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, looking at the ocean. The scene is glorious in its variety: The sun slides in and out of luxuriant clouds; the surf crashes against the shore in riotous white frills, then recedes into glittering streaks as far as the horizon; families venture out into a new day, toting toddlers and paraphernalia to the beach. There are sounds, too: the constant and lulling surf, staccato chirps and prolonged songs of birds, and, most beautiful of all, the voices of my friends, bustling about downstairs. They are my chosen family.

Many years ago, my uncle, who was a Catholic parish priest, Father Thomas James O’Keefe, shared some sage advice with me. “You are born into one family,” he said. “but you also make a family of friends.” His father died when he was ten years old, and his mother babysat other people’s children in the parish to make ends meet. His sisters, including my mother, were, well, they had what today we call “issues,” and competed with one another. Tom was destined for the priesthood at an early age and boarded at a pre-seminary high school in Rochester, NY. He made a family of his friends.

I make lifelong friends. They include people I met in kindergarten and high school, cousins and their children, a former boyfriend and his children. True friendship is precious. Its beginning can be spontaneous; its longevity is hard won.

The friends who became my family are the ones I lived with in college and their spouses. It makes sense developmentally: We were all adolescents, some separated from our families for the first time, liberated from inherited identities and eager to make new ones. Communication was rustic back then: my family and I wrote letters. I felt that my parents didn’t understand me; these friends did – and still do. Over many years, we have been steadfast in our love for, and support of, one another. Through marriages and divorce, births of children and deaths of parents, we are always there.

This vacation, months in the planning, is bittersweet because one member of this extended family died a few years ago. Her husband has recently found love again,

and we delight in their happiness. Together we are making new memories and planning future adventures. Just as we did in college, we slip in and out of the circle during the day to bask in the sun, play golf, hike, ride bikes, shop, and form different configurations of conversation. We all gather for an evening meal – sometimes at a local restaurant, other times homecooked – to reconnect and commune.

It is my fervent hope that everyone could experience the love and support of family and friends. For some, alas, it seems hopeless. Too many people are born and raised in environments that stifle healthy physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual development. Too many governments fail to recognize their responsibility to provide care and nurturing to the most vulnerable. Too many people reserve their concern for those within their tribes and no others.

We must choose hope and work for it. Hope is created, not found, and it lives and breathes in every friendship we make. At their best, Ethical Societies teach hope. We know the world is far from perfect but we choose not to despair. We learn about that world and what we can

do to make it better for everyone. We hold ourselves accountable for our behavior and commit ourselves to learning how to

act more ethically. We are far from perfect, but perfection should never be our goal. It should be, as Ethical Culturefounder Felix Adler put it, “striving for the good.”

Goodness is what my circle of friends-made-family mean to me. It is deep and abiding, tender and fierce. And it is playful. Today is, after all, a summer day full of fun possibilities. Although the playlist in the background harks back to our shared adolescence, I have been humming a song that I heard on the radio at home when I was a child: Nat King Cole singing “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer.” The lyrics are dated, but the refrain rings true: “You’ll wish that summer could always be here.”

I know that this summer week that I have spent basking in unconditional love will always be here. I wish that for all of you, too.

LEADER’S DESKDR. ANNE KLAEYSEN

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

At their best, Ethical Societies teach hope. We know the world is far from perfect but we choose not to despair. We learn about that world and what we can do to make it better for everyone. ”

“

ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019 3

AUDREY KINDRED Director, Family Programs

YOUNG ETHICAL

EXPLORERS

MALALA DAY CELEBRATION! Saturday, July 20 at 4pm

Ceremonial HallFREE and Open to the Public

RSVP: youngethicalexplorers@gmail.comMalala Day, July 12, was created by the U.N. for the international celebration of Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan. It is based upon the life and struggles of Malala, who continues to advocate for equal access to education for women.

Join us as we celebrate and support young people’s passions about humanity’s wellbeing.

Then you are invited to stay for our ANNUAL SUMMER SLEEPOVER through Sunday, July 21, 1pm. Bring a pillow and blanket, and if the weather permits, we will sleep under the stars on our rooftop playground. For full details visist youngethicalexplorers.blogspot.com.

ETHICAL & ME

I love Ethical culture! I started coming when I was three years old, and now I am nine. But, though I have been going for six years, I only know about the Young Ethical Explorers (YEE) and the Speaking of Science programs. That

part of my experience has been a good one. The YEE teachers — Audrey, Amy, and

Deepali— are amazing. They help us explore new ideas, and they always ask for our opinions. I especially like that there are lots of kids of different ages, which is different from a school class.

Another great thing about YEE is that we have a philosophy club, usually on the first Sunday of the month. We read a book on a topic, discuss our opinions and thoughts, and write them down.

