Reconstructionist Judaism

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Eric M. Leiderman

Oct 1, 2024, 8:14 AM

Jewish Pride Reborn: A Rosh Hashanah Reflection

Hopeful Renewal: Young Jews Celebrating Identity Proudly

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the reflective tone of Rosh Hashanah invites us to examine not only our personal lives but also the state of our community, our people, and our future. For me,...

Shawn Aron Weiss

Aug 30, 2024, 11:55 PM

Blessing and Curse

One tree in field

It is said Moshe said to the people that Hashem said: “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse: blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin upon you this day;...

Dennis C. Sasso

Apr 17, 2024, 11:30 PM

Reconstructionist Judaism’s Unfinished Work

I am a religious naturalist. I do not believe that Judaism is supernaturally revealed. The Torah is not the final word, but the beginning of a conversation that continues even today. Judaism is what the Jewish people do and...

Micah Ben David Naziri

Jun 29, 2023, 8:13 AM

Deconstructing Fundamentalist Homophobia: Biblical Acceptance of Homosexuality

The following article was penned during Pride Month, in 2021, addressing both Biblical acceptance of homosexuality and Islamicate rahab al-mukhanithun, homophobia. In this work, it is demonstrated that discrimination and oppression of LGBT individuals, is borne out of a...

May 21, 2023, 11:49 PM

Depression, Embracing Purpose, Selflessness, and Happiness

Introduction: Depression is a tactic employed by our evil inclination, seeking to lead us astray and prevent self-improvement. However, understanding the root causes of depression and embracing positive qualities such as humility, selflessness, and purpose can empower individuals to overcome...

Feb 22, 2023, 2:27 PM

Are American rabbis giving in to assimilation?

Hebrew College, which houses a rabbinical school that no longer requires its students to marry Jews, in Newton, Massachusetts, 2010. (Wikimedia Commons)

As leaders move away from traditional study and practice, how will their congregants find new Jewish standard-bearers?

Jan 31, 2023, 9:31 PM

From Dust to Dust: A Tu Bishvat Reflection

This coming week, we celebrate Tu Bishvat, the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat. Cited by the rabbis of the mishnah as the new year of the trees, historically, Tu Bishvat marks the day used to calculate...

Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden

Sep 15, 2022, 4:24 AM

German Reform Jews speak for all of Judaism?

What's the difference between an Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist chuppah? At an Orthodox wedding, the mother of the bride is pregnant. At a Conservative wedding, the bride is pregnant. At a Reform wedding, the rabbi is pregnant. And,...

Mar 14, 2022, 8:54 PM

Reconstructing Gatherings for a Hybrid World

More than 700 people attended Reconstructing Judaism's 2018 convention in Philadelphia. (courtesy)

From March 22-27, hundreds of Reconstructionists will gather in person in suburban Washington DC, and online for “B’Yachad: Reconstructing Judaism Together” a multiaccess, movement-wide convention. We come together with the clear sense that the world is changing and that...

Sharon Ann Musher

Mar 13, 2022, 5:35 PM

The first bat mitzvah: No thunder sounded. Or did it?

Consider the courage it took 100 years ago for Mordecai Kaplan's daughter to leave the comfort of the women’s section and chant the Torah blessings

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