Jewish Thought

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.

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.

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.

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.