Speaking of Science is a bit different. I know about that program because my dad, Jesus Torres Vazquez, who is a research scientist, is a coordinator of it, and encourages kids to come. A guest scientist speaks about his/her discoveries and research, and everyone enjoys a bite of cheese and crackers, along with a data slideshow. A talk that I especially loved was presented by a man named Carl Mehling. Carl showed us fossils and astonishing pictures of animals trapped in amber. After the presentation, we were able to talk with Carl about what we had learned. All the talks from this program have been interesting, and we are always welcome to chat with the speakers.

All the talks and classes I’ve ever been to at Ethical were exciting and interesting, as well as fun. In conclusion, Ethical Culture is a wonderful, marvelous place. Once you come, you will fall in love with it forever.

MARIFER TORRES-SANDOVAL

Ethical Culture is a wonderful, marvelous place. Once you come, you will fall in love with it forever.” “

THE BROADWAY WALKERS RETURN!

Thank you to all those who joined us on our six-part journey down Broadway. We began last December, and finished in May, at the base of Broadway. Now, we’re ready to do it again.

We will meet at Ethical and ride the #1 train to 181st Street and St. Nicholas Ave. (Those who find it more convenient can meet us on the NE corner around 10:15am.)

We’ll stroll to the highest natural point in Manhattan (no stairs involved), descend all the way to the Hudson, and pro-ceed to Riverfront Park.ADVICE: It’ll probably be warm, with good shade for only the first part of the walk. Please bring water and dress accordingly.Rain date: July 11.NOTE: We want to build an email list of interested partici-pants for future walks; so please email us: Howard, howard@rosesquared.com, and Bob, rbumcrot65@gmail.com.

ETHICAL

ADVENTURES

Monday, July 8, 9:30am

BENJAMIN WALDMAN 2007

NEWCOMER RECEPTIONMembership Development CommitteeFind out who we are and what we do — our history, philosophy, social ethics, programs, and membership. Refreshments served. Monthly, 3rd Monday RSVP is a must. See box at bottom of page.

July 15 & August 19, 7–8:30pm

STOIC SCHOOL OF LIFE Professor Massimo Pigliucci, Moderator

JULY 29 — EPIC BATTLES IN PRACTICAL ETHICS: STOICISM VS. EPICUREANISM

Okay, folks, time to take on our cousins, the Epicureans! This meeting will explore the differences between Stoicism and Epicureanism. We’ll look at the two schools’ takes on metaphysics (how the world hangs together), epistemology (theory of knowledge), and — of course — ethics (how to live in the world). I’ll be really disappointed if by the end of the discussion you will turn Epicurean, but of course I have no control over that, and it’s a “dispreferred indifferent” to me... Suggested reading: https://www.patreon.com/posts/great-rivalries-20659585AUGUST 26 — HOW TO PRACTICE STOICISM IN NINE EASY EXERCISESStoicism is a practical philosophy, so let’s practice! At this meeting we’ll explore nine simple exercises to make you a better Stoic. Some of them are to be done daily, some weekly, some occasionally. All of them will help you on your way to become a sage. Well, hopefully. Suggested reading: https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-i-practice-9-25137060

6–8pmMembers Free, Guests $5

SKYE & MASSIMO’S PHILOSOPHY CAFÉ Professors Skye Cleary and Massimo Pigliucci, ModeratorsPHILOSOPHY OF HEDONISM“Nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters: pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do,” according to Jeremy Bentham. Was he right? Should we be pursuing the greatest-good-for-the-greatest-number? How should we understand pleasure? What about Epicurus, who defined happiness as tranquility more than pleasure? Or is pleasure entirely the wrong way to think about a good life?

Hedonistic philosophy proposes that maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain are ultimately important in living a good life. This might be true to some extent, but whether they’re the *only* important elements is debatable. We’ll be discussing whether you should feel guilty about pursuing pleasure and more at the next Skye & Massimo’s Philosophy Cafe!

