Publications

Basic Ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism

Price: $19.95

Call 847-383-6330 or email info@iishj.org to order, or purchase directly from Amazon.com.

Basic Ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism, by Rabbi Eva Goldfinger, is the first in a series of books designed to explain the basic ideas of Secular Humanistic Judaism, which emphasizes positive secular and human-focused connections with Jewish culture.

It includes a philosophical explanation of Secular Humanistic Judaism, educational guidelines and sample curricula for those who teach Secular Humanistic Judaism, recommended reading lists for adults and children, and selected official statements of the Secular Humanistic Judaism movement. This is a great starting point for those who are looking to are looking for a way to identify with their Jewish heritage independent of belief in a god.

Read the preface by Rabbi Eva Goldfinger.

CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION TO SECULAR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM

• Preface
• What is Secular Humanistic Judaism?
• Structure of Secular Humanistic Jewish Movement
• Philosophical Foundations

SECTION 2 - BASIC IDEAS OF SECULAR HUMANISTIC JUDAISM

Nature of Reality - Naturalism and Evolution

What is Real?
Origins of the Universe
Questions about God

Life's Purpose - Self-Actualization

Purpose or Meaning in Life
The Finality of Death

Spirituality - Aesthetics

What is a Spiritual Experience?

The Nature of Truth - Reason

What is Truth?
Discovering Truth
Teaching the Value of Truth

Ethics - Consequences

Values and Ethics
A Quality Life

Moral Authority - Individual and Society

Who Determines What is Ethical?

Social Ethics - Tikkun Olam

Acting Out Our Ethical Values
Ethical Positions of Secular Humanistic Judaism

The Jewish People - An Ethno-Historic People

Who are the Jewish People?
Philosophic/Religious Divisions
Special, Not Chosen
Belonging to the Jewish People
Who is a Jew?

Judaism - Evolving Civilization of the Jews

What is Judaism?
Celebrating Life Cycle Events
Celebrating Jewish Festivals
Attitudes to Some Jewish Ideas

Jewish Continuity - Pluralism

Is Judaism Worth Preserving?

SECTION 3 - A SECULAR VIEW OF JEWISH HISTORY

• What is History
• Is T'nakh Jewish History
• A Real History of the Jews
• The Lessons of Jewish History

SECTION 4 - CREATING SECULAR HUMANISTIC JEWISH IDENTITY

• Guidelines for Humanistic Teaching
• Adapting Materials for Secular Humanistic Jewish Use
• Teaching Ethics to Children
• Curriculum Samples
• Words of Wisdom from our Sages and Heroes

SECTION 5 - SAMPLE PUBLIC STATEMENTS OF THE MOVEMENT

1. Conversion
2. Euthanasia
3. Intermarriage
4. Israel
5. Jewish Continuity

6. Reproductive Choice
7. Separation of Church and State
8. Sexual Orientation
9. Social Action
10. Who is a Jew