SHJ to Focus on Freud in 2006

Sigmund Freud, one of the most influential thinkers in history and an outstanding humanist Jew, will be a focus of study by the Society for Humanistic Judaism for the year 2006.

Following the interest in Albert Einstein, the personality selected as a focus for 2005, SHJ has decided to commemorate Freud in the year that marks the 150th anniversary of his birth on May 6, 1856.

The decision to study humanist Jews who have contributed to humanity was raised by Rabbi Sherwin Wine who advocates that Jewish education should encompass not only early Judaism but also those personalities who have left a mark on humanity.

Freud was chosen after the SHJ sought suggestions from the Association of Humanistic Rabbis.

An unbeliever until the end of his life, Freud always remained linked to his Jewishness, writing, "There was a perception that it was to my Jewish nature alone that I owed two characteristics that had become indispensable to me in the difficult course of my life. Because I was a Jew I found myself free from many prejudices which restricted others in the use of their intellect; and as a Jew I was prepared to join the opposition and to do without agreement with the compact majority."

Mark Silverman, a leader of Kol Haverim, the Finger Lakes Community for Humanistic Judaism in Ithaca, New York, who has taught Freud on the collegiate level, will be the coordinator of the Freud programs.

Jerry Lieberman of the Birmingham Temple is a co-leader.

Congregations who develop programs on Freud are invited to communicate and share their ideas with Mark Silverman at psy4510000@yahoo.com or Jerry Lieberman at Glieberman@decisionstrategies.com.