Suggested viewing: https://aeon.co/videos/great-news-pleasure-is-the-purpose-of-life-bad-news-moderation-is-key

August 12, 6–8pmMembers Free, Guests $5

WISDOM AND WORLD AFFAIRS Ken Gans, FacilitatorThese philosophical discussions cover a wide variety of subjects — the fate of humanity, world affairs, humanism, and many others. Monthly, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays

July 2 & 16, August 6 & 20, 6–8pm

RACE, SYSTEMS, AND SOCIETYDr. Richard Koral, LeaderEven among those who

are mindful of the subtle racial, ethnic, and class distinctions that persist in society, we are all participants in a larger societal

structure that perpetuates injustices. We continue to explore the features of systemic racism and classism in America to better understand the ways in which society can recreate itself to enable all people to thrive. Monthly, 2nd Tuesday

July 9 & August 13, 6:30–8pmMembers Free, Guests $5

TUESDAYS WITH TED — TALKS, THAT IS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Facilitator (2nd Tuesday);

Maggie Determann, Facilitator (4th Tuesday)Everyone loves TED! We screen selections with contem-porary ethical themes and engage in lively discussions. Monthly, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

July 9 & 23, August 13 & 27, 2–3:30pmMembers Free, Guests $5

4 Maggie Determann, Membership Coordinator: mdetermann@nysec.org / 212-874-5210 x1113

All programs are open to the public. Newcomers are always welcome. Admission fees are suggested donations (except where noted).

On MeetUp? We’d love to know that you’ll be coming to one of our programs. Visit meetup.com/EthicalNYC and RSVP!

MONDAYS

ETHICAL ENRICHMENTONGOING PROGRAMS AT THE SOCIETY

TUES DAYS

ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019 5

GREAT LITERATURE DISCUSSIONS Gunther Tielemans, Moderator Read the novels in advance and be prepared to discuss aspects of interest to you by reading specific text to the group. Monthly, 1st Wednesday

*JULY 10 —THE MASTER AND MARGARITA By Mikhail Bulgakov This brilliant novel — considered one of the best

of the 20th century, and the foremost of Soviet satires — consists of two intricately interwoven narratives, one diabolical and the other evangelical. The first relates how Margarita has made a pact with the devil in order to save her lover, the “Master” writer who’s in a mental asylum after having completed his novel about Pontius Pilate. The second narrative, told from Pontius Pilate’s

point of view, deals with the trial and crucifixion of Yeshua Ha-Nozri. This major work is extolled as one of the greatest love stories as well as being a tale of survival under a repressive regime.AUGUST 7 —VILETTE by Charlotte BrontëHaving fled a harrowing past in England, Lucy Snowe begins a new life teaching at a boarding school in Villette(Brussels). There, as she tries to achieve independence from both outer necessity and inward grief, she finds that her feelings for a worldly doctor and a dictatorial professor threaten her hard-won self-possession. The novel presents a strikingly modern psychological insight and a revolutionary understanding of human loneliness. Brontë’s final master-piece powerfully portrays a woman struggling to reconcile love, jealousy, and a fierce desire for independence.

(*Holiday schedule change in July) 7–9pmMembers Free, Guests $5

ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉRev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, ModeratorGather in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea, and eat delicious cake. Monthly, 4th Wednesday

July 24 & August 28, 2:30–4:30pmMembers Free, Guests $5

ART(H)IST’RY —INTERACTION: PAINTING AND ART HISTORYXusca Solé, Artist and EducatorLearn a bit of art history – the periods, the styles, the artists. Experiment, if you wish, by drawing or painting in the art style being explored in that session. Xusca believes we are all “born artists.”

Bring your own art supplies: crayons, pencils (colored and lead), pastels, watercolor, acrylics, paper, canvas, etc. No art talent required. Monthly, 4thWednesday

July 24 & August 28, 6:30–8pmMembers Free, Guests $5

LEADER’S LUNCH DISCUSSIONS Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader Read the articles in advance and prepare for a

thoughtful discussion each week. Access the readings online, or stop in Room 501 and ask Maggie Determann for them. Weekly, Thursdays Theme: SUMMER MIXED BAG7/4 — Happy Independence Day!7/11 — “Against Cheerfulness” by Mariana Alessandri, Aeon, 5/2/19 7/18 — “How Cults Are Made” by Tom Bissell, The New Yorker, 4/24/29 7/25 — ““Why Do We Hurt Robots?” by Jonah Engel Bromwich, The New York Times, 1/19/198/1 — “Why Your Brain Hates Slowpokes” by Chelsea Wald, Nautilus, 4/4/19

8/8 — “A Social — and Personal — History of Silence” by Jane Brox, The New Yorker, 4/3/198/15 — “The Peculiar Blindness of Experts” by David Epstein, The Atlantic, June 20198/22 — “The Urgent Quest for Slower, Better News” by Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 4/10/198/29 — “Paradise Possible” by Michael J. Lewis, First Things: Journal of Religion & Public Life, August 2017

12–1:30pm

FUN WITH FRIEDMAN’S FABLES Dr. Anne Klaeysen, LeaderWe will learn about Edwin H. Friedman’s acclaimed book, Generation to Generation, which applies concepts of family systems to congregations. Friedman’s collection of fables revives an ancient art form and

offers fresh perspectives on familiar human foibles. In these playful, mischievous, and even absurd stories, he pushes at the emotional barriers that can prevent people from hearing each other. We will discuss four stories (to be provided at registration) at each session. Monthly, 2nd and 4th ThursdaysRegister to receive syllabus and readings. See box at bottom of p.4.

