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Sunday, September 7, 2025
On May 15, 1876, a 24 year old teacher stood on the stage of a packed auditorium not far from here and proposed a new religion. What was it about the religion into which he had been born – and the synagogue he was trained to serve – that motivated this decision? As we approach the 150th anniversary of Felix Adler’s founding of Ethical Culture, let’s consider that question and reflect upon what Ethical Culture means to us today.
Anne Klaeysen is Leader Emerita (retired) of the New York Society for Ethical Culture. She serves on the boards of the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, The Encampment for Citizenship, and Ethical Culture Fieldston Schools. Anne holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hebrew Union College in pastoral care, as well as Master’s degrees in German from SUNY Albany and Business Administration from NYU.