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.
More than 55 prominentJewish organizations across the United States sent a letter to lawmakers opposing the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act” (H.R. 9495).
In this role, Justin Rosen Smolen oversees Reconstructing Judaism’s initiatives supporting nearly 100 congregations worldwide. His team of eight staff members performs a wide scope of work. Among its essential activities, the Thriving Communities Department helps congregations navigate challenges; consults on rabbinic search and transition processes; leads on issues related to Israel, justice and inclusion; and spearheads Reconstructing Judaism’s conventions and other gatherings.
Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi, Ph.D., will teach on “Reading Torah as Family Stories” as part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning.
How did we get here? Our nation is so divided, and a majority appears to have chosen the politics of grievance and of anger, anchored in “othering” millions – including many of us, and many of our neighbors. A tremendous number of Americans fear the loss of our democratic norms; the abrogation of our own rights as well as the rights of others; a rejection of our determination to dismantle systemic racism and to combat antisemitism; and an abandonment of rational, fact-based decision-making, let alone basic civility. We are anxious about the fates of people and nations around the world.
Reconstructing Judaism and The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to this letter with 30+ other Jewish organizations urging Congress to pass comprehensive recovery package for those in need. Read the full letter here.
On hearing the news of Iran’s attack on Israel as we approach Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Maurice Harris wrote the following prayer.
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
