Curious about what's going on at Reconstructing Judaism? Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., president of Reconstructing Judaism, offers a 2020 organizational update.
We are pleased to welcome União Israelita Sefaradita Ijuí, our newest affiliate, into the Reconstructionist movement! Led by Rabbi Albo Berro, this community of about 30 households emphasizes Jewish study, promotes inclusive community, and has a strong interest in Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's work and Reconstructionist values. To learn more, please read this article or visit their Facebook page (in Portuguese).
Rabbi Seth Goldstein of Temple Beth Hatfiloh in Olympia, Wash., a sanctuary congregation, describes the process of his community welcoming a guest into physical sanctuary. Rabbi Goldstein is the president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association.
Rabbi Elliott Tepperman of Bnai Keshet, N.J., reflects on 2020 and civil disobedience in support of democracy. Rabbi Elliot Tepperman is the incoming president of the RRA.
We are excited to share with you that the new home for our Havaya Arts summer program is Scripps College in Claremont, Calif.! To learn more about the fantastic new campus, please click here.
The Auerbach Entrepreneurial Grant program offers RRC students and recent graduates the funding, supervision and support to engage in social entrepreneurship and to turn innovative ideas into reality. Read about two new grant recipients' projects.
We are pleased to present a column from the Reconstructionist Educators of North America (RENA). Tara Galtman, director of lifelong learning at Congregation Beth Evergreen in Denver, discusses the ups and downs her congregation has experienced on the road to becoming more environmentally friendly.
Ritualwell Immersion: Dive deep into practices that bring us closer to a relationship with the Divine: Jewish mindfulness meditation, lovingkindness meditation, chanting and spiritual direction. Webinar series with modest fee.
Ritualwell Immersion: Reading and writing poetry can create sanctuary, a welcoming place to hear and reveal one's own inner voice. Webinar series with modest fee.
Ritualwell Immersion: Whether your wedding plans are traditional or alternative, this course will provide the tools you need to make your big day meaningful, sacred, and reflective of who you are. Webinar series with modest fee.
Watch Rabbi David A Teutsch, Ph.D.'s discourse on constructive conversations from the Global Day of Jewish Learning in Nov. 2019. Rabbi Teutsch is a professor emeritus at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.
All those who are 18+ and identify as Jewish are eligible to vote in the upcoming World Zionist Congress elections, which are critical to promoting progressive Jewish values in Israel. Reconstructing Judaism is proud to be running in partnership with the Reform movement as part of the ARZA slate in the 2020 election, as we did 5 years ago.
If you would like to learn more or help organize members of your congregation to commit to vote, email Rabbi Maurice Harris, RRC ’03, Associate Director for Thriving Communities and Israel Affairs Specialist, at MHarris@ReconstructingJudaism.org.
We want your input on what you'd like to see and experience in our next Convention! Please take a moment to let us know through our Virtual Suggestion Box for Convention 2022.
Shabbat worship and discussion with Rabbi Arnie Rachlis, RRC '75 of University Synagogue and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., RRC '99, president of Reconstructing Judaism, on “Reconstructionist Judaism: The Past, Present and Future of the Reconstructionist Movement.” A d'vartorah will be offered by Rabbi Yael Ridberg, RRC '97, of Congregation Dor Hadash.
Shabbat Services and Day of Community
March 28
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PDT
Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue
Malibu, Calif.
Shabbat services and day of community featuring small group sessions with key Reconstructing Judaism staff and lay leaders at Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue, Malibu, Calif.
Havdalah and Dessert Reception
March 28
7:30 p.m. PDT
Kehillat Israel
Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Please join us for havdalah and dessert reception with Rabbi Amy Bernstein, RRC '97, senior rabbi of Kehillat Israel; Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, rabbi emeritus of Kehillat Israel; and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., RRC '99, president of Reconstructing Judaism.
Chesapeake Annual Celebration and Day of Learning - Save the Date
April 19
Oseh Shalom
Laurel, Md.
This year's theme will be Reconstructionism Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Our keynote speaker will be Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D.
Convention 2022 - Save the Date
March 23–27, 2022
Please mark your calendars for the next Reconstructing Judaism convention, which will be held in partnership with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association and Havaya Summer Programs.
Convention will take place March 23-27, 2022, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, in McLean, Va., just outside of Washington D.C. Join us to learn, pray, sing, dance, eat and network with other Reconstructionists from all over the world. More information to follow!
