Congregations: News

A Unified Reconstructionist Movement

Victoria Cangelosi — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:33:22 -0400

JRF's affiliated congregations and havurot voted overwhelmingly at a special Plenum on April 10, 2011 in Philadelphia in favor of the proposal to unite the congregational arm of the Reconstructionist movement with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.

For the most up to date information on the transition to unification see http://www.rrc.edu//node/1193

Click here to read the statement from Michael Mitchell about the results of the Plenum.
Click here to read the RRC's press release.
You can also read the 'At a Glance' document here.

Attached please find the downloadable packet containing:

the notice of the JRF Plenum April 10, 2011;
the resolution that was voted on;
a copy of the agreement between the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation; and
a Questions & Answers document.

PEARL: Providing Education And Resources for Leadership

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:51:26 -0400

PEARL (Providing Education and Resources for Leadership) the distance-learning program offered by JRF, provides meaningful information and strategies beneficial to congregational leaders, members, clergy, educators and staff. Expert speakers partner with movement professional staff and lay leaders to support the strengthening of congregations and havurot, grow leadership, deepen Jewish spiritual life and continue critical tikkun olam/social justice work. With input from Reconstructionist congregational leadership, clergy, staff and board members, a variety of PEARL topics are selected each year. Click on the attachment below for a complete Guide to PEARL Congregational Leadership Resources. Curricula_Guide_to_Using_PEARL_Resources_for_Congregations.pdf

See an alphabetical listing of over 60 PEARL sessions since 2008 http://jrf.org/pearl/archive as well as other congregational resources.As you use the PEARL resources we strongly recommend you put together a leadership team, including clergy if applicable to ensure you get the greatest benefit in integrating your learning across your congregational system. We recommend you review your own mission/vision/values and specific needs in advance to get the most out of curriculum guide. Each PEARL session is about one hour and fiteen minutes in length. Some classes, are a follow up or expansion on previously presented topics.For access to all the audio sessions of PEARL go to http://jrf.org/pearl/audio

As of 2010 year, the PEARL series was integrated with JRF's annual Omer Initiative (begun in 2005, seven weeks of learning between Passover and Shavuot with session focusing on "tikkun hanefesh v'olam", the well-being and active repair of self, community and the world. Please see http://jrf.org/omer/home.

JRF and Greenfaith Partner for Sustainable Reconstructionist Communities 2012 Fellowships and Certifications

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:04 -0500

The JRF-GreenFaith Partnership

GreenFaith and the JRF through the Department of Congregational Services and Tikkun Olam are pleased to announce a three-year partnership to promote a deepening of JRF’s existing environmental initiatives. GreenFaith is a leading national interfaith environmental coalition whose mission is to help diverse religious communities become environmental leaders. GreenFaith is a leading interfaith environmental coalition whose mission is to educate, equip and empower diverse religious communities for environmental leadership. Founded in 1992, GreenFaith offers a range of programs that help faith-based groups nationwide put their beliefs into action for the earth. The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation has had a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and the role of the Jewish people in building sustainable communities (http://jrf.org/Sustainable_Synagogue_Resources).

We are delighted to announce that String of Pearls in Princeton, New Jersey, http://www.stringofpearlsweb.org/), became the first Reconstructionist community to apply and be accepted to the two-year congregational certification program as part of the JRF-Greenfaith partnership in the fall of 2011. Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum, String-of-Pearl's rabbi is also a graduate of the Greenfaith two-year individual fellowship (see Rabbi Kirshbaum's statement of commitment below). The next deadline to apply to this program is May 1, 2012.

Through the partnership, GreenFaith is offering the following opportunities:

* Three 50% tuition scholarships/year to the GreenFaith Fellowship Program for Reconstructionist leaders.

The GreenFaith Fellowship Program is the only comprehensive interfaith environmental education and training program in North America, with a network of over 70 Fellows nationwide. Over 18 months, Fellows attend three retreats, write their own eco-theological statement, carry out a leadership project, and much more.

