Podcasts by Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation Podcasts
Collection of sermons, including High Holidays from Rabbi Adam Chalom. Rabbi Chalom is the rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation serving the greater Chicago area as well as the dean of the International Institute of Secular Humanistic Judaism.
Further podcasts by Rabbi Adam Chalom
Podcast on the topic Gesellschaft und Kultur
All episodes
Nothing Sacred from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.890658
From the Archives: Originally record in 2009, Rabbi Chalom examines the idea of what is sacred.
The Culture of Blessing from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.885383
From the Archives: Originally recorded in 2017, Rabbi Chalom discusses mindfulness and the culture of blessings.
Ethnic and Universal Humanism from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.880761
From the Archives: Originally recorded in 2017, Rabbi Chalom discusses mindfulness and the culture of blessings.
High Holidays 2020: Preamble from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.875890
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Rosh Hashana Evening Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.871313
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Rosh Hashana Evening Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.866797
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Rosh Hashana Morning Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.862192
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Rosh Hashana Morning Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.857653
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Yom Kippur Evening Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.853046
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Yom Kippur Evening Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.848825
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Yom Kippur Morning Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.844321
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Yom Kippur Morning Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.840234
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2020: Yom Kippur Memorial from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.835859
High Holidays 2020
High Holidays 2021: Rosh Hashana Torah Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.796922
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Rosh Hashana Evening Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.792260
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Rosh Hashana Literature Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.789429
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Rosh Hashana Morning Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.777611
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Kol Nidre Biblical Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.771796
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Kol Nidre Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.765542
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Yom Kippur Biblical Reading from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.758796
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Yom Kippur Morning Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.752802
High Holidays 2021
High Holidays 2021: Memorial Sermon from 2022-04-21T11:01:42.746513
High Holidays 2021
Yom Kippur 2019: The Reality of Morality from 2019-10-11T09:00
If this life is the only life we know, how do we find comfort after loss? Death has always defined the human condition, but are we any better at dealing with it after all this time? How we remember...
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Yom Kippur 2019: What We Can Do from 2019-10-11T08:00
Our problems are so large, and our powers seem so limited – what can one person or one community do? Facing earlier tragedies, the Jewish people trusted both supernatural providence and human effor...
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Yom Kippur 2019: Man's Search for Meaning from 2019-10-11T07:00
Reading and interpretation of Viktor Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning
Yom Kippur 2019: An Uncertain Jewish Future from 2019-10-11T06:00
The Jews have been called “the ever-dying people.” Each generation is convinced it is the last. Yet we are still here and, like our ancestors, we must answer new challenges. Balancing continuity an...
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Yom Kippur 2019: Deuteronomy from 2019-10-11T05:00
Reading, translation and interpretation of passage from Deuteronomy.
Rosh Hashana 2019: Political Civil War from 2019-10-01T19:00
It’s been said that “war is the continuation of politics by other means.” Today politics IS war: opponents are enemies, issues are black or white, the other side is not just wrong but evil. In Isra...
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Rosh Hashana 2019: Babylonian Talmud from 2019-10-01T18:00
Babylonian Talmud
Rosh Hashana 2019: Antisemitism and Other Hatred from 2019-10-01T17:00
Public expressions of hate are rising, and a rising tide lifts all bigotries. Even if numbers remain small, the haters are louder and bolder. Synagogue (and mosque and church) shootings, antisemiti...
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Rosh Hashana 2019: Yakov v. Esau from 2019-10-01T16:00
The rumble in the desert between siblings. Why is it us vs. them? Who are the Goyim?
Yom Kippur 2018 Evening: Good - Evil from 2018-09-22T09:00
In a post-modern, post-revelation world, defining good and evil is challenging and yet necessary. Can we admit when we have done wrong, and can we accept when our opponents do right? What is an hon...
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Yom Kippur 2018 Morning: Here - There from 2018-09-19T16:00
The smaller the world gets, the harder it is to live together. Some would abolish all borders and barriers, while others would raise them higher. As America builds walls, as Israelis and “Diaspora”...
