More on Jewish Peoplehood
From Despair to Action
Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the ways in which Reconstructing Judaism is strengthening the ways in which we support and connect Jewish communities traumatized by the recent surge in antisemitic attacks.
The First-Ever Reconstructionist Beit Din in Europe
Rabbi Maurice Harris shares the moving story of welcoming new Jews through conversion —on a Reconstructionist beit din in the Netherlands.
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!
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.
Reclaiming Judaism After Centuries Underground
The small Italian village of Serrastretta has a hidden past: among its population are many families of anusim, hidden Jews whose ancestors were forced to convert to Catholicism during the Inquisition. Now, many locals are exploring their roots, thanks to new Reconstructionist affiliate Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud.
Why Belong?
Why belong to the Jewish people? Why belong to a synagogue? Why belong to the Reconstructionist movement? These are some of the most important questions that I am asked and that I, along with all of us at Reconstructing Judaism, strive to answer powerfully and convincingly.
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Further resources on embracing the stranger within.
A Stranger in Two Communities: Second-Generation American and Jewish Convert
The lines of “inside” and “outside” are not always clear, as a second-generation American and Jewish convert attests.
Educating Future Jews: Jewish-Americans or American Jews?
Should children receiving conflicting, non-Jewish, religious education be allowed to enroll in a synagogue school? This question is at core about the differences between how the individual is seen by the community, his status, and how the individual sees herself, her identity
Ruth, The First Convert: A Model of Welcome
The story of Ruth, read on Shavuot, provides a powerful model for welcoming newcomers to the Jewish people.
The Life of Reconstructionist Educators in the Digital Age
This short article reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology in Reconstructionist education.
Exploration of God Beliefs: A Teen Program
This pilot program for Jewish teen education provides several activities for exploring and sharing beliefs about God.
A Child's Biography of Mordecai Kaplan
This short biography of Mordecai Kaplan is written for children from 5th to 9th grade.
Kaplanian Report Card: An Evaluation Tool for Jewish Education
This evaluation tool provides a rubric for assessing the contemporary state of Jewish education
