IMPORTANT: This is an archive of material created by the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation before June 2012. For current and new Reconstructionist content, go to JewishRecon.org.
# | Submitted | User | IP Address | Congregation's Official Name | City | State/Province | Your Name | Year of Founding | Current Officers | About Your Community | Photo 1 Name | Photo 1 Caption | Photo 2 Name | Photo 2 Caption | Photo 3 Name | Photo 3 Caption | Photo 4 Name | Photo 4 Caption | Photo 5 Name | Photo 5 Caption | Photo 6 Name | Photo 6 Caption | Photo 7 Name | Photo 7 Caption | Photo 8 Name | Photo 8 Caption | Photo 9 Name | Photo 9 Caption | Photo 10 Name | Photo 10 Caption |
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| 342 | Dec 8 2011 - 2:11pm | Victoria Cangelosi | 74.92.126.138 | VC | Jenkintown | PA | VC | 1985 | VC | VC | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 347 | Dec 21 2011 - 3:41pm | Anonymous | 76.109.43.249 | RECONSTRUCTIONIST HAVURAH OF GREATER WASHINGTON | SILVER SPRING | MARAYLAND | ISADORE SEEMAN | 1963 | ISADORE SEEMAN, CO-PRESIDENT BEILA ORGANIC, CO-PRESIDENT AND TREASUER | SEE EMAIL SENT EARLIER. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 350 | Jan 4 2012 - 8:00pm | Anonymous | 71.126.6.136 | Temple Sinai | Amherst | New York | Esther Bates | 1952 | President: Jill Hamilton Vice President: Marina Finkelstein Treasurer: Sid Weiss Recording Secretary: Kathy Gordon | We were the fourth congregation to join the fledgeling Jewish Reconstructionist Movement, and were a Reconstructionist congregation from our inception. I will send you a brief history of our founding and early years in a separate email. [The photos and information about them will come from Martin Wolpin.] | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 351 | Jan 6 2012 - 2:48pm | Anonymous | 66.57.61.21 | Kehillah Synagogue | Chapel Hill | NC | Melissa Segal | 1996 | Presidents Beri Schwitzer & Josh Ravitch Vice President of Administration Randy Kauftheil Vice President of Membership Beri Schwitzer Vice President of Education Josh Ravitch Vice President of Ritual Diane Wright Secretary Andy Hart Treasurer Craig Poms Past President Howard Glicksman | The mission of the Chapel Hill Kehillah Synagogue, a Reconstructionist congregation, is to create an inclusive and engaged Jewish community that inspires people’s lives and deepens Jewish involvement through Jewish celebration, worship, education, social action, and values. The Kehillah Synagogue is an egalitarian, participatory, sacred community that shares a commitment to Jewish tradition and values, joy in celebration, education for all ages, inclusivity, social justice, and community involvement. Our members represent a variety of backgrounds and family lifestyles, and we extend a warm welcome to all, including traditional, interfaith, and gay/lesbian families, and individuals. At our founding in 1996, we chose the Hebrew word for community, “Kehillah,” to signify our desire to build a vibrant center for Jewish life, one that would link individuals and families to a caring Jewish community. We offer a top-rate preschool experience and an innovative and engaging religious school. We explore Jewish life with dedication and enthusiasm, as we strive to foster opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. We value our many occasions to bring community members together to celebrate holidays and traditions, rejoice in each other’s simchas, assist each other in times of need, learn together and participate in the life of the broader community through social action and interfaith events. | kehillahsyn.nc.adulted | Adult Ed participants make havdalah candles | kehillahsyn.nc.board | Board members build towers to learn teamwork at the board orientation | kehillahsyn.nc.purimshpiel | Shpielers sing using Mary Poppins tunes | kehillahsyn.nc.rituals2 | Religious School students pose after decorating the sukkah | kehillahsyn.nc.youthgroup | Youth group members enjoy the Sukkah rave | kehillahsyn.nc.rituals | Community members decorate flower crowns for Shavuot | kehillahsyn.nc.rituals3 | Rabbi and VP of Admin pose on Purim | kehillahsyn.nc.rs | Religious school students on Purim | kehillahsyn.nc.rs2 | Rabbi Jen and Moses the puppet visit a religious school seder | kehillahsyn.nc.rs3 | Religious school students display their mizrach |
