Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

In 1997 and 1998, Rabbi Shawn Zevit of JRF produced the first Reconstructionist radio program, called Heart, Mind and Spirit, exploring a wide range of topics with leading Reconstructionist rabbis, thinkers and community builders. Ten of these programs have already been made available as double sided cassettes, as marked below (there should be a link to Recon Press site for them next to the program) We encourage you to listen to them at your leisure, purchase cassettes for distribution in your community, or create adult or youth education programs (e.g., having a group listen to a program on the web, then discuss the issue in more detail):

• A Torah Of Money
  By Lawrence Bush, Sue Hoffman, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Sue Hoffman and Larry Bush engage in a lively discussion about the way money has historically been and can be a spiritual tool for communal and societal transformation. Special focus is given to the meaning ascribed to money, issues of class and social justice in Jewish life. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement. (The Torah of Money is a service mark of the Shefa Fund.)
  
  
• Communities And Resources
  By Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbis Shawn Zevit and Mordechai Liebling discuss the uses and variety of values-based approaches to money and other resources in congregational planning, dues, budgets, building campaigns, fundraising and tzedakah. This program relates to the JRF leadership workshop and resource book on Jewish Values-based Approaches to Financial and Human Resources by Rabbi Zevit. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Creativity And Jewish Arts
  By Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, Rabbi Rachel Gartner, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton and Rachel Gartner discuss how we balance tradition and innovation. What approaches to creative expression can Reconstructionism offer and what is the place of art in individual and communal spiritual life? An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• GOD - Through A Reconstructionist Lens
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  In this episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement, Rabbi Richard Hirsh offers an in depth look at Reconstructionist theology, Kaplanian views of GOD and current view of how the Divine "Power that makes for Salvation" is expressed in our lives and communities.
  
  
• Introduction To Reconstructionism, Part 1
  By Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Part one of a two-part conversation with Rabbi Mordechai Liebling about the development, philosophy, theology and practices that have emerged from Reconstructionist Judaism. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Introduction To Reconstructionism, Part 2
  By Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Part two of a two-part conversation with Rabbi Mordechai Liebling about the development, philosophy, theology and practices that have emerged from Reconstructionist Judaism. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Issues For Jewish Men Today
  By Dr. Harry Brod, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Harry Brod and Shawn Zevit discuss their experience over the years writing about and leading retreats and workshops for Jewish men. Particular attention is given to the issues of being a man in Western culture and a Jew, and how these religious, ethnic, and gender issues impact Jewish men today. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Jewish Family Life
  By Rabbi Jeffrey Schein, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbi Jeffrey Schein explores the principles and meaningful experiences that make for a rich Jewish family life and how Reconstructionist approaches can help create a positive Jewish learning environment at home. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Kabbalah: What Is Jewish Mysticism?
  By Dr. Joel Hecker, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Dr. Joel Hecker discusses Jewish Mysticism. What are the key texts and traditions of Jewish mystical tradition? What are current trends towards a popularization of Kabbalah about and what is the role of Jewish mysticism in Reconstructionism? An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Kaplan
  By Rabbi Ira Eisenstein, Mel Scult, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  This episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement gives a fascinating look at the life, times and teachings of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, ideological founder of Reconstructionist Judaism. This program also looks at the early stages of the movement with one of its founders, Rabbi Ira Eisenstein, and documenter Mel Scult.
  
  
• Kashrut
  By Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbis Fred Dobb and Richard Hirsh look at the development of the philosophy and practice of kashrut from Biblical times to the present and what a Reconstructionist approach to kashrut can mean for us today. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Passover: The Holiday
  By Rabbi Jacob Staub, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbis Jacob Staub and Shawn Zevit discuss the basis for the holiday of Passover, how it developed over the centuries to become the most celebrated Jewish festival today, the major themes that the exodus and Passover convey to us from a Reconstructionist perspective. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Passover: The Seder
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Rabbi Joy Levitt, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  An overview of the structure, development and religious meanings of the haggadah and the Passover seder with Rabbis Joy Levitt and Richard Hirsh. Includes a special behind-the-scenes look at the new Reconstructionist Haggadah A Night of Questions and accompanying music CD. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Reconstructionist Education
  By Rabbi Linda Holtzman, Rabbi Jeffrey Schein, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Dr. Jeffrey Schein and Rabbi Linda Holtzman examine the key components and processes that are integral for effective education according to Reconstructionist philosophy and values. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Rosh Hashana
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Join Rabbis Hirsh and Zevit in a rich and meaningful dialogue about one of the most powerful and widely celebrated times of the Jewish Year Cycle. How did the idea and timing of a Jewish New Year evolve? What are the key practices and structures that express the central ideas of this High Holy Day? What are particular Reconstructionist approaches? An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Shavuot
  By Rabbi Shai Gluskin, Rabbi Linda Potemken, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbi Shai Gluskin and Rabbi Linda Potemken explore the history and meaning of the Jewish spring festival, the counting of the Omer, and the time of "receiving of the Torah". An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Social Action (Tikkun Olam)
  By Rabbi Brian Walt, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Social justice and the sense of a mission to aid in the Godly renewal and repair of the world has always been a part of the Jewish people's response to the world around us. Rabbi Brian Walt discusses what Tikkun Olam is from a Jewish perspective and how Reconstructionist philosophy and communal life reflects these values. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Sukkot
  By Rabbi Vivian Schirn, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbi Vivian Schirn discusses the origins, development and practices of the fall Festival of Booths, with attention to home and synagogue celebration in this episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• The "Kehillah Mekabelet" - Welcoming Congregation
  By Roberta Israeloff, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  You will be inspired by this discussion with writer Roberta Israeloff, tracing her faith journey that lead her from alienation with the Judaism of her youth to find a Reconstructionist congregation to call her spiritual home and to fight for a policy there explicitly welcoming gay and lesbian Jews. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• The Changing Role of the Rabbi
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  An exploration of the many facets of being and becoming a rabbi in contemporary society with Rabbi Richard Hirsh. What were the pre-modern roles and responsibilities of a rabbi? How have they changed into the 21st century? What is particular to being a Reconstructionist Rabbi and leadership in Reconstructionist communities? How has the movement-wide Role of the Rabbi Commission approached these issues? An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Training the 21st Century Rabbi
  By Dr. David Teutsch, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  A dynamic conversation with Rabbi David Teutsch about the historic and current methods of identifying and training future Jewish leaders, with particular attention to the experiences and programs at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and models of becoming a Reconstructionist Rabbi. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.
  
  
• Women In Spiritual Leadership
  By Rabbi Linda Holtzman, Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Rabbis Linda Holtzman and Elyse Wechterman explore the issues and challenges that face Jewish women in leadership roles, particularly in congregational life, as well as the opportunities and contributions female rabbis have been part of in recent years. An episode of Heart, Mind and Spirit, the first regularly scheduled Reconstructionist radio show in the history of the movement.