Secular & Humanistic Jews
and Jewish Continuity
Secular & Humanistic Jews understand Judaism as the
human-centered history, culture, civilization, ethical values, and shared fate of the Jewish people. Encompassing many languages
and a vast body of literature, art, dance, music, and food, Judaism is much more than a set of religious beliefs and practices.
Secular & Humanistic Jews have a strong connection to Jewish history and culture and are committed to the future of the
Jewish People. Humanistic Jews rely on reason, rather than faith, to understand the world and believe that human intelligence
and experience are capable of guiding their lives.
Humanistic
Jews believe that Jewish history is a human saga, a testament to the significance of human power and responsibility. We identify
with the experience and culture of the Jewish people and we celebrate our Jewish identity at holidays and special moments
of our lives using practices, rituals and language that are consistent with our secular beliefs and ideals. We enrich our
knowledge by studying the collected teachings and experiences of the Jewish people, as well as modern ideas based on rational
inquiry.
Humanistic Jews build communities
to help strengthen their Jewish identity and that of their children. These communities enable their members to grow together,
learn more about their history, and embrace our wonderful Jewish heritage.
We have learned that our children's connection to their Jewish identity develops along with their
involvement in community. Cultural Jewish communities help our children understand holidays and literature from a humanistic
perspective. The educational programs teach children to be proud of their Jewish heritage - to value its unique culture and
to participate in its rich traditions in a way that is compatible with their parents' secular beliefs. Humanistic Judaism
provides an alternative for humanistic Jews and their children to fully participate in Jewish life.
