Learn how the Momentum Campaign is reconstructing Judaism → 
Home » Articles » Interactive Workshop: Thriving Communities, Complicated Times: leading through highs, lows, and everything in between

Interactive Workshop: Thriving Communities, Complicated Times: leading through highs, lows, and everything in between

Back to event home page
Smiling man with short dark hair in a collared shirt and sweater, outdoors.
with Justin Rosen Smolen
A person with a kippah, smiling warmly, wearing a necklace and a burgundy top.
with Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein
Smiling person with curly hair against a purple background.
with Rabbi Rachel Weiss

Rabbi Ruhi Sophie Motzkin Rubenstein (TBI, Eugene, Ore.) and Rabbi Rachel Weiss (JRC, Evanston, Ill.) recount how their communities responded to the horrors of Oct. 7 and wrestled with the war that followed. They delve into the challenges and opportunities of remaining in community across profound differences.  Justin Rosen Smolen, Reconstructing Judaism’s Vice President for Thriving Communities and Partnerships, moderated. 

Captions are available by clicking the "cc" on the bottom right of the video.

Click here to explore more workshops from Reconstructing Judaism’s event, “All of the People Israel are Responsible for One Another: Reconstructionist Values That Shape Our Relationships with Israelis and Palestinians.” 

Get the latest from Reconstructing Judaism delivered to your inbox.

Related Resources

An important announcement from Rabbi Deborah Waxman

Posted in

With humility and profound gratitude to the Omnipresent, my family and friends, and the extended Reconstructionist community, I am writing to share the news that I will step down as president and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism when my current contract wraps up on August 31, 2026. I am committed to continuing to lead the Reconstructionist […]

Broad Coalition of Mainstream Jewish Organizations Release Statement Rejecting False Choice Between Jewish Safety & Democracy

Posted in

Today, a coalition of ten organizations representing a broad swath of mainstream American Jewry – including three of the four denominations – issued a joint statement rejecting the false choice between confronting antisemitism and upholding democracy. The organizations, which were brought together by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and include the Religious Action Center […]

Celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility: Jewish Resources for Allyship and Action

Posted in

Jewish communities are embracing meaningful ways to support transgender rights and foster inclusive spaces. Below, you’ll find resources and actions to honor Transgender Day of Visibility through a Jewish lens.

The Reconstructionist Network

A blank white square with no visible content.

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

A blank white image with no visible content.

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

A solid white square with no visible features or details.

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

A blank white image.

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Read & Rite

One-stop shop for progressive Jewish books and ritual objects

Havaya Summer Programs

Overnight summer camp and teen Israel experience

Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association

Professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis

Placement Office

Placement resources for rabbis and congregations

Reconstructionist Educators of North America

Professional group for people leading schools in Reconstructionist congregations

The Reconstructionist Network

Ritualwell logo
Evolve logo
A blank white square with no visible content.

Read & Rite

One-stop shop for progressive Jewish books and ritual objects

Placement Office

Placement resources for rabbis and congregations

Havaya Summer Programs

Overnight summer camp and teen Israel experience

Reconstructionist Educators of North America

Professional group for people leading schools in Reconstructionist congregations

Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association

Professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis