What do Humanistic Jews Believe? 

Humanistic Jews affirm that we have the power and responsibility to shape our lives independent of supernatural authority. We value the aspects of Judaism that offer meaningful connections to our people’s past while expressing our convictions and contemporary way of life. We believe that Humanistic Judaism is a viable, rewarding option within Judaism.

As members of the Humanistic Jewish Congregation we . . .

Affirm our identity as members of the Jewish People and draw strength from our history, culture and achievements, which we believe are the products of human decisions and actions

Bond to the Jewish People through humanistic celebrations of holidays and life-cycle events, creating and using non-theistic Jewish rituals celebrating the ethical core of Judaism

Affirm the value of study and discussion of Jewish and universal human issues relying on reason, observation and creative expression

Seek solutions to human conflicts reflecting the freedom, dignity and worth of every human being

Believe that it is human beings who have the capacity and the responsibility to solve human problems and commit ourselves to actively seeking such solutions with science, personal autonomy, and Jewish loyalty

Pledge ourselves to pass on these values to present and future generations by education and by our example

What are some of our other basic ideas?

Judaism is the evolving culture and civilization of the Jewish People. A Jew is someone born to a Jewish parent OR who identifies with the history, culture and future of the Jewish people.

Jewish culture and civilization are the developing creations of the Jewish people over many centuries. As in past generations, we adapt tradition to keep it meaningful and consistent with our philosophy.

The Torah is the creation of people. It is an important repository of Jewish culture and history which deserves respect and study. The Torah plus Jewish experience is the basis for Jewish behavior and ethics.

Holidays and ceremonies are celebrated to commemorate our history, reinforce our unity and articulate our values.

Secular spirituality is the experience of discovering the power within human beings. Nature, family and community are all sources of spirituality.

We welcome multi-cultural families and offer intercultural marriage ceremonies. We recognize and treasure unique Jewish experience and culture, while seeing ourselves as part of the greater human family.

Ethics should serve human needs. Morality is the consequence of a person’s actions. Individuals should take an active role in working for the freedom and dignity of all people and preservation of the environment through social activism and social action.

We actively support the existence of the State of Israel. We encourage an open dialogue about the reasons for and solutions to the Palestinian and Jewish conflict.