The Society for Humanistic Judaism is a coalition of congregations, communities, havurot, and individuals, working together to create a welcoming home for Humanistic Jews - humanists, secularists, atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, and so many others. By coming together, we support each other and increase the power and strength of Humanistic Judaism's voice.

Our members share a philosophy, a commitment to celebrating Jewish culture and promoting humanistic values. Our identity as Humanistic Jews would not be complete if we focused only on the Jewish component. Our humanistic values also shape our Jewish identity. We strive to make our words and actions reflect our beliefs. It is often what distinguishes Humanistic Judaism from the other branches of Judaism. It is why we choose to be Humanistic Jews. And it is often these values that lead us to adopt positions on issues of importance in the modern world.

As members told us in response to our membership survey several years ago, our philosophy, increased visibility, and speaking out on ethical issues are the most important reasons they joined SHJ and our affiliated communities. We can increase the visibility of Humanistic Judaism by providing a voice on issues that relate to our values, especially when other organizations (both Jewish and secular) are speaking up. If we want to be recognized as a legitimate fifth branch of Judaism, we need to have a seat at the table, we need to speak out. When SHJ joins an amicus brief in a court case, when we issue a statement, sign a letter, or publish a press release, SHJ is our voice on the issues of today.

SHJ has specific guidelines that define the issues on which we choose to speak out; the issues that promote our core ethical values. We advocate for evidence-based policy solutions that promote the ethical values of freedom, dignity, and self-esteem for every human being. And our resolutions must relate to at least one of the following criteria: separation of church and state; Jewish identity/culture; or a position with which an overwhelming majority of SHJ members are likely to agree.

These guidelines, adopted by the SHJ Board of Directors, enable us to express our views on important issues that affect us, to speak up for what we believe, to become known to others who share our viewpoint, and to add our Humanistic Jewish voice to their efforts, especially those related to the separation of church and state. So, SHJ joins coalitions, signs on to amicus briefs, signs letters, and issues press releases about these activities, activities which are often initiated by our coalition partners. With each action, SHJ and Humanistic Judaism become a bit more visible and better known to our natural allies within both the Jewish and secular communities. And new people learn the joys of joining Humanistic Jewish communities.