Reconstructionist Judaism
Learn about the philosophy of Reconstructionist Judaism in this self-paced, three-unit program. Explore the thinking of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, who understood Judaism as an evolving religious civilization. Find out how Reconstructionist Judaism differs from other branches of progressive Judaism. Hear the thoughts of real-world Reconstructionist rabbis and congregants. No Hebrew is required. You will discover the concept of Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization” and examine questions such as:
- Are the Jews a “chosen people?”
- In a scientific age, how do I understand evil and suffering?
- What obligation do I have to help heal the world (tikkun olam)?
- How do I decide which Jewish holidays or rituals to observe?
Each unit presents one of the fundamental perspectives of Reconstructionist Judaism established by the movement’s intellectual founder, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan: belonging, believing and behaving.
Your guide for the program is Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Ph.D., ’82, director of multifaith studies and initiatives at RRC. You have opportunities to read, question and reflect on Judaism in the 21st century, as you move through at your own pace and explore probing questions.
Learn about the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism on RRC's website. http://www.rrc.edu/resources/mordecai-m-kaplan
View a searchable archive of Kaplan’s diaries from 1913–1972, collected by the library of the Jewish Theological Seminary. (On the left side of the page, type in “Kaplan Diaries” in the search box.) These offer a window into his thoughts on 20th century Judaism and the development of the Reconstructionist movement.
An overview of Reconstructionist philosophy and community life, plus testimonials from members of Reconstructionist congregations.
Shavuot Theology
When we celebrate Shavuot, writes Rabbi Jacob Staub, we need not limit the celebration to an event that occurred (or did not occur) in the 13th century BCE. If the giving of the Torah is ongoing, then new interpretations we discover at a Tikun Leyl Shavuot are part of the oral Torah.
This essay is excerpted from A Guide to Jewish Practice, Volume 2—Shabbat and Holidays.