Midwest

Welcome to the JRF Midwest Regional Web Page!

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:52:26 -0400

JRF Cleveland Office Dedication (Hanukkat Hamisrad) - Rabbi Steve Segar, Leah Kamionkowski, Rabbi Shawn ZevitThe Midwest region includes congregations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Our synagogues and Havurot range in size from 14 to 850 households.

Midwest Congregations: Ann Arbor Recon Havurah, MI
Beth El Tzedeck, Indiannapolis, IN
Bnai Tikvah, Mason (Cincinatti), OH
Ezrat Habonim- Niles Township, Skokie, IL
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston, IL
Kehillat Israel, Lansing, MI
Knesset Israel Temple, Wooster, OH
Kol Halev, Cleveland, OH
The Little Minyan, Columbus, OH
Mayim Rabim, Minneapolis, MN
Reconstructionist Congregation of Detroit, Detroit, MI
Shaareih Shamayim, Madison, WI
Shir Hadash, Milwaukee, WI
Shir Hadash, Northbrook, IL
Shir Hadash, St. Louis, MO
Temple Israel, Duluth, MN
T'Chiyah, Detroit, MI

Additional JRF affiliates nearby:
Congregation Shir Shalom, Williamsville, NY
Dor Hadash, Pittsburgh, PA

JRF Legacy Project

Victoria Cangelosi — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:02:34 -0400

As the JRF and the RRC continue to restructure our movement for a better future, JRF has created a timeless Legacy Tribute Book in honor of our congregations. This keepsake memento will walk our members through the years of Reconstructionist history and highlight each of our communities in story and pictures. We are looking for your help to make this once-in-a-lifetime tribute book a reality. Would you consider making a gift to the JRF to support our lasting legacy?

For donors who support our movement with a gift at the Kaplan Legacy Sponsorship $5,000 level, we will send you a Legacy Tribute Book, the accompanying Legacy DVD, and commemorative leather bound editions of Judaism as a Civilization and Reconstructing Judaism.

For donors who support our movement with a gift at the Eisenstein Legacy Sponsorship $1,800 level, we will send you a Legacy Tribute Book, the accompanying Legacy DVD, and one commemorative leather bound edition of either Judaism as a Civilization or Reconstructing Judaism - your choice.

For donors who support our movement with a gift at the Patron Sponsorship $720 level, we will send you a Legacy Tribute Book and the accompanying Legacy DVD.

For donors who support our movement with a gift at the Friend Sponsorship $360 level, we will send you a Legacy Tribute Book.

For donors who support our movement with a gift at the $118 level, we will send you a complimentary Legacy DVD.

Please consider contributing to this special project and receiving these special, limited edition items you will always treasure for your personal library. These also make wonderful, unique gifts for a friend or loved one.

Make your gift online.

JRF 2012 Midwest Celebration and Legacy Event

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:40:25 -0500

TOASTING OUR PAST- TASTING OUR FUTURE

MIDWEST LEGACY EVENT/ HOUSE FUNDRAISERS, 2012

Legacy House Party celebrating your congregation and the Reconstructionist movement

(FRCH/JRF established 1955)

- You may be aware that every year, each region has some sort of event designed to celebrate the movement and recognize the accomplishments in the region and by its members, but also fundraise for the movement's sustenance. This year, because we are getting closer to the restructuring of the movement, the events will be centered around celebrating the history of the movement. The Midwest Regional leadership has decided to make this simpler than a the typical, large, central, big ticket price event, and instead, give each congregation the opportunity to celebrate yourselves in the context of being part of the movement and use it as a modest fundraising event for the ongoing sustenance of JRF.

SO we're asking each cong to hold a House Party celebrating your congregation and the Reconstructionist movement, with the goals:

GoaTo have about 20-30 congregants over to a designated house for a celebration and a look back at your synagogue accomplishments during the years with FRCH/JRF.

- To show the JRF provided DVD (includes photos from member congregations) on a TV screen, running throughout the evening.

- To have a Legacy book or two for viewing during the evening,

- To take orders for the book if anyone wanted to have their own copy. (JRF will provide)

- serve wine and cheese or champagne and chocolate and strawberries and call it for a couple of hours, weeknight or weekend.

- charge suggested $36. to attend the event (all proceeds going to the JRF event, you know your communities best- adjust as needed. Also consider getting higher donation from members with more resources to underwrite for those who may not be able to afford).

donate home/refreshments.

- answer questions , using up-to-date information about the restructuring process and invite discussion, enthusiasm about what happens next to our movement.

