Why Reconstructionism Needs Theology
In 2006, Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, RRC '82, delivered this speech about Reconstructonist theology at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Convention in Deerfield Beech, FL.
Type: Speech
Jewish Thought
Re-Digging the Wells of Our Tradition
Starting with the verse from Genesis 26:18 about Isaac needing to "re-dig" the wells upon his return, Rabbi Bronstein makes a case for a version of Reconstructionism which is engaging and serious. The speech is available in text and audio formats.
Topics: Jewish Life, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Spirituality, Jewish Community, Reconstructionist Judaism
Type: Speech
Parashat Noah">"Where Was God?"—Learning About Natural Disasters From Parashat Noah
During disasters and their aftermaths, many people wonder about God’s role in their suffering. This lesson seeks to explore God’s role in tragedy from a Jewish Reconstructionist perspective. This lesson is intended for children ages 8-12.
Type: Lesson Plan
What Would Kaplan Think?
Rabbi Richard Hirsh, RRC '81, discusses the reconstruction of Reconstructionism. This presentation is available in text and audio versions.
Topics: Education, Jewish Life, Teaching Reconstructionism, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Spirituality, Reconstructionist Judaism
Type: Speech
Examining Justifications for the State of Israel
In this dvar-Torah for Parashat Shoftim, Syd Nestel using Deuteronomy's description of an idealized Israelite society as a jumping point for examining modern justifications for the State of Israel.
Type: Dvar Torah
References for a Values-Based Decision Making Approach to Greening Synagogues
A collection of resources that help groups engaging in a values-based decision making approach to greening congregational spaces. The list is divided into print and online materials.
Topics: Congregational Development, Jewish Life, Money and Values, Jewish Practice, Jewish Thought, Tikkun Olam, Jewish Community, Tu Bishvat
Type: Bibliography
Let's Not Follow Noah's Example: A Call to Action
Written for Kol Nidre, this sermon contrasts the human bravery with the human wrongdoing that both ocurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Basing her critique of Noah on a retelling found in the Zohar which lambasts Noah for his selfishness, Zimmerman challenges us to overcome our overwhem, our guilt, our sense of powerless and our fear to rise up and reach out to bring justice into our world.
Type: Dvar Torah
Tamar the Hidden
Dannin eloquently summarizes the story of Judah and Tamar and argues for the a reading which sees the strength and importance of Tamar's character.
Type: Dvar Torah
Our Akeidah, Our Binding
Impressionistic, first person, emotional response to the Binding of Isaac story. This portion is read as part of the annual Torah reading cycle but it was also picked out, at least since rabbinic times, to be read on Rosh Hashanah, the New Year Festival.
Type: Dvar Torah
The Value and Meaning of Denominational Judaism
Reacting to the brief essays on the personal meaning of spirituality in the same issue of RT, Carl Sheingold meditates on the implication and role of denominational movements in contemporary Jewish life.
Topics: Jewish Life, Reconstructionism Today, Jewish Thought, Spirituality, Reconstructionist History, Philosophy and Theology, Reconstructionist Judaism
Type: RT Article