Humanistic Judaism, Summer, Volume 10, No. 2, 1982 There are many Jewish roots of Jewish humanism. As a non-establishment Jewish tradition, humanism has been embraced by many Jews throughout Jewish history. But not until the age of science and the secular state did Jewish humanists feel free to announce themselves publicly. In the last two […]
Humanistic Judaism, Autumn/Winter, Volume 4, No. 1, 1975-76 In recent years I have encountered a persistent objection to the vocabulary of the Birmingham Temple. Many perceptive and sensitive observers have affirmed the value of the Temple philosophy and program. They readily acknowledge that the group work and fellowship are meaningful experiences. But they encounter with […]
Humanistic Judaism, Autumn, Volume 9, No. 3, 1981 Every community needs leaders. If the leaders must possess expert knowledge they need to be trained leaders. Humanistic Jews need leaders. They also need trained leaders. Up until now we have not dealt directly with the problem of leaders for Humanistic Judaism. We have simply taken advantage […]
Humanistic Judaism, Summer/Autumn 1977 This issue is about Congregation Beth Or. Congregation Beth Or was a reform congregation. It is now a humanistic one. Beth Or is humanistic-because of the special power and integrity of its rabbi, Daniel Friedman-And also because of the unique courage and hutspa of its own members. Beth or is also […]
Volume 31, No. 6, January 1995 Newt Gingrich has spoken. He wants prayer in the public schools. And so do millions of other American. Most of them are not members of the Religious Right. They just want to improve the personal and social values of their children. The separation of religion and government is a […]
Volume 33, No. 6, January 1997 1997 is an important anniversary for Jews. One hundred years ago-in 1897 in Basel, Switzerland-the Zionist movement was established by Theodore Herzl. Zionism is the most powerful and most successful Jewish movement of the twentieth century. The Jewish state is its incredible achievement. No other Jewish development has embraced […]
Volume 20, No.7, February 1983 Ahashuerus was not Jewish. But Esther married him without a peep of protest from the author of the Book of Esther. However, other Biblical writers were less approving about intermarriage – at least about intermarriage with anybody less that a king. Together with the Talmudic rabbis they made it a […]
Volume 13, No.6, February 1976 Are Jews returning to tradition? Is orthodoxy on the upswing? Is humanism passe? Some say yes. They cite the following evidence. The Lubavitcher Hasidim are popular, militant and growing in number. The public display of the yarmulka is increasing. Reform Temples have embraced Hebrew, Barmitsvas and prayer shawls. Parochial schools […]
Volume 14, No. 1, September 1976 The traditional Rosh Hashanah was a frightening day. It was the Day of Judgment when the insignificance of man confronted the power of God. Helplessness, dependence and reverent awe were the moods of the season. Everyone felt unworthy to be saved and pleaded to his sins. Feeling worthy was, […]
Volume 20, No. 2, September 1982 The Jewish New Year is it time for reflection on what we want out of life. Present hard times make us aware of our need to choose among alternatives, since we cannot have everything we want. Economic restrictions often force us to consider all the other limitations on the […]