Sunday Platform – Anne Klaeysen: The Ethical Humanism of the Future

I take inspiration for this final platform address before my retirement at the end of September from Ethical Culture founder Felix Adler’s first and last sermon at Temple Emanu-El in 1873 called “Judaism of the Future.” It was meant to be an audition for being appointed his father Samuel’s successor as rabbi. Instead it shocked the congregation by neglecting to mention a deity and offering a bold manifesto of Judaism as a secular religion of morality for all humanity, not just a privileged few. While conceding that his sermon was brilliant and that young Felix had a bright future ahead of him, the synagogue’s trustees made it clear to him that such a future would not be with them. Six years later, he founded our non-theistic religion of ethics. Have we fulfilled the future he envisioned? What future do we envision now? Together we will explore these questions.

Shared Charity: The Encampment for Citizenship

Presider: Sarah Tielemans

FREE and open to the public.

Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest.  Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day.  While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public.  Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.

To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.