International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism

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International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism

The educational arm of the Secular and Humanistic Jewish movement. www.iishj.org

08/27/2026

The newest issue of HUMANISTIC JUDAISM Magazine examines the concepts of Jewish universalism and particularism by talking with individuals who walk the line between both in their work and daily lives. Read Mark Rubin's description of growing up as a Jew in Oklahoma, Diane Rose's experience as a chaplain who reconciles her convictions with the people she serves, and much more.

To preview the new issue and subscribe, click here: https://tinyurl.com/y5h9sjzy

08/25/2026

What happens when we reexamine the conventions, traditions, and assumptions that have shaped Jewish life for generations? The 2009 IISHJ Colloquium explored these thought-provoking questions through the lens of Secular Humanistic Judaism, featuring discussions on morality without belief in the divine, the relationship between religion and the State of Israel, and the evolving meaning of secular Jewish identity.

Alongside these lectures and panel discussions, the Colloquium also celebrated the ordinations of Rabbis Jodi Kornfeld and Karen Levy, marking another milestone in the growth of Secular Humanistic Jewish leadership.

Watch the complete Colloquium 2009 video playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/3s3p7exx

08/20/2026

"Humanistic Judaism does not seek to save the words of the Torah while rejecting its substance... In an age when information about people and the world continuously changes, no sacred book is appropriate, even as a symbol. Wisdom comes from the testing and insight of contemporary science, which allows no absolute truth. New rules have to be invented for new situations all the time."
—Rabbi Sherwin Wine, "The Message of Humanistic Judaism"

Learn more about our movement of Secular Humanistic Judaism at https://tinyurl.com/bddr7bs9

08/13/2026

Last night marked the beginning of Elul, the final month of the Jewish calendar before Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays. For many Jews, Elul is a season of reflection, self-examination, and preparation—a time to consider personal growth, Jewish identity, and the values that guide our lives.

To enrich your journey through Elul, we recommend "Morning Meditations: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Humanists". Compiled by Madrikha Barbara Kopitz, this collection draws on a wide range of texts to offer thoughtful daily readings from a Secular Humanistic Jewish perspective.

Learn more about the book and order your copy here: https://tinyurl.com/5a4e3ydp

08/11/2026

Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9) describes how earthly authorities such as monarchs and magistrates are meant to invoke the will of a divine being among the Jewish people. In examining this week's prescribed Torah portion, Rabbi Adam Chalom looks at how secular humanistic Jews interpret the concept of divine law, and parallels found in our modern world.

Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yc4bbnsb

08/06/2026

Israelis traveling throughout the world often seek comfort within a local Jewish community, but in most countries the prominent avenue is through Chabad or other religious organizations. Thailand, however, has recently seen the opening of the Secular House, founded by a group of activist Israelis. Rather than attempting to push Jewish travelers towards more dogmatic beliefs, the Secular House exists to help them explore more closely who they already are.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/4m6p8yrt

08/04/2026

As Americans reflect on 250 years of the nation's ongoing experiment in democratic government, it is also an opportunity to explore the rich history of Jewish Americans and their contributions to the United States. The story of Jewish life in America is deeply intertwined with the country's political, cultural, and social development, while also reflecting the unique experiences of Jewish communities across generations.

In this video, Rabbi Adam Chalom and Cantor Jonathan Friedmann examine the history of Judaism in America, the role of Jewish values and institutions in American democracy, and what 250 years of Jewish-American life can teach us about identity, citizenship, and community.

Watch the video here: https://tinyurl.com/4882p56s

07/30/2026

Cantor Jonathan Friedmann is not only Associate Professor and Admissions Director for IISHJ, he's also the co-creator of the delightful "Amusing Jews" podcast, which for over 150 episodes has put a spotlight on Jewish contributions to popular culture.

In this video, Rabbi Adam Chalom talks with Friedmann and his co-host Rabbi Joey Angel-Field about their inspirations for the show and what they enjoy about the conversations they've had. Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/5amy6z5w

07/28/2026

The 2007 IISHJ Colloquium ventured into the complex topic of Jewish-Muslim relations, as relevant today as it has ever been. The event featured a keynote address from Professor Fawaz Gerges, an expert on international politics, as well as presentations from Professor of Holocaust Studies Yehuda Bauer and many others.

This gathering was also our first after the passing of Rabbi Sherwin Wine, and was dedicated to his memory. Explore the video playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/mpvkw7hu

07/23/2026

The Ten Commandments are among Judaism's most powerful symbols, providing the first framework of our moral code. But how do we reconcile them with the laws of the lands we inhabit and our own personal beliefs? This week's prescribed Torah portion is "Vaetkhanan (Deut. 3:23 - 7:11)," which prompts many questions about the line between "legal" and "moral."

Watch Rabbi Adam Chalom's discussion of this passage here: https://tinyurl.com/3nnaatma

Address

2100 Half Day Road
Deerfield, IL
60015

Telephone

+18473836330

Website

http://www.iishj.org/

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