The GreenFaith Fellowship Program is the first comprehensive education and training program in the US to prepare lay and ordained leaders from diverse religious traditions for religiously based environmental leadership. Through this program, GreenFaith offers religious leaders a unique opportunity for educational, spiritual and vocational growth and skill development in religious environmentalism. Using insights gained by successful religious leadership development programs, the program educates leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop and implement plans to address environmental issues in their vocational settings.

* Four 50% tuition scholarships/year to the GreenFaith Certification Program for Reconstructionist congregations.

The GreenFaith Certification Program is the only interfaith environmental certification program designed specifically for houses of worship. Through a 2-year process, participating congregations undertake a range of environmental initiatives to become a GreenFaith Sanctuary.

The GreenFaith Certification Program is the nation’s first interfaith environmental certification program designed specifically for houses of worship. The program helps synagogues, churches, mosques and temples become strong environmental leaders by carrying out numerous environmental leadership activities over a two year period.

To listen to a webinar to learn more about the Certification Program, click on https://greenfaith.webex.com/greenfaith/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=3056972&rKey=437ba2436424435a for the audio and webinar slides or just follow the webinar pdf below.

Jewish Teachings on the Environment Webinar

In January of 2012, JRF and Greenfaith offered a webinar featuring Rabbi Fred Dobb, highlighting key Jewish teachings on the environment, and providing numerous practical tips and resources for your synagogue. Along with time for discussion and questions, it will also highlighted the partnership between GreenFaith and the JRF, as well as the opportunities that are available for synagogues to join the GreenFaith Certification Program with a 50% tuition subsidy. View the webinar and other resources from the Reconstructionist movement at: http://greenfaith.org/programs/denominational-partnerships/the-reconstructionist-jewish-movement

To view resources from the 2011 Greenfaith Philadelphia Conference, "Ground for Hope" supported by JRF and RRC see http://greenfaith.org/success-stories/presentation-materials-from-ground-for-hope-philadelphia

For further information on the congregational certification program contact Stacey Kennealy at certification@greenfaith.org and Rabbi Shawn Zevit at szevit@jrf.org.

Book Sale Blast

Victoria Cangelosi — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:14:30 -0400

Please download the flyer below.

Harmoniyah: Reconstructionist Music and Liturgy Shabbaton: Darchei Noam, Toronto, Canada - November 11-13, 2011

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:37:06 -0400

We experienced a wonderful opportunity for learning, professional development, spiritual growth, lots of music-making and seeing old and new friends in the JRF world.

The 2011 Harmoniyah Shabbaton was hosted by Congregation Darchei Noam in Toronto, Canada (http://www.darcheinoam.on.ca/)

Friday afternoon November, 11 through Sunday morning, November 13, 2011.

The goal of this Shabbaton was to continue to build a participatory, community-affirming network of rabbis, cantors, lay leaders, music directors, educators, liturgists, musicians and music lovers that joyfully celebrates our collective experiences, skills and resources in the ongoing preservation and creation of music of and for the Jewish People.

Shabbaton Highlights included (see schedule below):

- Workshops on Music for the Jewish year, finding your voice, davennen leadership skills, and Jewish folk music. - Several opportunities to share and learn music composed by musicians in our own
movement for Shabbat and other times.
- Creative and traditional services for weekday and Shabbat in Darchei Noam's beautiful
environmentally innovative building, surrounded by the beautiful voices of Harmoniyah members.
- Lots of opportunities to hear and share original music as well as known favorites.

The Shabbaton, primarily for the Canada region, but was attended by Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal members, as well as members of Reconstructionist communities in Denver, CO; Palo Alto, CA; Cleveland, OH, and Baltimore, MD, including:

· Cantors / Soloists / Rabbis / Shlichei Tzibbur/ Music Directors and Educators

· Choirs (not necessarily expert musicians, but those willing to devote time to practice)

· Congregational Singers

· Music and Congregational Life (education for families, adults, children; tikkun olam, the arts, programming outside of worship services, etc.)