| 352 | Jan 8 2012 - 6:55pm | Anonymous | 76.27.199.82 | Havurah Shalom | Portland | Oregon | Miryam Brewer & Andrew Forshee | 1978 | The 2011-2012 Steering Committee Members: Bruce Barbarasch, Miryam Brewer,Marty Brown, Andrew Forshee, Marni Glick, David Kertzner, Susan Lazareck, Dan Miller & Executive Committee ( listed below) Youth Member- Ella Sugerman Executive Committee Members: Co- presidents- Alanna Hein & Bill Kwitman Treasurer-Martin Soloway Executive Secretary-Cindy Merrill Corporate Secretary- Josh Ross VP of Education- David Ellenberg Immediate past presidents- Rachel Shimshak and Herman Asarnow | Founded in 1978, Havurah Shalom is a vibrant, diverse participatory Jewish community steep in Jewish values; promoting spirituality, learning, and acts of social responsibility. We aim to foster a creative and innovative religious atmosphere in keeping with Jewish traditions and ethics, while maintaining opportunities for equal participation by all members of the community in determining the direction and goals of the congregation. While we work in close collaboration with our Rabbi, Educator, and administrative staff, Havurah is unique in that our members do much of the work other congregations tend to delegate. Located in the heart Pacific Northwest, Havurah Shalom is a spirited and inclusive community, striving to bring the full meaning and wisdom of our ancient Jewish heritage into our lives. | HavurahShalom.OR.Purim.jpg | Rabbi Joey reading from the Megillat Esther | HavurahShalom.OR.ShabbatSchoolclass.jpg | The 5th grade class visit to the Oregon Jewish Museum | HavurahShalom.OR.Hanukkah.jpg | Hanukkah fun at Havurah | HavurahShalom.OR.KabbalatShabbat.jpg | Kabbalat Shabbat services | HavurahShalom.OR.AfricaTikkunOlamtrip.jpg | We helped build a school in Kenya with AWJS | HavurahShalom.OR.buildingfront.jpg | The beautiful front of our building | HavurahShalom.musicentertainment.jpg | Our talented musicians performing | ||||||
| 354 | Jan 10 2012 - 12:29pm | Anonymous | 97.65.87.2 | Congregation Beth Hatikvah | Summit | NJ | Jay Weiner | 1994 | Executive Committee President: Dan Kiselik 1st Vice President: Lynne Whitman 2nd Vice President: Marjorie Heyman Treasurer: Irv Lustig Secretary: Nancy Yacker and Lois Turiansky Immediate Past President: Katia Segre Cohen Other Trustees Communications: David Stowers Facilities: Myra Cole Fund Raising: Chris Tognola Life-long Learning: Connie Seligman Membership: Marsha Saffian Baldinger Program Co-chairs: Jill Zinckgraf and Tom Zinckgraf Religious School: Andy and Sarah Kaplan Social Action: Robin Freeman Spiritual Life: Jay Weiner Strategic Planning: Jonathan Ratner | Congregation Beth Hatikvah is located at the intersection of Union, Morris, Somerset, and Essex Counties in New Jersey. We think we're building something special here — a progressive community of committed, engaged people, who come together from different Jewish backgrounds and experiences, different traditions, different races, sexual orientation, you name it — and who care about each other, their heritage, and their world. Our Founding Member and 1st President, Bob Max shares our history: The past sometimes is blurred, but I do recall back in 1994 the desire some 25 families had to build something that would express what we thought Judaism ought to be. We met in our homes, and followed an agenda which we wanted ultimately to lead to consideration of which movement we would follow. Someone mentioned Reconstructionism. So we started to examine the writings of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan. We liked his views on egalitarianism, chosenness, Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization,” and so much more. We ran a tiny ad and invited Rabbi Mordechai Liebling to speak about Reconstructionism. He was then Executive Director of FRCH, later changed to JRF. After his vivid description of the movement I asked for a straw, non-binding vote on our adopting Reconstructionism. All hands raised; I don’t recall a single negative. The decision by our founding group was no longer in doubt. After several lay-led services, the Reconstructionist movement sent us rabbinic students to lead our services. Our first continuous leader was Rabbi Brian Field, from whom we learned much. Religious school with professional instruction was up and running in September, seven months after we started the congregation. Faculty was mostly congregants supported by well-developed curricula. One of our teachers was Nancy Hersh, who became a “master teacher,” and finally the director of our Religious School. She is still with us in that capacity. After a year and a half Rabbi Amy Levenson came to us on a part-time basis. She was the Dean of Academic Studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinic College. In her second year with us, we decided that, to grow and be a recognized congregation, we really needed a full-time Rabbi. A Rabbinic Search Committee was appointed, and many interviews were held. We could not agree on one. At that point, Rabbi Amy decided she would like to go back to being a pulpit Rabbi, and so she threw her name into the candidate