We are thrilled to present to you the new expression of our organization’s identity:
New Identity
Following a yearlong process, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College & Jewish Reconstructionist Communities has adopted a new name: Reconstructing Judaism.
Moving forward, Reconstructing Judaism will be the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement that encompasses our rabbinical seminary, serves our congregations and fosters a Reconstructionist approach to Judaism in the wider world.
The rabbinical seminary will become the College for Reconstructing Judaism at the close of the academic year. Stay tuned for more about that at a later date.
Our new name reflects our active commitment to doing Jewish—with it, we are defining ourselves by what we do, not just by what we believe or how we feel. “Reconstructing” reflects the way in which our affiliated Reconstructionist communities, and our dedicated students and rabbis, embrace the challenge of building Jewish lives and repairing the world.
We invite you to join us in building a meaningful Jewish future. We are committed to work that is ever-evolving. We are Reconstructing Judaism.
* The JTA wire service's story appeared in the Forward. It was also picked up by the Times of Israel, Cleveland Jewish News, St. Louis Jewish Light, Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle, Phoenix Jewish News and Ottawa Jewish Bulletin.
Leadership Message
Curious about what's going on at Reconstructing Judaism? Seth Rosen, chair of our board of governors, discusses the vital work of building a Reconstructionist community.
Eighty-six Jewish activists, including six Reconstructionist rabbis, were arrested for civil disobedience in support of the DREAM ACT and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
"Today, we remember our freedom. Today, we remember our joy, our power."
Rabbi Katie Mizrahi, RRC '05, rabbi of Or Shalom, San Francisco, gave an inspirational speech at the San Francisco Women's March, comparing modern politics to the story of Pharaoh and the Israelites.
Rabbi Arnold Rachlis, RRC '75, delivered a moving eulogy at University Synagogue in Irvine, Calif., to commemorate Blaze Nathan Bernstein's life and honor the strengthening power of community in the face of tragedy.
Blaze Bernstein's family started a #DoGoodforBlaze movement encouraging the world to use the tragedy as a catalyst for tikkun olam to honor Blaze's desire to make the world a better place.
Cyd Weissman, Assistant Vice President of Innovation and Impact at Reconstructing Judaism, explores the keys to building a thriving Jewish community by interviewing Jewish entrepreneurs for her EdgeBlog.
Wine, Not Whine, Your Way to Millennial Engagement
In Cyd's latest post, Ross Berkowitz, CEO of Tribe 12, explains how to engage millennials by crafting programming that is relevant to their needs.
Hashivenu: Jewish Teachings on Resilience — Episode 7 is live
Hashivenu is a podcast about Jewish teachings and practice around resilience. Cultivating resilience, both individually and collectively, is an essential path to personal and communal renewal.
About Episode 7
In a wide-ranging conversation about ecology, Tu B'Shvat and shmittah (sabbatical year), Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb and Rabbi Deborah Waxman explore the ways in which Jewish tradition and ecological consciousness provide compelling models for resilience and sustainability. Click here to listen.
How does Judaism intersect with contemporary culture and illuminate how people live their lives? Hosts Rachael Burgess and Bryan Schwartzman don’t profess to have answers, just a host of questions – some profound, some rather goofy.
About Episode 10
Filmmaker Joshua Gippin discusses his antipathy to the idea that Jews are the chosen people and his journey that led him to embrace Reconstructionist Judaism, which rejects the idea of chosenness. The director of The Chosen People? A Film About Jewish Identity also examines the challenge of presenting multiple perspectives on chosenness while holding such a strong personal perspective.
Camp Havaya (Pennsylvania) is an incredibly diverse and welcoming community where we encourage kids to discover what being Jewish means to them—no matter who they are or where they come from. Camp Havaya will start on June 24.
Havaya Arts (California) is a high-quality arts and summer-camp experience for kids. We are a joyful, welcoming and progressive Jewish community where campers grow as intentional artists and amazing human beings. Havaya Arts will start on June 18.
For Ketubah Artist Betsy Teutsch, Wedding Season is All Year Long
Ketubah (Jewish marriage certificate) artist Betsy Teutsch shares some of the surprising things she’s learned in 40 years of creating stunning ketubot for thousands of couples.
Are you planning your wedding? Did you recently bring home a new baby? Ever wondered how to mark a milestone?
Let our Ritual Guides assist you in creating a meaningful ritual that will create memories for you and your family for decades to come.
Want to sell your products in the Ritualwell Store?
We welcome proposals from artists and merchants to sell products in the online Ritualwell Store. Products should be aligned with the Ritualwell mission to enhance people’s experience of Jewish ritual. Please contact Ritualwell (ritualwell@reconstructingjudaism.org) to discuss your product(s). We look forward to hearing from you!
Statements from the Movement
In addition to endorsing and co-sponsoring numerous petitions, public letters and statements from aligned organizations, Reconstructing Judaism issues its own public statements on several issues, either alone or jointly with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association:
Chesapeake Day of Learning
April 15
8:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Adat Shalom
7727 Persimmon Tree Lane
Bethesda, Md.
The program will begin with a choice of services, meditation and yoga followed by a keynote presentation by Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, RRC '82, on spiritual practices for the cultivating of character.
In the interactive portion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to work on their own most challenging trait using the Jewish practice of Mussar. The keynote will be followed by a choice of workshops presented by local and Reconstructing Judaism leaders.
The cost for this program is $18 per person. A box lunch will be provided.
Plenum Representatives, please expect further details from the Affiliate Support Department.
Reconstructionist Convention
Nov. 15-18
Philadelphia
This year's convention, titled "Rooted and Relevant: A 2018 Reconstructionist Conversation," will feature learning, singing, dancing, eating and praying. Stay tuned for more information and click here to add the event to your calendar.
Reconstructionists in the News
Why You Should Care About Israel’s Anti-Corruption Protests (Forward): Maya Haber, adjunct professor at RRC, and Bar Gissin explain the opportunities for progressive political parties in Israel in the wake of the anti-corruption protests.
Jewish men need to talk about #MeToo (Times of Israel): Rabbi Daniel Brenner, RRC '97, discusses how to teach the next generation of Jewish boys about communication, sex ethics, and respect.
Female Rabbis Contend Sexual Harassment Persists (Jewish Exponent): Barbara Breitman and Rabbi David Teutsch, RRC faculty members who co-teach a class on ethical boundaries, discuss ways to reduce the sexual harassment that female rabbis experience.
You Should Know… Ariana Katz (Baltimore Jewish Times): Ariana Katz, RRC '18, plans to establish a synagogue and community Jewish center in Baltimore for Jews of all identities.
