About Reconstructionism

Reconstructionists define Judaism as an evolving religious civilization, encompassing history, literature, art and music, land, and language.

Our religious tradition is the reflection of our ancestors' search for meaning, purpose, and value. In our own search, we are egalitarian, participatory, and open to varying viewpoints. Through our shared past and through our communal experience of worship, study, and celebration, we affirm our sense of belonging to the Jewish people.  We are respectful of traditional Jewish practice but are also open to new interpretations and forms of religious expression.  Tradition has "a vote but not a veto."

Our diverse views of God share an emphasis on godliness rather than the supernatural. We value a power in the universe, which infuses all of creation with a sense of transcendence and impels us to improve the world and ourselves.

We believe we are involved in the evolution of Judaism right now and are responsible for shaping the spiritual and cultural legacy we will leave to future generations.

For further reading:

A crash course on Reconstructionist Judaism from Reconstructing Judaism

Intellectual origins of the Reconstructionist Movement from Reconstructing Judaism

Reconstructionist movement passes resolution affirming equal rights for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals

Joint statement June 27, 2018 on Immigration

The central organization of the movement recently changed its name from Reconstructionist Rabbinical College & Jewish Reconstructionist Communities to Reconstructing Judiaism. You can view a video talking about the change here:  https://youtu.be/XhCmy5ghPuE  and read about it here: https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org/news/who-we-are-and-what-we-do