Reconstructionist Judaism
Reconstructionist Judaism
Dorshei Tzedek is an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism, the central organization of the Reconstructionist movement. Reconstructionism is the newest branch of North American Judaism. It was founded by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, one of the most important American Jewish thinkers and teachers of the 20th century. A teacher at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York for over 40 years, Kaplan influenced generations of rabbis and educators in the Conservative movement by seeking to create a meaningful Judaism for the modern era. Kaplan understood Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization” encompassing history, communal organizations, literature, art, music, prayer, and politics. In 1968, with the opening of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia, Reconstructionism was formally launched as the fourth American Jewish denomination alongside the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements. Today there are approximately 100 Reconstructionist congregations in the U.S. and Canada, and a Reconstructionist presence is beginning in Israel.
Reconstructionists strive to make ancient teachings and practices meaningful for modern life by honoring both tradition and creativity. For example, Reconstructionism has proudly supported both the full participation of women in religious life and the inclusion of gay and lesbian Jews. We participate in an on-going evolution of Judaism, learning from and building on the past, while also making changes when traditional practices conflict with our commitment to democracy, pluralism, and equality.
Reconstructionism emphasizes the importance of community in our lives as Jews. We believe that a Jewish life can be fully lived only in the context of the community in which we pray, study, celebrate and mourn. Our welcoming, democratic congregations encourage members not only to participate but to lead. Reconstructionist rabbis are partners with lay leaders, acting as spiritual guides, facilitators, and teachers.
In contrast to the traditional understanding of the Torah as a text written and revealed by God to the Jewish people, Reconstructionists understand the Torah as a sacred yet humanly created document, our ancestors’ record of their encounter with the divine. We understand God not as a person but as a Power that connects all of us to one another and to the world, working within and through us to repair the damages of injustice and oppression. As in all Jewish denominations, there is a diversity of beliefs within Reconstructionist communities, but as a movement we value intellectual and spiritual integrity. We intend to believe what we pray and to bring both our heads and our hearts into our sanctuaries.
Just as Torah is not the literal word of God in the Reconstructionist understanding, neither is halacha, the rabbinic system of Jewish law, binding in a legal sense. However, Reconstructionists value many aspects of traditional Jewish practice as spiritual and ethical disciplines, and we encourage one another to explore these practices individually and communally. We affirm ethical mitzvot as obligations binding upon us as Jews and as human beings to create caring communities, to seek justice for the poor and powerless in our society, and to protect our natural environment.
Sun, January 24 2021
11 Shevat 5781
Upcoming Events
-
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 24 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 24th 12:30p to 5:00p
Join this Virtual Day of Learning with Reconstructing Judaism, including a panel discussion with Rabbi Toba. -
Wednesday ,
JanJanuary 27 , 2021Torah Study
Wednesday, Jan 27th 8:00a to 9:00a
Start your Wednesday mornings with Torah Study! Join Director of Congregational Learning Earnest Vener for a weekly hour-long study of the weekly Torah portion on Wednesdays at 8am. You are welcome to drop in or come weekly. All are welcome and no prior knowledge is required. Please email Earnest at e.vener@dorsheitzedek.org with any questions. -
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 28 , 2021Is The Talmud Racist?
Thursday, Jan 28th 1:30p to 2:30p
In this presentation, Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies director Professor Steve Weitzman will introduce the series and its goals. Following that, Mira Wasserman will explore concepts of race and racism as they relate to the foundational source of Jewish tradition, the Babylonian Talmud. This is part of a Reconstructing Judaism free online lecture series on Jews, Race, & Religion. -
Thursday ,
JanJanuary 28 , 2021Tu B'Shvat Seder & Celebration
Thursday, Jan 28th 7:30p to 9:00p
The holiday of Tu B'Shvat, the “new year of the trees,” is a time to celebrate the natural world and the diversity and abundance of the earth’s resources. Come celebrate the fruits of our Tikkun Olam labor this year at CDT, including the Voter Mobilization Project, GBIO and more. Bring your own figs, dates, olives, pomegranates, grapes, etc. -
Saturday ,
JanJanuary 30 , 2021
Shabbat, Jan 30th 10:00a to 12:00p
This "Shabbat of Song" we mark the Israelites' crossing of the Reed Sea and celebrating with the Song of the Sea. Our morning service will feature new recordings from CDT Sings, and song and Torah learning with special guest Arielle Korman of Ammud: Jews of Color Torah Academy. -
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 31st 10:00a to 11:15a
-
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2021
Sunday, Jan 31st 12:00p to 12:20p
We need your help for the CDT Purim Shpiel! Sign up to work with CDT Purim Shpiel creator Sheree to create scenes for our first (and hopefully last) Zoom Purim shpiel. The first session, January 21st, will be a 20 minute info session. The following three sessions will be one hour on Sundays after Religious School and during February break: Feb. 7, Feb. 14, and Feb. 21. -
Sunday ,
JanJanuary 31 , 2021Adult Hebrew Part 2: Rooting In Hebrew
Sunday, Jan 31st 1:30p to 3:00p
A five session Hebrew class for anyone who has learned the letters of the Alef Bet, recently or years ago. We will focus on becoming more proficient at reading and pronouncing Hebrew while simultaneously growing our skills at making meaning of Hebrew words and relating personally to the language of the siddur (prayer book). Payment for this course will be on a sliding scale and participants will need to purchase a book. -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 3 , 2021Torah Study
Wednesday, Feb 3rd 8:00a to 9:00a
Start your Wednesday mornings with Torah Study! Join Director of Congregational Learning Earnest Vener for a weekly hour-long study of the weekly Torah portion on Wednesdays at 8am. You are welcome to drop in or come weekly. All are welcome and no prior knowledge is required. Please email Earnest at e.vener@dorsheitzedek.org with any questions. -
Wednesday ,
FebFebruary 3 , 2021
Wednesday, Feb 3rd 5:30p to 5:45p
All are welcome to join Rabbi Toba for a moment of calm each week. The content will vary - a brief teaching, a meditative moment, some music, or another contemplative practice. We will start promptly at 5:30pm each Wednesday, but feel free to drop in at any time. Each session will end with an opportunity for those in mourning or observing a yahrzeit to recite Mourners Kaddish. Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97091443951?pwd=dVk4bFZIVitMcDViYllNQnRIdmhmZz09