July 11 & 25, August 8 & 22, 6:30–8pmMembers Free, Guests $5

THE JOY OF PERSONAL WRITINGElaine Berman Gurney, InstructorTry your hand at writing personal non-fiction. You can belong to a supportive

group of writers and get started writing or just have fun working on writing skills. All are welcome to join this weekly class. Weekly, ThursdaysAdvance registration is a MUST. See box at bottom of p.4. This program fee is required and must be paid in full before the class start date.

FIVE sessions starting August 1, 2–4pmMembers $100, Guests $150

WEDNES DAYS

THURS DAYS

NEW

NEW

SEASON!

6 ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019

SUNDAY MORNING PLATFORM MEETINGS11am – 12:30pmCeremonial Hall

Join us for bagels and coffee at 10am every Sunday throughout the summer. $5 DonationFREE to first-time visitors

JULY 21 TBA — PLEASE CHECK OUR EVENTS CALENDAR AT WWW.ETHICAL.NYC Dick Van Deusen presides

JULY 14 CREATING COMMUNITY: FINDING THE “US” IN POETRY

Christian Hayden, Leader-in-Training Anne Klaeysen presides Using poetry that spans from timeless and local, and deep and amusing as

inspiration, Christian Hayden will lead an activity that encourages attendees to reflect and create as a community. (Bring a favorite poem if you can!) CHRISTIAN HAYDEN is a member of the Philadelphia Humanist Society and a Leader-in-Training. He is a full-time facilitator, part-time poet, and is striving to be a 24/7 Humanist. In 2016 he was awarded the AEU Mossler Fellowship. Christian spent a year in Ghana with the Humanist Service Corps. This week’s shared charity, Uptown Stories, inspires children to discover and develop their inner voices in a diverse community of writers. Based in upper Manhattan, the organization offers small-group writing workshops for children ages eight to fifteen, led by master teachers and professional authors, on a pay-what-you-can tuition basis, creating an exciting, challenging, and supportive community in which young authors thrive.

JULY 7 LEARNING TO BE JOYFUL

James Croft, Leader, Ethical Society of St. Louis Steve Serling presides It’s tempting to think that joy is something that happens to us, an emotion that infects us at special moments, but not something we can actively pursue. In this platform, James Croft suggests that this is not the whole story; we can learn to live life more joyfully and take more control of our emotions. JAMES CROFT is the Outreach Director at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, one of the largest Humanist congregations in the world. A graduate of Cambridge and Harvard Universities, James is an in-demand public speaker, an engaging teacher, and a passionate activist for human rights.This week’s shared charity is the Encampment for Citizenship, founded by the New York Society for Ethical Culture, conducts residential summer programs with year-round follow-up for young people of widely diverse backgrounds and nations. It provides youth with a compelling experience in democratic living, with emphasis on critical thinking and social action.

JULY 28 RACISM AND THE WEIGHT OF HISTORYHugh Taft-Morales Dan Hanson presides Details on p.1

Dr. Richard Koral, Ethical NYC Leader Larry Hurst presides Continued from p.1Ethical Culture Society’s Social Service Board. The program combines the use of video communications technology with caring staff supervision to address the well-being and development needs of children with incarcerated parents or grandparents. The program is meant to help heal these families by provid-ing opportunities for children to maintain contact with their incarcerated parents whom they miss and love.

AUG. 11 WHAT IS AN APOLOGY WORTH?

Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Ethical NYC Leader Maggie Determann presides When I was a child, my siblings, cousins, and I spent the whole summer outside in the backyard and at the lake. We rode our bikes all over town. Even when it rained, we splashed in the puddles, and at night we played hide-and-seek and caught fireflies. We were very lucky. Too many children today do not have that freedom, and they

suffer for it. Unsupervised play is essential for healthy childhood development. How can we support it?This week’s shared charity is the New York Society for Ethical Culture’s Social Service Board. See details on p. 1.

AUG. 4 SUMMERTIME, WHEN THE LIVING IS EASY…FOR SOME

Professor Michael Thompson Maggie Determann presides AUG. 18 TBA — PLEASE CHECK OUR EVENTS CALENDAR AT WWW.ETHICAL.NYC

7

ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

ETHICS AND THE THEATERTHE ETHICS AND THE THEATER COMMITTEE

Drama is great entertainment. But it can also present a pathway

to ethical insights. When we watch a play, we experience the effects of the ethical choices that the characters make and come to understand the motives that underlie their actions. We can then bring this understanding into the real world, applying it to real situations that involve real people.