pool. The rest, as they say, is history! After sharing space in various locations over the years, once again space became an issue. We then relocated to the Episcopal Church in Chatham, where we had room ample room for several years. Yet we knew we had to have our own place. A search committee found a building in Summit, right on the Chatham border that would be our new home. When the building was ready for occupancy, a large band of members and friends walked, with Torahs in hand, from Main Street, where the Episcopal Church was located, to our new location. Guided by local policemen, we marched the streets between Chatham and Summit, carrying our Torahs and singing and cheering all the way to our new home. We affixed a mezuzah to the front door, and we were home. Our journey still continues 18 years later. We’re going strong and look forward to a bright future. | bethhatikvah.nj.campjrf | Rabbi Amy and Mrs. Hersh visit our kids at Camp JRF | bethhatikvah.nj.event1 | Our first Confirmation Class 2011 | bethhatikvah.nj.event2 | Founding Members Bob & Shirley Max with Rabbi Amy | bethhatikvah.nj.harmoniyah | Our CBH Singers | bethhatikvah.nj.israel | CBH Goes to Israel | bethhatikvah.nj.leadership | Some of our current and past Trustees | bethhatikvah.org.rituals | Adult B'nai Mitvah Class | bethhatikvah.nj.tikkunolam | CBH in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina | bethhatikvah.nj.youth | Rabbi Amy lights the menorah with our kids | bethhatikvah.nj.home | Dedicating Our New Home |
| 355 | Jan 10 2012 - 2:46pm | Anonymous | 74.103.128.235 | Dorshei Derekh | Philadelphia | PA | Mikael Elsila | 1986 | Minyan Coordinator, Mikael Elsila melsila@HOTMAIL.COM Minyan Coordinator Elect, Sonia Voynow voyboy@verizon.net Outgoing Minyan Coordinator, Naomi Klayman Research@NaomiKlayman.com Treasurer, Arnie Lurie alurie@kormancommercial.com Shaliach Tzibur Coordinator, Ruth Loew rcloew@gmail.com Leyning Coordinator, Bob Epstein bob_epstein@msn.com Membership Coordinator, George Stern geostern@hotmail.com Darshan Coordinator, Adina Abramowitz adina@consultingforchange.com Kiddush Coordinator, Michael Blackman michaelsr99@gmail.com Dishwashing Coordinator, Debbie Stern debstern502@msn.com END | The genesis of Dorshei Derekh goes back to the Germantown Minyan, started in 1974 by Rachel Falkove, Michael Masch, and others. Shortly after its first meeting it moved to Germantown Jewish Centre. Its participatory, lay-led services, largely in Hebrew and including Torah discussions involving personal reflections, were part of a national trend of havurot and minyanim as alternatives to formal synagogue services. The minyan grew and attracted new residents to the West Mt. Airy neighborhood. Within a few years, the minyan had up to 100 participants and divided into several minyanim, one of which was more traditional and one more flexible. After various changes and reorganizations, these two descendants of the Germantown Minyan formed minyanim that continue today. Dorshei Derekh was officially founded in 1986. In 2011, it celebrated its 25th anniversary. The more traditional group, dubbed the “206 Minyan” after the room in which it davvened (prayed), changed rooms and re-named itself Minyan Masorti. The other group, more open to liturgical creativity, met biweekly. Some new members allied themselves with that minyan, and the combined group began meeting in the fall of 1986, settling on the name Dorshei Derekh. This choice was clearly influenced by the Jerusalem congregation Mevakshei Derekh, a Reconstructionist-influenced community that was then independent (more recently affiliated with the Progressive/Reform movement). Later, the minyan went through a number of key decisions. One controversial issue in the mid-1990s was defining the role of non-Jewish family members and guests at services. A more involved decision was to formally affiliate with the Reconstructionist movement. This entailed defining minyan membership, establishing a formal decision-making process for controversial decisions, providing outside facilitators, and conducting discussions with Germantown Jewish Centre. After a lengthy process, the minyan joined the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation in 1999. Perhaps the greatest change from the 1970s or early 1980s has been the re-imagination of the Germantown Jewish Centre as a “multi-minyan” congregation. Dorshei Derekh is no longer viewed as “those other people” but as a key part of the congregation. Many Germantown Jewish Centre committee chairs, officers, and board members have come from Dorshei Derekh, including two recent congregational presidents, Helen Feinberg and Rachel Falkove. In addition, minyan members are involved in education and social action projects with