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Reconstructionist Judaism
integrates a
deep respect for traditional Judaism but includes progressive values and ideas.
We turn to Jewish law for guidance, but also recognize the right of individuals and communities
to make their own choices with regard to
religious practice and ritual observance. We believe that the past has
a vote but not a veto. We retain rituals and practices that are warmly
traditional, yet at the same time modern and egalitarian.
We respect core values such
as democratic process, pluralism, and accessibility. Our community is
participatory and inclusive, committed to exploring Jewish life with
dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm. Conservative and Reform Judaism have adapted many practices from Reconstructionism. The daughter of the Reconstructionist movement's founder, Mordechai Kaplan, celebrated the first Bat Mitzvah in 1922. The Conservative and Reform movements have modeled their newest prayer books on the format of the new Reconstructionist prayer book. Services at HCS are informal with a mixture of English and Hebrew. Discussion and questions are always welcomed from adults and children. Kippot and tallitot are worn by most men and women. Many of us dress informally and wear jeans to services; others more formal clothes. We keep a kosher kitchen. We welcome all -- regardless of marital status, age, race, family composition, sexual orientation, and/or disabilities. No experience is required to join. We keep our dues as low as possible. Children of interfaith couples are considered Jews by Reconstructionists if they have a Jewish mother or a Jewish father. This is similar to the Reform position. Conservative and Orthodox Jews require one’s mother to be Jewish. Non-Jewish partners of members are always welcome. Our children learn about Judaism, Jewish History and Hebrew in small classes with individually paced learning that accommodates for physical and learning differences. Each teacher is committed to ensure that Hebrew school is a positive experience and that each child enjoys and benefits from time spent in class. Children learn about the relevance of Jewish tradition, prayer and ethics in today’s world. Adults learn too at weekly Adult Education classes, Shabbat “lunch and learn” sessions, periodic guest lectures, and at weekly services. |