Philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism

Year 3 of Kol Hadash's three-year adult education cycle. Rabbi Chalom lays out the philosophical foundations of Secular Humanistic Judaism: reason and science instead of prayer, human dignity as the ethical anchor, and Jewish identity as culture and history rather than belief. Founded in 1963 by Rabbi Sherwin Wine — still evolving.

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From Kol Hadash's recorded three-year adult education cycle, taught by Rabbi Adam Chalom, PhD.

What you'll learn

Who Sherwin Wine was and why he started a movement
How Humanistic Judaism differs from Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox
Ethics without commandments — where humanists get their 'should'
How to answer 'but is this really Jewish?' with confidence

Syllabus

Foundations

· Sherwin Wine and 1963
· What 'secular' means
· What 'humanistic' means

Comparisons

· Humanistic vs. Reform
· Humanistic vs. Orthodox
· Humanistic and other secular Jews

Ethics

· Human dignity as the anchor
· Justice, honesty, courage
· Hard cases and open arguments

Practice

· A humanistic Shabbat
· Humanistic holidays and life cycle
· Building a humanistic community

Your instructor

Rabbi Adam Chalom, PhD

Rabbi, Kol Hadash · Dean for North America, IISHJ

Rabbi Adam Chalom is a dynamic and illuminating speaker, a clear and inspiring teacher, and a warm and welcoming presence at Kol Hadash — a leading voice in the movement of Humanistic Judaism. He has served as the rabbi of Kol Hadash…

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