Living the Mission: Values-Based Decision-Making and Reconstructing Judaism
March 6, 2018
The story of Temple Emmanuel’s ongoing exploration of Reconstructionist liturgy, and the rich conversations the process has opened up.
Bryan Schwartzman utilizes his background in journalism, media relations and development to advance Reconstructing Judaism’s messaging and storytelling. He oversees content for ReconstructingJudaism.org, writes original features, handles media relations, and hosts the podcast Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations.
An award-winning journalist, he spent a decade reporting for the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent and has written for a variety of Jewish publications including the Forward and the Jerusalem Post. Prior to joining Reconstructing Judaism, he was the manager of marketing and communications for the Evans Consulting Group, which specializes in guiding nonprofit fundraising campaigns. He also writes short fiction and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Bryan earned his bachelor of arts in English and Journalism at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his master’s degree in modern Jewish studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.
The story of Temple Emmanuel’s ongoing exploration of Reconstructionist liturgy, and the rich conversations the process has opened up.
Serving Jewish prisoners in state prison, rabbinic students find new perspectives on freedom and responsibility.
Rabbi Howard Cohen, who serves both as a rabbi and a volunteer firefighter, describes how his overlapping spheres provide richness and balance.
At Camp Havaya Arts, opening this summer in Redlands, California, campers will be nurtured as they explore for themselves what it means to live a Jewish life through the prism of the arts.
In a new documentary, “The Chosen People? A Film about Jewish Identity,” filmmaker Josh Gippin explores the concept of “chosenness” as it has evolved from biblical to contemporary times. The film prominently features Reconstructionist Judaism and its rejection of the idea of Jews as God’s chosen people— but also includes perspectives that embrace it.
Reconstructing Judaism awarded its Auerbach Innovation Launch Grant to Rabbi Shelly Barnathan, ’15. The yearlong $20,000 grant will help to fund Or Zarua, a “co-constructed” spiritual community in suburban Philadelphia that aims to meet the needs of baby-boomers and empty-nesters.
As David Roberts concludes his 11-year tenure as board chair for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Jewish Reconstructionist Communities, he remains as committed as ever to championing a groundbreaking and inclusive vision of Judaism.
Reconstructing Judaism, along with six Reconstructionist congregations, is partnering with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in a pilot project to enhance the teaching of values in religious schools.
Several years ago, the Abigail Pogrebin immersed herself in the Jewish calendar, minor and major holidays alike. Her book, “My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew,” chronicles the result. Read an interview with Pogrebin and find out how to join her learning network and “find sparkle in the Jewish calendar.”
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
