Secular Humanistic Judaism
Secular Humanistic Judaism is a philosophy of Jewish community, and also a powerful approach to celebrate the power and responsibility of the individual through Jewish history and heritage.
Individualized learning
Several opportunities for individual learning about the philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism are collected on our Adult Learning pages focused on Humanism, Jewish Identity, and Secular Humanistic Judaism. There are also a number of IISHJ Publications that might be of interest.
Community learning
These seminars are examples of programs the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) has offered in partnership with local Secular and Humanistic Jewish communities. If your community is interested in working with IISHJ to host such a program, email info@iishj.org. Where indicated, these seminars may also be taken for professional training program credit with completion of readings and written assignments.
SHJ 100) Roots of Secular Humanistic Judaism
A review of the major personalities who laid the foundation of a Secular Humanistic Judaism during the past three hundred years. Topics include the Enlightenment, the literature of Jewish Nationalism, and the philosophic works of humanistic Jewish thinkers. Required for Leadership Program. CR: 1
SHJ 110) Basic Ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism
A review of the fundamental principles of the movement, with a special emphasis on articulating them for a popular audience. Issues addressed include the questions of truth, reality, human nature, ethics, politics, aesthetics, Jewish identity, Jewish history and Jewish culture. Required for Leadership and Officiant Programs. CR: 1
SHJ 145) IISHJ Colloquium Experience
View a complete video series of a previous IISHJ Colloquium, including both presentation and discussion sessions. For each Colloquium session, a facilitated discussion will be held among seminar participants. Colloquium session viewing can be simultaneous or on participants’ own time. May serve as elective for Leadership Program. CR:1
Professional Training
These seminars are designed for and offered to participants in IISHJ’s professional programs for Life Cycle Officiants, Leaders, and Rabbis. Visit our Programs page to learn more.
SHJ 400) Philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism
This graduate-level course focuses on the philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism and how this philosophy connects to the important questions of Jewish and personal life. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a previous syllabus for SHJ 400
SHJ 495) Rabbinic Thesis
Supervised by the Dean. CR: 3
SHJ 501) History of Secular Humanistic Judaism 1
A graduate-level survey of sources of Secular Humanistic Judaism in Jewish history and tradition, in contemporary movements, and in the writings and activities of famous Jewish writers, historians, intellectuals, artists, & leaders. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a previous syllabus for SHJ 501/502
SHJ 502) History of Secular Humanistic Judaism 2
A continuation of SHJ 501: History of Secular Humanistic Judaism, which is a prerequisite for this course. Required for Master’s Degree and Rabbinic Programs. CR: 3 Download a previous syllabus for SHJ 501/502