Clergy – Reconstructing Judaism

Rabbi Steve Burnstein, wearing tallit and a kippa, strums his guitar. He appears to be in a classroom as children are looking on.

Reconstructionist Rabbi Serving Israeli Families During Wartime

September 26, 2024

Originally from Kansas, Rabbi Burnstein has lived in Israel since 1996, except for the years he spent in Philadelphia studying at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He’s a member of Kibbutz Gezer — halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — and since 2018 has been the spiritual leader of Kehilat Birkat Shalom. Affiliated with the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, Birkat Shalom is based on the kibbutz but serves families throughout central Israel.

Rabbis Nicole Fix and Bronwen Mullion on stage, holding microphones, standing in front of a keyboard

The Auerbach Launch Grant: An Invitation to Experiment and Create

April 3, 2024

Rabbi Nicole Fix (RRC ’23) is using avant-garde musical theater to bring the Talmud to the stage — and sound a warning on the dangers of present-day extremism. Chloe Zelkha, a fourth-year RRC student, is building community for young adults grieving the loss of a parent, partner, sibling or close friend.

While the two projects might at first glance sound dissimilar, they share much in common. Both engage with young Jewish adults who may lack meaningful connections or are underserved by Jewish institutions. And both projects represent a conscious effort to Reconstruct an aspect of Jewish life so that it meets the needs of the moment.

Want to know what makes Reconstructionist rabbis unique?

March 13, 2024

For starters, check out “I’m a Reconstructionist Rabbi…..” a short video that combines offhand humor with wisdom and has drawn chuckles as well as heartfelt comments and, so far, has been played more than 18,000 times on Instagram.

Rabbi Asher Sofman, wearing glasses, a collared shirt and patterned sweater, poses outside.

Reconstructionist Community Sustained Rabbi Asher Sofman; In New DEI Position, Seeks for Others to Have the Same Gift

February 8, 2024

From his childhood congregation to Camp Havaya and rabbinical school, Rabbi Asher Sofman found his spiritual home in the Reconstructionist movement. Now the 2023 Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) graduate has joined the Reconstructing Judaism team to help even more people find the same kind of life-affirming, spiritually nourishing community.

Holding a mic, Rabbi Barbara Penzner addresses a crowd outdoors

Rabbi Barbara Penzner steps down after 28 years at Temple Hillel B’nai Torah

May 23, 2023

As Rabbi Barbara Penzner reviews her 28 years as senior solo rabbi of Temple Hillel B’nai Torah, a small, urban Reconstructionist congregation in West Roxbury, she told JewishBoston that she feels much gratitude for the community she and her congregation have built over the decades.

Illustration of six women on the back of a turtle with the words: unity, peace, sovereignty, accountability, restoration, equity

New Grants Keep Reconstructing Judaism ‘Boldly Relevant’

May 1, 2023

Two recent grants will help Reconstructing Judaism advance its strategic priorities of pursuing racial justice, investing in rabbinic education and strengthening Jewish communities.

The Wabash Center, which funds higher education in religion and theological studies, awarded $30,000 in new funding to Reconstructing Judaism. With this fiscal support, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College — part of Reconstructing Judaism — wi

Stephanie Breitsman, pictured from the waist up, stands in front of trees outside RRCs building.

You Should Know… Rabbinical Student Stephanie Breitsman, Inspector of Torah Scrolls

March 9, 2023

The rabbi in training at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote just felt “anxious around Torah,” she said. Like the people at synagogue who are afraid to volunteer to lift the Torah during services, she was worried she would drop it and offend God … or something like that.

Shaped by Tucson, Bringing Her Whole Self to the Rabbinate

July 21, 2022

Growing up in Tucson, Alanna “Lonnie” Kleinman did not know any female rabbis or any religious leaders who identified as LGTBQ. Now Kleinman is joining a much more diverse rabbinate, one that more fully reflects the fullness of Jewish communities.

News

Reconstructionist Rabbi Serving Israeli Families During Wartime

The Auerbach Launch Grant: An Invitation to Experiment and Create

Want to know what makes Reconstructionist rabbis unique?

Reconstructionist Community Sustained Rabbi Asher Sofman; In New DEI Position, Seeks for Others to Have the Same Gift

Rabbi Barbara Penzner steps down after 28 years at Temple Hillel B’nai Torah

New Grants Keep Reconstructing Judaism ‘Boldly Relevant’

You Should Know… Rabbinical Student Stephanie Breitsman, Inspector of Torah Scrolls

Shaped by Tucson, Bringing Her Whole Self to the Rabbinate

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