the wider congregation. The minyan itself has constituted a caring community, providing meals and other support for members with illness and at times of loss or of births. This support is based on community connection, not only on who is a close personal friend. The minyan has always attempted to welcome newcomers, but the transient situations of many in our community have made that challenging. The minyan has encouraged people to acquire new liturgical and leadership skills. There have always been considerable numbers of people in the minyan with substantial Jewish knowledge, enriching the community. While many of these are Reconstructionist rabbis and rabbinical students, there are also very knowledgeable lay people. This has made it possible for many to take part in leading the group and in adding to the ideas in discussions. Germantown Minyan members were part of a network of East Coast havurot that met several times a year from the early 1970s until 1981 at Weiss’ Farm in New Jersey and later at Fellowship Farm near Philadelphia. These networks formed a basis for the National Havurah Committee, and numerous Dorshei Derekh members have participated in NHC events and leadership. The minyan has organized its own in-town and out-of-town retreats a number of times, most recently in the fall of 2006. Some practices inherited from the Germantown Minyan, or created in the early years, have influenced the minyan over two decades. Other minhagim (customs) grew over the decades. A few that are noteworthy include: a) Rotating leadership. The minyan coordinator (a chairperson) rotates every six months and with the past coordinator and coordinator-elect forms a three-person mazkirut (secretariat) for decisions that cannot wait. In general, the minyan coordinator position is filled alternately by women and men. b) Participatory decision-making is maintained through quarterly minyan meetings, though attendance is not usually large. Shabbat morning and festival services involve a number of key minhagim. The minyan arranges its space in a circle or semicircle, which emphasizes community rather than a leader. Services include a good deal of Hebrew, with English readings or interpretations sometimes added by a leader. Pesukei d’zimra (introductory psalms) with much singing are often emphasized. The Amidah includes the matriarchs, and some participants phrase blessings in alternative or feminine Hebrew. The Torah reading is done on a triennial cycle, typically with three (rather than seven) aliyot. A key part of the Torah service is the misheberakh blessings, as people volunteer for aliyot to mark events in their lives and receive recognition from the community: birthdays, new jobs, new academic ventures, arriving and departing for Israel, departing for college, a yahrzeit, a new apartment or home. These combined Hebrew and English individual prayers are a way the minyan shares news and support. While officially retaining it as an option, Dorshei Derekh generally omits the haftarah (prophetic reading) except for a few times a year. (The monthly women’s haftarah project in the 1990s was an exception.) [4] Its omission allows for a longer Torah discussion, which follows a d’var Torah. The minyan avoids centralized leadership in these discussions by having each speaker call on the next person. For 20 years, speakers alternated between men and women to assure gender equality, until this practice was suspended as an experiment in the summer of 2006. (If there were more women present than men, a step originated to advance women’s participation might actually limit it.) The Musaf service at Dorshei Derekh is an additional reading, poem, or story rather than another service. The service concludes with introductions, announcements, and a member-provided kiddush. Occasionally a longer lunch and discussion follow services. The minyan originally used the Conservative Silverman siddur with unwritten modifications, but after the Reconstructionist siddur Kol Haneshamah (edited by a minyan member, David Teutsch) was published in 1994, it was adopted by the minyan “as an experiment.” That experiment still continues today! END | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 356 | Jan 10 2012 - 7:01pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Hebrew Congregation of Somers | Somers | New York | Jenn G :) | 1944 | President: Mary Wolchan Treasurer: Cindy Levine Financial Secretary: Jill Dayan Shofar (Newsletter) Editor: Audrey Sherman | The Hebrew Congregation of Somers, with its vibrant and growing Hebrew school, and calendar of social and religious events, is in a unique position to meet the needs of the expanding Jewish community of Northern Westchester and Putnam. Our congregation is a warm and friendly association. We take a lively interest in our members and the surrounding community. The Jewish War Veterans, Post 46 has an annual Memorial Day service at HCS. Our rabbi represents the Somers Jewish community in public events such as the annual Somers Holocaust Memorial Interfaith event. | HCS.Exterior.Jpg | Hebrew Congregation of Somers | HCS.Sanctuary.jpg | Hebrew Congregation of Somers Sanctuary | ||||||||||||||||
