KENNENLERNEN

Rabbi Alan Freedman

For me, Judaism is more than a religion or even peoplehood; it is a worldview. Judaism doesn't often provide simple answers, but instead provides modes of thinking about the great existential questions of our times. I love nothing more than to discover and share together great Jewish ideas and experiences and to apply them to everyday living as a fully realized human being.

I am both a rabbi and an attorney and have now retired from the congregational rabbinate after 22 years at Temple Beth Shalom in Austin, Texas. I am also a past temple president and have extensive Board experience in both the Jewish and secular community. I have spent more years in the pews than I have on the bima, and so have shared the Jewish search for meaning from both perspectives.

My greatest joy is in helping a student to discover contemporary meaning in Jewish literature, theology, liturgy and historical experience. I am a devoted Zionist but not an uncritical one. Above all, I look forward to sharing your Jewish journey and to learning together.