What Is Reconstructionist Judaism?

Judaism Through a Reconstructionist Lens, an interactive learning program

Learn about the philosophy of Reconstructionist Judaism in this self-paced, three-unit program. Explore the thinking of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, who understood Judaism as an evolving religious civilization. Find out how Reconstructionist Judaism differs from other branches of progressive Judaism. Hear the thoughts of real-world Reconstructionist rabbis and congregants.

No Hebrew is required. You will discover the concept of Judaism as an “evolving religious civilization” and examine questions such as:

Are the Jews a “chosen people?”
In a scientific age, how do I understand evil and suffering?
What obligation do I have to help heal the world (tikkun olam)?
How do I decide which Jewish holidays or rituals to observe?

Each unit presents one of the fundamental perspectives of Reconstructionist Judaism established by the movement’s intellectual founder, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan: belonging, believing and behaving.

Your guide for the program is Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, Ph.D., ’82, director of multifaith studies and initiatives at RRC. You have opportunities to read, question and reflect on Judaism in the 21st century, as you move through at your own pace and explore probing questions.

Try a sample unit from the course.

Fees and Registration
You can have a full year of access to the course for $4.95. Registration is available online only, on our secure server.

Technical Requirements
In order to take full advantage of this course, you will need a computer with an Internet connection, speakers or headphones, and the following free software:

Internet browsing software: Minimum of Firefox 3.5, Internet Explorer 8, Safari 3.2 or Chrome 7

Adobe FLASH: Version 10 or higher

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Version 9.4 or higher

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