JRF Legacy “yearbook” (Being handled by Beit Devorah: JRF central Office in Philadelphia- go to http://jrf.org/jrf-salutes-legacy-book)

- As the JRF and the RRC (Reconstructionist Rabbinical College) continue towards restructuring the movement, we are celebrating the legacy of our first half-century as a congregational movement. We want to create a Legacy book to highlight JRF and our communities. Our goal is to recognize every congregation, your leadership and your self-defined major achievements. As we move forward in the process of restructuring of our central institutions (coming out of the unification vote in April 2011) we celebrate the evolution of FRCH/JRF through the years, (soft-cover book format, with lots of pictures)

- We will highlight each of our congregations

- We will highlight important or historic events in our history

- We will do a mailing and offer this book to donors who give at the $118 level or higher

Being obtained from congregations through central office and website uploading: your name, your congregation name, congregation city and state, the year your congregation was founded, highlights and proud accomplishments from your congregation (e.g. you were the first green synagogue in your community, largest number of children at Camp JRF, helped to start a community organizing initiative in your community, interfaith relations, building a building, etc.), a paragraph about your congregation, then up to 10 photos representing different areas of congregational life from such as:

- Education Highlights

- Camp Highlights

- Congregational Leadership and Governance

- Capital Campaigns

- Regional Events

- Conventions- Years and Themes

- Noar Hadash

- Ritual and Spiritual Practice

- Israel

- Tikkun Olam (internal policies/programs, external activism)

- Harmoniyah- Music and Liturgy

2011 Midwest Celebration at Ravinia

Victoria Cangelosi — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:18:29 -0400

JRF invites our Midwestern Region's congregants to join us for our annual celebration! Register today
The event will be Thursday June 23rd at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois and will include dinner and a concert with k.d.lang. (www.ravinia.org)

This year’s theme will be Ohel: Together Under One Tent. We want to reinforce the message that Reconstructionism remains an open tent for all who value progressive Judaism. As part of the event, we will honor individuals from each participating congregation who have contributed to creating a "Big Tent" for Judaism or securing the ohel/tent that is your congregation. This might mean helping the congregation through an important transition, securing it financially, or creating an ohel that is both open and inviting. The program will include a special tribute to the honorees of each congregation.

2011 Honorees:

Alan Rubin and Neal Rubin, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston, IL

Fred Andes, Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue, Nothrbrook, IL

Leah Kamionkowski, Kol Halev, Cleveland, OH

6:00pm- Dinner and program under the tent

8:00pm- k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang, with special guest The Belle Brigade, in the pavillion

Event Chairs: Carole Caplan and Reese Gratch- JRC; Deborah Newberger- Shir Hadash

Host Committee (in formation)

Freddi Greenberg and Dan Pinkert — Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Rabbi Brant Rosen — Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Cantor Howard Friedland — Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Mary Jo Barrett and Dennis O’Keefe — Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Halle Barnett — Kol HaLev
David Conn —Kol HaLev
Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow — Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue

Register today

Protests in Madison, WI, and Rabbinic Resources

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:26:07 -0500

JRF supports the work of our own and other denominational rabbis and social justice advocates in the struggle to preserve worker's rights in Madison, WI and around the United States.

Below is a copy of the letter and additional resources on the issue:

Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman's JTA Article: http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/03/01/2743125/op-ed-wis-governors-plan-threatens-workers-and-jewish-values

"Jews joining union showdown in Wisconsin over gov's proposal":
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/02/22/2743074/wisconsin-jews-react-to-senate-showdown-with-protests-and-no-comment.

RRA "Resolution to Support the Employee Free Choice Act" at http://www.therra.org/resolutions/RRA_Resolution_EFCA_2010.pdf

New Jersey Jewish News Article: http://njjewishnews.com/article/op-eds/standing-up-for-workers-and-jewish-tradition

Rabbi Jill Jacobs' teshuvah for the CJLS on workers' rights.http://www.rabbinicalassembly.org/teshuvot/docs/20052010/jacobs-living-wage.pdf

Interfaith Worker's Justice resources: http://www.iwj.org/template/index.cfm

Dear Rabbinic Colleagues and Friends,

Many of you have been watching what is going on in our beloved city of Madison, Wisconsin. As rabbis who live and work in Madison, we wanted to share with you some reflections on recent events.

