I need human help to enter verification code (office hours only)

Sign In Forgot Password
Home > Who We Are > Leadership

Ordained Leaders

Secular Humanistic Jewish Leadership

The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism is the ONLY accredited institute for training and ordaining Secular Humanistic Jewish leadership:

  • Officiant Program - Secular Humanistic Jewish Officiants create and lead meaningful lifecycle event celebrations.
  • Leadership (Madrikh(a)/Vegvayzer) Program - Secular Humanistic Madrichim (Hebrew) / Vegvayzers (Yiddish), translated as "Guides," act as officiants, community guides, movement spokespeople, and educators.
  • Rabbinic Program - Secular Humanistic Rabbis act as Madrichim / Vegvayzers, counselors / mentors, and experts in Judaism.

Wait, can a rabbi even BE secular?

The short answer is: Yes!

The primary roles of a rabbi are to lead services, officiate lifecycle events, and provide philosophical / spiritual guidance with their vast knowledge of Jewish history, mythology and traditions. None of which require one to believe in a higher power!

By that same token, nothing about the philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism mandates the existence of formal Jewish clergy / leadership in our movement. We choose to train and ordain these leaders for our denomination to ensure that we can all participate in Jewish life more fully and authentically.

Request a SHJ Officiant for your lifecycle event!

        ↑
Back to top

Meet SJC's Madrikh: Jeff Treistman (he/him)

Jeff graduated from the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism and was ordained a Madrikh (Hebrew) / Vegvayzer (Yiddish) (translates to "Guide") in 2024 after two years of intensive study. Madrichim / Vegvayzers can officiate most lifecycle events, including naming ceremonies, weddings and funerals.

Being a retired public school librarian, Jeff brings a commitment to education and a passion for self-discovery to his work in the SJC community. Naturally, this inclination led him to double as a teacher at our Sunday School, and a mentor in our Youth B Mitzvah Program.


In 2022, Jeff followed his passion for storytelling to found the Jewish Comics Library of Seattle (JCLS), a nonprofit charity dedicated to creating a low-stakes entrypoint into the diverse, modern Jewish experience by amplifying Jewish graphic narratives. Visit JCLS's pop-up library on every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at the Couth Buzzard Bookstore!

        ↑
Back to top

Ask a Madrikh!

Your February Ask: I recently learned about Secular Humanistic mezuzot. What would you even put inside one?

First, a quick refresher: A mezuzah is the small case many Jews attach to the doorpost of their home, traditionally containing a handwritten scroll with verses from the Torah. Its original purpose was to remind Jews of God’s commandments every time they enter or leave their house. Think of it as a spiritual Post-It note — divinely sourced.

Humanistic Judaism keeps the reminder part and rethinks the source.

Some Humanistic Jews hang an empty mezuzah case, letting the symbol itself say, “This is a Jewish home.” Others create their own scrolls filled with words that reflect what they believe. These might include Humanistic versions of the Sh’ma or V’ahavta, lyrics from Ayfo Oree, a meaningful poem, a quote about justice or responsibility — or something otherwise personally meaningful that says, “This is what we stand for inside these walls.”

The Society for Humanistic Judaism (SHJ) even offers a free downloadable Humanistic scroll for members on their website, for those who prefer a starting point rather than a blank page. (And yes, membership with SHJ comes packaged with your SJC membership, so consider joining us today!)

So, what goes inside a Humanistic mezuzah?
Whatever reminds you of your values, your people, and the kind of home you’re trying to build every time you pass through the door.

— Jeff Treistman, Madrikh/Vegvayzer (Guide)

Read Past Asks!

Got a question for your friendly neighborhood Madrikh? Need spiritual or philosophic guidance? Ask away!

YOUR question may get featured on our upcoming YouTube Shorts series!

        ↑
Back to top

Sat, 14 February 2026