Rabbi Sherwin Wine: His impact on the Jewish movement and America

“What You Didn’t Know about Sherwin Wine”, a program about the founder of Humanistic Judaism and its congregational model for modern secular Jews, will be presented by the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (CHJ) on Sunday morning March 9 at 10:00 AM, at the Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport. 

Sherwin Wine was an ordained Reform Rabbi who gained fame for his ability to clearly vocalize the history and trajectory of modern Judaism and, when approached by synagogue members to develop a new congregation where all beliefs could be discussed and questioned, left Reform to lead them in the new nontheistic human-centered movement. 

Sherwin Wine visited Fairfield County many times, and gave a weekend symposium at Fairfield University. In 2003, he was named “Humanist of the Year” by the American Humanist Association. He founded many organizations, both Jewish and general.

The discussion will encompass information about Rabbi Sherwin Wine, his message, influences and creations. We will also talk about his vision for Humanistic Judaism and the value of Jewish identity and we’ll explore the people who are the new voices of Humanistic Judaism.

The program is for anyone interested in learning about the theory and practice of Judaism or Humanism.

The presenter is Cary Shaw, Principal of Cary S. Shaw & Associates, LLC, performing analytics services.  He recently completed a mathematical model for use by surgeons during parathyroid surgery, and has applied these skills to product development, and to predictive marketing.  He has presented and organized in many capacities for the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, and for the Humanistic Jewish movement.

The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism is a welcoming, supportive community, founded in 1967, for secular Jews and their families to affirm, celebrate, and enrich Jewish identity and values.  CHJ believes in personal responsibility to fulfill the Jewish ideals of loving-kindness, justice, and good deeds.  Humanistic Judaism is a recognized branch of Judaism, active worldwide. 

CHJ has a full Sunday school program from pre-K leading to Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and a full program of events for adults that includes Jewish holiday celebrations, Friday evening and Sunday morning programs, book and film groups, and other activities.  Dues are low and there is no building fund.  Interfaith couples are welcome.

The program is open to the public at no charge. Coffee and bagels at 9:30 AM, program at 10:00. Further info at (203) 293-8867 or www.humanisticjews.org.