Understanding Secular Judaism
Secular Judaism is a movement that seeks to be fully informed by the religious vision of Judaism but without committed religious observance. It is informed by the values, literature and history of Judaism, but also allows its individual adherents to form their own moral views, independent of Jewish law. This tendency of a more relaxed approach to Judaism first emerged as early as the 19th century as part of the broader trend of secularization within Europe.
In the United States and Canada, the Reform and Reconstructionist denominations are both branches of Secular Judaism, although they differ in the degree to which they deem religion important. Although the decline of more traditional forms of Judaism is often cited as a factor in the growth of secular Jewish identities, the movement has also taken an intellectual lead from thinkers such as Mordecai Kaplan, whose ideas of Jewishness being informed by intellectual, moral and cultural commitments first began to be popularized through his journal, The Reconstructionist, in 1934. Today, Secular Judaism is an increasingly vibrant, if not dominant, form of Jewish identity, as well as a strong presence in both the political and intellectual spheres.
While there is no single definition of Secular Judaism, its adherents typically emphasize the retention and promotion of Jewish values, individual freedom and the celebration of Jewish culture, while avoiding many traditional religious observances. The range of Jewish observance among Secular Jews is wide and may include lectures, book clubs and other traditional Jewish practices, albeit without religious language. This can be seen as a form of de-spiritualized Judaism, and thus Secular Judaism opens possibilities for the exploration of Jewish culture and history, without involving a sense of religiosity or of being bound by traditional religious norms.
Secular Jews may or may not identify with the practice and beliefs of traditional forms of Judaism. As a result, there are multiple versions of Secular Judaism, and this can be seen in the different branches of organized Secular Jewish life, from the more traditional Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism to more radical forms such as Humanistic Judaism and Ethical Culture. In each branch, the emphasis is on Jewish culture, values and history, rather than religious observance.
Secular Jews argue that their movement emphasizes the importance of community and of Jewish identity, but that traditional religious beliefs and practices are not necessary. This can involve negotiations between religious and secular views, particularly in regard to questions of Jewish education and identity. Yet, in recent years, many Secular Jews have sought to create their own distinct communities, with Secular Jews often forming their own synagogues and other organizations dedicated to the celebration of Secular Judaism.
Although there are many areas of disagreement, Secular Jews tend to share a common focus on learning, on the importance of Jewish values, and on directly engaging with Jewish culture and literature. In this way, secular Judaism has become a complex religious and cultural movement that seeks to challenge and define Jewish identity in a modern, diverse world.
Divisions within Secular Judaism
The divisions within Secular Judaism are often based on differences in how adherents conceive of the relationship between personal beliefs and the religious observances of traditional Judaism. On one end of the spectrum, there are those who argue for a complete transformation of traditional observances, while on the other, there are those who opt for more of a fusion approach, seeking to combine various elements of both traditional and modern Jewish life. While there is significant variation between Secular Jews in terms of their practice and views, it is clear that a large part of the movement is drawn to a more intellectual approach to Jewish identity.
Secular Judaism also has a significant presence in both the political and intellectual spheres, with many figures in academic study and public life proudly embracing their Secular Jewish identities. Part of this has been the development of numerous forms of scholarship dedicated to studying and understanding Jewish culture from a secular perspective, with a focus on the role of philosophy, culture and history in defining contemporary forms of Judaism.
Secular Jews are also increasingly engaged with the broader debates about Jewish identity, with a strong emphasis on the importance of both traditional practices and modern values. In recent years, this has included debates over issues such as the balance between religion, culture and modernity, as well as efforts to challenge the authority of traditional Jewish leadership from within the Jewish community.
Finally, while the term “Secular Judaism” is often associated with traditional Reform and Reconstructionist denominations, it is important to emphasize that Secular Judaism is itself diverse in terms of the range of beliefs and practices comprising it. As such, it is simply not possible to define Secular Judaism by a single set of beliefs or practices.
Secular Jews and Jewish Pluralism
Secular Jews have a long and complicated relationship with the concept of ‘Jewish pluralism.’ Multiculturalism, or the ‘belief of appreciation for the diverse cultures which exist within a society,’ is at the heart of many Secular Jews’ personal and professional lives. Additionally, there is increasing acceptance of diversity within the Jewish community and of the ‘pluralistic’ approach to Jewish values and practices. This has been particularly evident in the growing acceptance of positions focused on open dialogue and tolerance, such as the concept of ‘Open Orthodoxy.’
In addition to this, many Secular Jews have advocated for the recognition of minority religions, including Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist forms of Judaism, as well as non-Jewish groups. In the United States, the ‘pluralism’ movement has been instrumental in establishing a more comprehensive religious landscape in which various forms of traditional diversity are respected and celebrated. Some Secular Jews have also pushed for more formalized structures of inter-faith dialogue, in order to expand the boundaries of Jewishness and explore different religious interpretations.
Ultimately, the purpose of Jewish pluralism is to promote a more harmonious and inclusive community, by allowing for the recognition and celebration of different forms of practice, belief and identity. This is particularly important for Secular Jews, whose beliefs and practices may be seen as a challenge to more traditional forms of Jewish identity and practice.
Secular Jewish pluralism can be seen as an acceptance of diversity within the Jewish community, embracing a more tolerant approach toward a range of different forms of Jewish practice and belief. The concept of Jewish pluralism has helped to ensure that Secular Jews have a place in the broader Jewish community, while at the same time, maintaining their distinct identity.
Secular Judaism and the Challenge of Acknowledging Non-Jewish Identities
One of the greatest challenges for Secular Judaism is the concept of non-Jewish identity. Historically, Secular Jews have seen themselves as outsiders within the Jewish community; as individuals whose relationship with religion and traditional Jewish practice is more complex and often less defined than those of their more traditionally observant counterparts.
Today, many Secular Jews identify with non-Jewish cultures and communities in addition to their own, and view this as a vital part of their personal identity. This has led to a challenge for Secular Jewish communities, as the idea of non-Jewish identity is still viewed with suspicion by many more traditional Jewish communities and organizations. This challenge is further compounded by the fact that many of these communities often reject any recognition of non-Jewish identities, as this could be perceived to weaken the unity of the broader Jewish community.
The issue of non-Jewish identity has significant implications for Secular Jews, as many will likely never fit into traditional forms of Jewish observance. As such, it is important that Secular Jews are able to find a place where they can identify with their Jewish heritage while also being free to explore and engage in non-Jewish traditions and practices. This could be done by celebrating the diversity of Jewish identities, as well as by embracing non-Jewish religious expressions, including forms of inter-faith dialogue.
Ultimately, the challenge posed by non-Jewish identity is an important one for Secular Judaism, and one which will likely remain in focus for the foreseeable future. It is a challenge which will require both a willingness to embrace diversity amongst Jews, as well as a willingness to engage with non-Jewish identities in meaningful and constructive ways.
The Future of Secular Judaism
Secular Judaism is a complex and ever-changing movement. While there is no single definition of what constitutes Secular Judaism, it is clear that the movement is growing in strength throughout the world, and that many Jews are embracing a less traditional, yet still deeply meaningful, approach to their Jewish identity.
In an increasingly pluralistic world, Secular Judaism is an important voice in defending and celebrating the diversity of Jewish identity. The future of Secular Judaism will no doubt involve a deepening engagement with Jewish culture and history, as well as a further exploration of inter-faith dialogue and understanding. As such, the future of Secular Judaism is full of potential, and is an exciting and important development in the history of Jewish thought.