| 358 | Jan 10 2012 - 7:18pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Kol Ami of Boca Raton | Boca Raton | Florida | Jenn G :) | President: Howard Diamond Vice President: Joanne Altman Treasurer: Jerry Wasserman Secretary: Stephanie Wasserman | Kol Ami of Boca Raton is a Reconstructionist Congregation committed to tradition and the search for contemporary meaning. Kol Ami is dedicated to building a rich and caring Jewish community. We are growing to meet the needs South Palm Beach County's diverse Jewish population, while maintaining a strong sense of community and belonging. Joining Kol Ami means becoming part of a participatory organization. That means we work together to shape Shabbat and High Holiday services, education, and holiday celebrations. Our services are spirited and engaging, and our holiday observances respect tradition while openly confronting the reality of being Jews in the 21st century. Intimate... Friendly... Inclusive... | KABR.Logo.jpg | Kol Ami of Boca Raton | |||||||||||||||||||
| 359 | Jan 10 2012 - 7:32pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Beth El | Newark | Delaware | Jenn G :) | 1954 | President: Marla Norton First VP: Adina Mattes Second VP: Ed Weinstein Third VP: Arlene Johnson Fourth VP: Bill Spinn Secretary: Terry Prager Treasurer: Jon Wolff Financial Secretary: Jeff Herst | Exciting things are happening at Temple Beth El! Temple Beth El (“TBE”) is a Reconstructionist Synagogue in Newark, Delaware. TBE was founded in 1954 by a core group of Jewish families. Today, we have approximately 270 family units with close to 200 children in our 2-day-a week religious school. Originally housed in an old A-frame on Main Street, TBE moved into its present building in September of 1984. Our social hall was recently updated and, thanks to the generosity of one of our congregants, we are presently expanding our space with a beautiful new, multi-use auxiliary building in honor of the late Vicki Temko. As of August 1st, 2010, we are delighted to welcome our new religious leader, Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, who joins us from Springfield, Massachusetts. Rabbi Becker-Klein brings with him a new energy and musical inspiration, emphasizing both historical context and contemporary relevance teachings. Our former Rabbi, David B. Kaplan, has retired after 22 years of service and remains a member of our congregation in the status of rabbi emeritus. We invite you to join us for weekend services and experience the warmth and inclusiveness that are hallmarks of TBE. Opportunities for involvement abound at Temple Beth El. Our Men's Club and Sisterhood are central to Temple Beth El’s social community, offering monthly programs, fundraising activities, social action projects, baking, catering, working the Blue Rocks concessions and more. Mens’ Club brunches, featuring a variety of speakers, are held monthly on Sunday mornings and are open to all temple members. Our choir and Klezmer band welcome men, women and teens who enjoy singing or have talent playing a musical instrument. We have an active BBYO chapter that provides social interaction, leadership training and more for older teens and a Teen Connection program for our younger teens. Whether you are new to the area, an old friend or simply looking to experience Judaism in a new way, I hope you will join us and sample the TBE experience or contact our administrator to schedule a tour. | TBEDE.Exterior.jpg | Temple Beth El Delaware's Reconstructionist Synagogue | ||||||||||||||||||
| 360 | Jan 10 2012 - 7:45pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Beth Hatfiloh | Olympia | WA | Jenn G :) | 1938 | President: Brian Boyd Treasurer: Scott Krueger (Couldn't find any more info - calling to see if they'll give it to me) | Temple Beth Hatfiloh is a 160 member-household congregation in Olympia, Washington dedicated to fulfilling the spiritual, educational, social and cultural needs of Jews in the South Puget Sound region. We serve as a Jewish resource for Thurston and surrounding counties. At TBH, we understand that there are many ways to connect with Judaism and Jewish tradition. We are truly a beit am, a “house of the people,” and seek to provide many opportunities for people to engage with Jewish community in a way that is meaningful to them. Our membership is made up of people who