Shabbat Gathering: Jews who don't believe in G!d.

Brian D. Johnson - 13 Jun 2025

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

Did you know that there’s a branch of Judaism that doesn’t believe in G!d? Humanistic Jews, founded around 1963, has it’s own liturgy and theology that doesn’t include G!d but does embrace the culture and history of being Jewish. There are such things as Humanistic Judaism b’nei mitzvot, weddings, funerals, …all the lifecycle events. And there’s a Humanist Haggadah, High Holy Day Makzor, and more.

I’m a simple person and think that religion is something about believing in G!d, but I also think that this is a personal topic not for casual conversation. Also, I’m deeply American so there’s something fundamental about people practicing the religion of their choice (or not) that is fundamental to me.

I’m very hesitant to write too broadly about things like a Jewish denomination such as Humanistic Judaism as I suspect that everyone affiliated with it probably has a different interpretation and practice. Just like the rest of us.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

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