The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community program presents "How Religious Myths Reflect Childhood Trauma" with Benjamin Abelow, MD.

Dr. Abelow has presented his research on the trauma-religion link at academic conferences in the US and Europe.  He explains how understanding the history of childhood trauma can clarify the meaning and origins of religious myths.  According to Abelow, understanding trauma provides insight in all the following:  How religions arose, why they have proven believable, what accounts for the powerful emotions religions engender, and why religions sometimes turn violent.

Dr Abelow received his M.D. from the Yale School of Medicine where he served on the clinical faculty.

This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.