Val Kaplan from Oseh Shalom in Maryland, introduces the session.

At the end of Zach's talk, JRF Executive Vice President Carl Sheingold presents some closing remarks.

JRF Executive Vice President Carl Sheingold gives an introduction to the plenary in advance of David Teutsch's remarks.

In 1990, JRF passed a movement-wide resolution on the environment and congregational life. Since 2006 we offered conference calls and resources on Sustainable Synagogues and Living a Jewish Life Rooted in Ecological Values.  read more »

• http://jrf.org/Sustainable_Synagogue_Resources
• http://jrf.org/sz-2007-omer-intro
• http://jrf.org/omer/2007

As part of the Sustainable Synagogue Initiative and the 2008 JRF Biennial convention, we honored 15 of the individuals and communities leading the way in our movement in integrating Jewish values and religious life, and sustainable communal policies and practices. Read more to see the full list!

This is the first of what will be many reports sharing highlights of the 42nd JRF Convention that took place in Boston November 13-16, 2008.

Panelists at our opening plenary, from left, Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, Rabbi David Teutsch, Sarah Liebman and Zachary Teutsch As the Jewish Reconstructionist movement enters its sixth decade as a major force in Jewish life, JRF dedicated its 2008 biennial convention in Boston to exploring the theme "Transformative Judaism for the 21st Century."

Listen online or download the audio to this session.  read more »

Following a two-year strategic planning process launched at the JRF biennial in 2006, the JRF board ratified a plan whose strategic priorities were reflected at this year’s Convention. The “next generation” took center stage and was explored in a variety of ways throughout the four-day event and included the many college students and young adults in attendance. Participants engaged in dialogue with a diverse group of experts about the important role the Reconstructionist movement is playing through its innovations in Jewish education, Jewish camp, and all aspects of Jewish communal life.

Dr. Jonathan Sarna is the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University and Director of its Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program. Dubbed by the Forward as one of America's fifty most influential American Jews, he is a leading commentator on American Jewish history, religion, and life. Dr. Sarna has written, edited, or co-edited more than twenty books, including the acclaimed American Judaism: A History and his newly released A Time to Every Purpose: Letters to a Young Jew.

Read The September 5 interview with Dr. Sarna in the Forward.

Register online now: Come see what Reconstructionist community is all about! The 42nd JRF Convention will take place at the historic Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. To request a form to register by mail or fax, call Ayelet Tours at 800-237-1517.