Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Has Or Hadash always been welcoming to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people?  Yes!  Has Or Hadash been officially listed as a welcoming congregation so that people searching for a synagogue will know that?  Not until now!  read more »

Following an unanimous vote of approval by the JRF Board, we welcome The Little Minyan of Columbus, Ohio and Kol Haneshamah of Sarasota, Florida, to the JRF community of communities.

Just a year and a half old, Congregation Kol HaNeshama, founded by a small group of year-round and seasonal residents, has already established itself as a creative force in Sarasota, and has now joined JRF as the 106th affiliate. Since its inception it has grown to 38 households, and is operating on a 12-month calendar, including all major holidays.  read more »

PEARL 2009: NAVIGATING DIFFICULT TIMES

Following a successful inaugural year, these free distance-learning classes provided relevant information and strategies beneficial to congregational leaders and staff. In the context of the present economic crisis, expert speakers partnered with JRF staff and lay leaders with the objectives to keep congregations and havurot strong; grow leadership and continue critical Tikkun Olam work.

Each class met for 1¼ hour either by conference call or webinar and was supported by downloadable resources or previous PEARL audio files. Some classes delved deeper into previously presented topics. These 2.0 and 3.0 listings asked foks to read or listen to downloadable resources and send questions/comments in advance of the class.

Upcoming Class Descriptions and Online Registration Information  read more »

For your information, here are the resolutions that came out of the recent JCPA plenum. In the two years since JRF became a member religious organization and fourth Jewish movement in the JCPA, we have participated in many coalitions and sign-on initiatives. This Plenum marked the first time we were a national religious organization co-sponsoring three of the resolutions below. Thanks to Carl Sheingold (JRF Executive Vice-President), Bob Barkin (JRF President) and Val Kaplan (JRF Chair of External Affiliations) for representing us and voting on our behalf at the Plenum,

Full list of 2009 JCPA Resolutions

Full listing of partner organizations and sign-ons,

L'Shalom,

Shawn

Rabbi Shawn Zevit
Director of Outreach and Tikkun Olam
Congregational Consultant
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

JCPA
JCPA speaks to you each week, alerting you to what the community relations field is doing to safeguard the rights of Jews here, in Israel, and around the world and to protect, preserve and promote a just, democratic and pluralistic American society. For three generations, we have brought together diverse voices in the Jewish community to unite a strong Jewish public policy force.

Date: March 11, 2009
From: Max Mulcahy, Program Director, JCPA  read more »

“The Dynamics of Congregational Growth"
Sunday, March 29, 2009, 1 pm to 6 pm, at Beth Israel Congregation, Media, PA -- Register Online Now!

Come learn how to use a congregational systems approach to understand the dynamics of congregational growth connected to your mission and Jewish values. Gain important skills and ideas about how to effectively reach out to attract new members, reach in to strengthen already-existing members and volunteers, and how to creatively grow the congregation's financial resources.  read more »

Rabbi Joshua Waxman
Rabbi Joshua Waxman of Or Hadash in Ft. Washington, PA and Rabbi Nancy Epstein, JRF Director of Congregational Relations are both featured in the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent article Congregations Grapple With Spiritual, Financial Woes. The article examines the way synagogues are managing the economic crisis and what services they are providing their congregants. Rabbi Waxman opens the article with sensitive but concrete measures to support his congregants.

Read the whole Exponent article.

On Saturday, September 6, Oseh Shalom in Laurel, MD, will honor Cantor Charlie Bernhardt for 25 years as their cantor with a very special concert at the synagogue. The concert will feature Cantor Jan Morrison, Rabbi David Shneyer and Alan Oresky from Fabrengen fiddlers, the DC Labor Chorus, Joe Jencks and Cantor Charlie himself. It is an evening not to be missed. The concert will be appropriate for all ages.

Download the attached event flier and help spread the word!

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the synagogue at 301-498-5151 and visit www.oseh-shalom.org.

When: Friday, May 23, 8 PM
Where: Oseh Shalom, 7515 Olive Branch Way, Laurel, MD

This special evening at Oseh Shalom is third in a series featuring intellectual inquiry woven into the Friday evening service.

Featured speakers from The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) are Ari Geller, Director of Communications, and Preet Singh, Deputy Director of Public Policy. TIA is a nonpartisan organization whose goal is to promote the positive and healing role of religion in public life.  read more »

Grecian Shelter in Prospect ParkWhen: Friday, May 30, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Grecian Shelter in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY

Please join the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation as we welcome Shabbat in Prospect Park with song, stories, and a catered community dinner. Children of all ages are welcome. The evening will be led by Rabbi Shoshana Leis (RRC '05) and Avi Fox-Rosen.

Place your e-reservation today!

In case of questionable or inclement weather, call JRF NY/NJ at (212) 870-2483 for alternate plans.

For more information, contact:
Melanie Schneider - jrfny@aol.com
Jayne Roberman - jrforensic@optonline.net
Dan Cedarbaum - dan@cedarbaum.net

When: Sunday, May 18
Where: Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, 295 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, New York

Cantor Benjie SchillerCantor Benjie Ellen Schiller, cantor of Bet Am Shalom synagogue in White Plains, NY, will give a rare recital performance on Sunday, May 18.  read more »

The program, “Life Song Cycle - A musical reflection on the journey of our lives,” will include her own compositions and works of other Jewish composers. A dessert reception will follow the concert. Admission is $36 for adults and $18 for students and children under eighteen.