The Role of Text Study in Congregational Values-Based Decision Making
This article encourages communities to draw on ancient and contemporary texts as they develop and articulate their values.
Type: Article
Synagogue Administration
Parashat Noah: A Community Discussion for Disaster Planning
What are the provisions that we have made in our community to care for our members if a disaster should strike during the operation of the building? How much can this community invest in this preparation? These are just two of the questions raised in this thoughtful guide to a community discussion on a topic most people want to avoid.
Type: Community Discussion Guide
Governing Documents
This document defines different kids of core documents that are important in congregational life: mission/vision statements, bylaws, minutes, guidelines and policies.
Type: Glossary
Reconstructionist Response to Conservative Movement Decision on Gay Ordination and Commitment Ceremonies
On December 6, 2006 the Law and Standards Committee of the Conservative movement passed a teshuva, an opinion on Jewish law, which permits same-sex commitment ceremonies and the ordination of gay/lesbian rabbis. This statement is the Reconstructionist movement's immediate response to Conservative Announcement.
Topics: Congregational Development, Jewish Life, Synagogue Administration, Jewish Practice, Tikkun Olam
Type: Policy
Religious School Teacher Contract—Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (Evanston, IL)
This is a sample contract for a religious school teacher.
Topics: Education, Congregational Development, School Administration, Small School Administration, Synagogue Administration
Type: Administrative Document
Disaster Preparedness and Response for Clergy and Congregations
Recent hurricanes have demonstrated the importance for clergy and caring teams to receive excellent disaster preparedness, training, and response. This article provides practical suggestions for community disaster planning.
Type: How to
Enhancing the Rabbi-Congregational Partnership
In March of 2005, the Greater Metropolitan New York Regional Council sponsored a presentation on the complex relationship between Rabbis and congregations. The article summarizes the main points of the presentation that is based upon the The Rabbi-Congregational Relationship: A Vision for the 21st Century
Topics: Congregational Development, Reconstructionism Today, Synagogue Administration, Community Building, Congregational and Organizational Life
Type: RT Article
Dues and Financial Policy: Our Tax for Jewish Citizenship
This article brings a historical perspective on biblical taxation, suggesting that synagogue dues are a tax for Jewish citizenship. It also introduces the idea of "fair share" dues, where individual members' dues vary based on their income.
Topics: Congregational Development, Money and Values, Synagogue Administration, Membership, Community Building
Type: Article
Preparing for a Rabbinic Sabbatical From the Perspective of the Congregational Leadership
This document is designed to help Reconstructionist communities prepare for a rabbinic sabbatical as a time of growth—for the rabbi and the community. It relates to the biblical agricultural sabbatical and includes an outline of questions to shape planning.
Type: How to
Disaster and Crisis: Response Systems for Jewish Organizations
Emergency Planning: Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations. By United Jewish Communities. A 200 page manual.
Type: Manual