That is the rationale behind Ethics and the Theater, which, since 2005, has been presenting monthly play read-ings. The program is just about the most popular offering at Ethical, and for good reason. We don’t often think about it, but strip away the sets, costumes, music, and all from a play production and all you’ve got to focus on is the playwright’s words. And that’s what our audiences do. (Of course, our

actors are what make those words really matter!)And then we get to talk about them in a full and lively

discussion following the play, with audience members as well as cast and director sharing interpretations and opin-ions. It’s really quite grand.

The readings are held at 7pm on the second Friday night of each month — September through June — preceded by a reception at 6:30pm and followed by a facilitated discussion. This fall, when possible, a second performance will be added the following Saturday at 4pm, for those who find an afternoon performance more convenient. Our first play-reading of the fall season will be Friday evening, September 13 — with a repeat performance on Saturday, September 14, at 4pm. Do join us!

SUNDAY PLATFORMS Continued...

Ethics and the Theater: Dick Van Deusen, Director; Patricia Bruder Debrovner, Committee Chair Ethical NYC’s most popular program for more than a decade has been the monthly play readings — performed by stage actors and Ethical members. On hiatus for the summer, these will return in September. Today will launch the season. Discussion with the audience and performers about the ethical issues in the play will follow the reading. (Read more about the Ethics and the Theater program in the “About Our Programs” article on this page. This week’s shared charity is the New York Society for Ethical Culture’s Social Service Board. See details on p. 1.

AUG. 25 A PLAY READING (TBA) — PLEASE CHECK OUR EVENTS CALENDAR AT WWW.ETHICAL.NYC

To those that don’t know it, beyond the work I do with the Young Ethi-cal Explorers, I am a filmmaker, and am in the process of completing my first feature-length film, Long Haulers (which, in its current form, was shown at Ethical NYC on June 2nd). Filmed, directed, and edited solely by myself, Long Haulers is an experiential doc-umentary that follows three female truck drivers during their weeks on the road. Riding, sleeping, and living with them for a year and half, I was

able, in Long Haulers, to provide a window into their lives.

My interest in trucking came not only out of my filmic concerns — portraying the great American high-way and time on the road — but it also grew out of my Ethical involve-ment in advocating for and represent-ing a group of workers who are often marginalized. Long Haulers attempts to defy stereotypes and give a plat-form to women who have often been typecast because of their gender.

Now, as I am preparing Long Haulers for national and international film festivals, I am raising funds to see it through its own long haul. This entails, among other things, hiring post-production specialists in col-or-correction and sound design — important aspects to enhance the

rich and vibrant world with which I hope to ignite the viewers’ interest. Additionally, formatting the film for screenings, paying festival submission fees, and handling promotional aspects such as creating a website, all require money so the film will ultimately reach and move audiences.

In early July, I am launching a crowd-sourcing campaign through the women-created funding platform, Seed & Spark. I strongly feel that my years at Ethical have helped shape this film, and heartily entreat members of Ethical to join in the Long Haulers community of financial contributors.

For more information on the film and the details as to how you can participate and contribute to the campaign you can email me directly at amyreal@gmail.com.

THE LONG HAUL AMY REID

8 ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019

ETHICAL STAFF

212-874-5210

Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader, ext. 1119

Dr. Joseph Chuman, Leader, jchuman@verizon.net

Dr. Richard Koral, Leader, ext. 1115

Robert Liebeskind, Executive Director, ext. 1116

Edward Beck, Communications Manager, ext. 1144

Margaret Determann, Assistant to the Leaders for Membership Development, ext. 1113

Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, Office Manager, ext. 1117

Leonardo Gibson, Facilities Manager, ext. 1107

David Gracia, Music Director

Audrey Kindred Coordinator, Family Programs

Yolanta Kosmaczewska, Bookkeeper, ext. 1104

Jon Liechty, Associate Music Director

Marie Orraca, Rentals Manager, ext. 1106

OUTLOOK STAFF

Elinore Kaplan, Managing Editorethicaloutlook@gmail.com

Selma Friedman, Copy Editor

Yalitza Garcia-Krawczyk, Production Manager

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Liz Singer, President Law’nence Miller, Vice President Dick Van Deusen, Treasurer Bill Baker, SecretaryBob BergerJoe FashingElinore Kaplan Hazel MaySteve Serling

Member of the American Ethical Union www.aeu.org

WHAT’S IN A WORD — OR A NUMBER?PLENTY!And if you get that name or date wrong, as we sometimes do in Ethical Outlook, it’s serious. Grammar matters too; we like to get it right.

