Reopening Our Institutions
May 1, 2020
Framework for Jewish communities to consider in returning to in-person communal activity
Framework for Jewish communities to consider in returning to in-person communal activity
In this enriching conversation, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. and Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, Ph.D. focus on the things that traditional and Reconstructionist Jews have in common, the challenges that social distancing is posing to community, and ways that Jewish practice can bolster resilience.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined a group of 20 faith groups urging federal and state prison systems to accommodate the religious needs of all prisoners and avoid using the coronavirus crisis to restrict their constitutional right to worship, particularly drawing attention to the needs of Muslim prisoners with Ramadan projected to begin on April 24. The full letter is attached.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association were about 180 Jewish communal organizations issuing a statement urging our political leaders and all our fellow Americans to treat this public health crisis as a moment for kindness and solidarity, and to make extra efforts to reach towards one another in support, not look to blame or scapegoat.
This activity packet for kids and families was prepared by Havaya Summer Programs — newly updated for Passover 2021!
The Ten Plagues Relay Races – a Passover activity from Camp Havaya
Based on our understanding of the science and the advice of experts, we, rabbis of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, strongly come down on the side of pikuach nefesh – preserving lives. Therefore, we are issuing these guidelines in preparation for the upcoming Passover holiday and in awareness of the likelihood of continued concern over disease spread at this time.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association joined more than 650 Jewish organizations and clergy in a letter calling for increased and expanded nutrition assistance in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
In this time of mounting uncertainty, in which the coronavirus (COVID-19) is disrupting normal life and bringing it to a near standstill, Reconstructing Judaism is offering a “Virtual Shabbat Box” filled with essays, meditations and other resources that can be downloaded for Shabbat.
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
