What is Humanistic Judaism?
What is this idea called Humanistic Judaism?
Humanistic Judaism or Secular Humanistic Judaism is one of the six major branches of Judaism, along with Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Jewish Renewal. Humanistic Judaism is human centered, and fundamentally stresses the ability of people to shape their own lives independent of a supernatural. Humanistic Judaism has developed a human-focused liturgy for holiday and life cycle celebrations that allows Humanistic Jews to say what we mean and mean what we say. Humanistic Judaism is celebrated in inclusive, welcoming communities.
There are underlying principles with which most Humanistic Jews identify:
- the use of reason and scientific inquiry for the pursuit of knowledge
- the importance of human needs and dignity for all people,
- respect for ourselves and others
- accountability for and acceptance of the consequences of our actions
- responsibility for the health of our planet
- universalism
- heavy dose of skepticism and innovation
Since Humanistic Judaism developed out of the evolving religion of Judaism, it is open to new ideas, beliefs and practices. Humanistic Judaism seeks to provide ideas and practices for modern Jews that have meaning and integrity and provide a foundation for future generations of Jews. Its followers identify themselves with a variety of names including Humanistic Jews, secular Jews, cultural Jews, philosophical Jews or “just Jewish.” Humanistic Jews come from all sides of the political, racial, ethnic and economic continuum.
Find Out More: Read “What are the Values of Humanistic Judaism" by Rabbi Adam Chalom.