Peoplehood – Reconstructing Judaism

Justin Rosen Smolen smiles in front of a blurred outdoor background. He's wearing a blue sweater and a dress shirt with the top button undone.

Inspired by Reconstructionist Judaism, Justin Rosen Smolen Aims to Help Communities Thrive

November 12, 2024

In this role, Justin Rosen Smolen oversees Reconstructing Judaism’s initiatives supporting nearly 100 congregations worldwide. His team of eight staff members performs a wide scope of work. Among its essential activities, the Thriving Communities Department helps congregations navigate challenges; consults on rabbinic search and transition processes; leads on issues related to Israel, justice and inclusion; and spearheads Reconstructing Judaism’s conventions and other gatherings.

Two people on a video call; one holds a book titled SAPIR: Journal at 75, the other is listening attentively.

Rabbi Deborah Waxman on Israel, Kaplan & Diaspora Jews

June 1, 2023

There’s much food for thought in this vital web conversation about how non-Orthodox Jews relate to Israel, featuring Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., president and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism. The program was organized by SAPIR, the influential journal of ideas for the Jewish future which recently launched an in-house institute to bring ideas to fruition. Waxman was in conversation with Channan Weissman director of the New SAPIR Institute, a former State Department official and White House liaison to the Jewish community.

Reconstructionist Set to Gather, In-person and Virtually to Highlight the Present and Imagine the Future

March 4, 2022

Reconstructionists gather for a movement convention, B’Yachad: Reconstructing Judaism Together.

From Despair to Action

June 4, 2019

Rabbi Deborah Waxman reflects on the ways in which Reconstructing Judaism is strengthening the ways in which we support and connect Jewish communities traumatized by the recent surge in antisemitic attacks.

The First-Ever Reconstructionist Beit Din in Europe

May 10, 2019

Rabbi Maurice Harris shares the moving story of welcoming new Jews through conversion —on a Reconstructionist beit din in the Netherlands.

Evolve: Sowing the Seeds of Constructive Evolution

September 4, 2018

Reconstructing Judaism has just rolled out Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations with the intention of hosting difficult, groundbreaking conversations that are nevertheless mutually respectful and supportive. We invite you to visit Evolve and to join the conversations!

Gathering Together

August 6, 2018

As we continue to develop new ways to build community across time and distance, we must also continue to find ways to “be there” for one another.

Drawing Comfort from Community

July 2, 2018

Belonging connects us to something larger than our own individual experience. I belong to the Jewish people because claiming this connection enters me into a millennia-old conversation and joins me into community both vertical—all those who came before me and all those who follow—and horizontal—the Jews of today, in all our diversity.

Why Belong?

April 9, 2018

Why belong to the Jewish people? Why belong to a synagogue? Why belong to the Reconstructionist movement? These are some of the most important questions that I am asked and that I, along with all of us at Reconstructing Judaism, strive to answer powerfully and convincingly.

News

Inspired by Reconstructionist Judaism, Justin Rosen Smolen Aims to Help Communities Thrive

Rabbi Deborah Waxman on Israel, Kaplan & Diaspora Jews

Reconstructionist Set to Gather, In-person and Virtually to Highlight the Present and Imagine the Future

From Despair to Action

The First-Ever Reconstructionist Beit Din in Europe

Evolve: Sowing the Seeds of Constructive Evolution

Gathering Together

Drawing Comfort from Community

Why Belong?

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