This is an extraordinary time in Madison. We have never seen anything like it. The sheer number of people who have come to protest, testify, or attend vigils at the State Capitol is unbelievable. Through sunshine and freezing rain, we have been shocked at how long people have sustained this engagement. The overwhelming number of protesters has been respectful, peaceful, and well, downright friendly (this is the Midwest, after all!). The energy inside the Capitol rotunda is astounding. It has brought tears to our eyes to watch young people become so passionate about these issues, even sleeping there throughout the night. We have heard some grumbling about the school closures, but there could be no better civics lesson than watching strangers – young and old, workers and professors, from small towns and big cities, all holding hands all around the perimeter of the Capitol and chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.”

We have been very focused on the local level, but we understand that this is a national issue. The stakes are very high. They are so high because our very communities are at risk. Contrary to many news reports, this is not about greedy labor unions. If Governor Walker’s bill passes, it will destroy local economies throughout the state – and drastically reduce the quality of our public schools, universities, nursing homes, child care centers, and hospitals. Through its devastating changes to Medicaid it will jeopardize the health and well-being of the mentally ill, disabled, elderly, and poor. This will affect each of us personally and professionally, and it will spread to other states as well. Sadly, our children’s future is on the line, and Governor Walker has tried to prevent any public discussion or debate on these issues.

As rabbis we find this an affront to our values – the Jewish mandate to protect workers, as well as the poor and needy among us. It is an affront to our deep value for education, for supporting women’s rights, and for creating sustainable communities. And it is an affront to our belief that these issues should be debated openly and fairly under public scrutiny.

We humbly share the attached resources that we have compiled in the hopes that we can renew our commitment to social justice for all members of our society. What is happening in Wisconsin will likely spread to other states, and we hope that you will discuss these issues in your communities.

The organization that has been coordinating the interfaith religious response in Madison is the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin. Their members are a combination of grassroots activists, clergy, laity, congregations, community organizations, and labor unions. If you would like to support their work, please visit www.workerjustice.org. The issue of cuts to health care coverage for low income Wisconsin residents is also at stake. To read more about this or to support these efforts, please visit Save Badger Care, www.savebadgercare.org.

As Rabbi Hillel once said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"

B’shalom,

Rabbi Renee Bauer

Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon

Rabbi Rebecca Ben-Gideon

Rabbi Jonathan Biatch

Rabbi Kenneth Katz

Rabbi Bonnie Margulis

Rabbi Andrea Steinberger

Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman

Rabbi Renee Bauer
Director
Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice
of South Central Wisconsin
2300 South Park Street, #109
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 255-0376

Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman's account:

Being in Madison has been an incredible experience over these past two weeks. When I arrived at a Shabbat dinner the evening after Governor Walker put forth his plan, there was utter despair among my congregants. We knew this spelled trouble. We had no idea what would happen next. Over the next few days there were some small protests. But on that Tuesday 5-10,000 people gathered at the State Capitol. It felt uplifting to gather together with others. There was much more energy than there had been before at most labor rallies I had attended, and at one high school hundreds of students walked out and came to the rally. Even so, over the next week things just exploded. The teachers called a “sick out” – 40% of them called in sick, and the schools closed. This meant that the numbers swelled to tens of thousands towards the end of the week. On Shabbat morning I officiated at a bar mitzvah. For the first aliyah I called up anyone who had taken part in a protest, vigil, or hearing at the Capitol. I expected a bunch of people to come up; I did not expect 90% of the congregation and guests to come up. (Even the bar mitzvah family’s out of town family had attended rallies on Friday.) Things have continued to be quite extraordinary here. This past Tuesday the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice (Reconstructionist Rabbi, Renee Bauer, is their director) called a press conference to amplify interfaith voices. Afterwards they walked into the Capitol chanting in a call and response form, “Tell me what religion should look like!” To which the response was, “This is what religion should look like!” The Capitol rotunda just brings tears to your eyes. There has been a continual protest there hour after hour, day after day, all day and all night. People drumming, cheering, debating, praying, meditating and testifying in statewide hearings. When the Democratic assembly members walk through there are massive cheers (the Democratic senators are still in Illinois). I heard up to a thousand people have been sleeping there. There are many students camping out, but also union members, families, and elderly people who have brought mats to sleep on. If I wasn’t 37 weeks pregnant with a toddler I would have considered sleeping there myself! People have organized workshops, meetings, yoga, and a first aid station there. The organizers are currently establishing a faith section in the Capitol where services can take place. This Friday evening area rabbis are holding Shabbat services there. The organization, camaraderie, and passion is something that I never before seen in my life.

Temple Sinai, Amherst, NY- Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class Makes News!

