Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Here are some basic documents to get you started learning about Reconstructionism and the Reconstructionist movement. For information about affiliating with JRF go to the Affiliating with JRF page.

• Article: Is Reconstructionist Judaism For You?
  By JRF
  An introduction to the philosophy, theology, values, practice and organization of the Reconstructionist Movement.
  
  
• Article: Perhaps You Belong In A Reconstructionist Community
  By JRF
  An overview of Reconstructionist philosophy and community life, plus testimonials from members of Reconstructionist congregations.
  
  
• FAQ: Reconstructionism on One Foot
  By Rabbi Les Bronstein
  A two page description of Reconstructionist Judaism from the perspective of three pillars of Judaism: Torah, prayer and ritual, and mitzvot (commandments).
  
  
• FAQ: What Are The Institutions Of The Reconstructionist Movement?
  By JRF
  Descriptions and contact information for the three branches of the Reconstructionist Movement: the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA).
  
  
• Article: Who Is A Reconstructionist Jew?
  By JRF
  A detailed description of the ideology, philosophy and practice of Reconstructionist Jews and their relation to the larger Jewish community, past, present and future.
  
  

Here is a longer list:

• Article: A Brief History of Voting
  By Rabbi Jacob Chinitz
  Article discussing Jewish views and exeriences with voting. From the Reconstructionist, October/November 1988.
  
  
• Article: Defining the Open Door
  By The Reconstructionist Editorial Staff
  Editorial about Immigration. From the Reconstructionist, April/May 1985.
  
  
• Article: Is Reconstructionist Judaism For You?
  By JRF
  An introduction to the philosophy, theology, values, practice and organization of the Reconstructionist Movement.
  
  
• Article: Patrlineal Descent and Same Sex Parents: New Definitions of Idenity
  By Rabbi Renee Bauer
  Article from the Reconstructionist, Spring 2006.
  
  
• Article: Perhaps You Belong In A Reconstructionist Community
  By JRF
  An overview of Reconstructionist philosophy and community life, plus testimonials from members of Reconstructionist congregations.
  
  
• Article: Resolution Regarding Children of Mixed Marriages
  By The Federation Of Reconstructionist Congregations And Fellowships
  This is the "Resolution on Patrilineal Descent" that was adopted by the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships at its 9th Annual Conference, May 5, 1968, in Great Neck, Long Island. It was published in the Reconstructionist, Volume 34, No. 8, May 31, 1968.
  
  
• Article: Toward a Reasonable Future for the Jewish People
  By Rabbi Jack Cohen
  from the journal "Judaism", Vol. 34 no 1, Winter 1985, p 20-23
  
  
• Article: Who Is A Reconstructionist Jew?
  By JRF
  A detailed description of the ideology, philosophy and practice of Reconstructionist Jews and their relation to the larger Jewish community, past, present and future.
  
  
• Audio Interview: 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.
  
  
• Audio Interview: 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.
  
  
• Audio Interview: 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.
  
  
• Dvar Torah: Comparing Conservative and Reconstructionist Approaches in Dealing with Leviticus' Prohibition on Male-Male Sex
  By Syd Nestel
  In this dvar-Torah Syd Nestel makes in depth comparison of Reconstructionist and Conservative approaches to the prohibitions against homosexuality written in Leviticus 18 and 20.
  
  
• FAQ: FAQ's on Reconstructionist Approaches to Jewish ideas and Practices
  By JRF
  Series of questions and answers giving Reconstructionist approaches to Jewish ideas and practices.
  
  
• FAQ: Reconstructionism on One Foot
  By Rabbi Les Bronstein
  A two page description of Reconstructionist Judaism from the perspective of three pillars of Judaism: Torah, prayer and ritual, and mitzvot (commandments).
  
  
• FAQ: What Are The Institutions Of The Reconstructionist Movement?
  By JRF
  Descriptions and contact information for the three branches of the Reconstructionist Movement: the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF), the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA).
  