Our goals are to help participants to be able to return to their home congregation with new tools, melodies, materials and ideas to enrich congregational life. We also hope this retreat will continue the task of growing and building connections among ourselves and our movement.

Coordination took place with other Harmoniyah travelers through the music listserve (www.jrf.org/listserves).

Harmoniyah is the music network of the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement. We are comprised of a group of professional and volunteer members, who serve JRF congregations in a myriad of musical, prayerful and spiritual ways.

Submitted by Phyllis Greenberg, David Lefkowich, and Rabbi Shawn Zevit of the
Harmoniyah Board and Darchei Noam, 2011 retreat host congregation

Rabbi Sandy Roth z"l, Founding Rabbi of Kehilat Hanahar

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:15:04 -0500

In Memory of Rabbi Sandy Roth
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved and respected graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and founding rabbi of Kehillat Hanahar in New Hope, PA, Rabbi, Sandy Roth, daughter of Fran Roth, and mother of Rhea and Mahra, Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 2 Adar II.

There was a public funeral service on Thursday, March 10, 2011.
The family, friends, colleagues, and collective Jewish community, have sustained a great loss. Many were very blessed to have known Rabbi Sandy and privileged to have been led by her. Those wishing to send condolences are encouraged to mail correspondence to the family through Kehilat HaNahar, Post Office Box 417, New Hope, PA 18938. Donations in memory of Rabbi Sandy may be made to Kehilat HaNahar or the Delaware Valley Interfaith Council.Rabbi Sandy founded Kehilat HaNahar, a Reconstructionist synagogue, in 1994, and brought her love of Judaism and its cultural, historical and ethical ideals to generations of its members including countless Shul School students who looked to her as the intellectual bedrock of the community. She touched non-members as well through her dedication of peace and inclusivity. This was seen through her active participation and leadership as president in the Delaware Valley Interfaith Council, a committed organization that recently hosted a highly successful Martin Luther King Day of Service in cooperation with many local religious organizations. Rabbi Sandy was also a pioneer in the discipline of Jewish Meditation which brought many Delaware Valley residents to her special and unique Saturday morning services. She also authored many articles and publications in the area of Jewish ritual and spirituality. Rabbi Sandy was also honored by Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvannia during the Women's History Month ceremony in 2010 in Harrisburg.
May her memory always be for a blessing.To view a web telecast of Rabbi Roth's funeral go to http://rabbisandyroth6824.goldsteinsrosenrafsaks.ezwebcast.com/departed_profile

Felice Yeskel, z"l, JCA Member and Social Justice Activist

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:04:53 -0500

The Member Communities, staff and lay leaders of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation mourn the loss of Felice Yeskel, a member of JRF affiliate Jewish Community of Amherst, longtime activist for social justice causes and founder of the University of Massachusetts' Stonewall Center for gay students and staff, who died Jan. 11 at 57.Yeskel grew up in New York, lived in San Francisco and moved to the Amherst area in the 1980s, where she worked to start the university's gay center. "I really think of campus life for the LGBT community as 'Before Felice' and 'After Felice,' " said Pat Griffin, a former UMass professor. Yeskel was an adjunct professor in the university's social justice education program and co-authored "Economic Apartheid In America: A Primer on Economic Inequality & Insecurity," among other works. She was a founder and co-director of Class Action of Northampton, Mass. Longtime friend Betsy Leondar-Wright wrote on the group's website that "Felice was a tireless activist working to bring about social change. Through fearlessly sharing her personal story, first as a lesbian and later sharing her working-class history to help break down the walls of classism, she touched the lives of thousands of people."Felice was also a presenter with Rabbi Shawn Zevit of JRF's past workshop on Money and Jewish Values, and led mini-courses in class and economics at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College at various times- an area she paid great attention to. Yeskel was remembered at her funeral and memorial service as "a champion of the underprivileged, a challenger of the status quo, a devoted mother and life partner … who touched the lives of many with her energy, compassion and commitment to social justice." Rabbi Ben Weiner, rabbi of JCA, officiated at the funeral.Rabbi Julie Greenberg of Philadelphia said Yeskel "could engage so many people, and from community she created social change" and that she was a "great mom" to her 11-year-old daughter, Shira, whom she was raising with her "awesome life partner".Full JTA article for the above: http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/01/13/2742537/the-eulogizer-chasidic-musician-social-activistArticle from Amherst Bulletin: http://www.amherstbulletin.com/story/id/195133/

