America's First Bat Mitzvah and its Legacy for American Jewish Life
The first American bat mitzvah took place nearly a century ago, but its effects reverberate to this day. This podcast episode explores how the bat mitzvah helped pave the way for greater inclusion of women in public Jewish ritual and practice and laid the groundwork for further steps toward inclusion.
Posted on May 27, 2021 by
Bryan Schwartzman
Online Exhibit on Women Rabbis Expands
The Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) this month expanded its online exhibit “Women Rabbis,” which highlights nearly a dozen Reconstructionist clergy as well as the history of the movement.
Posted on January 28, 2020 by
Bryan Schwartzman
The Poor People’s Campaign, a National Call for Moral Revival
The RRA recently became a partner of the Poor People’s Campaign (PPC). In the last two weeks the PPC has coordinated rallies and acts of civil disobedience in over 30 state capitals, including the participation of over 15 RRA members.
Posted on July 2, 2018 by
Rabbi
Elyse Wechterman
Drawing Comfort from Community
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.
Posted on July 2, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Reconstructionist Communities Make Disability Inclusion a Top Priority
With a welcoming ethos and a drive to break down barriers, Reconstructionist congregations and havurot have been part of a revolution that’s taken place in the public awareness of the importance of disability inclusion and related services.
Posted on June 28, 2018 by
Bryan Schwartzman
Why Belong?
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.
Posted on April 9, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
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Further resources on embracing the stranger face-to-face
Posted on August 18, 2017 by
Further Resources
Hagar the Stranger
To love the stranger represents an outrageous leap out of the typical moral economy, in which we do kindnesses and expect to be repaid in kind. In loving the stranger, we transcend self-interest.
Posted on August 17, 2017 by
Rabbi
Jonathan Kligler
Let's Journey Together
In an essay that appeared in Philadelphia’s Jewish Exponent, Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D., makes the case that Reconstructionist Judaism matters now more than ever.
Posted on July 7, 2017 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Making Seder and Kiddush More Inclusive
Wine is the traditional vehicle for prominent Jewish ritual moments. At the same, Jewish communities contain people who struggle with alcohol. Rabbi Richard Hirsh outlines simple steps to recognize and support all in a community who wish to participate.
Posted on April 18, 2016 by
Rabbi
Richard Hirsh