Publishing

Judaism as a Civilization: Mordecai Kaplan's 1934 Classic is Back

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:14:56 -0500

Mordecai Kaplan's masterpiece continues to captivate readers three quarters of a century after its initial publication. Judaism as a Civilization is garnering national attention in part due to a January 28 piece by Diane Cole in the Wall Street Journal, titled Invented the Bat Mitzvah, Rejected a Supernatural God. Cole delivers a succinct recap of Kaplan's life and challenges, and explains why Judaism as a Civilization remains relevant today.

The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation is proud to have partnered with the Jewish Publication Society to reprint the book that inspired the birth of the Reconstructionist movement. Many consider this work to have contributed more than any other to the shaping of contemporary North American Judaism. JRF is grateful to Mel Scult, Kaplan's principal biographer, for providing this edition with a new introduction. This edition is dedicated to one of Kaplan's closest and most influential disciples, Rabbi Jack Cohen, in celebration of his 90th birthday.

You can order the book from the Reconstructionist Press's online bookstore: here. Affiliate members receive 20% off after checkout. You can also order copies from JPS.

JRF Pocket Diary 5772 Now Available

Joe Getzoff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:09:00 -0400

The JRF pocket diary for the Jewish calendar year of 5772 is now in stock from the Reconstructionist Press. The diary is $10.50 and includes shipping and handling. Go to our new online bookstore to order: Click here to purchase the diary.

You can also call the Reconstructionist Press to order toll-free at 1-877-JRF-PUBS, or 215-885-5601 x29.

This popular diary is great for keeping track of your schedule, your contacts, and the Jewish calendar. Make sure you order before the new year!

Come to the JRF’s Online Bookstore – www.jrfbookstore.org!

Lisa Tuttle — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:52:21 -0400

Ready to expand your Reconstructionist book shelf? JRF’s new online bookstore features the full catalogue of JRF’s Reconstructionist Press, plus CDs, Camp JRF apparel and more. JRF affiliate congregations and members can get a 20% discount on most products. Call 1-877-JRF-PUBS to get your discount code.

The site will always be changing, so be sure to check back often. You can still order everything by phone by calling 1-877-JRF-PUBS.

Special Offers from JRF’s Reconstructionist Press

Lisa Tuttle — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:17:03 -0500

A NIGHT OF QUESTIONS: A PASSOVER HAGGADAH
LIMITED EDITION 10th ANNIVERSARY HARDCOVER EDITION
Rabbi Michael Strassfeld and Rabbi Joy Levitt, Eds.
Illustrated in full color by Jeffrey Schrier

The Reconstructionist Press unveiled a commemorative 10th Anniversary hardcover edition of A Night of Questions, the Reconstructionist Passover Haggadah, at the 42nd JRF Convention in Boston this November. This 10” x 10” hardcover gift edition contains all of artist Jeffrey Schrier’s magnificent original artwork from the softcover edition plus a new section, “The Seder as a Spiritual Practice” by Rabbi Michael Strassfeld.

Savings on all orders: JRF is offering a 35% savings off the $72 list price on all orders: Final cost is $54 each.
Make a difference: 1% of all proceeds will be donated to Hurricane relief efforts.
Orders will be shipped after January 1st.

SIDDUR KOL HANO’AR: THE VOICE OF CHILDREN
Transliterated edition available now!
Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso and Rabbi Jeffrey Schein
Illustrated in full color by Joani Rothenberg

This beautiful hardcover Shabbat prayer book for children ages 5-9 makes a wonderful gift for the whole family to share at home. $28/$23.80 for JRF members. Consider adding a set of matching note cards for a lovely gift set for just $5 more!

To order, call JRF’s Reconstructionist Press at 877-JRF-PUBS.

ONLINE STORE COMING IN JANUARY! JRF’s Reconstructionist Press will soon offer one-stop shopping for books, resource guides, CDs, Camp JRF apparel and memorabilia, gift certificates and more.

Workbooks From Community Development Seminars

Rabbi Shawn Zevit — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:37:12 -0400

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.

Torah of Money seminar workbook (600 pages)

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.

Exploring Reconstructionism seminar workbook (500 pages)

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

Register for the JRF Midwest Region Shabbaton

Lisa Tuttle — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:34:24 -0500

Start: Apr 11 2008 - 6:00pm

End: Apr 13 2008 - 1:00pm

Butzel Conference CenterNeed a break? Want to re-energize your Shabbat practice? Could your family use some time to relax and be playful together? Come celebrate Shabbat with members of Reconstructionist congregations throughout the Midwest at the JRF Midwest Region Shabbaton.

This gathering for singles and families is conveniently located at the Butzel Conference Center in Ortonville, MI, just an hour's drive from Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing.

The Butzel Conference Center is located on 1,300 acres of beautiful woodland overlooking a scenic lake with hiking, basketball, tennis, mini golf and more.

Help spread the word - please download and post the two-sided event flyer and schedule.

Highlights

Explore the meaning and practice of Shabbat
Learn with Midwest Reconstructionst rabbis
Text study of Judaism and the Environment
Storytelling and Music
Sports and Teambuilding games
Intergenerational learning

Registration fees
Adults - per person, shared room $185
Adults - per person, single room $325
Kids ages 2-12 $50
Kids under 2 - Free

Rates include all meals,* lodging, and programming

* All meals will be Kosher certified by the Vaad Harabanim of Metropolitan Detroit and each meal will include a vegetarian option.

