Resources on Reconstructionism
Let's Journey Together
In an essay that appeared in Philadelphia’s Jewish Exponent, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., makes the case that Reconstructionist Judaism matters now more than ever.
God in Metaphor: A Guide for the Perplexed
Rabbi Toba Spitzer explores the obstacles to prayer posed by stale language about God, and suggests new language that may ease our way in finding connection.
New Book Sparks Conversation Between Torah, Kaplan and Real Life
A Year With Mordecai Kaplan: Wisdom on the Weekly Torah Portion by Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D. is a deeply rooted and boldly relevant Torah commentary. For each week’s reading, Rabbi Reuben weaves together traditional commentary, a nugget of Mordecai Kaplan’s thought, and a vivid personal insight that illuminates the connection between the two. This powerful and accessible work invites us to engage with Torah, Kaplan and contemporary human experience in ways that are nourishing, optimistic and inspiring.
Session 5: Questions and Answers
Audience questions and answers at Reconstructing Jewish Communities panel
Session 4: The Need to Wrestle with Difficult Issues
Rabbi Shira Stutman on Reconstructing Jewish Communities panel
Session 3: The Need to Reconstruct Judaism Itself
Rabbi Michael Strassfeld on Reconstructing Jewish Communities panel
Session 2: Redeveloping Congregational Identity So That Being Part Of The Congregation Makes Meaning
Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann on Reconstructing Jewish Communities panel
Session 1: The Need for Progressive Jewish Communities to Reconstruct Themselves in This Era
Rabbi Sid Schwarz introducing Reconstructing Jewish Communities panel
What Does a Thriving Synagogue Look Like?
Synagogues are a means, not an end in themselves. But thriving synagogues contribute to Judaism’s goal: to create healthy individuals, thriving communities, flourishing Jewish life, interconnected human life and a sustainable planet.
Reconstructing Pluralism through Conversation
Pluralism is dead. Long live pluralism.
In Praise of Movements
Two November events loom as I write this column: the mid-term elections on November 6, and the first Reconstructionist movement-wide convention in a decade, a week later. The first admittedly will have far more impact on the world than the latter, but they are linked in my mind for one important reason: movements matter.
Evolve: Sowing the Seeds of Constructive Evolution
Reconstructing Judaism has just rolled out Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations with the intention of hosting difficult, groundbreaking conversations that are nevertheless mutually respectful and supportive. We invite you to visit Evolve and to join the conversations!
The Founding of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
A history of the beginnings of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
Gathering Together
As we continue to develop new ways to build community across time and distance, we must also continue to find ways to “be there” for one another.
Drawing Comfort from Community
Belonging connects us to something larger than our own individual experience. I belong to the Jewish people because claiming this connection enters me into a millennia-old conversation and joins me into community both vertical—all those who came before me and all those who follow—and horizontal—the Jews of today, in all our diversity.
