More on Spirituality
Teshuvah: A Reconstructionist Perspective
A study sheet on the evolving concept of teshuvah over the ages.
A Yizkor Prayer for Righteous Gentiles
A child of Holocaust survivors, Rani Jaegar composed a yizkor prayer for Righteous Gentiles that is unique and breaks new ground. It tells the story of those who saw suffering and knew how to find their humanity. It remembers that “righteousness is an everlasting foundation” that breaks boundaries.
Why Do We Pray? A D'var Torah on Tazria/Metzora
What is the difference between religious thought and religious experience? Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer explores this question in the context of parashat Tazria/Metzora.
Spirituality and Mental Health
Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., explains why spirituality can be such an important aspect of mental health.
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.
Can a Reconstructionist Sin?
Since Reconstructionist Judaism affirms a conception of God as a force, power or process — but not as a supernatural Being who can be addressed and can respond — what happens to the notion of sin? Rabbi Richard Hirsh argues that Reconstructionist theology makes it more, not less, important that we take on the responsibility for judgment, atonement, apology and repentance
Reconstructing Halakha
What does Reconstructionism have to do with Jewish law? According to Daniel Cederbaum, far more than you think.
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.
Finding Forgiveness
A perspective on forgiveness as a spiritual practice as well as a moral act
High Holiday Liturgy
Rabbi Alan LaPayover (RRC ‘02), recorded the prayers of the Reconstructionist liturgy for the High Holiday services. The sound files are available for listening and download from links on this page.
Take Your Judaism For A Walk
A short parable on being out and about in the world
Prayer for AIDS Awareness Shabbat
Prayers written for insertion into Aids Awareness Shabbat services
Lecha Dodi (Sheet Music)
Sheet music for a new setting of the traditional Friday night Lecha Dodi prayer.
The Numinous Power and Storytelling
What do Star Wars and the Exodus have in common? Stories of a power outside of ourselves.
Is God to Blame When Bad Things Happen?
When you stop believing that God is the cause of everything that happens to us, you don’t necessarily stop believing in the presence of the divine that infuses all things.
