Mussar and Text Sources on Climate Change
These two papers use Jewish texts and sources to offer wisdom on global climate change.
Type: Text Compilation
Tikkun Olam
Sustainability Sources From Jewish Tradition
In 2007, JRF launched its third Omer text-study initiative. That year's theme was sustainability. These texts were compiled from Jewish tradition (including contemporary and Reconstructionist texts) to help participants develop their own teachings.
Type: Text Compilation
Ecological Sustainability and Jewish Civilization
Rabbi Shawn Zevit passionately promotes the importance of both tikkun hanefesh (healing of the soul) and tikkun olam (healing of the world). This file outlines a talk he gave to launch the 2007 Omer study period for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. The theme is environmental sustainability.
Type: Speech
Community Organizing Stories
A collection of stories from Reconstructionist Rabbis and lay-leaders engaged in community organizing.
Topics: Tikkun Olam
The Power that Makes for Righteousness
This is a pamphlet put out by The Jewish Funds For Justice (now Bend the Arc) highlighting the work of Reconstructionist communities in congregation-based community organizing (CBCO).
Topics: Tikkun Olam, Community Building
Comparing Conservative and Reconstructionist Approaches in Dealing with Leviticus' Prohibition on Male-Male Sex
In this dvar-Torah Syd Nestel makes in depth comparison of Reconstructionist and Conservative approaches to the prohibitions against homosexuality written in Leviticus 18 and 20.
Topics: Jewish Life, Divrei Torah, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Tikkun Olam, Jewish Community, Reconstructionist Judaism
Type: Dvar Torah
Brit Adamah Checklist for Home-based Environmental Action
In advance of Tu Bishvat 5767 (2007), students at West End Synagogue organized to try to make a difference in their community. They created a "Brit Adamah," a covenant with the earth, which asked/challenged members of the community to take on a variety personal practices that make a difference in bettering the environment. This is a downloadable Microsoft WORD document, so congregations can easily adapt if for themselves.
Type: Community Discussion Guide
One for Each Night: A Hanukkah Study Guide for a Brighter Future
This award winning Hanukkah home guide includes a nightly ritual of replacing a light bulb in your house with an energy efficient CFL bulb, short teachings about the importance of saving energy, a light bulb joke and a blessing. A great way of giving focus to Hanukkah at home.
Type: Ritual
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
Peoplehood Reconsidered
Rabbi Spitzer offers an appraisal of Mordecai Kaplan's concept of "Jewish peoplehood" and argues for its reconstruction based on a commitment to covenantal community. Both text and audio versions available.
Type: Speech