Reconstructionist jews turn to the supernatural the new. Teutsch, 4 books reconstructionist press, 3 books michael alper, 2 books chayym zeldis, 1 book reuben wallenrod, 1 book zvi adar, 1 book jacob j. Reconstructionist judaism, the small religious movement famed for challenging many of judaisms most cherished precepts, has issued a new prayer book that defies some basic tenets of. The jewish world has seen many changes in regard to the status of women in the last 25 years, in large part, because of the work begun by rabbi kaplan and the reconstructionist movement.
That book, widely read and still in print, furnished the foundation for reconstructionist judaism. Prayerbook for the days of awe mahzor leyamim noraim reconstructionist english and hebrew edition teutsch, david, rosenberg, joel on. Reconstructionist judaism emphasizes creativity, social justice, and participatory decision making. Judaism as a civilization suggested that historical judaism be given a. Because reconstructionism rejects the notion of a transcendent god who made a covenant with his chosen people, it does not accept the bible as the inspired word of god. Today, we even recognize that the siddur prayer book should reflect a more egalitarian stance. Kaplan spent the early part of his career in the orthodox and conservative movements. Reconstructionist judaism in the united states jewish. For the vast majority of reconstructionist jews, wearing tallit and kippah is common practice for both men and women.
This is an easy read that gives you a proper foundation for understanding reconstructionist judaism rj. Reconstructionists often proudly assert that when we pray with a reconstructionist siddur, we feel that we can say what we mean and mean what we say. Judaism will continue to be a dynamic civilization only if we choose to participate, create and transmit vitality to future generations. Its rabbinical school welcomed women from the outset and was the first to ordain gays and lesbians as rabbis. Under the leadership of david teutsch, president of the reconstructionist rabbinical college, this liturgy is now being reconceptualized for a new generation. Perhaps you are a reconstructionist and just dont know it. Eisenstein, the closest collaborator of rabbi mordecai kaplan, describes the emergence of reconstructionist judaism and the struggle of second generation american jews to enter mainstream america. It is not intended to be a full haggadah, which would contain a complete text of the traditional seder, and would usually have interesting artwork, commentaries, and additional information and history. Rabbi mordecai kaplans prayerbook for the nascent reconstructionist jewish movement in north america, published by the jewish reconstructionist foundation in 1945. Kaplan 18811983 in his book judaism as a civilization 1934. The prayer book, prepared over two years by a committee of lay people and rabbis, both men and women, will be evaluated by the 65 reconstructionist congregations around the. Eisenstein, the closest collaborator of rabbi mordecai kaplan, describes the emergence of reconstructionist judaism and the struggle of second. In 1935, kaplan published his book, judaism as a civilization.
Owning the jewish holidays in a reconstructionist tradition. But his most important contribution was as the editor of the fivevolume prayer book series kol haneshamah, published over a tenyear period, 1989 1999. Full text of sabbath prayer book see other formats ra 1. Jewish reconstructionists print prayer book for modern times. The numbers in the top right hand corner of some pages in this document reference the kol haneshamah shabbat prayer book the reconstructionist press. Staub, 1 book eli ginzberg, 1 book bertha badtstrauss, 1 book meir benhorin. The initial publication of a projected threevolume reconstructionist guide to jewish practice appeared in 2000. As a christian, there is much here that resonates with me and that i can use in a worship service.
Reconstructionist jews turn to the supernatural the new york times. The reconstructionist prayer book utilizes language that recognizes the contributions women have made to the spiritual growth of the jewish people. Reconstructionist congregations make many of their decisions about guidelines and. We consider judaism as the evolving religious civilization of the jewish people, which means that judaism is not only a religion but also a vibrant culture with its own art, music, dance, language, history, etc. Reconstructionist judaism has also been at the forefront of integrating non jewish family members into the life and leadership of the jewish community and removing barriers to the rabbinate for individuals in relationships with nonjews. How to choose a siddur, or jewish prayer book my jewish learning.
These siddurim showcase the reconstructionist movements innovative. Reconstructing judaism reconstructionist press stores. Reconstructing prayer west end synagogue a reconstructionist. In 2003, a reconstructionist youth movement, noar hadash, was established. This is reflected in the prayer books and rabbinic manuals that have been published. Originally published in 1986, this book is a personal account of a pivotal period in american jewish life written by ira eisenstein, the late principal organizer of the reconstructionist movement.
How to choose a siddur, or jewish prayer book my jewish. History of reconstructionist judaism my jewish learning. Rj is an often overlooked stream of judaism that is 100% u. Daily prayer book, jewish reconstructionist foundation, 1963. This prayer book series replaced the old reconstructionist prayer books that had been so controversial and popular in their time.
