Recontructionism views Judaism as the product of the collective experience of the Jewish people. Mordecai Kaplan's definition of Reconstructionist Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization” (1934) teaches that Judaism is not just a region, but a culture, including languages, literature, history, music, dance and visual arts.

Judaism is Constantly Evolving

We believe that for Judaism to be vibrant and relevant, it must be evolving to meet the contemporary needs of each age. Judaism and Jewish institutions such as synagogues and havurot must engage in a lifelong search for spirituality and meaning, and the creation of rituals, customs and new ways of celebrating and sanctifying life itself. Our challenge, as Jews, is to RECONSTRUCT Judaism in every generation, so that we will be able to fulfill ourselves Jewishly and pass on a thriving Jewish culture to our children.

Emphasis On Community And Peoplehood

The primary source of Jewish identity comes not out of a system of rigid rules and beliefs, but rather from the experience of belonging to the Jewish people and community. It is this community that provides support, inspiration and intimacy to its members in times of need.

Gender Equality

Reconstructionists strongly affirm the principle of gender equality in all areas of Jewish life. Women and men are encouraged to participate in the responsibilities and voluntary activities of the community at whatever level the feel comfortable. This principle extends to such religious and life cycle events as bar/bat mitzvah, being called to the Torah, and counting in the minyan.

Participatory Community

Active participation is a necessary and integral part of the workings of a community. Every member is encouraged to participate and the extent of the participation is limited only by one's imagination, initiative, and energy. A sense of community is fostered through the active commitment of its members. We recognize the necessity of ongoing commitment to one another and attempt to evoke mutual caring and responsibility among members of all ages.

Community Values

One of the unique characteristics of the Reconstructionist communities is that decisions are made on the basis of VALUES- both Jewish and contemporary (North American western) values, with the participation of both Rabbinic and lay members. The parent organization - the JRF, Jewish Reconstructionist Federation - has authored several guidelines using this approach.

Intellectual Integrity and Spiritual Fulfillment

We believe that Judaism can help us in our search for answers to the ultimate questions of life's meaning, that our synagogues and havurot can be sources of Spiritual growth and inspiration while embracing the highest level of intellectual integrity.

Making The World Better Is A Jewish Challenge

We believe that being part of the Jewish civilization requires us to do what we can to make the world a better, more just, caring, compassionate and sacred place in which to live. This is expressed in the traditional concept of “tikkun olam”, repairing the broken fragments of the world and making it whole.