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Peter Schweitzer

Rabbi at City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism

Peter H. Schweitzer is a Rabbi Emeritus who led The City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in New York City for 25 years.3 He is an author and a recognized leader of Humanistic Judaism.23

Career and Education

  • Ordained in 1979 from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion2
  • Joined The City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in 19922
  • Served as the congregation's rabbi from 2006 to 20182
  • Former president of the Association of Humanistic Rabbis2
  • Contributed to Moment Magazine's "Ask the Rabbi" column2
  • Wrote a column called "New Jewish Rituals" for Jewish Currents magazine2

Publications and Collections

  • Author of "The Liberated Haggadah: A Passover Celebration for Cultural, Secular and Humanistic Jews"2
  • Recently published "Dear Uli!", a book about his German Jewish family's experiences under Nazi regime2
  • Amassed a significant collection of Jewish Americana, with over 10,000 items, donated to the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia in 20052

Philosophy

Rabbi Schweitzer embraces a secular, humanistic approach to Judaism. He performs non-theistic, intercultural, interfaith, and same-sex ceremonies, allowing couples to personalize their weddings and create their own rituals.1 His work focuses on affirming Jewish identity through cultural connections rather than traditional religious beliefs.13

Highlights

Dec 21 · kveller.com
How This Rabbi Wound Up With a Christmas Tree - Kveller
Jul 5 · Jewish Week
For Jewish Liberals, High (Court) Anxiety - Jewish Week
Jan 17 · Forward
I Don’t Believe in God, But I Still Want a Jewish Community - Forward
A Rabbi's Journey to Humanistic Judaism | My Jewish Learning
Rabbi Peter Schweitzer, New York City's only Humanistic rabbi

Related Questions

What are some unique ceremonies Rabbi Schweitzer has led?
How did Rabbi Schweitzer's background influence his approach to Humanistic Judaism?
What is the significance of the "Dear Uli!" book in Rabbi Schweitzer's career?
How has Rabbi Schweitzer's work impacted the City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism?
What are some of the key themes in Rabbi Schweitzer's writings?
Peter Schweitzer
Peter Schweitzer, photo 1
Peter Schweitzer, photo 2
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Location

Greater New York City Area