Or Emet embraces a human-centered philosophy that combines rational thinking and scientific inquiry with the celebration of Jewish culture and traditions.
It was chosen as the name for the congregation because it reflects the tradition of enlightened inquiry in Jewish thought that dates back to the debates of the ancient Talmudic scholars.
Or Emet began when Londer and Garfin gathered like-minded secular Jewish friends to meet in various homes.
Or Emet co-founder Dr. Harold Londer was ordained as a Madrikh, or spiritual leader with virtually the powers of a rabbi, by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) in 2007.
In 2024, Eva Cohen, who has served as the congregation's ritual leader since Londer's retirement, became Or Emet's first ordained Rabbi.
A monthly Friday evening humanistic Shabbat service is held at 7:15 PM at the Minneapolis Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park, MN, followed by a brief speaker's program or discussion.
The Sunday programs were previously held at Talmud Torah of St. Paul and currently (beginning September 2024) at the Twin Cities German Immersion School.
Teens get involved in practicing the central value of tikkun olam and engage in more community-service activities and other projects they choose themselves.