Baruch Spinoza: Philosophy and Tolerance Revered by many as a pivotal figure in modern religious philosophy yet reviled by his contemporaries in the Jewish community of Amsterdam, Baruch Spinoza was placed in herem (excommunication) in 1666 for his public pronouncements challenging religious doctrine. Part of the Jewish Biography as History lecture series by Dr. Henry Abramson. Share this:TwitterTumblrFacebookLinkedInEmailRedditLike this:Like Loading...