Do you have a proofreader’s eye for de-tail? And do you have time to help us once a month, around the 15th, to proofread our final draft of the newsletter and find those “little” goofs? Editing suggestions would also be welcome.

Please contact Managing Editor, Elinore Kaplan, at ethicaloutlook@gmail.com.

ETHICS IN THE NEWSJoe Fashing and Abe Markman, Co-facilitatorsA lively give-and-take on compelling issues and eventsJoin us EVERY SUNDAY this summer. 1:30–3pm

ETHICAL DEATH CAFÉ Rev. Dr. Barbara Simpson, ModeratorA relaxed and safe setting for discussions about deathMonthly 2nd Sunday

1:30–3:30pm

JULY 7

Find us on Facebook @NYEthicalSociety.

Tell your friends you’re here – #EthicsInAction.

CONNECT WITH ETHICAL CULTURE AND SPREAD THE WORD

SUNDAY PROGRAMS

JULY 14

NEW YORK CITY — WABC-Channel 7Here and Now“Since 1876, the New York Society for Ethical Culture has been a community for everyone who puts ethics at the center of their lives. We’re a place that celebrates the differences between us.” — Dr. Anne Klaeysen, Leader, New York Society for Ethical Culture

Eyewitness NewsSade Baderinwa, co-anchor of the program, was emcee for Ethical NYC’s “Champions of Change” event, honoring Congressman Jerry Nadler and Deputy Director of the ACLU National Immigration Rights project, Lee Gelernt. Baderinwa gave full mention of the Society and its 100-year history on the news that evening.

LEWISBERG, PA — The Daily Item “Local secular organizations across the diverse nontheistic spectrum — atheists, agnostics, ex-Muslims, freethinkers, humanists, skeptics, and many more who make up the one-in-four Americans unaffiliated with religion — come together to demonstrate our shared commitment to making this world, here and now, a better place.” — Pattie Arduni, Susquehanna Valley Ethical Society

WESTCHESTER — Patch Saratoga“I see the need in Ethical Culture…to fill the role of traditional religion. We fill a need for community to help through life events.” — Chris Cassell, Ethical Culture Society of Silicon Valley

LOOK WHO’S TALKING ABOUT...

ETHICAL Societies

ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019 9

THEY SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH as we give it to them — and these three inspiring young climate activists are doing some-thing about it! Alexandria Villaseñor, Xiye Bastida, and Colleen Schmidt shared their experiences with member Monica Weiss, co-chair of Ethical’s Environmental Stewardship committee, and attendees at their “Girl Power!” Sunday Platform talk. Our Young Ethical Explorers — activists in their own right — and parents were delighted to meet our guest speakers. Members of the Dream Unfinished Orchestra provided the music on this morning. They’ll have a concert here on July 11 (see p.1).

PHOTOS BY HOWARD ROSE PHOTO BY DAN HANSON

NEW YORK… Hundreds of New Yorkers applauded the dedicated work of Congressman Jerry Nadler and ACLU Immigrants Rights Project Deputy Director Lee Gelernt. Among those paying tribute were Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Adriano Espaillat, MSNBC legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks, NYC Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Director/Founder of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness Irwin Redlener, and our emcee, ABC Eyewitness News anchor Sade Baderinwa. Among colleagues in the audience were Gale Brewer, David Dinkins, and Ethical NYC and our Social Service Board — all thrilled to honor these “Champions of Change.”

SNAPS

AIDS WALK NEW YORK… going on for more than 30 years, has inspired thousands to walk for and donate to the cause – raising nearly $150 million. Among the Ethical NYC children and families marching with YEE director Audrey Kindred (right) were Ada and Oberon with their dad, Gunther Tielemans and Marifer with mom, Gris Sandoval.

Ethical Culture Founder Felix Adler emphasized the importance of inclusion; we need each other’s differences, more than our similarities, to create an ethical community. We celebrate diversity and share his belief in the preciousness of every human being.

A GLORIOUS NIGHT FOR A BOOKTALK…Glory Van Scott held the audience rapt describing experiences of her life, captured in her memoir, Glory: A Life Among Legends. Among those getting signed copies were Leader Anne Klaeysen and member Scotty Embree.

W O O D N’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW…how to have the talent and passion for nature and art that prolific artist and member Ber-nette Rudolph has? Here she is with just a few of her pieces in her home studio.

PHOTOS BY HUBERT WILLIAMS

10 ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019

SOCIAL JUSTICEAMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITY HOUSE

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

FEMINIST FREETHINKERS

FORMERLY FUNDAMENTALISTS

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

POLICE REFORM ORGANIZING PROJECT

RADICAL AGE MOVEMENT

AFFINITY GROUPS

At ETHICAL

We partner with organizations that share our commitment to social justice and the environment. Come learn about their work and how you can participate in ethical action.

