Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Workbooks for past workshops are available to JRF-affiliated congregations and havurot. The price of $54 for each workbook includes a large three-ring binder. Shipping is additional. To order, email Rabbi Shawn Zevit: SZevit@jrf.org

Kehillah Builders seminar workbook (about 900 pages)

• Perspectives on community from classical and contemporary Jewish sources.
• Samples of mission statements, long-range plans and growth plans from member communities.
• Approaches to programming, outreach, creating welcoming communities, publicity, and more.
• Relevant excerpts from the "Challenge of Growth" and other workshops.

• Perspectives on money and values from classical Jewish texts and Reconstructionist literature and articles.
• Samples of budgets and other planning materials from member communities.
• Approaches to fundraising, capital campaigns, staff expansion, dues structures, financial planning, and solicitations.

Sacred Trust seminar workbook (950 pages)

• Perspectives on congregational leadership and governance from classical Jewish texts and Reconstructionist literature and articles.
• Theoretical framework and practical resources for developing effective systems of congregational governance.
• Samples of by-laws, mission statements, strategic plans, Board and Committee structures, meeting agendas, Board manuals, and Board orientation materials.

Section 1 - Mordecai Kaplan, Reconstructionism, and the Reconstructionist Movement

• Introduction - the Reconstructionist Movement and JRF Programs and Services
• Reconstructionism, including articles on Mordecai Kaplan and Educator's FAQ's
• Spiritual Life

Section 2 - Reconstructionist Process, Communal Policies and Practices

• Reconstructionist Process and Values-Based Decision-Making
• Rabbinic and Lay Leadership in Reconstructionist Communities
• The Role of Non-Jews in Reconstructionist Communities, including sample policies from Reconstructionist congregations
• Shabbat in JRF Congregations, including sample Shabbat service outlines and sample Shabbat guidelines
• Kashrut, including sample JRF congregational policies
• Finances, including sample Tzedakah guidelines and policies for new buildings
• Inclusion, Bnai Mitzvah, and Tikkun Olam