Reconstructionist Judaism is a movement based on the teachings of Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881-1983), who understood Judaism as “the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people.”

Reconstructionist Judaism is:

• Relevant: As Reconstructing Judaism puts it, “Judaism itself—its structure, beliefs, rituals, customs and culture—must be ‘reconstructed’ in each generation to renew its relevance and ensure its sustainability.”

• Cooperative: Learning from and with others is essential to the Reconstructionist approach as we create intentional communities within Jewish spaces as well as the larger world around us.

• Involved: Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, is a central pillar of the Reconstructionist movement, being deeply engaged in social justice and pursuing equality and equity for all.

• Inclusive: Reconstructionist communities embrace all people who wish to participate in Jewish life, including historically marginalized groups. This principle has been present since the movement's inception: Rabbi Kaplan's daughter Judith became the first Bat Mitzvah in 1922.

Find out more about what it means to be a Reconstructionist in these articles.