More on Spirituality
Embracing Our Sorrows
As the mournful day of Tisha B’Av arrives, Rabbi Jacob Staub reflects on the value of embracing our sorrows.
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.
Hashkiveinu, Prayer and Connection: A Lesson for Use With Siddur Kol Hano'ar
This lesson helps children and adults delve into the meaning and feeling of the Hashkiveinu prayer.
Kol HaNeshamah Hebrew text in Davkawriter format
Hebrew text of the services found in the Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Veḥagim prayer book.
How Can Reconstructionists Pray?
How does a non-supernatural notion of God fit together with the practice of prayer? Rabbi Jacob Staub explores their intersection.
The Hebrew Word For Patience
Rabbi Jacob Staub reflects on the spirituality of anger, patience, and healing.
Liturgy and Prayer Leadership: Distance Learning Session
This distance learning conference call explores the dynamics of worship and the human impulse to pray, some of the deep structures of Jewish prayer services, and specifically Reconstructionist liturgy.
Finding Holiness in Everyday Experience
In this award-winning High Holiday sermon, RRC student Elyssa Cherney explores where holiness resides.
Yigdal: A Reconstructionist Examination
Yigdal, one of the most beloved of the medieval piyyutim (liturgical poems) summarizes the thirteen principles of the Jewish faith as formulated by Moses Maimonides (RaMBaM; late 12th century C.E.). Reconstructionists often proudly assert that when we pray with a Reconstructionist siddur, we feel that we can 'say what we mean and mean what we say,' because our liturgical language reflects Reconstructionist theology. How might a Reconstructionist interpret the words of Yigdal in this way?
A Passover Blessing for People of Many Backgrounds Who Journey with Us
This is a short Passover reading that expresses appreciation for people of backgrounds and identities other than Judaism. It would work well in a community seder, as well as home seders.
Nitzavim and Teshuvah
Study sheet on the relationship between Parashat Nitzavim and themes of teshuvah.
What is the purpose of the tzitzit (fringes)?
What is the meaning of the fringes (tzitzit) on a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit)? Rabbi Toba Spitzer examines the sources.
Ki Tavo and the Practice of Joy
What does it mean to be commanded to be joyful? Rabbi Toba Spitzer unpacks this imperative from Parashat Ki Tavo.
What is "Coveting"?
The Ten Commandments tell us not to “covet.” What does that mean? This study sheet explores sources related to this issue.
Teshuvah and Compassion
This study sheet on teshuvah and compassion draws our attention to the interplay between our ability to forgive others, and God's ability to forgive us.
