Get the basics, and a lot of links, about Reconstructionist Judaism.
Reconstructionist Judaism was founded by Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan in the 1930's. Kaplan intended the movement to be a stream of thought that infected all of the synagogue based Jewish religious movements in North America. But with the establishment of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1969, The Reconstructionist movement followed the example of Reform and Conservative Judaism and having three central institutions, a rabbinical college, a rabbinical association (the RRA) and an institution to support congregations (the JRF).
The main idea of Reconstructionism is that the Jewish people create Judaism. Each generation of Jews must take the wisdom of its ancestors as well as contemporary widom (from Jews and non-Jews and) in order craft a releveant and compelling Judaism for its time.
Reconstructionism posits that this process of recreating Judasim in each generation is something that has been going on since the beginning of Judaism. Reconstructionists see the very changes that they bring to the tradition as an act of tradition itself, continuing the legacy of an evolving Judaism.
Reconstructionist Judaism was founded by Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan in the 1930's. Kaplan intended the movement to be a stream of thought that infected all of the synagogue based Jewish religious movements in North America. But with the establishment of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1969, The Reconstructionist movement followed the example of Reform and Conservative Judaism and having three central institutions, a rabbinical college, a rabbinical association (the RRA) and an institution to support congregations (the JRF).
The main idea of Reconstructionism is that the Jewish people create Judaism. Each generation of Jews must take the wisdom of its ancestors as well as contemporary widom (from Jews and non-Jews and) in order craft a releveant and compelling Judaism for its time.
Reconstructionism posits that this process of recreating Judasim in each generation is something that has been going on since the beginning of Judaism. Reconstructionists see the very changes that they bring to the tradition as an act of tradition itself, continuing the legacy of an evolving Judaism.
Reconstructionist Links
Best Online Resources About Reconstructionism
- Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
- This is the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation's (JRF) web site. It has links to the 109 congregations affiliate congregations, educational resources, divrei Torah (writings about the weekly Torah portion, links to audio materials, and a whole lot more.
- Study During the Omer Period
- The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation is offering teachings during the Omer period between Passover and Shavuot. The theme is tikkun olam, repair of the world. What is the connection between spiritual growth and doing social justice work to repair the brokenness of the world?
- Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
- The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College is the rabbinical college for Reconstructionist Judaism. It was founded in 1969.
- Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
- The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association is the rabbinic professional organization for Reconstructionist rabbis.
- JRF's Reconstructionist Press
- Here is where you can find books published by JRF's Reconstructionist Press. Online ordering is coming soon.
- Divrei-Torah
- Read writings about the Torah portion and holidays from a Reconstructionist perspective.
- Congregations
- A directory of the 109 Reconstructionist congregations affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF)
Reconstructionist Books Available at Amazon.com
Exploring Judaism: A Reconstructionist Approach (Expanded and Updated)
This book is the best place to start learning about Reconstructionist Judaism. It's easy yet sophisticated, it is short and to the point.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) 
by sgluskin
I'm a rabbi who works at the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. I'm a 1995 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. My interests includ... (more)
