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Rabbi Elliott Tepperman's vision of a synagogue: a community that sustains itself through prayer and Torah, while also "trying to be a powerful force for making change in the world.”

A recounting of the philosophy and practices of Jewish outreach in Denver/Boulder.

Creating a welcoming community takes a conscious commitment.

Group Culture and Values

In an essay for eJewishphilanthropy, RRC's Josh Peskin, vice-president for strategic advancement, outlines the values that animate fundraising and drive human connections. 

Reconstructionist Judaism takes seriously our obligation to act together to address injustice and suffering. To do so, Rabbi Elliot Tepperman argues, our congregations need to be places where we can safely engage in political and ethical agitation and disagreement, while avoiding mere irritation.

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? 

How can congregations best handle controversial issues and explore the values underlying disagreements about issues? 

"Love of the Creator, and love of that which G!d has created, are finally one and the same," wrote Martin Buber.  Defending this divine creation in an era of climate change is a Jewish (and social, political, and moral) imperative.

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. 

Lesser describes the evolution of an LGBT synagogue and dissects the meaning of inclusive community.

“Fail Forward” is the mantra of entrepreneurs. Take risks. You will fail, guaranteed. Learn from it. Once a little smarter, boldly launch again. Entrepreneurs believe, as Robert Kennedy did, “to achieve greatness, you have to fail greatly.”

Tepperman encourages sustained congregational dialogue and action around social, environmental and political justice.

In this interview, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb reflects on the Jewish roots of his climate change activism. He also reflects on how his role at Congregation Adat Shalom has led him to appreciate the emotional resistance that can arise when confronting injustice.

In this interview, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb reflects on the Jewish roots of his climate change activism. He also reflects on how his role at Congregation Adat Shalom has led him to appreciate the emotional resistance that can arise when confronting injustice.

A case study of congregational values-based decision making around Shabbat practice

Overview of the centrality of Jewish texts in congregational conversations around Jewish values

Rabbi Toba Spitzer shares detailed guidelines and best practices on communal discussions around Israel.

A collection of resources for congregational dialogue on Israel, drawn from within and outside the movement

In this resource guide, Rabbis Fred Dobb and Nathan Martin present a plethora of resources to help congregations become shomrei adamah - responsible guardians of the Earth. 

Rabbi Harris's article focuses on the benefits that non-Jews, mostly with Jewish partners, bring to the community. Harris leads us away from the "framework of cost" to open up the conversation on intermarriage.

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. 

A survey of Jewish tradition's treatment of the support of community institutions.

Historical overview of congregational finance and dues

Listserv thread discussing synagogue membership requirements for religious school enrollment

Overview of issues of fundraising, dues, and obligation in Jewish congregations.

A discussion among congregational leaders on the "Torah of Money" as applied to their communities.

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