Rabbi Adam Chalom to Explore Boundaries of Jewish Culture

On Sunday, March 23, Or Emet will host a presentation titled “What Is a Jewish Book?” by Rabbi Adam Chalom, dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) and rabbi at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Deerfield, Illinois. This learning session is in honor of the March 22 installation of Rabbi Eva Cohen as the new rabbi of Or Emet.

Rabbi Adam Chalom

The event with Rabbi Chalom will run from 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. in St. Paul. A social time will follow.

If Humanistic Jews root their Jewishness in Jewish heritage and culture rather than theology and commandments, then a clear understanding of what counts as Jewish culture is essential. Is everything written by Jewish authors “Jewish literature?” If not, then where should the boundaries of Jewish culture be drawn — or does Jewish culture need boundaries at all?

Chalom is co-editor of the book “Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values and Practices,” which was published by the Jewish Publication Society/University of Nebraska Press in January 2025. Signed copies will be available for purchase after the program.

Chalom, who has served as the rabbi at Kol Hadash since 2004, earned rabbinic ordination from the IISHJ.

Those who cannot attend in person may join via Zoom. Please register in advance here.

The Sunday adult programs are free and open to the public and meet concurrently with the Jewish Cultural Sunday School.

 Or Emet is a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. 

For information about Or Emet’s Jewish Cultural Sunday School, contact Phipps at [email protected]. For information about Or Emet, email [email protected] or visit oremet.org.