The book of Ecclesiastes is the backdrop for Rabbi Kushner's exploration of the topic, 'What really gives meaning to life'? Solomon looks into this timeless question by exploring the paths of selfishness and self-interest, the pursuits of pleasure, success and wealth. Kushner expands these thoughts and looks into the challenges that psychotherapy addresses in helping people live authentic lives. The book will assist clinicians achieve balance as they move within the tension of encouraging clients to take personal responsibility without feeding self-condemnation and shame. Kushner quotes sources from Freud, Pascal, Piaget, Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, William James, Martin Buber and Erich Fromm. Gleaning from these spiritual, philosophical and psychological perspectives, he concludes that a worldview that is narcissistic, materialistic, uncommitted and pain avoidant, is one that leads to emptiness. Preparing for death is learning to live with meaning. Helping our clients invest their lives more fully into the things that truly matter; relationships, integrity and authenticity, is the heart of the book.

Educational Objectives

• Participants will be able to define and more fully appreciate the need for personal meaning in religious terms.
• Clinicians will be able to identify the five paths that the book of Ecclesiastes outlines.
• Participants will be able to identify altruistic choices that provide meaning.
• Clinicians will be able to identify various religions' teachings on personal pain.
• Participants will gain insight into the ways clients can face personal pain from a spiritual perspective.

Syllabus / Course Instructions

• The Course consists of reading the selected book, successfully completing an online posttest and filling out a course evaluation.
• The book is not included. It must be purchased separately. We have supplied a link to Amazon.com for your convenience.
• Purchasing your course will give you access to both a printable copy of the test and an online version. Print the test to use as a companion as you read the book and answer the questions.
• You cannot exit the online test once you begin, so have your answers available.

Additional Resources On This Site for CE

• What Really Matters: Living a Moral Life Amidst Uncertainty
  by Dr. Arthur Kleinman: 8 CE Credits
• Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times
  by Rabbi David Wolpe: 9 CE Credits
• Denial of Death
  by Ernest Becker: 12 CE Credits
• When Bad Things Happen To Good People
  by Harold S. Kushner: 6 CE Credits
• Living a Life That Matters
  by Harold Kushner: 7 CE Credits
• Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion
  by Robert W. Firestone, PhD, Lisa A. Firestone, PhD, Joyce Catlett, MA: 15 CE Credits

Additional Resources Not On This Site

• Temple Israel's Website where Rabbi Kushner is Rabbi Laureate www.tiofnatick.org
• Spirituality and Health website contains articles and summaries of Rabbi Kushner’s works, along with a host of other spiritual topics and resources. www.spiritualityhealth.com

Bio: Rabbi Harold Kushner

Rabbi Harold Kushner is the Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts. He is a native of Brooklyn, New York and a graduate of Columbia University. He is the author of several best-selling books, including When Bad Things Happen to Good People, published in 1981 and translated into 12 languages. Rabbi Kushner is internationally recognized for his writings and the comfort and guidance which they provide. He holds six honorary degrees and has received numerous distinguishing awards, including the Christopher Medal and The Yitzhak Rabin Award. In 1995, he was honored as one of 50 people who have made the world a better place in the past 50 years. He also serves on the Board of Directors for The Giving Back Fund, a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging and facilitating philanthropic efforts of professional athletes and entertainers.