Reconstructionist Judaism

Reconstructionism is the youngest, fastest growing American Jewish movement. We believe that Judaism is a continually evolving religious civilization. As contemporary Jews, we are responsible for preserving and shaping the spiritual and cultural legacy we will leave to future generations. In our Judaism, we are egalitarian, participatory, and open to varying viewpoints. We support the full inclusion of women and men, gays and lesbians, and all those seeking to affiliate with the Jewish people. Our rabbis are facilitators of Jewish community. They do not dictate Jewish law but rather support a democratic, communal process for creating norms and practices in our congregations.

News and Information

Issues of "The Reconstructionist" are now available online at www.therra.org. This covers the period since "The Reconstructionist" shifted from a magazine to a journal, and also includes several issues that have long-since disappeared in hardcopy, including Fall 1994 "Negotiating Boundaries" and Spring 1995, "Building Community."

Discussion Group

JRF sponsors a number of email discussion groups that allow Reconstructionists to connect with each other and to explore issues of mutual concern.  The site also includes specialized discussion groups, some of which may be restricted to certain members.

RECON-J is a general discussion open to anyone.  Its purpose is to provide a forum for Reconstructionists to discuss a wide variety of issues from entertainment to ritual to politics to philosophy.  Recon-J manifests the Reconstructionist view of Judaism as a civilization and purposely encourages open discussion on all issues.

WELLSPRINGS provides an opportunity to share information, raise questions and discuss ideas relating to women's spirituality.

AYTZTALK is for members of JRF-affiliated congregations and havurot who are participating in the 'Aytz Hayim We' education program.

EDTALK is a valuable resource for educators for a fast response to urgent problems or a collegial discussion.  It addresses practical and theoretical concerns to teachers, school administrators, rabbis and school committee members.

RECON-SC is an email forum for leaders of small havurot and congregations affiliated with the JRF.  It is a place where issues of "smallness", perhaps not having the guidance of a Rabbi, the help of an administrator or a permanent office or meeting place, can be asked - and hopefully answered - by other leaders of smaller congregations.