grew up Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, secular or not Jewish. We are an inclusive community, welcoming interfaith families, gays and lesbians, people of color, and Jews of all age groups, economic backgrounds and diverse spiritual backgrounds. We offer a full calendar of Shabbat and holiday observances. Our religious services are spirited and engaging, providing inspiration and connection. Our programming for youth is extensive, offering a full religious school program, a teen group and more. For adults, educational and social opportunities abound. We also hold very high the value of tzedakah (“righteous giving”) and tikkun olam (“repair of the world”) and TBH is very involved in the greater Olympia community. At TBH we value the individual's personal journey and seek to provide opportunities for personal connection and growth. At the same time, we recognize the value of Jewish peoplehood, and that belonging to a community and a tradition is of key importance to development and continuity. | BethHatfiloh.WA.Logo.jpg | BethHatfiloh.WA.Exterior.jpg | ||||||||||||||||||
| 361 | Jan 10 2012 - 7:53pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Temple Beth Israel | Eugene | Oregon | Jenn G :) | 1934 | President: Alan Leiman 1st VP: Maram Epstein 2nd VP: Justine Lovinger Secretary: Lucy Zammarelli Treasurer: Kelly Wolf | Temple Beth Israel is a center for Jewish life embracing traditional wisdom with contemporary insight. We promote the spiritual, educational, and social well-being of our members, the Jewish people of Lane County, and the larger community. Our membership includes people of diverse ages, interests and experiences. The congregation is vital and growing with a unique spirit that is reflected in our rich cultural and spiritual life. We are a community-centered congregation, fostering dialogue among the many approaches to Judaism that meet and coexist here. Temple Beth Israel is a welcoming, pluralistic, joyful community celebrating the richness and deep meaning of Jewish life. We look forward to seeing you soon. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 362 | Jan 10 2012 - 9:34pm | Anonymous | 76.250.38.45 | Congregation Shaarei Shamayim | Madison | WI | Dawn Berney | 1990 | Officers • President: Dawn Berney • Vice President: Cathy Kaplan • Secretary: Deborah Kades • Treasurer: Liz Feder • Past Officer: Chuck Kalish | Congregation Shaarei Shamayim is a growing community of over 100 households dedicated to the thoughtful, joyful celebration of Judaism. We have come together from varied Jewish backgrounds; our members' Jewish education ranges from extensive to nothing at all. We work to create an environment where all people feel welcome regardless of their religious, spiritual, political, or cultural identity. We are committed to fostering Jewish spiritual experience through prayer, meditation, study, song, social action, and friendship. | CongregationShaareiShamayim.WI.EducationHighlights.jpg | B'nei Mitzvot Receive an Aliah During High Holidays | CongregationShaareiShamayim.WI.Youth.jpg | Youth Adult Havurah Ice Skating Party | CongregationShaareiShamayim.WI.TikkunOlam.jpg | Rabbi Laurie Leads Shabbat Service During Protests in the Rotunda | ||||||||||||||
| 363 | Jan 11 2012 - 12:17pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Agudas Achim | Attleboro | MA | Michael Robinson | 1911 | President Stuart Frieman Secretary Peter Schwartz Vice President, Administration (Building, Personnel Committees) Glenn Gruber Trustee Joe Bell (Caring and Kesher) Vice President, Finance (Treasurer, Endowment, Finance) Jerry Cohen Trustee Joel Kravetz (Shabbat hosting and Oneg) Vice President, Community Life (Membership, Social Programming, Youth) Jill Levine Trustee Scott Judson (technology and marketing) Vice President, Religious Life (Ritual, School, Adult Education) Jonathan Nierman Immediate Past President (Ex Officio) Marcia Szymanski | Congregation Agudas Achim is proud to have celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. Serving a wide geographic area, the congregation is a vibrant follower of Reconstructionism. Leading Agudas Achim into its next 100 years is Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, who has been the spiritual leader since 2001. