Machar: the Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism

Machar Was Founded on These Basic Principles: 

• We take pride in our identity as Jews and in the history and achievements of the Jewish people. We see Jewish history, like all history, as a purely human and natural phenomenon.

• We find spiritual satisfaction in secular celebrations of Jewish holidays, study and discussion of Jewish and broader human issues, and action for social justice.
• We believe that people determine the conduct of their own lives, and must take full responsibility for their behavior.
• We believe that only people can solve human problems. We do not use worshipful or prayer-like language or invoke the name of any deity or supernatural force in our rituals or services.
• In resolving ethical dilemmas, whether personal or social, we seek solutions that respect the dignity and self-esteem of every human being.