Teutsch is the louis and myra wiener professor of contemporary jewish civilization at the reconstructionist rabbinical college. Reconstructionist judaism in the united states jewish women. Selected ancient hebrew power prayers, psalms, meditations and more for healing, health and protection. Sabbath prayer book, by the jewish reconstructionist foundation 1945 is shared by aharon n. Reconstructionist judaism, the small religious movement famed for challenging many of judaism s most cherished precepts, has issued a new prayer book that defies some basic tenets of reconstructionism itself. He offers us a glimpse into the thinking that went into the original impulse to create the series, his twentyyear involvement with it, and his views of what a new, updated prayer book might contain. The principles of reconstructionism were first publicly enunciated by rabbi mordecai m. Judaism as a civilization in 1935, rabbi mordecai kaplan 18811983, professor of the philosophy of religion at the jewish theological institute, published judaism as a civilization.
Reconstructionist judaism was founded in the midtwentieth century in the united states by rabbi mordecai m. Faqs about reconstructionist judaism congregation beth hatikvah. More controversial have been the reconstructionist liturgical texts, the new haggadah published in 1941 and the sabbath prayer book published in 1945, which altered the working of the traditional hebrew text, substituting alternate wording for phrases referring to the chosenness of israel, the resurrection of the dead and the messiah. About reconstructionist judaism congregation shir hadash. Reconstructing judaism is the central organization of the reconstructionist movement. The reconstructionist movement s prayerbooks for weekdays, shabbat and holidays form a matched set under one title, kol haneshamah every creature or all that breathes, from the last verse of psalms. One common siddur largely displaced by the artscroll siddurim is philip birnbaums daily prayer book hasiddur hashalem, still. Aug, 2009 reconstructionist judaism is an american jewish denomination founded in the last century that seeks to unite jewish history, tradition, culture and belief with modern scientific knowledge and the. Reconstructionist judaism, the small religious movement famed for challenging many of judaism s most cherished precepts, has issued a new prayer book that defies some basic tenets of. Autobiography of ira eisenstein originally published in 1986, this book is a personal account of a pivotal period in american jewish life written by ira eisenstein, the late principal organizer of the reconstructionist movement. More recently, the reconstructionist movement removed from its prayer book any reference to the chosen people though they continued to believe that the jew has a special obligation to study gods law and to live by it. It was this book that kaplan claimed was the beginning of the reconstructionist movement. A siddur is a jewish prayer book, containing a set order of daily.
When i urged rabbi ludwig nadel mann, then president of the jewish. Sabbath prayer book, by the jewish reconstructionist foundation. The reconstructionist reconstructionist rabbinical. Info 1299 church road wyncote, pa 19095 united states of america call us at 2155760800, ext. Mordecai menahem kaplan, 7 books eugene kohn, 5 books mordecai menaheim kaplan, 5 books ira eisenstein, 5 books david a.
What is important about reconstructionist judaisms values system. Festival prayer book, jewish reconstructionist foundation, 1958. New york, the jewish reconstructionist foundation, 1945. Faqs about reconstructionist judaism congregation beth. Most jewish men and many jewish women will wear a kippah head covering but they are optional. Parents and their children acutely feel the social pressures that surround bar and bat mitzvah. Feb 19, 1989 the prayer book, prepared over two years by a committee of lay people and rabbis, both men and women, will be evaluated by the 65 reconstructionist congregations around the country and some others.
Ritual for jewish holidays and life cycles, including shabbat, the new year, baby namings, weddings, healing and mourning. The founder of reconstructionism, rabbi mordecai m. These chapters do an excellent job of demonstrating how judaism. Interfaith members the nonjewish partner is recognized as a full member of the congregation, welcomed to participate completely in all social, religious and leadership aspects of kol emet. Some people like the democratic, communitydriven model of governance, our concern for social justice, and our attention to. Were called on not just to do no harm, but to help to repair the world tikkun olam. The kol haneshamah prayer book series offers a full and creative liturgy, giving communities the option of using more or less hebrew during services. Reconstructionist judaism in the united states by rebecca t. Reconstructionism possesses a very logical way of examining judaism in the pluralistic u. The inspiring guide to spiritual celebration used in hundreds of congregationsreform, conservative, reconstructionistrevised and expanded. Reconstructionism approaches jewish life with a deep respect for tradition as well as insights, ideas, and innovations from contemporary life. Alpert unlike other branches of american judaism, reconstructionism originated in the philosophy of one individual, mordecai kaplan 18811982. He played a central role in the reconstructionist movement. But isnt the traditional service, even in the new reconstructionist siddur.
Reconstructionist services are fully egalitarian, inclusive and participatory. Reconstructionist judaism emphasizes the importance of social justice alongside study and prayer as an essential part of spiritual practice. This compact book is loaded with prayers, history, and devotion. As they gather for the high holidays this year, reconstructionist jews will be following a new prayer book. Sandy sasso sandy eisenberg sasso was the first woman rabbi ordained by the reconstructionist movement, which was one of many firsts in her career. We train the next generation of rabbis, support and uplift congregations and havurot, foster emerging expressions of jewish life, and encourage people to be their best selves always helping to shape what it means to be jewish today and to imagine the jewish future. Jewish men and women past the age of bar or bat mitzvah may wear a tallit prayer shawl and many do. The second half of exploring judaism is devoted to reconstructionist practice study, prayer, ritual, social action, the development of inclusive communities, and the structure of the movement itself. In these pages readers will discover a variety of spiritual paths to health and wellbeing based on jewish tradition from the psalms, prayer and meditation to the use. I found that this book has been very helpful in resolving a lot of my own personal beliefs about judaism and feel that it can do a lot for other searching jews. The 1945 reconstructionist prayer book put forward two functions for prayer. Reconstructionist foundation, to convene a prayerbook commission in. Reconstructionist worship and american liberal judaism cincinnati.
