Rabbi Toba Spitzer dives into the use of metaphors in framing a picture of the Jewish people that is encompassing and defining, drawing on three conceptual metaphors: “covenant,” “narrative” and “tribal.”
Author
November Adult Ed Beit Midrash
In 2018, Rabbis Toba Spitzer and Brant Rosen engaged in an epistolary back and forth on Evolve about the questions of narrative writing around Israel/Palestine. By studying their words, we find a model for how to engage with kavod in a makhloket leshem shamayim.
December Adult Ed Beit Midrash
n this month’s December beit midrash, we’ll explore how identity politics hold an increasingly defining role in the American social and political landscape of the 21st century.Rabbi Jane Litman explores the complexity of holding Jewish identity in relationship to other identities.
Text Resources
Explore short reflections on inspiring texts.
Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Statement on Ishut
How is Jewish status conferred? In this 2013 document from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, the tension between biology and identity is most prominent.
Harnessing Technology Study Guide
This study guide outlines major themes and discussion questions in “Harnessing Technology” co-written by Rabbis Deborah Waxman and Nathan Kamesar.
Reimagining Jewish Community Sermon Sparks
Rabbi Rachel Weiss challenges the assumptions of how a synagogue should operate by highlighting multi-generational programming and interfaith activism at Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, IL.
Judaism and Race
How do we expand our image of Jews to include people of color, and how should Jews deal with systemic racism in America?
Ethics
Explore the urgent ethical issues of our time from Jewish perspectives.
Antisemitism
Explore the history of antisemitism and its shapes today, and reflect upon our contemporary responses.