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:00:44 -0400

Full in their faith, nine women are called to the Torah

After spending many hours in prayerful study, nine women will finally celebrate their Bat Miztvahs.

http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/06/11/1079422/full-in-their-faith-nine-women.html

Join us for the Midwest Celebration!

Victoria Cangelosi — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:39:25 -0400

JRF invites our Midwestern Region's congregants to join us for our annual celebration, this year to be held at Ravinia. The event is on Tuesday, July 20 at 6:00 pm, and will feature Peter and Paul in a tribute to Mary.

We will be honoring our Moreh Derekh (Those who show us the path) Honorees:

Steve Blonder - Four term president of Ezra Habonim, the Niles Township Jewish Congregation, Steve led the synagogue through a significant transition and transformation.

Deborah Newberger - Deborah Newberger is a two-term past president of Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue in Northbrook, IL. A member since 1997, Deborah has served on the board of directors, youth group committee, fundraising committee, sabbatical committee, and is currently chairing the capital campaign committee -- working to secure a permanent home for Shir Hadash.

Carole Caplan - Carole Caplan is proud to be a past president of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, IL, and to have helped build their new building as the "greenest" house of worship in America

Marc Hurwitz - Two-term President of Congregation Shir Hadash synagogue in Milwaukee, WI, has been a member since its founding in 1989. He chaired the Membership committee for 10 years, and has been actively involved in special programming and the development of the congregational school.

For more details and to register, contact Melanie Schneider at mschneider@jrf.org or 212.870.2483

Mayyim Rabim Celebrates Liturgist Ruth Brin

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:02:26 -0400

Well over 100 guests came together on Sunday, May 20 to honor Ruth Brin and the literary contributions she has made to our Mayim Rabim and far-reaching Reconstructionist communities over several decades.

Among those who spoke about Ruth and her work were Leah Kamionkowski representing the Reconstructionist Midwest Region, and Mordecai Specktor of the American Jewish World. Robin King Cooper acknowledged Ruth’s enthusiastic support of Mayim Rabim, and read greetings from Rabbi Renee Bauer.

Ruth Brin CelebrationJonathan Paradise, professor of Hebrew at the University of Minnesota, read his Hebrew translation of one of Ruth’s poems. Carla Vogel beautifully read selections from Ruth’s works.

Finally, Ruth shared some reflections and acknowledged significant persons who helped make it possible to pursue her writing career. A reception took place after the program.

B’Hatzlacha! Congratulations! Two New Affiliates Join the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Gari Weilbacher — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:27:06 -0400

Following an unanimous vote of approval by the JRF Board, we welcome The Little Minyan of Columbus, Ohio and Kol Haneshamah of Sarasota, Florida, to the JRF community of communities.

Just a year and a half old, Congregation Kol HaNeshama, founded by a small group of year-round and seasonal residents, has already established itself as a creative force in Sarasota, and has now joined JRF as the 106th affiliate. Since its inception it has grown to 38 households, and is operating on a 12-month calendar, including all major holidays.

The Little Minyan began with the pipedream of folks who envisioned a congregational model that included a holy community (kehilla kedosha) that truly cared for and supported one another in times of need, joy, and sorrow. Their vision was shared by a small group that began to meet regularly, jokingly calling themselves The Little Minyan that Could, and on Shavuot 5766/June 2006, The Little Minyan held their first Sabbath service.

Congregation Kol HaNeshama

Congregation Kol HaNeshama offers a variety of programs, including Shabbat morning services, lively musical services on Friday evenings, and holiday services and celebrations. On alternate weekends the congregation offers a very popular “Lunch and Learn” Torah study program, and an extensive adult education program will be offered next year. RRC student Evette Lutman served the congregation this year, and next year’s student rabbi, Nehama Benmosche, will be welcomed and introduced to the community on June 6.

Rabbi Shawn Zevit, Director of Outreach, welcomes Kol Haneshamah as “another jewel in the Florida Reconstructionist crown” and Rabbi Mark S. Kram, of Temple Beth Or in Miami sent greetings: “Welcome to JRF! And best of luck in growing your community. We send our best wishes and an offer to help in any way we can from Miami. B’hatzlacha!

Founders include Dr. Linda Charnes (President) and her husband Stanley Yudin; B’nai Keshet members Murry and Leona Brochin, board members of JRF and RRC, respectively; Adat Shalom members Kayla Niles, another JRF board member, and John Niles; and Charles Silberman, former RRC board member from West End Synagogue

President Linda Charnes says, "If you're thinking about Florida for a vacation next winter, think Sarasota and Congregation Kol HaNeshama. We will welcome all members of other Recon communities with open arms, good food and friendship. Let us know you are coming and we will be sure you are invited for Shabbat dinner at one of our members' homes."

