So much about this time continues to be heart-breaking and soul-rending. Here in the United States, far removed from the front lines, one of the things that has been most painful for Rabbi Isaac Saposnik over these last few weeks has been the animus with which members of our Havaya family are engaging with one another – primarily on social media.
Rabbi Deborah Waxman explores the stories of Genesis, as well as contemporary thought, in a search for “wellsprings of empathy.” This teaching points toward means of resilience in the extreme uncertainty of the present.
Rabbi Joshua Boettiger is the kind of religious leader — and the kind of writer — who sees connections in seemingly disparate things, such as the calling of the rabbinate and the art of writing poetry. Boettiger, RRC ’16, will share many such connections as part of “Mussar Poetry: Writing Toward
For 45 minutes, participants had a digital space to be together and hold their intense, conflicting emotions. Presenters recited poems — both their own work, composed in the past days, and the work of other poets — led meditations and recited prayers, such as the Mi Sheberach, a prayer for healing, and the Kaddish, the memorial prayer for the dead. (Here is a link to all the resources recited during the program.)
Following is a statement by members of the Progressive Israel Network (PIN), a coalition of organizations representing Americans who are committed to pursuing democracy, equality and peace in Israel.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association are horrified by today’s massive attack on Israel by Hamas. We condemn the attacks unequivocally and join in solidarity with the people of Israel on this harrowing and difficult day.
Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer was recently named Ritualwell’s director of virtual content and program, a position she considers her dream job. In this role, she can weave together the multiple strands of her life: her passion for creativity and the arts, her focus on spirituality and writing, her experience in editing and mentoring writers, her commitment to children and families, and making Jewish community and experience accessible to all.
Reconstructing Judaism wants to hear from you. A group of young people affiliated with the organization have crafted a survey to better understand the needs and experiences of Reconstructionist-affiliated young adults.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association have signed on to this statement urging the Biden administration, as well as fellow US Jewish organizations, to help protect Israel from the irresponsible actions of its current government.
Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement
Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives
Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis