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 364 | Jan 11 2012 - 12:34pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Ahavas Achim | Keene | NH | Michael Robinson | President Paul Bieber Vice-President Jerry Kaufman Immediate Past President Randall Carmel Corresponding Secretary Alyse Bettinger Recording Secretary Claire Fabian Financial Secretary Vivian Prunier Treasurer David Kochman Trustees: Trish Spear Daniella Yitzchak Robert Gewanter Sandy Kochman Judy Rubin Roye Ginsberg Melanie McDonald Menashe Cohen Roberta Visser | Welcome to Congregation Ahavas Achim Congregation Ahavas Achim serves the Jewish community of the greater Keene area as a Jewish center. We believe in a Judaism lived in balance with the world around us and strive to be a welcoming place for Jewish people in southwestern New Hampshire. While most of the members are from the Keene area, others travel from towns like Peterborough, Antrim, and Walpole. Jewish tradition teaches us to appreciate the variety of ways to live a Jewish life. Our community holds education for people throughout their lives as one of our ideals. A variety of education programs are available for youth and adults. We express our beliefs and our traditions through weekly communal worship, incorporating prayer, song and meditation. We welcome all Jews, their families, and interested people to join our community in celebrating and learning Jewish tradition. Our membership reflects the diversity of the beautiful Monadnock region of New Hampshire. Rabbi Sarah Niebuhr Rubin's Vision: Just as the individual has inner physical and spiritual pulses—so too do communities vibrate with spiritual values and physical life. Jewish daily prayers, annual holidays, and life cycle events guide us—individually and communally—in reflecting on our lives and our responsibility to one another other. When we look inward, we find purpose to our physical and spiritual selves. As Hillel taught, "Im ein ani li mi li, uhshe'ani le'atzmi ma ani, if I am not for myself who will be for me, but if I am only for myself what am I?" Self and other are intimately intertwined. Only with both do we have community, and only in community do we have purpose. Rabbi Sarah has been the spiritual leader of Ahavas Achim since 2007. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 365 | Jan 11 2012 - 1:43pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Bet Haverim | Atlanta | GA | Michael Robinson | Congregation Bet Haverim is wonderfully different. CBH is different because we were founded by gays and lesbians and now enthusiastically embrace all Jews, especially those who don't quite fit the mold and have grown tired of feeling different. This distinction is at the very heart of why we were founded and became affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement. CBH is a thriving community where different has evolved into a celebration of diversity with uplifting, new traditions built upon solid Jewish traditions and values. The daily spirit of Congregation Bet Haverim is casual, warm and sensitive; a refreshing atmosphere of accessibility, inclusiveness, and of expressive love for Judaism. Bet Haverim means "House of Friends". Driven by the pleasure of community, we are a congregation that fully understands the needs of families and individuals whose history, outlook or situation means they have not felt comfortable enough in typical Jewish community environments to relax and be themselves. Alternative families, single parents, interfaith families, gays and lesbians, Jews of color, families with adopted children of color, and Jews with a progressive mindset all experience the safe haven of true acceptance at Bet Haverim. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 366 | Jan 11 2012 - 3:34pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Congregation Darchei Noam | Toronto | Ontario | Michael Robinson | The Darchei Noam Vision / Mission statement Why we exist Darchei Noam exists in order to provide to our members, and to the Toronto Jewish community, the Reconstructionist vision of an evolving, open, Jewish religious civilization, compatible with rational thought and modern knowledge, and to promote the best values of both historic Judaism and contemporary world civilizations. What we do Our members work to maintain and enhance Darchei Noam as a supportive community that provides a source of spiritual meaning and connectedness, and as a means to strengthen our Jewish knowledge, experience and contribution to the community. We value the diverse backgrounds, orientations and experiences of our fellow Jews and we act to address their needs with a wide variety of Jewish responses. We welcome the participation of our non-Jewish associate members in support of the purposes and activities of our congregation. We provide stimulating prayer services and an open intellectual environment supportive of discussion of all matters affecting Jewish life, so that we may better understand and appreciate our Jewish culture and heritage. We educate and motivate our members, both adults and children, to develop intellectual, spiritual and emotional bonds to Judaism and to the Jewish people. We put into action the positive Jewish social values that we as Reconstructionist Jews embrace. Our congregation is meant to be a place where Jews who have similar commitments to positive social change can meet and develop community, and where those seeking to develop an ethical understanding and practice of Jewish life will find learning and support in their efforts. We conduct the life of our congregation in a way that encourages all who enter our doors to experience Jewish life as a source of joy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 369 | Jan 12 2012 - 9:41am | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Kehillat Ahavat Achim | New Paltz | New York | 1964 | Rabbi - Rabbi Bill Strongin President - Lisa Randleman Vice-President - Wendy Rudder Secretary - Susan Cohen Treasurer - Paul Zuckerman | Kehillat Ahavat Achim, the Jewish Congregation of New Paltz, was founded in 1964 and has been affiliated with the Reconstructionist Movement since 1984. We extend a warm welcome to any who come to join with us in worship. In keeping with the values of Reconstructionist Judaism, we hold a tradition-respectful, liberal attitude toward our Jewish civilization, in which egalitarian and participatory practices are maintained. We are also committed to a respectful attitude for other faiths, and to fostering a pluralistic society in which all seek to further the understanding among the many religious peoples of the one earth. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 461 | Jan 30 2012 - 6:54pm | Anonymous | 75.25.142.77 | Or Zarua: Reconstructionist Havurah of the Easty Bay | Berkeley | CA | Emily Galpern | 2004 | Emily Galpern, President Jeff Burack, Treasurer Carol Caine: Secretary Board Members: Ross Andelman, Ann Lopata, Sara Sarasohn | Or Zarua is a community of families and individuals striving to build a welcoming, intimate, progressive, and spiritual Jewish community that embraces Jewish tradition. We gather monthly for member-led Shabbat services, as well as for holidays, simchas, and study. Our services are characterized by spirited singing, thoughtful discussion, and a participatory spirit. We celebrate diversity in our community, including LGBTQI people, singles, people with partners from other faiths, and people or color. Children are encouraged to participate in the services. Free childcare is available at all services and most events. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 462 | Jan 31 2012 - 12:36pm | Anonymous | 74.92.126.138 | Kehillat Israel | Pacific Pailsades | CA | Michael Robinson | 1950 | Kathleen Rawson President Moira Tenzer Advisor to the President Miriam Bookey VP Synagogue Services Jessica Dishell VP Education Robert Resnick VP Finance Angela Milstein VP Strategic Planning / Special Projects Lani Farar Early Childhood Education Nancy Handler Religious School Education Rick Nasch Fund Raising Michael Rosen Treasurer Rosanne Ziering Jewish Community Liaison Stephanie Kerley Schwartz Facilities, Arts and Design Bert Kleinman Religious Practices Heidi Katz Leadership Development Steven Lewis Communications Rachael Jeck Human Resources Pamela Solomon Youth Activities Steve Gomer Jewish Learning Initiative Laura Diamond Tikkun Olam Jill Leanse Board Secretary Richard Klein Membership Acquisition and Integration Cindy Freedland Membership Engagement Mark Miller Development . Rabbi, Steven Carr Reuben Rabbi,Amy Bernstein Cantor, Chaim Frenkel Executive Director, Marca Gay | Our Mission Statement Kehillat Israel, a Reconstructionist Congregation, is an inclusive spiritual Jewish community, providing a warm, nurturing environment where we pray, learn, educate, and perpetuate Torah and Jewish values, while serving the greater community. .Kehillat Israel's History In 1950 a small group of young Jewish people in Pacific Palisades were seeking a community with their fellow Jews and lovingly planted the first seed that would blossom and grow into Kehillat Israel. Under the spiritual leadership of our Founding Rabbi, Abraham Winokur z”l, KI was first called “The Jewish Community of Pacific Palisades,” then “The Jewish Congregation of Pacific Palisades” (JCPP), then “Kehillath Israel” and finally “Kehillat Israel” in keeping with the modern Hebrew pronunciation. By the time Kehillat Israel had reached nearly 400 families over 15 years ago, we had outgrown our old facility and the community responded by building our new, beautiful synagogue facility which was dedicated on October 26, 1997. Since that time we have more than doubled to over 1,000 diverse households representing all walks of life and a wide variety of Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. Through it all we have strived to maintain that same atmosphere of warmth, caring and community that inspired those early members to create the KI we love. |