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Rabbi Toba Spitzer explores the obstacles to prayer posed by stale language about God, and suggests new language that may ease our way in finding connection.

Before Ritualwell was a website containing more than 2,200 liturgy and rituals crowdsourced by Jews, it was an idea of where to put dozens of scraps of paper in the drawers of offices in the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and Kolot: Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies in Wyncote. 

In 2001, RRC and Kolot, in partnership with Ma’yan, a Jewish feminist organization, uploaded the prayers scrawled on those papers to the newfangled Internet, creating an archive of Jewish writing that filled in the gaps of liturgies and practices that historically excluded women and LGBTQ+ Jews. Community members were invited to write and submit their own liturgies and rituals.

Almost two decades later, Ritualwell has not only become a library of prayers and poetry, but an online community center for Jews looking to hone their skills through writing workshops and classes.

Jonathan Markowitz recounts his narrow escape from the World Trade Center on 9/11, and reflects on God, Judaism and humanity in light of his experience.

Religious Experience

Rabbi Shelly Barnathan, the 2017 Launch Grant recipient, is busy creating a co-constructed network of baby boomers and empty nesters, a commonly-overlooked generation within the Jewish community. Her project, Or Zarua, features "holy conversations" over coffee and musical Shabbat dinners.

As the mournful day of Tisha B'Av arrives, Rabbi Jacob Staub reflects on the value of embracing our sorrows. 

This symposium among eight Reconstructionist leaders explores the interface between environmental activism and Jewish spirituality. Originally published in Winter 2001/2002 issue of Reconstructionism Today, this discussion remains relevant and valuable. 

D'VAR TORAH
Leviticus 12:1-13:59

What is the difference between religious thought and religious experience? Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer explores this question in the context of parashat Tazria/Metzora.

The month of Elul, which immediately precedes the Yamim Nora’im,  is a time of preparation and introspection with many associated practices. 

A Jewish understanding of sin, repentance, and forgiveness

Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are for many the most solemn and significant days on the Jewish calendar, the days when many more Jews gather for prayer than at any other time of the year. The Hebrew name given to these holidays is Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe.

Staub recounts his spiritual biography and offers ideas about how to build a personal relationship with God. 

A short parable on being out and about in the world

What do Star Wars and the Exodus have in common? Stories of a power outside of ourselves. 

Religious Experience

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.

Rabbi Jacob Staub brings Hasidic thought to bear on a contemporary spiritual question.

Religious Experience, Theology

Meditation on the spiritual lessons of parenthood.

How do you ask for help from a non-supernatural God? Rabbi Jacob Staub explores.

This guide explores how to discuss God with children; it relates theological concepts to the natural world, human relationships and other parts of a child's world.

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