Prices for JRF members are shown in parentheses.
The Reconstructionist Press is a division of the
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
WINDOWS ON THE JEWISH SOUL:
Resources for Teaching the Values of Spiritual Peoplehood
Edited by Dr. Jeffrey Schein & Rabbi Joseph Blair
192 pages Softcover $18.00 ($16.20)
This book is a compendium Reconstructionist materials for teaching the core values of spiritual peoplehood. Spiritual peoplehood is a Kaplanian idea which combines, spirituality, and our identity as a people into a curriculum for a civilization. Contents include: statements of philosophy, descriptions of educational approaches, lists of resources and materials plus hands-on tools ready for use in educational settings.
CONNECTING PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY:
Kol Haneshamah as a Creative Teaching and Learning Text
Edited by Dr. Jeffrey Schein, Leah Mundell
and Rabbi Joseph M. Blair
316 pages Hardcover binder $25 ($22.50)
A challenging and helpful text for anyone seeking to teach Jewish prayer to adults or children in a spiritually and intellectually honest fashion. This guide to the Reconstructionist Shabbat Vehagim prayerbook contains essays and educational programs addressing the complexities of making prayer meaningful in contemporary Jewish life. Includes a separate mini-siddur that is designed for children (3rd to 7th grades) use at Saturday morning services. Purchase of the volume grants rights to reproduce the mini-siddur for congregational use.
CREATIVE JEWISH EDUCATION
Edited by Dr. Jeffrey Schein & Rabbi Jacob Staub
221 pages softcover $5.00 ($4.50) A compilation of essays on varied topics by leading Jewish educators focusing on the Reconstructionist approach to Jewish education. The concluding essay articulates the philosophy of teaching the values of spiritual peoplehood. This 1984 volume is now a classic with wonderful articles by Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, Syd Schwartz, Peninnah Schram, and more.
LIFELONG JEWISH LEARNING:
Philosophy, Process and Program
Edited by Rabbi Rebecca Alpert and Dr. Jeffrey Schein
62 pages softcover $4.00 ($3.00) A collection of essays about the Reconstructionist approach to adult Jewish education. Resources for planning adult education initiatives and creative ideas for programming. Complete with models and highlights of the most current issues in adult education.
TIT’HADESH:
Initiating Renewal and Reflection in Jewish Education
Edited by Dr. Jeffrey Schein
109 pages softcover
$12.95 ($11.66)
The complete guide to programming excellence for the
rabbi, principal, teacher and school committee. Using
field-tested methods to initiate change, dramatic
improvement can be achieved in the quality of your school at
every level.
RECONSTRUCTIONIST EDUCATOR’S STUDY PACKET
26 pages Softcover
$4.00 ($3.60)
This is a collection of some of the most important
pieces that have appeared in JRF publications over the
years. Contributors include such notables as Rabbis Harold
Kushner, Sid Schwarz, and Sandy Sasso. Topics include
egalitarian Jewish education, faith in God after the
Holocaust, and a Reconstructionist perspective on the
"chosenness" of the Jewish people. Also included are the
Reconstructionist Education's FAQs (with answers!) Ideal for
religious school faculty members.
GOD’S PAINTBRUSH (TEACHER’S GUIDE):
A Guide for Jewish and Christian Educators and Parents
Edited by Dr. Jeffrey Schein and Rabbi Joseph M. Blair
26 Pages Softcover
$6.95 ($5.26)
God’s Paintbrush, Rabbi Sandy Sasso’s
acclaimed children’s book, encourages children to use
fantasy and imagination to encounter God through moments in
their own lives. (Published by Jewish Lights) This
thought-provoking guide includes steps for exploring the
book’s theological foundations with students from
kindergarten through fourth grade and beyond. Provides
lesson plans, classroom activities, and discussion
topics.
CREATIVE CREATION
by Lisa Silberman Brenner
Softcover $18
($16.20)
An innovative exploration of the book of Genesis. Includes
After the Flood: Creation through the Joseph Stories
translated by Rabbi Helen Nakdimen.
NEW EXPLORATIONS IN SHMOT/EXODUS
by Rabbi Toba Spitzer
Softcover $10
($9.00)
A Teacher's Guide and 18 - Lesson Curriculum.
Takes students on a journey through the foundational story
of the Jewish people. A feminist approach informs the
curriculum.
RABBI WAYBACK'S ADVENTURE
by Rabbi Daniel Silberman Brenner
Softcover $10
($9.00)
Teaches 9-12 year olds about Jewish spirituality in 32
lessons.
These adult education curricula for the five Megillot are designed to be accessible to different levels of learners. The curricula can be used in a variety of adult Jewish educational settings, including Hillels, senior centers, and Jewish organizations, congregations and havurot. These curricula can also be used and/or adapted for teens and older children.
- Ruth (80 pages) Traditionally read at Shavuot
- Esther (124 pages) Traditionally read at Purim
- Ecclesiastes (94 pages) Traditionally read at Sukkot
- Lamentations (141 pages) Traditionally read at Tisha B’Av
- Song of Songs (125 pages) Traditionally read at Pesah
EXPLORING JUDAISM
Adult Education Study Guide for the 2000 edition of Exploring Judaism
by Rebecca T. Alpert and Jacob J. Staub.
By Rabbi Margie Jacobs and Rabbi Nina Mandel
Softcover - 80 pages. $18
This volume is for purchase by instructors of adult education courses that teach the book Exploring Judaism. Exercises and activities are geared at three different levels. Secondary readings and worksheets included.
Kol Haneshamah: Mahzor l'Yamim Nora'im
Adult Education Study Guide for the 1999 Reconstructionis Mahzor.
By Dr. Sherry Linkon and Rabbi Steve Segar
Softcover - 115 pages. $19
This volume is for purchase by instructors of adult education courses in preparation for or study about the high holy day liturgy, and specifically the Reconstructionist Mahzor's use of that liturgy. Thoughtful inclusion of secondary readings.
Modern Jewish Thought
Adult Education Curriculum to accompany the use of Alan T. Levenson's book as a primary text: Modern Jewish Thinkers: An Introduction
By Rabbi Barbara Penzner
Softcover $17
This volume is for purchase by instructors of adult education courses which use the Levenson book as their primary text. Students need to purchase or have access to the Levenson text. This curriculum is a teacher's guide for that text including questions for discussion for each chapter, an overall introduction to the material and lesson ideas. The guide also adds Judith Plaskow as an additional thinker and provides an article by Plaskow for duplication and distribution to students.