Humanistic celebrations dramatize the accomplishments of people and the importance of the community and the natural phenomena that exist to support it. Humanistic Jews observe Jewish holidays and life cycles, drawing on the full spectrum of Jewish tradition and culture to create meaningful ceremonies that enrich our lives today and connect us to our history and our future as one people. WINE Wine is as familiar in Jewish ceremonies as are candles. Since the beginning of the rabbinic period, the blessing of wine has been a part of the celebration of Shabbat and of every major festival except Yom Kippur. Weddings and birth ceremonies feature wine.
Wine is the fruit of the vine, the symbol of the earth's bounty.
It is symbolic of prosperity and joy, an affirmation of life. Rather than praising divine power, the humanistic blessing of wine is a blessing of peace, an acknowledgment of the accomplishments of human beings. Fire has a very deep, positive, evolutionary meaning for human beings. The discovery and use of fire was the first step in human power and civilization. Even today, people are attracted to hearths and fireplaces, though they do not need them.