Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 22:19:44 -0700 (PDT) From: "M. Michael/Jane Goldhamer" To: Humanistic Judaism cc: goldhamr@teleport.com Subject: An adoption ceremony (Kabbalat Panim) Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII KABBALAT PANIM (adapted from a ceremony done by Or Adam, Phoenix) Reader: On this occasion we are adopting, as a community, one who wishes to become part of us. **** stands before us to adopt the name Yamir ben Avraham--Yamir meaning "to change." **** and (wife and children's names) will be leaving Portland soon. **** and (wife) have been active in HJGP almost from its beginning, and **** wanted to take the opportunity before they leave, to affirm himself as a Humanistic Jew. But what is a Jew? And more specifically, what is a Humanistic Jew? All: As Humanistic Jews, we affirm that: A Jew is someone who identifies with the history, culture, struggles, triumphs and future of the Jewish people; Judaism is the historic culture of the Jewish people; We have the power and responsibility to shape our own lives independent of supernatural authority. Reader: In the past, our identities were fixed, our names set, our professions assigned. We knew who we were because we were told who we could be. All: But the past is past. The rigid identities of the ghetto have fallen before the pluralism of the city. We live amid the rush of alternatives, the crush of choices, and the hazards and joys of deciding for ourselves just who we shall be. ****: Choosing to become a Jew is choosing to stand with a people through their knowledge, history and culture, through the horror of inhumanity as well as human triumph. To build upon one's past by affirming a new identity and future. To join with my family in our expression of Humanistic Judaism. Reader: No ethnic group shall be a fortress anymore, with forbidding walls to scale. Humanistic Judaism has an open door, and eagerness to share our traditions and values with those who seek to participate in our community. All: We believe that: Jewish identity is primarily a cultural and ethnic identity. Belief systems are too diverse among Jews to serve as criteria for membership. Joining the Jewish community is a process of cultural identification. A person who seeks to embrace Jewish identity should be encouraged to do so. Reader (to ****): The culture, traditions and history of the Jewish people, growing and changing over thousands of years, provide an inheritance of pleasures, pains and duties, actual and potential, of joining in this inheritance. ****: Yes, I have considered this, and I am willing to accept it. All: Do you affirm, in all honesty, and with a solemn heart, that you have considered how, as a Humanistic Jew, you will assume ethical responsibilities for both Jews and non-Jews in your community and the world? ****: Yes, I have considered this and am willing to accept it. All: Do you affirm, in all honesty, and with a solemn heart, that you have considered how prejudice and hate may, even today, be directed at you simply because you are a Jew? ****: Yes, I have considered this and am willing to accept it. And what does my family have to say? (wife) and children: We affirm and honor your choice to join with us as we seek to identify with the Jewish people as Humanistic Jews. Children: We know that you gave away the tree and lights and promised never to complain. Reader:' **** has prepared a statement about what it means to him to be a Humanistic Jew and how he came to identify with us. ****: (statement) (wife) and **** (light candle): This candle represents our future, that which is yet to be. We light this candle with the hope that we may add to the Jewish future through our commitment and dedication, wherever our lives shall take us. All: Humanistic Judaism is the set of principles and beliefs by which we seek to guide our lives. It is the set of ideas and ideals which we seek to transmit to our children. It is the combination of hopes and aspirations which defines the future we seek. Reader: Wine is our symbol of joy. We drink it on happy occasions--the birth of a child, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah, the wedding, and other important events. We share this wine now to celebrate and welcome one who has chosen to become a Humanistic Jew. (Reader and **** sip wine from Kiddush cup) All: Ash-rey-nu be-ru-sha-tey-nu sh'mas-ra la-nu Kos pree ha-ga-fen k'seh-mel Oo l'sim-kha-ley-nu We rejoice in our heritage which has given us the cup of wine as the symbol of our happiness. Mazel tov and ahava, Yamir ben Avraham! (This ceremony was a part of a Shabbat service. We concluded the ceremony with the song, L'khee Lakh and ended with our Kaddish and some closing songs.) Jane Goldhamer, Humanistic Jews of Greater Portland, OR goldhamr@teleport.com **** Beaverton, Oregon USA