Spirituality
Featured: Powerful Meaning in Not Knowing the Answers
In this speech Strassfeld addresses many issues relating to a Reconstructionist approach to spirituality. He tells his own journey which goes from rejecting Hasidic texts to embracing them. He lauds a Reconstructionist "anti-fundamentalist" approach which asks its adherents to embrace life's unknown and not need or desire singular answers. The text and audio of this speech are both available.
Topics: Reconstructionist Judaism, Spirituality Type: Speech
Sickness, Separation and Openings
Ellen Dannin sees Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 12-15), a portion that deal with the priests' handling of disease, in a new light after going through knee surgery. Ancient sensibilities became more resonant with her own experience.
Issues for Jewish Men Today
Harry Brod and Shawn Zevit discuss their experience over the years writing about and leading retreats and workshops for Jewish men. Particular attention is given to the issues of being a man in Western culture and a Jew, and how these religious, ethnic, and gender issues impact Jewish men today. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit.
When Bad Things Happen to Good Children
Practical article which gives advice to educators on working with children who have faced loss.
Topics: Jewish Life, Spirituality Type: Article
What Would Kaplan Think?
Rabbi Richard Hirsh, RRC '81, discusses the reconstruction of Reconstructionism. This presentation is available in text and audio versions.
Topics: Education, Jewish Life, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism, Spirituality, Teaching Reconstructionism Type: Speech
Re-Digging the Wells of Our Tradition
Starting with the verse from Genesis 26:18 about Isaac needing to "re-dig" the wells upon his return, Rabbi Bronstein makes a case for a version of Reconstructionism which is engaging and serious. The speech is available in text and audio formats.
Topics: Jewish Community, Jewish Life, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism, Spirituality Type: Speech
Contemporary Lecha Dodi
Listen to a contemporary setting of Lecha Dodi.
On Jonah and More: Getting Perspective in Order to Repent
Rich commentary on Jonah, his motivations, and what we all need to fulfill our calling.
Contemporary Shalom Aleykhem
New interpretation of traditional text sung to welcome the Sabbath.
Passover Reading on Darfur Genocide
Written for the April 30, 2006 rally to stop the genocide in Darfur, this prayer is a riff on the Passover song, "Who Knows One?" Each verse delineates another horror taking place in Sudan. Our knowledge of these facts cannot be denied. Action is the only alternative.