Sabbath prayer book, with a supplement containing prayers, readings and hymns and with a new translation. This prayer book is a tremendous resource for anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear. Faqs on reconstructionist approaches to jewish ideas and. Judaism as a civilization suggested that historical judaism be given a revaluation in terms of presentday thought. Whether youre buying a prayerbook for yourself or for a synagogue or other group. According to spokespersons for the jewish reconstructionist federation, the 1,275page. Mar 29, 2017 what we do share is a conviction that a the words of the torah, and consequently the mitzvot including those about prayer were not literally spoken and commanded by god at sinai, and b that nevertheless our inherited traditions, including the siddur prayer book, are an invaluable treasure that can help us to unfold the deeper meanings of. He edited its journal the reconstructionist and, alongside kaplan and ira eisenstein, edited the new haggadah 1941, the sabbath prayer book 1945 and the reconstructionist prayer book 1948.
Selected ancient hebrew power prayers, psalms, meditations. Entitled kol haneshama, or voice of the soul, it is the movements first new prayer book in 44 years. A new prayer book recently issued by the jewish reconstructionist movement is breaking new ground in american judaism in its concern for feminist language, ecology and personal spirituality. The eight prayers of todays shemoneh esrie are sometimes called the amidah or standing prayer because they are recited while standing and facing the ark, which contains the holy torah. We have kippot, tallitot and copies of our kol haneshamah reconstructionist siddur prayer book for guests. Kol haneshamah, the reconstructionist press, wyncote, pennsylvania, 1994 mishkan tefila, central conference of american rabbis, new york, 2007 reform prayer book with czech translation draft, praha 2007 seder tov lehodot, verbond van liberaalreligieuze joden in nederland, amsterdam, 2000.
Alpert and staubs book is great place for a spiritual seeker looking for basic information on reconstructionist judaism or for a committed reconstructionist jew. Introduction this haggadah passover guide is designed to be a simple and easytoprint reference for nonhebrew speakers. Arranged and translated by rabbi mordecai kaplan, the sabbath prayer book is the first reconstructionist prayerbook we know of to have. He also served as the president of the rabbinical assembly 19361937. Finally, caplan suggests changes to the reconstructionists prayerbook that might strengthen its roots in the jewish liturgical tradition while still preserving a. At cbh, we discuss the issues that are important to the future of our own children, our neighbors children, and. Continuing in this tradition, women at kol emet have the equal opportunity to lead the congregation, participate in all prayer rituals including aliyahs, torah readings, and minyanim. Many people come to rcbi and say they feel at home spiritually, that the wonderful readings in our prayer book provide a portal to a new understanding of jewish prayer and liturgy. Reconstructionist jews receive new prayer book for high. Kaplan himself took bold steps at midcentury to publish prayer books that reflected his philosophy. The founder of reconstructionist judaism, mordecai kaplan struck a fundamental blow for womens participation in jewish ritual with the bat mitzvah of his eldest daughter, judith. Varady digital imaging and document preparation with a creative commons public domain dedication 1.
Reconstructionist judaism is more than a set of ideas. The change, in a new friday night prayer book, reflects a revolution as the movement, reconstructionist judaism, moves increasingly toward. Sabbath prayer book, jewish reconstructionist foundation, 1945. In 2005, the reconstructionist, now a journal, published its 70 th anniversary issue.
Prayerbook for the days of awe mahzor leyamim noraim reconstructionist english and hebrew edition. It contains the basic information needed to conduct a passover seder. A new magazine, reconstructionism today, was established in 1994. New york reconstructionist press, 1957, by mordecai menahem kaplan page images at hathitrust. A fullservice siddur with clear directions, brief explanations, and complete and direct translations, the artscroll is a mighty learning tool for anyone looking to expand his or her knowledge of traditional judaism. Reconstructionist rabbis work in partnership with committed lay people to formulate guidelines that serve as jewish touchstones for our times. The inspiring guide to spiritual celebration used in hundreds of congregationsreform, conservative, reconstructionist revised and expanded. Jewish reconstructionists print prayer book for modern. What we do share is a conviction that a the words of the torah, and consequently the mitzvot including those about prayer were not literally spoken and commanded by god at sinai, and b that nevertheless our inherited traditions, including the siddur prayer book, are an invaluable treasure that can help us to unfold the deeper meanings of our lives and our relationship to god.
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