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HUMANISTIC AFFIRMATIONS

  1. A Jew is someone who identifies with the history, culture, struggles and triumphs of the Jewish people.
    2. This definition includes all people who want to be Jewish without requiring that they be born of a Jewish mother or father or they they convert to Judaism in any formal way. It is self-definition. It recognizes that our belief that people have the power to shape their lives.
  2. Our Jewish identity should be preserved.
    3. We share this idea with other Jews and we believe that our Humanistic ideas are strong and enduring enough to be passed from generation to generation.
  3. A pluralistic Jewish community will ensure the survival of the Jewish people.
    4. We believe that our approach to Jewish identity will attract Jews who do not wish to join a temple but who wish to be a part of Jewish community life. We respect all Jewish denominations and feel that each adds to our identity and survival.
  4. Judaism is the historic culture of the Jewish people.
    5. Judaism by our definition comprises all aspects of Jewish life. Many Jews define Judaism as the religion of the Jewish people. We change that definition to include the cultural and historical experience of the Jewish people.
  5. Jewish culture is the creation of the Jewish people
    6. This statement affirms that Judaism, including the religion, was created by people and not revealed. We affirm that people were responsible for the development of Judaism.
  6. Jewish History is one of the great sagas of human history.
    7. We have a unique approach to Jewish history. We acknowledge that it is part of all human history and we recognize the Hebrew Bible as a human document and see the development of Jewish history in the context of ancient Near East History.
  7. One of our most important affirmations; We have the power and responsibility to shape our own lives independent of supernatural authority.
    8. Unlike Traditional Judaism we do not accept that God and the Halaka determine the way Jews should lead their lives. It is important to point out this statement makes no claims on whether or not God exists...only that we expect to live our lives without dependence on any supernatural presence.
  8. Our beliefs are expressed in our behavior.
    9. We look at the behavior of ourselves and others to determine our values. Each person's message is transmitted through the way in which he or she behaves.
  9. Ethics and morality should serve human needs.
    10. There is no authority that dictates our morality. We, as Humanistic Jews, use the value of human dignity as the standard to determine the basis of our ethics. We decide on our behavior based on the consequences of our actions to ourselves and society.
  10. The freedom and dignity of the Jewish people must go hand in hand with the freedom and dignity of every human being.
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