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.
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.”
An overview of the new Jewishrecon.org website.
Report on Pacific Northwest Shabbaton in May 2017
Paul Piwnicki, a Polish-born, German-raised scientist and Jew-by-choice, credits Reconstructionist thought with helping him develop a personal theology and practice. Piwnicki’s story highlights the influence of Reconstructionist ideas and thinkers, even in countries lacking Reconstructionist congregations.
On January 29, 2017, Reconstructionist rabbis and thinkers gathered for a day of learning and study on “Moving Forward in Changing Times.” The gathering offered a range of Jewish approaches to finding spiritual strength as an activist, how to have difficult conversations with those with opposing viewpoints and how to stay sane and grounded in what feels like an avalanche of political change.
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
