“All Theology is Autobiography”: Developing a Personal Understanding of God

“All Theology is Autobiography” is the title of a reflective, inspiring article by Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Emerita of Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills, CA. It is also a profound and sacred truth. The main goal of this four-session course is to provide a context for each participant to engage in developing a personal theology. What in your life has contributed to your personal “torah”, the essence of your evolving character? When have you felt close to God? When have you prayed, really prayed? We will enter into a conversation that spans Jewish time trying to learn about God by reflecting on our life experiences. Along the way we will “meet” some of the great Jewish theologians of all time and of our time.

Rabbi Katzew is Associate Professor Emeritus of Jewish Thought and Education and Senior Educator of the EMA Program at HUC-JIR. He earned a doctorate at the Hebrew University in Jewish Thought and Education and led a team of educators at the Union for Reform Judaism that was responsible for designing, developing, and implementing curricular resources for early childhood centers, congregational schools, day schools and adult learning communities throughout the world. Jan is the author of several popular and scholarly articles in multiple fields. We are blessed to have Rabbi Katzew as a TBS Scholar throughout the year!