What is Humanistic Judaism?
Humanistic Jews believe the source of power, ethics and creativity lie within human beings. The symbol of Humanistic Judaism combines a human being with the ceremonial Jewish menorah. As a branch of Judaism, Humanistic Judaism is a religion that combines Jewish worship, identity ritual and traditions independent of supernatural authority.
The Humanistic Judaism movement was founded in 1963 by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine (1928-2007) with the establishment of the Birmingham Temple in suburban Detroit. In 1969, leaders of three secular humanistic congregations (including the Birmingham Temple) founded the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Since then, it has grown to include congregations across the country. The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism was established in 1985 to train and ordain rabbis and other religious leaders.
The Humanistic Judaism movement was founded in 1963 by Rabbi Sherwin T. Wine (1928-2007) with the establishment of the Birmingham Temple in suburban Detroit. In 1969, leaders of three secular humanistic congregations (including the Birmingham Temple) founded the Society for Humanistic Judaism. Since then, it has grown to include congregations across the country. The International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism was established in 1985 to train and ordain rabbis and other religious leaders.