JRF Welcomes Michael Mitchell, our new President

Victoria Cangelosi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:18:30 -0500

Michael Mitchell was elected the new President of JRF at the business plenum of the 2010 JRF Convention.

Michael is a long time member of Congregation Darchei Noam in Toronto, where he has served as ritual chair, on numerous committees, and the Board. He was President for four years, during which time the Congregation raised the funds for a new building, commenced construction and grew rapidly. He leads davenning courses, teaches Torah trope, and leads services from time to time. Michael and his wife Lynne have three daughters, and are enjoying their first grandson.

Professionally, Michael is a Senior Partner at Sack Goldblatt Mitchell, and senior member of the Labour Law Bar in Canada. His practice focuses on collective bargaining and other types of negotiations, as well as interest arbitration, administrative law, and litigation including pension litigation. He served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1983 to 2006 during which time the firm experienced rapid growth. Michael is the co-author of Ontario Labour Relations Board Law and Practice, 3rd ed. Michael is also the principal of SGM Mediation & Dispute Resolution, and mediates all types of non-labour relations disputes.

Mazel tov and welcome, Michael!

Read the JRF President's Blog

Plenum vote at the JRF Convention

Victoria Cangelosi — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:45:36 -0500

By an overwhelming majority, the Plenum of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation on Friday, November 12, 2010 approved a resolution to move forward in talks with the other arms of the Reconstructionist movement to create a new, unified movement organization.

The resolution calls for the JRF, which is the congregational arm of the movement, to complete discussions with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College by January 31, 2011. The Plenum to vote on the proposal on the table at that time will be held no later than April 10, 2011.

The mission of the new movement organization would reflect the goals laid out in the attached draft. The remarks by JRF President Michael Mitchell in introducing the resolution are also attached. (Click on the title, "Plenum Vote at the JRF Convention" to open this page and view the attached documents.)

Welcome to our newest Reconstructionist communities!

Victoria Cangelosi — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:29:06 -0400

JRF is thrilled to welcome Kol HaLev as our newest and second Reconstructionist community in Baltimore, Maryland!

Kol HaLev’s roots go back to 2006, when a small group of founders began a dialogue with Geoff Basik, a rabbinical student who was then completing his final year at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Together, they decided to form a new Reconstrucitonist community around Geoff Basik once he had completed his rabbinical studies.

Kol HaLev began holding regular services in the homes of the founding members and also used space in a function hall at the St. Johns Episcopal Church in Mount Washington. The first High Holy Day services were held in the fall of 2007 and drew about 100 attendees. Due largely to word of mouth, the congregation has grown from the original 20 founding member households to about 70 households today. As a result, they outgrew the space at St. Johns, and now hold services at Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church in Baltimore.

The composition of the membership has shifted to include more young families, so in 2009, they established a children’s school. They also attract an increasing number of inter-faith families who have seek a synagogue community where they feel comfortable and welcomed. Kol HaLev members have formed new interest groups for “social action,” kabbalah study, and cultural activities, indicating the increasing maturity and activeness of the community.

So please join us in welcoming Kol HaLev Baltimore as the second Reconstructionist community in Baltimore, joining our long-standing affiliate Beit Tikvah (http://www.beittikvah.org/), to the Chesapeake Region and into the Reconstructionist Movement!