Israel and Humanistic Judaism: At a Crossroad

On Friday, March 17, from 7:30-9 p.m., Or Emet will host a Humanistic Shabbat service followed by a presentation titled “Israel and Humanistic Judaism: At a Crossroad.” The events will take place at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis, 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road, Minneapolis. A social time will follow the program.

The service will be led by Eva Cohen, Or Emet’s ritual leader and a Humanistic rabbi in training. Following the service, Or Emet members Dr. Barry Cohen and Molly Wilbur-Cohen will examine Israel’s laws, policies and practices curtailing the civil and human rights of both its Palestinian citizens and Palestinians living in occupied territories under military authority. The presentation will focus on the contradictions of these circumstances with the values of Humanistic Judaism. 

The speakers also will discuss why a two-state solution is no longer viable and what, from a Jewish Humanistic perspective, are alternative options for peace, justice and true democracy for all of Israel’s inhabitants.  

Dr. Barry Cohen is a retired sociologist. Over a 40-year career he worked in academia, government and nonprofit organizations as a teacher, planner, evaluator and researcher. He is a longtime member of Or Emet and a student of Jewish history, culture and the Yiddish language. 

Molly Wilbur-Cohen, a retired independent living skills specialist, is a member of the Women Against Military Madness board and Middle East committee. She is a professional musician and lifelong peace and social justice activist. A longtime member of Or Emet, Wilbur-Cohen serves on the congregation’s social action/social justice committee and Shabbat program committee.

Those who cannot attend the program in person may join over Zoom. Please register in advance here. In-person attendees must wear a mask indoors and are expected to be up to date on vaccinations or have a same-day negative COVID test.

Or Emet’s events and programs may change per CDC and state guidelines during the pandemic. All updates and changes will be posted in Or Emet’s events calendar. 

Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. For more information, email [email protected] or visit oremet.org.