"Being Abba": A Civilization Text Study on Fatherhood
In this text study, Rabbi James Greene examines the evolution of Jewish ideas of fatherhood over time, with an eye toward contemporary responsibilities of Jewish fathering.
Posted on November 30, 2016 by
Rabbi
James Greene
Responding to antisemitism by growing community, deepening commitments and building coalitions
On Sunday Oct. 28, 2018 — one day after the deadliest day in American Jewish history — I mourned with members of Congregation Dor Hadash. The Pittsburgh Reconstructionist congregation met in the Tree of Life building and had lost one of its own, Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz (z”l). Another member, Dan Leger, clung to life. Virtually every member of the congregation had gathered in solidarity. People were understandably raw, numb and devastated. Yet, in their commitment to mutual support, I was reminded of the awesome power of Jewish community to cultivate resilience in the face of pain and threat, including violent antisemitism.
In these polarized times, discourse over how best to confront antisemitism has often been visceral and sometimes taken on hyperbolic tones. At Reconstructing Judaism, we believe there are several steps toward a vigorous and constructive fight against rising antisemitism.
Posted on October 28, 2021 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Jewish Values & The Ethical Now: Following in Rabbi David Teutsch’s Path
The Center for Jewish Ethics’ conference in March 2019 highlighted voices from across the Jewish world, yet the proceedings embodied the Reconstructionist approach to conversation. Presenters and attendees examined issues from many sides, exchanging perspectives with deep respect for one another and Jewish tradition.
Posted on April 2, 2019 by
Bryan Schwartzman
Jewish Ethics, #MeToo, and Crowd-Sourced Responsa
In 5778, the hashtags #TimesUp #MeToo #GamAni sparked a broad communal conversation about abuses of power on the part of individuals and institutions, within and beyond the Jewish community. The year brought revelations of misconduct among celebrities and government officials, and in Jewish schools, organizations, and synagogues. Now, powerful people who abuse their power are being held accountable, and this is a development that is welcome and long overdue. That doesn’t mean it is easy.
Posted on September 14, 2018 by
Rabbi
Mira Beth Wasserman
Ph.D.
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.
Posted on August 6, 2018 by
Seth Rosen
The Poor People’s Campaign, a National Call for Moral Revival
The RRA recently became a partner of the Poor People’s Campaign (PPC). In the last two weeks the PPC has coordinated rallies and acts of civil disobedience in over 30 state capitals, including the participation of over 15 RRA members.
Posted on July 2, 2018 by
Rabbi
Elyse Wechterman
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.
Posted on July 2, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Reconstructionist Communities Make Disability Inclusion a Top Priority
With a welcoming ethos and a drive to break down barriers, Reconstructionist congregations and havurot have been part of a revolution that’s taken place in the public awareness of the importance of disability inclusion and related services.
Posted on June 28, 2018 by
Bryan Schwartzman
News
