| So what exactly IS a Reconstructionist? | |
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by Laurel Snyder, January 5, 2007
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I was raised in a big Reform congregation, and then when I was in high school, my dad left that particular house of worship and helped build (with a group of like, 16 people) a small synagogue in downtown Baltimore, The Bolton Street Synagogue. Although Bolton Street never technically affiliated, I was informed that it was a "loosely Reconstructionist" shul. Which is to say (I think)... we had a Reconstructionist rabbi, and progressive politics, but a kosher kitchen.
Although I've learned about Reconstructionism in a loose organic way, I've never read up on the movement, so today I wanted to look into what it means to be a Reconstructionist Jew. The basic idea:
It should be explained that a lot of Reconstructionist Jews DO observe halacha. But it's a choice, and an effort to respect the tradition. Not an obligation. More focused on the spirit of the law than the letter.
As well, I think a lot of Reconstructionist Congregations and Havurot have their own distinctive flavors. They resemble each other a little less than say, a Reform congregation resembles another Reform congregation... becuause they place a lot of importnace on community consensus. So each small community will have a vaguely different aesthetic/ political identity/etc.
Maybe it's what you're looking for?
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I scribble a lot. I talk too much. I apologize with wild abandon. More... |
lizfilm
thanks!
thanks for the info. my best dude friend is getting married this year with a reconstructionist rabbi, and i am the best man. (girl as best man? how...reconstructionist.) so i've been wanting to learn more.
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