Background
Humanistic Judaism is a movement that is dedicated to the promotion of the values and practices of an ethical, secular, and human-centered Judaism. Its goal is to develop a modern form of Judaism that is compatible with scientific facts, humanistic values, and religious experience. Humanistic Judaism does not require a supernatural belief system, but instead provides its followers a meaningful way to celebrate Jewish holidays, rituals, and customs. Originally founded in 1969 in Detroit, Michigan, Humanistic Judaism has grown to include over 50 congregations in countries around the world.
History
Humanistic Judaism has its roots in the Secular Humanistic ideology of the 19th century, when a number of Jewish intellectuals sought to reconcile traditional Jewish faith with the advances of modern science and reason. These intellectuals advocated for the recognition of a Judaism that could exist without a reliance on a supernatural god or faith-based beliefs. The main figures associated with the founding of the movement were Rabbi Sherwin Wine and Professor Eugene Lipman, both of whom sought to create an alternative version of Judaism compatible with the humanistic values of the age.
The movement gained traction in 1969 when it launched its own congregation and in 1975, rabbis within the movement formed the International Federation of Secular and Humanistic Jews. Since then, Humanistic Judaism has grown to encompass over 50 congregations and has become a recognized movement within the Jewish denominations.
Beliefs and Practices
Humanistic Judaism is centered on the beliefs that the individual and the community are responsible for their own destiny, enlightened by reason and guided by the moral values found in the Jewish traditions. Its adherents are grounded in the secular belief of the autonomy of human beings and the responsibility to care for and respect one another. Humanistic Jews have chosen to follow a Judaism based on ethics, culture and humanity, in which Jewish holidays are celebrated for their cultural and historical meanings and not for their religious significance.
The beliefs, practices and rituals of Humanistic Judaism focus on communal connections, community building and reflections on Jewish heritage, culture and identity. Humanistic Jews celebrate all the traditional holidays, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Sukkot, but do not use prayer nor religious language when celebrating them. Humanistic Jewish congregations have their own prayer books and rituals, often focusing on social justice and human rights issues.
Judaism Without Religion
Humanistic Jews understand the term ‘Judaism’ to refer to an ethnic and cultural identity, not a religious one. They respect and honor the contributions of the religious faiths associated with Judaism, while recognizing that they do not share that faith. As with many aspects of Humanistic Judaism, individual congregations take different stances on religious labels and practices, with some adopting a decidedly secular approach and others maintaining more traditional religious customs.
Jewish Education
In addition to their own prayer books, rituals and holidays, Humanistic Jews also engage in Jewish education. Humanistic Jewish education focuses on teaching a respect and appreciation of the culture and history of the Jewish people. It endeavors to provide children with the skills and knowledge to examine their own identity and society from a humanistic perspective and to develop a strong sense of empathy and an understanding of the diversity of the Jewish experience. Humanistic Jewish education is about providing a safe and inclusive environment in which children can explore their Jewish roots and think critically about the world around them.
Influence on Society
Humanistic Judaism has had a profound impact on the way people think about Judaism, both within the Jewish community and beyond it. It has provided a way for Jews to celebrate their religious and cultural heritage in a way that is compatible with the secular values of modern society. Furthermore, Humanistic Judaism has opened up a dialogue between Jews and non-Jews, challenging people to think in new ways about ethnicity and culture.
A Conservative Movement
With its focus on humanistic values and its embrace of secularism, Humanistic Judaism is often seen as a progressive movement. However, the movement is actually quite conservative in its emphasis on traditional textual sources and the continuity of Jews throughout the ages. By recognizing and honoring the past, Humanistic Jews ensure that their faith can continue to evolve in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Modern Culture
The world has changed dramatically since the founding of Humanistic Judaism and today, Humanistic Jews have many opportunities to celebrate a contemporary form of Judaism that is relevant and meaningful. Technology, multi-culturalism and globalism have all played a part in creating a diverse and vibrant Jewish experience, and Humanistic Jews are actively engaging with and contributing to this ever-changing milieu.
Jewish Identity
Humanistic Jews seek to explore, express and celebrate their Jewish identity without being bound by religious dogma or outdated worldviews. They view Jewish identity as a living, breathing thing, rooted in the values of past generations but adapted for the present. This evolutionary approach allows Humanistic Jews to embrace the world around them, challenge entrenched assumptions, and cultivate a vibrant and unique form of Judaism that is firmly rooted in the modern world.
Engagement with Music
For Humanist Jews, music is more than just entertainment – it is a valued source of spiritual connectedness and celebration. Humanistic Jews use music to deepen their understanding of Jewish culture, explore their emotions and spirituality, and connect with the wider Jewish community. Music is also a powerful tool for connecting with non-Jews and communicating the values of Humanistic Judaism to a broader audience.
Personal Expression
Humanistic Jews are encouraged to explore their own creative potential and to find personal ways to express their individual beliefs. Whether through their practice of the traditional holidays, their engagement with music, or their enjoyment of art and culture, Humanistic Jews can use their individual talents to foster a deep personal connection to the Jewish people and their traditions.
Contemporary Rituals
Humanistic Jews have created a range of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to be meaningful and purposeful in the modern world. Whether it is celebrating a marriage, naming a baby, or commemorating a death, Humanistic Jews have developed their own rituals to help people to connect to their traditions and create a sense of community. Furthermore, Humanistic Jews use ritual to challenge traditional gender roles and focus on the importance of personal autonomy.
Inclusion
A major tenet of Humanistic Judaism is the fundamental belief in human rights and social justice. As such, Humanistic Jews strive to create an inclusive and pluralistic environment where all people are welcome, respected and celebrated for their unique identities. By championing plurality and diversity, Humanistic Jews are challenging ingrained prejudices and embracing a multicultural vision of the world.
Conclusion
Humanistic Judaism is dedicated to helping Jews and non-Jews alike to explore, embrace and celebrate the Jewish experience in a modern, secular and humanistic context. By exploring their own creative potential, and engaging with spiritual practices that are meaningful to them, Humanistic Jews are creating a vibrant form of Judaism that is firmly rooted in the present.
