An overview of Reconstructionist philosophy and community life, plus testimonials from members of Reconstructionist congregations.
Type: Article
Jewish Thought
This list offers Reconstructionist approaches to Jewish ideas and practices. Note: These were developed in the years before the restructuring of the Reconstructionist movement in June 2012.
Topics: Education, Teaching Reconstructionism, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Reconstructionist Judaism
Type: FAQ
Eco-Judaism: Is There Any Other Kind?! – How Torah Pushes the Sustainability Envelope
In this video, part of the 2016 Global Day of Jewish Learning, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb presents on the topic: “Eco-Judaism: Is There Any Other Kind?! – How Torah Pushes the Sustainability Envelope.”
Type: Other
Gossip and Truth
Rabbi Jacob Staub reflects on an interaction he had with a plumber, through the lens of the Jewish ethical practice of not talking about other people (Shemirat Halashon).
Type: Essay
Waiting for the Messiah
Rabbi Jacob Staub discusses Jewish beliefs about the messiah and redemption.
Jewish at Christmas
Rabbi Jacob Staub recounts a personal transformation in his views on interfaith families.
Type: Essay
The Halakhic Basis for Community Financing of Jewish Life
A perspective on taxes and community responsibility throughout Jewish history that sheds light on today's congregational practices of collecting dues.
Topics: Congregational Development, Jewish Life, Capital Campaigns, Fundraising, Money and Values, Jewish Thought, Jewish Community, Congregational and Organizational Life
Type: Essay
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
Family at the Root of Passover Commandments
How can we explain why some people observe Passover so strictly even when they don't observe much else? Aaron Seidman argues that it is the home-based family nature of the holiday that creates the commandment that people are more willing to follow.
Type: Dvar Torah
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