What Does a Thriving Synagogue Look Like?
Synagogues are a means, not an end in themselves. But thriving synagogues contribute to Judaism’s goal: to create healthy individuals, thriving communities, flourishing Jewish life, interconnected human life and a sustainable planet.
Posted on April 2, 2019 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
In Praise of Movements
Two November events loom as I write this column: the mid-term elections on November 6, and the first Reconstructionist movement-wide convention in a decade, a week later. The first admittedly will have far more impact on the world than the latter, but they are linked in my mind for one important reason: movements matter.
Posted on October 26, 2018 by
Rabbi
Toba Spitzer
Gathering Together
As we continue to develop new ways to build community across time and distance, we must also continue to find ways to “be there” for one another.
Posted on August 6, 2018 by
Seth Rosen
Drawing Comfort from Community
Belonging connects us to something larger than our own individual experience. I belong to the Jewish people because claiming this connection enters me into a millennia-old conversation and joins me into community both vertical—all those who came before me and all those who follow—and horizontal—the Jews of today, in all our diversity.
Posted on July 2, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Reconstructionist Communities Make Disability Inclusion a Top Priority
With a welcoming ethos and a drive to break down barriers, Reconstructionist congregations and havurot have been part of a revolution that’s taken place in the public awareness of the importance of disability inclusion and related services.
Posted on June 28, 2018 by
Bryan Schwartzman
Reclaiming Judaism After Centuries Underground
The small Italian village of Serrastretta has a hidden past: among its population are many families of anusim, hidden Jews whose ancestors were forced to convert to Catholicism during the Inquisition. Now, many locals are exploring their roots, thanks to new Reconstructionist affiliate Sinagoga Ner Tamid del Sud.
Posted on June 14, 2018 by
Rabbi
Michael Fessler
Reconstructing Judaism: Evolution in Action
Judaism as an “evolving civilization” has been a Reconstructionist catchphrase for decades. But as board chair Seth Rosen writes, a deeper understanding of evolutionary biology gives fresh insight on the path ahead.
Posted on May 1, 2018 by
Seth Rosen
Why Belong?
Why belong to the Jewish people? Why belong to a synagogue? Why belong to the Reconstructionist movement? These are some of the most important questions that I am asked and that I, along with all of us at Reconstructing Judaism, strive to answer powerfully and convincingly.
Posted on April 9, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
Reconstructionist Movement Updates
Though we count time Jewishly, by any consideration the secular year 2018 is an exciting year for the Reconstructionist movement.
Posted on March 6, 2018 by
Rabbi
Deborah Waxman
Ph.D.
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