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Rosh Hashana 2018 Morning: Us - Them from 2018-09-10T18:00
Rejection and fear of "the other" is deeply rooted in human psychology and culture. Can we build group loyalty on positive attraction rather than suspicion of the outside? An open family that inclu...
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Rosh Hashana 2018 Evening: Me - We from 2018-09-09T20:00
The eternal battle between individual and community defines the human and the Jewish condition. What to give to others and what to guard for myself? Happiness, freedom, dignity, justice depend on t...
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Yom Kippur 2017 Morning - We're #1! from 2017-10-10T20:00
Competition has its place, but also its risks. We become blind to our own faults and exaggerate the danger and deficiencies of “the other.” We magnify our needs and minimize theirs. We need to seek...
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Yom Kippur 2017 Evening - Bad Jew from 2017-10-01T20:00
We can be crueler to our own family than we are to strangers. It is all too easy to judge others by our own arbitrary standards. Do they agree with us? Do they value what we value as much as we val...
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Rosh Hashana 2017 Morning - Judaism Says from 2017-09-22T17:00
Can a tradition of 3,000 years speak with one voice? Too often, we want our identity to fully endorse our personal beliefs and behavior. Just as we cannot claim that all Jews were always secular, o...
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Rosh Hashana 2017 Evening - Post Truth from 2017-09-21T21:00
We must find a balance between individual perspective and objective reality. There are times it is appropriate to say, “I don’t know” or “I think,” and there are also times to say, “I DO know.” Hum...
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Yom Kippur 2016 Morning - These Hands from 2017-01-16T12:00
We would love it if the righteous were rewarded, the wicked punished, and everything worked out for our benefit. But wishing does not make it so. In the absence of cosmic providence, the work of ju...
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Yom Kippur 2016 Evening - This Life from 2016-12-04T12:00
The Jewish "Days of Awe" were traditionally a time of judgment – who would live, who would die, and who would earn a portion in the World to Come. We believe in life before death, making the most o...
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Rosh Hashana 2016 Morning - This World from 2016-10-17T21:00
Our Humanism is a positive emphasis on this world – what we experience, what we need, what we can know. Our Rosh Hashana does not represent divine creation of the world; rather, it encourages us to...
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Rosh Hashana 2016 Evening - Why We Believe from 2016-10-06T16:00
We celebrate what we share rather than argue the unprovable. Our individual beliefs do not always have to agree in order to find community and common ground. Ours is a Jewish tradition of change, d...
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Book Review: Sapiens from 2016-09-06T15:00
Human beings are the most powerful species on the planet, but this was not always so. In a fascinating exploration of our earliest origins through the evolution of modern society, Hebrew University...
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High Holidays 5776 - Yom Kippur Kol Nidre - It's My Responsibility from 2015-10-02T20:00
Taking responsibility is not easy, particularly when others prefer seeking excuses or spreading blame. Dignity and self-respect are children of responsibility, but so too are risk and failure. The ...
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High Holidays 5776 - Yom Kippur Memorial (2) - Let Go from 2015-09-29T23:00
We want so much to control our lives, and our deaths. Yet experience teaches again and again that we may steer the boat, but we cannot control the current. Learning when and how to say goodbye — an...
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High Holidays 5776 - Yom Kippur (1) - I Forgive from 2015-09-29T23:00
Forgiveness can repair relationships, and it can also be healing for both parties in the conflict. But can we learn to forgive ourselves? Guilt is a powerful emotion, and forgiving others can somet...
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High Holidays 5776 - Rosh Hashana (2) - I’ll Help from 2015-09-15T23:00
No one is an island. We grow up in families and societies, and we learn the balance between mutual responsibility and self-actualization. In the space between obligation and freedom lies “help” – a...
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High Holidays 5776 - Rosh Hashana (1) - I Hear You from 2015-09-15T23:00
As awful as human suffering can be, it can be even harder to suffer alone without understanding or empathy. The most basic step in overcoming conflict and isolation is an ability we evolved countle...
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High Holidays 5775 - Yom Kippur (2) - Why Be Good? from 2014-10-04T15:30
Without cosmic judgment, Yom Kippur becomes an internal experience – self-judgment and self-forgiveness. In moderation, both are healthy and important, but only if they lead to changed behavior in ...
