Reconstructionist Judaism
Featured: Who was Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan?
Learn about the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism on RRC's website. http://www.rrc.edu/resources/mordecai-m-kaplan
View a searchable archive of Kaplan’s diaries from 1913–1972, collected by the library of the Jewish Theological Seminary. (On the left side of the page, type in “Kaplan Diaries” in the search box.) These offer a window into his thoughts on 20th century Judaism and the development of the Reconstructionist movement.
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
Featured: FAQs on Reconstructionist Approaches to Jewish Ideas and Practices
This list offers Reconstructionist approaches to Jewish ideas and practices. Note: These were developed in the years before the restructuring of the Reconstructionist movement in June 2012.
Topics: Education, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism, Teaching Reconstructionism Type: FAQ
Featured: Perhaps You Belong in a Reconstructionist Community
An overview of Reconstructionist philosophy and community life, plus testimonials from members of Reconstructionist congregations.
Topics: Jewish Community, Jewish Life, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism Type: Article
How Can Reconstructionists Pray?
If you don't believe in a "traditional" God, why attend services? Why publish a new prayerbook?
Topics: Reconstructionism Today, Reconstructionist History, Philosophy and Theology, Reconstructionist Judaism, Religious Values Type: RT Article
Who is a Reconstructionist Jew?
This article outlines the ideology, philosophy and practice of Reconstructionist Jews as well as their relationship to the larger Jewish community.
Israeli Independence Day Ceremony
This Yom Ha'atzma'ut ceremony was designed by Rabbi Rebecca Lillian. It includes poetry, readings and song.
Topics: Education, Holiday Resources, Israel: Culture, Reconstructionist Judaism, Synagogue Programs, Teaching Israel Type: Ritual
The Role of Non-Jews in Reconstructionist Congregations
In February, 2008, the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation released a summary of their report on the "Boundaries and Opportunities" report on the role of non-Jews in affiliated Reconstructionist congregations
Comparing Conservative and Reconstructionist Approaches in Dealing with Leviticus' Prohibition on Male-Male Sex
In this dvar-Torah Syd Nestel makes in depth comparison of Reconstructionist and Conservative approaches to the prohibitions against homosexuality written in Leviticus 18 and 20.
Topics: Divrei Torah, Jewish Community, Jewish Life, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism, Tikkun Olam Type: Dvar Torah
We Need Movements
Rabbi Toba Spitzer was inaugurated as the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association President at their Convention on March 13, 2007. This is her acceptance which focuses on the need for movements within Judaism. Audio and written forms of the speech are both provided.