  
• Manual: JRF Guide To The Process Of Affiliation
  By Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Deciding to affiliate with a major Jewish movement may well be one of the most challenging, energizing and exciting processes your community undertakes. This document, a Brit Kehillah - Community Covenant, guides communities through a visioning process and outlines the rights and responsibilities of being a member of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation.
  
  
• Policy: Reconstructionist Response to Conservative Movement Decision on Gay Ordination and Commitment Ceremonies
  By Reconstructionist Movement Leadership
  On December 6, 2006 the Law and Standards Committee of the Conservative movement passed a teshuva, an opinion on Jewish law, which permits same-sex commitment ceremonies and the ordination of gay/lesbian rabbis. This statement is the Reconstructionist movement's immediate response to Conservative Announcement.
  
  
• Policy: Summary of Boundaries and Opportunities Report
  By JRF Task Force On The Role Of Non-Jews In JRF Congregations
  After two years of study and discussion, the JRF Task Force on the Role of Non-Jews in JRF Congregations released the Boundaries and Opportunities Report. This summary of the report give background information, outlines the twelve recommendations made by the Task Force and explains a Reconstructionist decision making process that can be used to further discuss relevant issues locally in each congregation. The full report is available for purchase from the Reconstructionist Press.
  
  
• RT Article: "What Is Reconstructionism, Anyway?"
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh
  Short article by Rabbi Richard Hirsh which gives a brief description of Reconstructionism.
  
  
• RT Article: "What Is Reconstructionism, Anyway?" (Part 2)
  By Jeanne Saletan, Patrick Schlup
  To the question, "What is Reconstructionism, Anyway?" Jeanne Saletan gives an "elevator answer" and Patrick Schlup offers a poem.
  
  
• RT Article: "What is Reconstructionism, Anyway?" (Part 3)
  By Scott Nielson
  More "Elevator Answers" for Reconstructionists. Scott Nielson gives us a way out of "Elevators" with an anecdote.
  
  
• RT Article: Adonai-Elohim: The Two Faces of God
  By Rabbi Harold Schulweis
  Confronting the reality of suffering and tragedy
  
  
• RT Article: Being a Politically Conservative Reconstructionist
  By Michael Spiro
  It's not an oxymoron
  
  
• RT Article: Building the Amuta L'Yahadut Mithadeshet in Israel
  By Anna Rosenfield
  Anna Rosenfield's argument that Israel is a place where Reconstructionism can thrive because of core Reconstructionist values is sparked by the tension between fundamentals and the other Jewish groups in Israeli society.
  
  
• RT Article: Dealing Creatively with Our Tensions
  By Dr. Carl A Sheingold
  This article is adapted from Carl Sheingold's State of the Movement remarks at the 2004 JRF Convention in Portland. With Mordecai Kaplan as a role model and the Jewish community and JRF the result, Sheingold argues that tension leads to growth.
  
  
• RT Article: How Can Reconstructionists Pray?
  By Rabbi Jacob Staub
  If you don't believe in a "traditional" God, why attend services? Why publish a new prayerbook?
  
  
• RT Article: Integrating Spirituality and Social Action
  By Melanie L. Schneider
  Surveying the Reconstructionist landscape. From the Spring 1996 Reconstructionism Today magazine, Volume 3 Number 3.
  
  
• RT Article: Kaplan and the Meaning of Ritual
  By Chuck Konigsberg
  As a young man, reading Mordecai Kaplan helped Chuck Konigsberg to reconcile his mind and his heart when it came to Jewish ritual. Konigsberg's article is an answer to those who feel that belief and observance are at odds.
  
  
• RT Article: Kaplan's Contemporary Religious Relevance
  By Rabbi Emanuel S. Goldsmith
  A review of Reconstructionist philosophy and theology
  
  
• RT Article: Mordecai Kaplan as an American Thinker
  By Rabbi Emanuel S. Goldsmith
  Influences that helped shape Reconstructionism
  
  
• RT Article: Mordecai Kaplan's Diary and the Search for Meaning
  By Mel Scult
  More than 60 years of journal writing by the founder of Reconstructionism
  
  
• RT Article: Remembering Bill Mehlman, Reconstructionist Pioneer
  By Donald Shapiro
  A loving memorial to the accomplishments of Bill Mehlman, who was always there for the Reconstructionist Movement and its individuals.
  
