Author Archives: Rabbi Adam Chalom

About Rabbi Adam Chalom

Adam Chalom is the Rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in north suburban Chicago. He is also the Dean for North America of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.

Days of Hate and Violence

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

The last weekend in February 2023 saw two crises in the Jewish world: a “National Day of Hate” proclaimed by fringe antisemites, and the killing of two Israeli Jews in the West Bank followed by significant rioting and property damage … Continue reading →

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Anger, Grief and Consolation – Yom Kippur Memorial 2022/5783

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

What is the purpose of grief? Grief is a part of any life that has love. Continue reading →

Posted in High Holidays | 2 Comments

Freedom and Autonomy – Yom Kippur Morning 2022/5783

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

People talk a lot about freedom, from the Bible then to the Bible Belt today but liberty for whom, and liberty to do what? Continue reading →

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Isolation, Tribalism and Community – Yom Kippur Evening 2022/5783

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

Even as we use technology to connect with any corner of the globe, we can feel more alone than ever. Continue reading →

Posted in High Holidays | 2 Comments

Personal Values, Public Responsibility – Rosh Hashana Morning 2022/5783

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

When should our values affect only personal choices, and when should we impose our values on the outside world? Continue reading →

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Violence and Safety – Rosh Hashana Evening 2022/5783

Posted on September 27, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

We face a crisis – a crisis in Humanist faith, a moral crisis – not just whether people are moral enough, but whether human morality itself is enough for our survival. Continue reading →

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Morality in Crisis – High Holidays 2022/5783

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

These High Holiday sermons were delivered at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in September-October/Tishrei 2022/5783. Video is available on this YouTube playlist. What do we do when it feels like the world is falling apart? Can Jewish … Continue reading →

Posted in High Holidays | 7 Comments

Freedom To vs. Freedom From

Posted on May 3, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

Recent news suggesting that the US Supreme Court is about to reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that nationally legalized abortion – either long-feared or long-awaited, depending on one’s beliefs – has brought to mind Margaret Atwood’s 1985 dystopian … Continue reading →

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Ever Again?

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

We have said “never again,” but given the realities of human nature, we are chagrined to confess it might be more like “ever again.” Continue reading →

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A Purim Newsletter 2022/5782

Posted on March 14, 2022 by Rabbi Adam Chalom

You may have thought your Jewish education was complete with knowing how to make latkes for Rosh Hashana…. 😉 Continue reading →

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