Reconstructing Judaism

Person cutting open aruk (Iraqi latke) next to apple sauce, hummus and sour cream.

Aruk – Iraqi Vegetable Fried Patties

Have you ever made aruk for Hanukkah? While there is no requirement to make any specific dish on Hanukkah, it’s customary for us to remember the miracle of the oil by eating fried foods. A well-loved recipe in my house, aruk are Iraqi vegetable fried patties – very similar to their cousin, the latkes. Aruk are delicious, easy to make and will be a great addition to your latke platter.

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A row of lit candles in various colors against a dark background.

A Reconstructionist Maoz Tzur for Hanukkah

Maoz Tzur, Rock of Ages, is a Hanukkah classic. The singing of this medieval poem anchors our Hanukkah celebrations and helps us to remember the Jewish people’s deliverance from our enemies. However, some of the violent imagery in this 13th-century poem runs contrary to our modern, progressive values. One stanza in particular calls on God to “wreak vengeance on enemies of the Jews.”

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An overview of the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background.

Statement on the Formation of a New Israeli Government

The State of Israel and the world’s Jewish Diaspora communities have a relationship built on a common history and shared values.

The reality of a ruling coalition in Israel that will include dozens of Knesset members who freely express racist, homophobic and anti-democratic beliefs is frightening and is an anathema to Progressive Judaism.

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Person speaking at a panel, wearing colorful beads and holding a microphone near a blue water bottle.

Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Other Black Jewish Leaders Respond to Kanye West

Kanye is saying some of the worst antisemitic things that are even hard for people who have right-leaning politics to swallow.

None of this is really surprising if you go back through Kanye’s problematic comments, or his relationship with Donald Trump and Candace Owens. It looks to me like he’s having a breakdown. I don’t think it’s just mental illness —

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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