Ahavat Hinam: Creating Covenantal Community
Originally published on The Times of Israel. How do we encourage a sense of belonging, of being part of a tribe, without descending into tribalism? How do we foster community life that is oriented inward and at the same time open to the wider world? How do we bridge differences — of political viewpoints, across […]
A Year of Reflection and Transformation: Lessons in Anti-Racist Spiritual Practice
On Oct. 17, 2023, nine members of the faculty and faculty affiliates of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC) were scheduled to gather over lunch. We were poised to begin a yearlong journey of anti-racist spiritual practice grounded in the teachings of mussar (Jewish ethical practice) and hasidut (mysticism).
Meeting the Unknown, Rabbinical Students Grow Spiritually, Help Others Through Clinical Pastoral Education
CPE is a formal, accredited method for training students of all faiths in the art of being a spiritual caregiver. These programs reflect the growing professionalization of the field and are usually offered in healthcare facilities. Chaplains, though, can serve in many settings, including retirement communities, hospices, campuses and prisons, as well in the military and with police and fire departments.
RRC Faculty Member Teaching in Global Day of Jewish Learning
Amanda Beckenstein Mbuvi, Ph.D., will teach on “Reading Torah as Family Stories” as part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning.
RRC Establishes Fellowship on Race, Culture and Jewish Ethics
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College created a new fellowship in race, culture and Jewish ethics as part of its ongoing efforts to cultivate dynamic scholarship, train the next generation of rabbis and dismantle systemic racism in Jewish communities.
RRC mourns with the families of the hostages murdered this week
The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College mourns with the families of the hostages murdered this week: Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, Carmel Gat z”l, Ori Danino z”l, Eden Yerushalmi z”l, Alex Lobanov z”l, and Almog Sarusi z”l.
RRC’s New Interim Academic Dean is a Beloved Teacher of Jewish Texts and Ideas
Rabbi Mira Wasserman, Ph.D., has been appointed RRC’s interim vice president for academic affairs.
Wasserman has taught Talmud and rabbinic literature for a decade at RRC and loves everything about the seminary, especially her students and colleagues. In the role of interim vice president, Wasserman will lead the college — effectively, she’s the academic dean — and serve as a key member of Reconstructing Judaism’s leadership team. (RRC is part of Reconstructing Judaism.) The vice-presidential oversees the curriculum and student life, as well as supports faculty members in their teaching and research. Assisting students and enabling them to become the best rabbis they can be remains a driving focus, said Wasserman.
Processing the RRC Faculty Study Tour to Israel and Palestine
Returning from a week of learning and conversation as part of the RRC Faculty Study Tour, Rabbi Alex Weissman reflects and processes his time in Israel and Palestine.
RRC Faculty Arrives in Israel for Study Tour to Enhance Rabbinic Education
Members of RRC’s faculty are taking part in a study tour as an expression of the college’s commitment to Israel education as a core component of the rabbinical school curriculum.
The Auerbach Launch Grant: An Invitation to Experiment and Create
Rabbi Nicole Fix (RRC ’23) is using avant-garde musical theater to bring the Talmud to the stage — and sound a warning on the dangers of present-day extremism. Chloe Zelkha, a fourth-year RRC student, is building community for young adults grieving the loss of a parent, partner, sibling or close friend.
While the two projects might at first glance sound dissimilar, they share much in common. Both engage with young Jewish adults who may lack