Visit Kol HaNeshama's website, www.congkh.org, for information and the full schedule of activities.

The Little Minyan

The Little Minyan, Columbus, OhioThe Little Minyan, a vibrant and highly participatory Jewish congregation in central Ohio, has chosen to enter into the covenantal relationship of affiliation with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF). Although the Little Minyan will be the only Reconstructionist congregation in central Ohio, there are currently affiliates in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Wooster.

Members of the major movement, including Director of Outreach, Rabbi Shawn Zevit, will participate in Erev Shabbat services on Friday, June 12th, 7:30 p.m., to welcome the Little Minyan. The Little Minyan holds monthly erev Shabbat and Shabbat morning services at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2070 Ridgecliff Road, in Upper Arlington. In addition, a wide variety of educational, celebratory, and social action activities of the Little Minyan can be found on their website, littleminyan.org.

The Little Minyan began with the pipedream of two 40-year-old moms, Irene Donhowe of Dublin, and Jessica Shimberg Lind of Upper Arlington, who met through their children and spent years serving in leadership positions at a Reform synagogue. They envisioned a congregational model that included meaningful educational opportunities for children and their parents, a participatory worship experience that welcomed innovation and fostered learning, and a holy community (kehilla kedosha) that truly cared for and supported one another in times of need, joy, and sorrow. Their vision was shared by a small group that began to meet regularly, jokingly calling themselves The Little Minyan that Could, and on Shavuot 5766/June 2006, The Little Minyan held their first Sabbath service.

Within 18 months of forming, the Little Minyan had worked together to create a chuppah (wedding canopy) to celebrate a wedding, welcomed their first Little Minyan baby with a lovely brit chayim (covenant of life ceremony), and assisted in creating a meaningful Shiva/mourning period for a beloved parent. In addition, the community had successfully created Shabbat and High Holy Day worship services, extensive educational programming, and social and social action opportunities, all with the energy and talents of individual members and on a very modest budget.

Over the course of their first three years, the Little Minyan has, on occasion, invited rabbis and other professional teachers to both study with and lead worship for the congregation. However, the Little Minyan remains primarily lay led and completely volunteer driven. With the assistance of a national movement that shares the values and dynamic vision of the Little Minyan, the congregation looks forward to a bright future serving its members and the central Ohio community. Affiliation affords the Little Minyan many opportunities while maintaining a great degree of autonomy.

Full listing of JRF congregations

Affiliating with JRF

JRF Affiliate Twice Again Recognized for Leading the Way in Environmental Sustainability

Lisa Tuttle — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:28:08 -0400

JRF is proud to announce that the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, Ill. has been awarded First Place (tie) in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency's Greenie Beanie Awards, a special competition in honor of Tu B’Shevat. And on February 6-7, at JRC's Tu B'Shevat Seder & Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat, the congregation will be presented with the Shalom Center's Green Menorah Award.

As part of JRF's Sustainable Synagogue Initiative, JRC was acknowledged at the JRF 2008 biennial convention in Boston in November for being the "greenest shul in North America" and for its ongoing green policy development.

In 2008, this 475-member congregation became the first house of worship to secure a Platinum LEED certification, widely seen as the most difficult and expense "green" standard (see usgbc.org for more info on LEED certification). Starting with nothing more than a commitment to define themselves as stewards of the Earth and to take seriously the Jewish value of bal taschit (do not waste), members of the shul's board passed a unanimous statement declaring their intention to build as green as 'feasible' as they planned for their new communal home. Further, to develop its commitment into everyday practice both communally and personally, the congregation developed "Green Living Policies,” a document approved by its board to guide the congregation in responsible building/operations practices. The synagogue's website is both inspirational and instructive, showing how much can be done with good intentions. The two Greenest Beanies are splitting the $360 first-place prize courtesy of the Jewish environmental organization Hazon. See a listing of all entries, including JRF's own Sustainable Synagogue Initiative, and JRF member communities- Kehillat Israel (Lansing, MI), Oseh Shalom (Laurel, MD).

In 1990, JRF passed a movement-wide resolution on the environment and congregational life. Since 2006 we offer conference calls and resources on Sustainable Synagogues and Living a Jewish Life Rooted in Ecological Values. Access these resources at www.jrf.org/Sustainable_Synagogue_Resources and www.jrf.org/climate.