Reconstructionist Judaism

Judaism transcends religion; it embodies the evolving civilization of the Jewish people, encompassing history, literature, art, music, land, and language. It is a dynamic legacy, with each generation tasked with reconstructing Judaism to resonate with its contemporary context. Rooted in this philosophy, Reconstructionist Judaism emerged in the 1930s as a branch of Conservative Judaism and officially became the fourth mainstream movement in Judaism in 1968 with the establishment of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College—the first major Jewish denomination originating in North America. Today, there are over 100 Reconstructionist Synagogues and communities across North America.

Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, viewed Judaism as the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people. He advocated for a respectful engagement with Jewish tradition, coupled with a willingness to adapt it to align with the changing norms of contemporary North American society.

Reconstructionism, often referred to as Reconstructionist Judaism, embraces diverse beliefs about God and holiness while adhering to these fundamental principles:

• Judaism has continuously evolved to adapt to external realities and shifting ethical understandings. This evolutionary process, evident in the compilation of the Mishnah and Talmud by the Rabbis, must persist today, allowing Judaism to remain relevant by incorporating the distinct contributions of each Jewish generation.
• Reconstructionists honour Jewish tradition but also respond to the evolving realities of contemporary society, harmonizing Jewish observance with twenty-first-century needs.
• Jewish community is grassroots-built, emphasizing active participation and leadership roles for Reconstructionist Jews within the synagogue life.
• The shared legacy, culture, and values that bind Jews to Judaism and each other transcend denominational affiliations or specific practices. All individuals, whether born into the community or chosen, are welcomed.

Guided by these core values, Reconstructionist Judaism has reshaped Jewish practice, pioneering interactive and participatory approaches to rituals. Notably, the world’s first Bat Mitzvah was held at Rabbi Kaplan’s synagogue in 1922, reflecting the innovative spirit of Reconstructionists.

For more information about Reconstructionism, visit Reconstructing Judaism.