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High Holidays 5775 - Yom Kippur (1) - Why Be a Jew and a Humanist? from 2014-10-04T00:00
The religious approach to life has been around for a long time. Believing that people, and only people, have conscious power to improve the world is a much more recent innovation, even if its evolu...
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High Holidays 5775 - Rosh Hashannah (2) - Why Be Jewish? from 2014-09-28T00:00
With rising anti-Semitism in Europe and the Middle East, never-ending and heart-rending conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, militant Orthodoxy fighting modernity on one side and ongoing J...
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High Holidays 5775 - Rosh Hashannah (1) - Why Be Anything? from 2014-09-27T00:00
Labels divide people - different ethnicities, religions, nationalities, even sports allegiances can be lethal. An infant from anywhere in the world can grow up fluent in any other language and cult...
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Reconstructionist Judaism (Adult Eduation) from 2014-03-23T00:00
Rabbi Chalom leads an adult education discussion on Reconstructionist Judaism.
Reform Judaism (Adult Eduation) from 2014-02-01T00:00
Rabbi Chalom leads an adult education discussion on Reform Judaism.
Orthodox Judaism (Adult Eduation) from 2014-01-05T00:00
Rabbi Chalom leads an adult education discussion on Orthodox Judaism.
Yom Kippur 5774 pt. 2 (2013) from 2013-10-06T00:00
The most famous narratives in Jewish and world literature can be very different if we look with new eyes. Our narrative “re-visions” reveal ourselves as well as the figures we thought we knew.
Yom Kippur 5774 pt. 1 (2013) from 2013-09-26T00:00
The most famous narratives in Jewish and world literature can be very different if we look with new eyes. Our narrative “re-visions” reveal ourselves as well as the figures we thought we knew.
Rosh Hashanah 5774 pt. 2 (2013) from 2013-09-08T00:00
The most famous narratives in Jewish and world literature can be very different if we look with new eyes. Our narrative “re-visions” reveal ourselves as well as the figures we thought we knew.
Rosh Hashanah 5774 pt. 1 (2013) from 2013-09-07T00:00
The most famous narratives in Jewish and world literature can be very different if we look with new eyes. Our narrative “re-visions” reveal ourselves as well as the figures we thought we knew.
Free Judaism from 2012-11-01T00:00
For too long, we have understood Judaism as controlled by someone or something else: the past, the Orthodox, the affluent. Our connection to Jewish culture and heritage is not a commodity, packaged...
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Yom Kippur 5773 pt. 2 (2012) from 2012-10-08T00:00
Rabbi Chalom explores the literature of the Torah.
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Yom Kippur 5773 pt. 1 (2012) from 2012-10-03T00:00
Rabbi Chalom explores the history of the Torah.
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Rosh Hashanna 5773 pt. 2 (2012) from 2012-09-20T00:00
Rabbi Chalom explores the history of the Torah.
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Rosh Hashanna 5773 pt. 1 (2012) from 2012-09-18T00:00
Rosh Hashanna marks the beginning of a new Jewish Year. This year, 5773, Rabbi Adam Chalom explores the text of the Torah and why it is relevant even today.
Rosh Hashanna 5773 pt. 1 (2012) from 2012-09-18T00:00
Rosh Hashanna marks the beginning of a new Jewish Year. This year, 5773, Rabbi Adam Chalom explores the text of the Torah and why it is relevant even today.
Ethics Without a Net from 2012-08-10T00:00
Adherance to an ethical standard etched in stone and backed by the promise of eternal reward or damnation is an easy road to take. Decisions are based simply on following the rules. The outcome of ...
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A Provocative People from 2012-07-13T00:00
Rabbi Chalom discusses the last book written by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine.
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Ernestine Rose from 2012-06-08T00:00
Discover why the Society for Humanistic Judaism selected Ernestine Rose as its person of the year.
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FAQs of Humanistic Judaism (pt. 2) from 2012-05-16T00:00
Rabbi Chalom answers the frequently asked questions of Humanistic Judaism.
