The Ceremony of Release is the ceremony for when people leave the Community in this novel. This is accepted as a normal part of life for the citizens of the community, and people can ask to be released to leave the community. However, it is only in Chapter 19 that Jonas realises the true significance of being "released" when the Receiver allows him to watch the release of the smaller twin by Jonas' father.

Jonas is shocked to see that his father injects the baby in the forehead with a substance, which then kills the baby. He then places the body in a small carton, places the lid on top, and puts the carton in a chute where trash goes.