Mission
The Thriving Communities JEDI team supports Reconstructionist congregations and havurot’s efforts to build pathways towards meaning and joy by helping them become more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive. We do so by connecting our communities with tools, resources, and fellow communities devoted to this sacred striving.
Vision
We believe Reconstructionist Judaism meaningfully contributes to a just and compassionate world. We create and nurture congregations and Jewish communities that strive to be intentional, inclusive, and justice-seeking. These communities, which, at their best, are sites of deep peoplehood across diversity, serve Reconstructionists as well as other Jews and seekers who are drawn to our ideas and ideals; they open spaces for individuals to bring their whole selves.
We work for the sake of:
- Familiarity and intimacy across difference,
- Joy-filled communities,
- Flourishing with our neighbors,
- Connection and togetherness,
- Building the Jewish communities we want to live in,
- And community spaces that are embracing and empowering.
We believe our Jewish communities were made for this moment; to nourish a diverse and ever-evolving Jewish people. When our communities are empowered to continually recognize, collectively challenge, and cooperate in dismantling bias, structural inequalities, and other barriers to justice and equity, we co-create and recreate the mutual thriving we envision.
Theory of Change
Click here (link coming soon) to read our theory for how the work of our mission helps bring our congregations closer into alignment with our vision.
Congregational Tools for Change:
- Evergreen Resources and Webpages: We create and curate a host of ready-made tools and resources to help you make your Reconstructionist congregations and havurot more just, equitable, and inclusive. Browse the following broad categories:
- Peer Relationships: Connect with supportive communities of practice, peer-to-peer networks, and practical education sessions for Reconstructionist communities engaged in Tikkun olam/world repair, facilitated for you by our team.
- Racial Justice Community of Practice (link coming soon)
- Disability and Accessibility Network (link coming soon)
- Thriving Communities Leadership Calls
- Listservs: (to be added to one of the Thriving Communities listservs, please contact Jacob Weinberg)
- Presidents’ listserv: peer support for current and immediate past presidents of Reconstructionist-affiliated congregations and havurot.
- Executive Directors’ listserv: for executive directors and administrators of Reconstructionist-affiliated communities to share questions and resources.
- Education Directors’ listserv: for Reconstructionist Movement professional education directors and principals to connect and learn.
- Tikkun Olam listserv: for those in Reconstructionist communities leading and working in tikkun olam, social justice, inclusion, and other world-repairing initiatives.
- Self-directed Congregational Programs: Interested in running one of the following JEDI programs? Let us know, and we’ll send you the resources, get you connected with any upcoming “Train the Trainer” cohorts, and provide the support you need.
- Race, Religion, and American Judaism
- Organizational Racial Reckoning Guide (link coming soon)
- Reconstructing Judaism Book Clubs:
- On Repentance and Repair by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg
- Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole by Rabbi Julia Watts Belser
- The Cost of Free Land by Rebecca Claren (link coming soon)
- The Stolen Beam Series: A Study of Reparations for the Descendants of Enslaved Africans in the U.S.
- Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Congregational Assessment Tool
- JEDI Trainings for Congregations: You can request one of the following staff-facilitated trainings, which may be held virtually or in person, depending on location and availability.
- Community Greeter Training (link coming soon)
- Teshuvah Training (link coming soon)
- Consultations: A member of the JEDI team will happily schedule a time to talk with you when you need support articulating, teaching about, or implementing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in your community. Please find our contact information below.
- Thought Leadership: Our understanding of the forms Jewish justice and equity can take evolves every day. We share what we’re thinking and contribute to the global conversation by:
- Writing articles
- Public speaking
- Social media
- Scholars in Residence: The Reconstructionist Movement benefits from the wisdom of the many learned, caring, and passionate people within it. Consider inviting one of the following staff members to come speak to your community:
- Rabbi Sandra Lawson, Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Reconstructionist Rabbinical College faculty
- Rabbi Micah Geurin Weiss, Assistant Director for Thriving Communities and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Rabbi Asher Sofman, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program Coordinator.
Staff
Rabbi Micah Weiss (he/him) | RRC ‘19
Associate Director for Thriving Communities and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Email Micah |
(267) 627-5355
Rabbi Ash Sofman (he/him) | RRC ‘23
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Program Coordinator
Email Ash | (267) 627-5359
