Actions Completed in Fiscal Year 2011

RRC made several important strides that enhance institutional excellence.  In September 2011, the College launched “Reimagining Rabbinical Education” (RRE), a sweeping curriculum review led by Vice President of Academic Affairs Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D.  The first phase of this project explored new methodologies and approaches to clergy training and established a broad set of committees to help implement the initiative.  Additionally the College secured several new student employment opportunities and expanded the Israel director’s role in recruitment efforts, with the intention of attracting more rabbinical applicants from outside of North America. The College also moved ahead with the creation of a comprehensive assessment plan to measure RRC’s success in implementing its strategic plan. 

The College expanded its ability to serve as a vital provider of Jewish thought in several important ways.  Rabbi Roni Handler, ’11, was hired as the director of community learning.  In this role she raises the College’s profile by attending Jewish conferences, festivals and events; teaching in various settings; and serving as editor of Ritualwell, an innovative site for sharing Jewish rituals.  Fiscal Year 2011 also saw the publication of several notable resources.  The Center for Jewish Ethics, under the direction of Rabbi David Teutsch, Ph.D., published two new installments in its Guide to Jewish Practice series and finished production of the Guide to Jewish Practice: Everyday Living, the firstbook of a trilogy.   Rabbi Jacob Staub, ’77, Ph.D. edited a special edition of Zeek: A Jewish Journal of Thought and Culture dedicated to Reconstructionist Judaism. 

Several web-based initiatives raised the image and influence of Reconstructionist Judaism in the community.  The MostJewish project produced a popular Facebook page with more than 6,000 followers.  The relaunch of Ritualwell.org increased and improved communication with users.  The College also introduced two new blogs and made it easier for readers to subscribe to all of its blog streams. 

The Reconstructionist constituency saw a landmark event that attracted significant press attention:  The boards of RRC and the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF) voted to restructure the Reconstructionist movement and form a single organization to address the diverse concerns of its constituent groups.  An alumni retreat at RRC also helped reinforce the role of alumni as essential stakeholders in RRC and in the movement. 

Finally, RRC succeeded in securing the funds to achieve its mission.  The College met two fundraising challenges: one garnered $350,000 and the other, the New Minyan Challege, attracted 100 new donors of $1,000 or more.  

Download the FY11 update on RRC's five-year strategic plan as a color PDF.

Download Creating Change: A Vision for RRC's Future, RRC's five-year strategic plan, as a color PDF (309 KB).