Additional donations for scholarships for the Shabbaton are welcome.

For more information, contact Rabbi Renee Bauer at reneehbauer@earthlink.net.

JRF Summer Book Sale!

Rabbi Shai Gluskin — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 17:36:15 -0400

JRF's Reconstructionist Press is offering summer and reprinting discounts.

Update. The sale has been extended to August 27. This is your last chance to order to get the additional 10% discount for prepaid (check or credit card) purchases. There are only 200 of the less expensive Mahzorim left!

First! Any purchase made by credit card before August 27 (just changed, was August 18) to receive 10% in addition to whatever other membership/volume discount that applies to the order.

Order your High Holy Day Mahzor Leyamim Nora'im: Prayerbook for the Days of Awe. Two versions available.

Limited supplies left of the last printing of the Mahzor. Base price before discounts is $36.
New printing of Mahzor on thinner paper which will make it easier to hold during the long holiday services. Base price is $42 reduced to $40 until September 1.

There are no pagination changes to the Mahzor, so Mahzors from previous printings can be used easily at the same service in which the new, lighter, Mahzor is used.

Siddur Kol Hano'ar Voice of Children Siddur. Base price on purchase of the non-transliterated version reduced by 30%.

Again, don't forget that any purchase made by credit card will be reduced by 10% in addition to any other discounts.

Call the JRF Press at: 877-573-7827. And spread the word!

Meet Hattie Dunbar, JRF's Fulfillment Specialist at the Recon Press

Rabbi Shai Gluskin — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:42:43 -0500

See Hattie's Video.

Call Hattie toll free at: 1-877-573-7827.

Until the new "store" goes on line, get more online information at our old web site.

Special: For orders made before March 12, you will receive free shipping and a free companion CD of Pesach songs for any orders of 12 or more copies of "A Night of Questions" Hagaddah by Rabbis Joy Levitt and Michael Strassfeld.

Hanukkah

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 23:06:31 -0500

Please explore these resources for Hanukkah from our online resources library.

Bibliography: Holiday Book List for Educators
By Rabbi Shai Gluskin
Great books for teaching kids about Jewish holidays. Contains a section of general books covering multiple holidays, books to teach about God and the holidays as well as special sections for books about Hanukah and the High Holy Days.
Dvar Torah: December and Dedication
By Rabbi Toba Spitzer
December is that time of year when being a Jew in America feels particularly complicated. Whether we are dealing with the "December dilemma" or are just a bit overwhelmed by the ubiquity of ...
Dvar Torah: The United States of Hanukah
By Rabbi Steve Segar
In a 2002 RT article, Rabbi Steve Segar notes, "The Hanukah story contains thematic elements that create cognitive dissonance or even undermine the cultural messages that our communities are attempting to cultivate through the observance of this holiday." Many American Jews might relate to the Helenizing forces more than the Maccabean tendency to root them out. Resonant within the story for many Reconstructionists and others is the struggle to live in multiple "civilizations" simultaneously with integrity.
Dvar Torah: Three Reasons
By Rabbi Howard Cohen
Along with selecting special haftorot for each week to highlight an aspect of the Torah portion, the rabbis also chose special readings for the holidays. For the first Shabbat of Hanukah the rabbis selected Zechariah 2:14 -4:7. ...
Essay: A Hanukah Story for the Children of Dor Hadash
By Barbara Carr
A story about a family's struggle to redefine their relationship with Hanukah and rededicate their intentions to the meaning of the holiday. Inspired by Kerry Olitsky's book, Eight Nights, Eight Lights.
Essay: Who Can Remember?: A Hanukah Story
By Sandy Brusin
An empowering retelling of the Hanukah story that emphasizes theology and remembering rather than miracles or military might.
How to: Video Demonstration of Lighting the Hanukah Menora and Singing the Blessings
By Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat
Listen and watch Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat as he demontrates lighting the Hanukah menorah. He's also thrown in "O' Hanukah, O' Hanukah" whose famous English words were written by Mordecai Kaplan's daughter, Judith Eisenstein.
Listserve Thread: Teaching Hanukah: The Myth or the Miracle?
By Sara Mosenkis
Toni Bloomberg Grossman asks the edtalk listserv about how to teach young children about Hanukah, taking into account both the common story of the miracle of the oil and the fact that this is a midrash. Many educators respond with their practical and ideological thoughts about how to teach about Hanukah in a Reconstructionist fashion.
Music: Light and Dark
By Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, Rabbi Margot L. Stein
Words and sheet music for three-part vocal harmony for a Hanukah song about differences between dark and light, good and evil. Music and Lyrics by Margot L. Stein. Arrangement by Elizabeth Bolton.
Program Description: Tzedakah And The Jewish Holidays: Giving For Social Change
By Rabbi Shawn Zevit
Ideas for giving opportunities throughout the Jewish year. Connects each Jewish holiday to the concept of tzedakah and recommends a relevant type of benficiary to support.
Ritual: One for Each Night: A Hanukkah Study Guide for a Brighter Future
By Congregation Bet Haverim, Atlanta, GA
This award winning Hanukkah home guide includes a nightly ritual of replacing a light bulb in your house with an energy efficient CFL bulb, short teachings about the importance of saving energy, a light bulb joke, and a blessing. A great way of giving focus to Hanukkah at home.
RT Article: The United States of Hanukkah
By Rabbi Steve Segar
Integrating the themes of bicultural identity