Blessings and Burdens

I didn’t want to do CPE. I was afraid of it,” said Shira Singelenberg, a fifth-year student. “But I don’t know what my rabbinate would look like now if I hadn’t done it. I really loved my experience. It was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It is one of the biggest pieces of my rabbinic formation.”

More than 600 people gathered for a packed, Dec. 15 virtual convening exploring “the depth and breadth of Reconstructionist engagement with Israel.” During a time of fractious debate and incivility, the convening modeled “covenantal community,” a Reconstructionist approach to conversation, deep listening and prioritizing relationships — especially in discussion about this most emotional and contentious of issues.

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, RRC ‘90, was named to BBC’s list of the world’s 100 most influential women. The recently retired spiritual leader of New York’s LGBTQ-oriented synagogue, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), was one of seven American women on the list.