Visit ETHICAL.nyc for meeting dates and times.

ENVIRONMENTAL350NYC

CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT

DRAWDOWN NYC

FOOD & WATER WATCH

This summer, we welcome new member, Janine Inez. Janine is a young, aspiring psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner currently working on her master’s degree at Columbia University. Her interests include psychoanalysis, yoga and meditation, creative writing, philosophy and ethics, graphic design and typography, filmmaking, and video games. When she isn’t busy trying to be a renaissance woman, Janine can be found chasing her lovably neurotic pet dog, Luka Buttonwillow. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her here at our meeting house.

OUR ETHICAL FAMILY MAGGIE DETERMANN Assistant to the Leaders/ Membership Development

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEMBERS...

NANCY O’REILLY ....................................... 6/2

RUTH COHEN, CHRIS EVERETT, ELIZABETH HENDERSON, and RICHARD McBRIDE .............................. 6/7

DAN JULIN ................................................ 6/8

LEE LOSHAK ............................................. 6/10

SANDI SACKS .......................................... 6/17

JERRY CHAMLIN ....................................... 6/19

LINDA MEYER .......................................... .6/21

LARRY HURST ............................................. 7/1

SHAUN CARSON SYLVESTER WILLIAMS ...... 7/4

AMY SCHWARZ .......................................... 7/5

JOE FASHING ............................................ 7/8

DEBRA CURTIS-GREEN and CHUCK DEBROVNER ......................... 7/12

JANICE BUZBY ......................................... 7/25

KATHLEEN O’CONNELL and MONICA WEISS ................................ 7/26

MARION BURNS ...................................... 7/28

SUSAN NEEDLES ........................................ 8/3

DAVID LEE ................................................. 8/7

LESLIE DOYLE ........................................... 8/10

JOHN LOVELADY and LIZ SINGER ............ 8/11

JOHN KREUTTNER ................................... 8/12

CAROL VAN DEUSEN ............................... 8/19

LILY FRIEDMAN ........................................ 8/20

SONDRA STEIN and JANE UNGAR ........... 8/29

All the more reason to attend any of our Ethical Enrichment programs, special events, or Sunday Platform meetings. They’re all open to the public, and you’re always welcome.

And, to learn more about Ethical NYC and the details of membership, contact Maggie Determann. (See top of p. 5)

NOT A MEMBER?

WE CARE ABOUT YOUEthical’s Caring Committee keeps in touch with all members, reaching out to those who haven’t attended meetings or events for a while, are ill or hospitalized, and those unable to attend for other reasons.

Please let us know if a member needs attention, and we’ll be happy to offer them our support and care. Contact committee members Bob Berger, Scotty Embree, or Beth Everett.

You may also speak confidentially with Leader Richard Koral.

ETHICAL OUTLOOK Summer 2019 11

What has been your experience as an Ethical member? What brought you here, and what has kept you a member? Our readership wants to know! Please share it with us. Send your story (400 words or less) to Elinore Kaplan, Editor, at ethicaloutlook@gmail.com.

Marilyn & Bill Baker

Bonnie Bean

Pat Berens

Muriel & BoB Berger elaine BerMan-gurney

Henryka & CHris BernHardt BarBara nan Bernstein rosie & VinCe BranCato

sue BreMer

Marge BurMan

Marion Burns

BarBara Carlsen

Carole & Jerry CHaMlin (lM) Meg CHaPMan

Mo MaleksHaHi

Joe CHuMan

donna daMHorst-Pang

Caroline Joy deBroVner

diane deBroVner

Pat & CHuCk deBroVner (lM) niCola deMarCo

Maggie deterMann

MiCHele doney

Joan donnen-kliPs

sCotty eMBree

lisBetH eng

Joe FasHing

BruCe Feld

Hazel May & loren Fox

ken gans renee goodstein-solondz

lawrenCe grolniCk

CHeryl & ed gross

elizaBetH Henderson

katHy Herrera

susan Horowitz

Mary & Peter Houts

larry Hurst

daniel Julin

elinore kaPlan

Maggie keogH

aliCe ladas (lM)louis liFson

nanCy & JoHn loVelady

aBe MarkMan

daVid Massey

ellen & riCHard MCBride

Helen MeCs

ellen MendelsoHn

sHaun sylester-williaMs & l Miller susan needles

Mindy rHindress

sean roBin

Janet & Howard rose

Carol rost (lM)artHur ruPel

sandi saCks

aMy sCHwarz

steVe serling

liz singer

Joan soBel

Maria sole

sondra stein

gris sandoVal & Jesus torres-Vazquez saraH & guntHer tieleMans

daVid Vassar

roBert taPP & Judy wallaCH (lM) elizaBetH waltuCH

katHleen o’Connell & toM weisHaar, toM Carol nadell & riCHard Van deusen eVa yaCHnes

