The TEL (Teens: Experience and Learning) post-b’nai mitzvah program focuses on the values of spiritual peoplehood that form the cornerstones of Reconstructionist Jewish education. Each curriculum focuses on a different value. Derekh Eretz is a Hebrew expression broadly meaning “treatment of others.”
This lesson, for use with Siddur Kol Ha’Noar, helps acquaint children and adults with the idea and practice of Shabbat.
The upbeat, jazzy Israeli song Shabbat Ba’boker is a Shabbat song with no reference to ritual or practice. But in a way that only an Israeli song can express, it communicates a deep sense of how joyous the Sabbath can be.
Yom Kippur is probably the most challenging holiday to explain meaningfully on a child’s level. Rabbi Devorah Bartnoff, z”l, offers goals and techniques for teaching and experiencing Yom Kippur.
Currently we are partners with the groups described herein.
For centuries, giving to tzedakah has been a traditional way to mark Jewish holidays. But all holidays are not created equal. In this resource, we offer connections between the theme of each holiday or season, and some possible giving opportunities that correspond with it.
The current unequal concentration of wealth in the United States creates political, social and economic consequences throughout North America. Our Tikkun Olam commission’s current focus is on this issue.
Our Tikkun Olam Commission developed a set of criteria to guide its social justice recommendations for the movement. Every couple of years, the Commission will advise that the Reconstructionist movement concentrate on a new issue which, on balance, best meets these criteria. Here’s how the wealth gap meets the criteria we’ve set for a movement-wide focus.
Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement
Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis
Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues
Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives
