Humanistic Jews see Rosh Hashanah as a time for renewal, reflection and new beginnings. Our focus is on the affirmation of human power and human dignity. Rosh Hashana is a time to consider the possibilities for change, improvement, and happiness that we can create for ourselves as human beings. Acknowledging human courage and independence, we can achieve human dignity.

For more information about Humanistic Rosh Hashanah, see our Celebrations page.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, occurring on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah. Though it is traditionally a day of fasting and prayer at the synagogue, for  Humanistic Jews, Yom Kippur is the culmination of the introspection begun on Rosh Hashanah.

The holiday offers the opportunity to ask forgiveness from ourselves and those we have wronged, and to vow to be active, involved, caring people in the coming year. It is also a time for remembrance.  Some Humanistic Jews fast, some do not. Those who choose to fast may do so to connect with the Jewish community or to raise consciousness about world hunger.

Tashlikh marks looking back at the year just completed and forward to the year just beginning. Jews celebrate several “new years,” namely Passover, marking the new year of being free, and Tu B’Shevat, marking the birthday of the trees. Tashlikh enables us to take stock of what is past and to look forward to the potential for growth in the new year.

The setting beside a beautiful small stream, lake or pond is an ideal location for getting to know other members of our congregation. Children can play on a nearby lawn. Bring a picnic and stay a while. Some excerpts from a Humanistic Tashlich observance are reproduced on our Celebrations page.

Wishing everyone health and happiness in the year to come!