What is Reconstructionism

Reconstructionists approach Judaism­­ and life­­ with deep consideration of the past and a passion to relate it to the present. In a rapidly changing world, Reconstructionist communities share and create new ways of being Jewish to connect us to the divine and ensure our lives are filled with purpose. 

We view Judaism as the evolving civilization of the Jewish people in an ongoing relationship with God. Our shared culture, rituals, traditions and practices­­, reflect over 3,000 years of that evolution, and we continue to share and shape it today. 

We break down the walls that divide us, demonstrating what it means to be Jewish today­­: standing up for justice and creating a better world for all.

We experience and discover God through our daily acts of ritual, creative expression, and humanity, which leads to individual spiritual fulfillment. 

We have originated many of the core innovations within American Judaism and lead efforts to make our community even more forward-thinking, inclusive and relevant. 

We are committed to democratic practice in Jewish life and believe that people hold the right and obligation to reconstruct Judaism in order for it to remain relevant in our lives. 

Reconstructing Judaism, in association with the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, serves more than 100 congregations and havurot spread across North America. They offer consultation on all key areas of congregational life, including youth and adult education, leadership development, outreach and community-building initiatives, fundraising, and budgeting as well as musical, liturgical and other resources. A broad selection of books of contemporary Jewish interest are published by the Reconstructionist Press, including the lively periodical Reconstructionism Today, the six-volume prayerbook series Kol Haneshamah, a Passover Haggadah and CD, educational materials, musical recordings keyed to the liturgy, and related materials.

Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
We welcome you to learn about RRC, the rabbinical school for innovative Jewish leaders. RRC is a unique kind of organization in the contemporary Jewish landscape. They are a progressive rabbinical school­­—where people of all backgrounds engage intensively with Jewish texts, thought and practice.