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Virtual Shabbat Box illustration

Virtual Shabbat Box Turns 5 Years Old

Purim is often described as a holiday of opposites, when up is down and down is up. Almost exactly five years ago, our world was turned upside down by COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.  Within days, life throughout North America shut down. At

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Paper dolls of different ethnicities and abilities above Scrabble tiles that spell out "Inclusion"

JDAIM: How Good it is and How Pleasant for People to Sit Together

Rabbi Asher Sofman, RRC ‘23, is Reconstructing Judaism’s inaugural justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) coordinator. Sofman (he/him) is passionate about disability inclusion, which is part of his portfolio. Last year, for Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) he spearheaded a social media campaign featuring Reconstructionist congregations.

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Text on brick background: “All of the People Israel are Responsible for One Another”: Reconstructionist values on relationships.

‘All of Israel is Responsible for One Another’ Reconstructionist Convening Models Covenantal Community

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.

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Justin Rosen Smolen smiles in front of a blurred outdoor background. He's wearing a blue sweater and a dress shirt with the top button undone.

Inspired by Reconstructionist Judaism, Justin Rosen Smolen Aims to Help Communities Thrive

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.

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The Reconstructionist Network

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

The Reconstructionist Network