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FAQs of Humanistic Judaism (pt. 1) from 2012-05-01T00:00
Rabbi Chalom answers the frequently asked questions of Humanistic Judaism.
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IISHJ Colloquium 2012 from 2012-04-10T00:00
Interview with Rabbi Chalom about IISHJ Colloquium 2012.
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Connections from 2012-03-26T00:00
Traditional Judaism is about a connection to God. Humanistic Judaism is about a connection to people. Rabbi Chalom explains why this connection to people is so important for us as humans and as Jews.
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Sunday School for Adults: Calendar from 2012-03-11T00:00
The Kol Hadash Sunday School calendar is largely driven by the Jewish calendar. Rabbi Chalom explains how the curriculum is adapted for Humanistic Judaism.
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Who Wrote the Bible from 2012-02-21T00:00
The Bible wasn't written by God or Moses, but who did actually write it?
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Israel and Palestine from 2012-02-10T00:00
Rabbi Chalom analyzes Israel and Palestine in 2011.
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Moview Review: Ushpizin from 2012-01-01T00:00
Rabbi Chalom reviews the Israeli movie Ushpizin.
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Adult Education: Strength of Humanism from 2011-12-18T00:00
Rabbi Chalom discusses the strengths of Humanism.
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Sermon: Community from 2011-12-01T00:00
Rabbi Chalom discusses building a secular Jewish community.
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Sermon: A Jewish Movie from 2011-11-15T00:00
Rabbi Chalom discusses what makes a movie Jewish.
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High Holidays 5772: Torah Reading from 2011-11-01T00:00
Rabbi Chalom delivers his Torah Reading for 5772
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High Holidays 5772: Yom Kippur from 2011-10-15T00:00
Rabbi Chalom delivers his sermon for Yom Kippur for 5772
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High Holidays 5772: Kol Nidre from 2011-10-14T00:00
Rabbi Chalom delivers his sermon for Kol Nidre for 5772
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High Holidays 5772: Rosh Hashana from 2011-09-29T00:00
Rabbi Chalom delivers his sermon for Rosh Hashana for 5772
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High Holidays 5772: Erev Rosh Hashana from 2011-09-29T00:00
Rabbi Chalom delivers his sermon for Erev Rosh Hashana for 5772
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Book Review: The Good Book from 2011-09-06T11:00
Rabbi Chalom reviews The Good Book by A.C. Grayling
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Israel and America from 2011-08-16T11:00
Rabbi Chalom explores the unique political relationship between Israel and America.
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Inauguration from 2011-07-03T11:00
Rabbi Chalom's first sermon at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation
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American Jewish Experience from 2011-06-16T11:00
Comparative Religion in Sunday School curiculum
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Guest Speaker: Aaron Elster from 2011-05-01T11:00
Aaron Elster relates the trauma of his life during World War II in Poland.
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Shabbat Service: The Future of the Synagogue from 2011-04-16T11:00
Rabbi Chalom explores the role of the Synagogue in the modern Jewish culture.
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Bonus Content: Rabbi Chalom at Georgetown University from 2011-04-11T11:00
Rabbi Chalom visited Georgetown University and answered the question of "What is Secular Humanistic Judaism?"
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Holocaust Survivor: Marguerite Mishkin from 2011-04-02T11:00
Discover the history of the synagogue and what it can teach us about its future.
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The Synagogue from 2011-03-15T11:00
Discover the history of the synagogue and what it can teach us about its future.
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Jews and the Muslim World: Solving the Puzzle from 2010-11-10T11:00
Shabbat Service. Recorded on 10/29/2010. Available at Amazon.com - Jews and the Muslim World: Solving the Puzzle.
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Rosh Hashana Morning 5771 from 2010-10-03T21:00
Rosh Hashana Morning Service. Recorded on 9/9/2010. Joy - There is no substitute for happiness. Without the energy, enthusiasm and satisfaction that joy brings to our existence, no amount of concen...
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Erev Rosh Hashana 5771 from 2010-09-27T17:44:56
Rosh Hashana Evening Service. Recorded on 9/8/2010. Purpose - A life without meaning is difficult. That is why we must seek purpose through our choices and actions. No outside authority will tell u...
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