  
• RT Article: Remembering Ira Eisenstein
  By A Symposium
  Reconstructionism's beloved builder dies at 94
  
  
• RT Article: Remembering Ira Eisenstein (continued)
  By A Symposium
  Reconstructionism's beloved builder dies at 94
  
  
• RT Article: Scenes from the 40th Reconstructionist Convention
  By Lawrence Bush
  "Learning for Life" in Portland, Oregon
  
  
• RT Article: The Evolving Face of Reconstructionism
  By Rabbi Shawn Zevit
  Reflections on Mordecai Kaplan's "Second Century"
  
  
• RT Article: The House We Live In
  By Rabbi Toba Spitzer
  Making a Covenantal Commitment
  
  
• RT Article: The Legacy of Ira Eisenstein
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh
  On the occasion of his fifth yahrtzeit
  
  
• RT Article: The Reconstructionist at 70
  By Lawrence Bush, Rabbi Richard Hirsh
  A Conversation with the editor of The Reconstructionist, Rabbi Richard Hirsh which puts perspective and sheds insights on 70 years of Reconstructionist intellectual evolution.
  
  
• RT Article: The Value and Meaning of Denominational Judaism
  By Dr. Carl A Sheingold
  Reacting to the brief essays on the personal meaning of spirituality in the same issue of RT, Carl Sheingold meditates on the implication and role of denominational movements in contemporary Jewish life.
  
  
• RT Article: Thoughts on Being a Jewish Teenager
  By Emily Snyder
  Emily Snyder shares unique insight into teenage spiritual conflicts and why Reconstructionism is "Teen-Friendly Judaism."
  
  
• Speech: Eulogy for Rabbi Ira Eisenstein z"l
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh
  Eulogy delivered by Rabbi Richard Hirsh at the funeral of Rabbi Ira Eisenstein On July 1, 2001.
  
  
• Speech: Peoplehood Reconsidered
  By Rabbi Toba Spitzer
  Rabbi Spitzer offers an appraisal of Mordecai Kaplan's concept of "Jewish peoplehood" and argues for its reconstruction based on a commitment to covenantal community. Both text and audio versions available.
  
  
• Speech: Powerful Meaning in Not Knowing the Answers
  By Rabbi Michael Strassfeld
  In this speech Strassfeld addresses many issues relating to a Reconstructionist approach to spirituality. He tells his own journey which goes from rejecting Hasidic texts to embracing them. He lauds a Reconstructionist "anti-fundamentalist" approach which asks its its adherants to embrace life's unknown and not need or desire singular answers. The text and audio of this speech are both available.
  
  
• Speech: Re-Digging the Wells of Our Tradition
  By Rabbi Les Bronstein
  Starting with the verse from Genesis 26:18 about Isaac needing to "re-dig" the wells upon his return, Rabbi Bronstein makes a case for a version of Reconstructionism which is engaging and serious. The speech is available in text and audio formats.
  
  
• Speech: We Need Movements
  By Rabbi Toba Spitzer
  Rabbi Toba Spitzer was inaugurated as the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association President at their Convention on March 13, 2007. This is her acceptance which focuses on the need for movements within Judaism. Audio and written forms of the speech are both provided.
  
  
• Speech: What Would Kaplan Think?
  By Rabbi Richard Hirsh
  Rabbi Hirsh reviews arguments over whether Reconstructionism is about process or content. He wonders what Kaplan might think as Reconstructionism continually remakes itself even as interest in Kaplan is greater than ever. Richard Hirsh's contribution. Text and audio versions of the talk are available.
  
  
• Speech: Why Reconstructionism Needs Theology
  By Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer
  Speech from the 2006 Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Convention held in Deerfield Beech, Florida.