Secularization

Secular Judaism arose out of the Haskalah (circa 18th century), or Jewish Enlightenment, which was itself driven by the values of the European Enlightenment. During this period, Jews were encouraged to study secular subjects (e.g. languages, arts, science). Jews tried to assimilate into secular European society. Secularism could later be attributed to Zionism, which sought to found a Jewish homeland in Israel.

Secular Judaism is based on three ideas. DG
 * 1) The most important of these is the survival and continuity of the Jewish people. Secular Jews are an integral part of the Jewish people and identify with its history and culture.
 * 2) The second central idea is that humans are responsible for what happens on earth, beyond that which is controlled by natural forces over which humankind (so far) has no control. They believe that the secular ideals of the Hebrew prophets — a world of sufficiency for all, with peace and justice — will not occur without human action.
 * 3) The third central idea is that life is the most important focus of human activity and ideals. Very much part of mainstream Jewish thought is the concept that actions speak louder than words.