The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (RRA), established in 1974, is the professional association of Reconstructionist rabbis.
Comprised of over 300 rabbis, the RRA has three primary missions.
RRA NEWS
The RRA and Reconstructing Judaism express deep concern over last week's decision by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz to declare six Palestinian human rights groups to be "terror organizations." Absent compelling evidence, this policy will criminalize critical human rights work.
The spiraling violence that began in Jerusalem and now includes all of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank is heartbreaking and frightening.
We, the undersigned 697 organizations—including climate, environmental and energy justice, democracy, faith, Indigenous, and racial justice groups—urge you to pass a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) in the infrastructure package and reject gas and other false climate solutions to address the climate emergency.
As a society, we are long overdue for transformative changes in our criminal justice system, including prisons, jails, policing, courts, bonds, and discriminatory laws. We encourage our Reconstructionist communities to engage in brave conversations and action around the fight for racial justice.
We write to you as rabbis, cantors, leaders of Jewish organizations, and concerned American Jews from across the country to express our alarm over the escalating human rights situation in Burma.
We express our deep concern about the recent proliferation in a number of states of legislation seeking to exempt houses of worship and religious gatherings from the reach of regulations and emergency orders related to public health issues and emergencies such as COVID-19.
With these resolutions, the Reconstructionist Rabbinate is reiterating our conviction that our foremost responsibility as Jews and as humans is to care for one another. We are equally created in the image of God with all the blessings, rights and dignity that being a creature of God entails
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association mourn the devastating loss of life Tuesday in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Equality Act is proposed federal legislation that would establish non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans in key areas including employment, housing, education, and public spaces.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association welcome the recently announced landmark ruling by Israel's Supreme Court to recognize non-Orthodox conversions carried out in Israel for the purposes of matters relating to eligibility for Israeli citizenship.
As Jews, we are commanded tzedek, tzedek tirdof, to pursue justice. By enacting this bill, we can enhance integrity, fairness, and transparency in our nation's elections, create a democracy that values all voices, and build a more just society.
The Jewish Rohingya Justice Network (JRJN) condemns the military's coup in Burma (Myanmar), its brutal crackdown on peaceful protests, and the unjust detention and arrest of democratic leaders, activists, and protestors. We stand in solidarity with the Burmese people as they fight for their civil and political rights.
Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association strongly oppose the plan of Keren Kayemet L'Israel / Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) to expand Jewish settlements by purchasing private land in the West Bank.
While vaccinating Jewish settlers in the West Bank, Israel's government has declined to provide doses to vaccinate the Palestinian general population in the West Bank and Gaza.
The Crane Center for Mass Atrocity Prevention and the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council join the United Nations (UN) and numerous other human rights organizations in calling upon the government of Bangladesh to cease its plans for the relocation of Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char.
In order to stay safely at home, people need access to water to wash their hands, cook, and drink; electricity to heat their homes through the winter, keep food and vital medicines, and charge communication devices; and broadband to be ableto complete online schooling, and work remotely.
We are thus obligated to share our concerns about ways in which the effort to combat antisemitism is being misused and exploited to instead suppress legitimate free speech, criticism of Israeli government actions, and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Reconstructionists root ourselves in our rich Jewish legacy, drawing from its boundless well for nurturing wisdom about Jewish living and learning. At the same time, we look forthrightly at the challenges and opportunities of the moment.
As representatives of various faith communities, we believe that the current drone program runs counter to the tenets of our respective faiths and violates the values held by most Americans.
RRA RABBIS IN THE WORLD
Today, President Biden announced his intent to nominate and appoint individuals to serve in key roles at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
I think that whatever people call themselves, there is space to find common agreement for action. And I think beyond the question of how people identify, the deepest question is dignity and equality.
When the pandemic ends, I hope we can continue the shift from "can you offer me advice on how I can better serve my students?" to "how can we together better serve our students?"
From a young age, Darby Leigh knew he was on a spiritual path. Fascinated by religion and spiritual practices, he thought about becoming a rabbi but quickly dismissed it, for one main reason: He is profoundly deaf.
Rachel Weiss, a senior rabbi at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, said her congregation has created meaningful ways to celebrate the holiday online. Together, they'll be cooking latkes together, watching movies and lighting candles virtually.
"Celebrating a world that goes beyond inclusion, that embraces people in their unique differences, is work for all of us."
Congregation Shir Shalom in Amherst held drive-in services at the Transit Drive-In in Lockport throughout the day. The congregation's rabbi said this is a time to reflect on the past year and move towards the year ahead with greater meaning.
Goldstein has been outspoken in the congregation and in the community about the Jewish tradition to welcome the stranger. He has been a leader in navigating this situation in our community and in our congregation.
"In order to be in presence of peoples greatest senses of loss and anxiety and fear we needed a place were we could share what was authentically happening for us. We have families and anxieties too," Lesser said.
Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of the Kansas Interfaith Alliance, said lawmakers have avoided tackling climate change in recent years "as the situation continues to get worse. "It's frustrating beyond belief," Rieber said. "We're fiddling while the world burns."
"The American Jewish community is the story of immigration, of fleeing oppression and hardship, and seeking safety and security on these shores," Goldstein said.
At a time when the U.S. government is aggressively pushing away asylum-seekers, Kol Tzedek synagogue embraced them, providing not only emotional and legal support but also raising money for housing nearby, for food, clothing and health care. "It feels like a miracle," said Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari.
"There is a Jewish principle that you should not stand idly by, and so many of us were raised with that idea that we should speak up when there is injustice," Zimmerman said. "We really felt compelled to do so and stand with today's immigrant community."
Keynote speakers included Rabbi Rachel Weiss of Evanston's Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation. Weiss was raised in Evanston and said she is the town's first lesbian rabbi."I came back after college and my wife and I got married here in Evanston at the synagogue where I am now rabbi," Weiss said.
"We're going to gather and we're going to be loud. Not necessarily in our voices but in our messages that we're holding up," [Kindberg] said.
"You can't use a dictionary or an encyclopedia to understand the word 'concentration camp'; what you need is a calendar, because concentration camps over time turn into death camps if you don't stop them,' said Rabbi Arthur Waskow, 85, who came from Philadelphia to stand outside the doors of ICE headquarters.
"We're here today to send a message to the administration that we are not going to stay quiet... We are ready to rise up," said Blanca Pacheco, co-director of the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, a coalition of faith-based groups that led the demonstration.