Resources on Reconstructionism
For The Sake Of The World
Rabbi Toba Spitzer grapples wtih the traditional notion of Jewish chosenness, arguing that our Torah is integral to the maintenance and perfection of this world—even as we acknowledge that other people’s teachings, other people’s truths, are also a path to redemption. It matters that Judaism survives—not just for our own sake, but because it’s good for the world, and because we have unique work to do.
Changing the Equation: A Reflection On God
Rabbi Toba Spitzer offers a reconceptualization of our image of God through the vehicle of process theology.
"Peoplehood" Reconsidered
Reconstructionism has long held the notion of Jewish Peoplehood as a central organizing principle. But does it mean the same thing that it used to? How can “Peoplehood” itself be reconstructed to remain relevant today?
Why We Need Process Theology
What is “process theology”? Rabbi Toba Spitzer argues that it offers ways to think and talk about God that make sense in a modern scientific framework, that resonate with Jewish texts and traditions, and that promote wise and ethical behavior.
Jewish Peoplehood: Philosophies of Jewish Engagement in the 21st Century
What is Jewish peoplehood, and how is it relevant today? Rabbi James Greene assembled this collection of texts to explore these questions.
What is Reconstructionist Judaism? The CORE Answer
Rabbi Doug Heifetz shares a memorable framework for understanding Reconstructionism.
Shavuot Theology
How are we to understand the traditional claim that the Torah is divinely revealed? And what exactly is the Torah that was revealed? Rabbi Jacob Staub examines Reconstructionist theology through the lens of the holiday of Shavuot. This article is excerpted from the Guide to Jewish Practice.
Introduction
Summary article introducing Cutting Edge Judaism dialogue
What Makes a Reconstructionist Congregation Different?
In this talk, Rabbi Jacob Staub describes what makes Reconstructionist communities unique. Recorded in November 2014 at Congregation Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades, California. A full transcript is included.
Jewish Peoplehood: Educational Resources
Rabbi Jeffrey Schein has created this suite of educational resources on Jewish peoplehood, under the auspices of the Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood.
Reconstructionist Judaism: A Crash Course
“Can you tell me—in a few words—what Reconstructionist Judaism is all about?” This is one Reconstructionist rabbi's answer.
Reconstructing Yiddishkeit
Weiner ponders the “authenticity” of past generations and looks to Reconstructionist community as the place where the various strains of Judaism’s past can come together.
Building a Personal Relationship with a Nonpersonal God
Staub recounts his spiritual biography and offers ideas about how to build a personal relationship with God.
Judaism as a Generation: Kaplan, Levi-Strauss, and Why I Believe in the Jewish Future
Glanzberg-Krainin explores how Reconstructionist Judaism draws on diverse traditions to create a relevant contemporary Judaism.
Building an Ark: On the Search for an Authentic Jewish Relationship to the Arts
Boettiger wrestles with the possibilities for Jewish art and creative pursuits.