Some pledge on the very day of the Fair-Share-Giving party in November. Many pledge soon after. And some….well, not so soon. If your name is on this list of those who’ve pledged, a most hearty “Thank you!” It is your dollars that enable us to offer all the marvelous programs and speakers that we offer. Have you noticed the array of programs and special events has been growing beautifully? We have you to thank. And we hope you’re attending and enjoying them. (Attendance has been growing nicely too.)

Please remember that we need your contributions to maintain the level of activity that has kept us such a vital part of the community for so long. We’re more than six months into 2019 and have a lot more slots to fill with wonderful programs and activities — with your pledges to carry us through the year.

FOR SUPPORTING

YOUR ETHICAL SOCIETY

Sun room in Gilmor Sloane House

Annual Autumn Getaway

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors significantly improves our mental and physical health. Pair that with sweet guitar rhythms by Leader Richard Koral around a campfire and sipping wine out on the porch in the convivial company of your Ethical family, and you may just find that this week-end getaway was exactly what you needed!

Every year, we gather at the Stony Point Retreat Center to get away from the busy city, reflect and recommit ourselves to our mission, and connect with fellow members. It is a peaceful place. You should join us.

Some Highlights –

• Cocktails on the porch• A Game of “Revelations” around the campfire• Storytelling & Activities• Off-grounds Adventure• Ethical Family Dinner in Gilmor Sloane House• Sunday Morning Platform

RESERVE TO GUARANTEE YOUR ACCOMMODATIONSRates include round-trip transportation to and from Stony Point

Full Weekend Rate$297 per person, Gilmor Sloane House, double occupancy,private bath (Includes Dinner, Friday thru Lunch, Sunday)

Reservation deposit: $110Daytrippers (Full Day Saturday)$70 (includes Lunch and Dinner)

Reservation deposit: $25

Information: Maggie Determann, 212-874-5210 x1113Deposit or Full Payment: Yolanta Kosmaczewska, x1104

Financial Aid: Leader Richard Koral, x1119

October 4 — 6 STONY POINT RETREAT CENTER

N E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S TR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • T A L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G AY S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S TR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • T A L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G AY S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDH I S T•S I KH•HUMAN IS T•DEMOCRAT•RE PUB L ICAN• L I B E RA L•CONSERVAT I V E• P ROGRESS I V E• INDEPENDENT•R IGHT• L E F T•CENTR I S T•CONFORM I S T

2 W 6 4 S T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • O F F I C E @N Y S E C . O R G • W W W. N Y S E C . O R G

ETHICAL OUTLOOKN E W Y O R K S O C I E T Y F O R E T H I C A L C U L T U R EB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMISTR E A L I S T • I D E A L I S T • A S I A N • E U R O P E A N • A F R I C A N • A M E R I C A N • N A T I V E • I M M I G R A N T • Y O U N G • O L D • TA L L • S H O R T • L A R G E • S M A L L • B L A C KW H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • TA N S G E N D E R • G A Y S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U • B U D D A H I S T • H U M A N I S TD E M O C R A T • R E P U B L I C A N • L I B E R A L • C O N S E R V A T I V E • P R O G R E S S I V E • I N D E P E N D E N T • R I G H T • L E F T • C E N T R I S T • C O N F O R M I S TB L A C K • W H I T E • B R O W N • M A N • W O M A N • T R A N S G E N D E R • G A Y • S T R A I G H T • L E S B I A N • B I • C H R I S T I A N • J E W • M U S L I M • H I N D U BUDDHIST•SIKH•HUMANIST•DEMOCRAT•REPUBLICAN•LIBERAL•CONSERVATIVE•PROGRESSIVE•INDEPENDENT•RIGHT•LEFT•CENTRIST•CONFORMIST

2 W E S T 6 4 T H S T R E E T • N E W Y O R K , N Y 1 0 0 2 3 • 2 1 2 . 8 7 4 . 5 2 1 0 • W W W . E T H I C A L . N Y C

ETHICAL OUTLOOK

We are Ethical Culture NYC,a humanist community dedicated to ethics, social justice, and education since 1876.

We celebrate life’s joys, support each other through life’s crises, and work to make the world a better place.

Join us for hundreds of community and cultural programs where people meet to explore and embrace ethical living.

Learn more about us at our website, www.ETHICAL.nyc — or, better still, visit with us. You’re always welcome.

ETHICAL