Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

See photos from JRF's 41st Convention, held in Philadelphia from November 9 - 12, 2006.

The opening plenum of JRF's 41st Convention was called Reconstructionism for the 21st Century: Aspirations, Expectations and Innovations. Below are the talks delivered by the four rabbis on the plenum. Text and audio versions are available for each presentation.

A press release has gone out to Jewish and mainstream press nationally. Feel free to download the attached relase and forward it as you see fit. Please email me at ltuttle@jrf.org to let me know that you have done so.

If you would like a release tailored to a specific city that includes mention of newly elected JRF officers and board members from your region, I am happy to forward one to you.

Photo of Roni Yavin, Ruth Calderon, Meir Yoffe and Roni JaegerFour prominent Israelis who work to promote Jewish identy and Jewish study in Israel participated prominently at JRF's 41st Convention held in Philadelphia Novmember 9-12, 2006. The four were (left to right) Roni Yavin from Elul, Ruth Calderon from Alma, Meir Yoffe from Panim and Rani Jaeger Beit Tefilla.

Read Helen Plotkin's report and watch the video clips.

On Saturday, November 11, as a prelude to the joyful kumsitz (song fest) that would follow, incoming President Bob Barkin shared his vision for JRF.

Read the entire speech.

Here is an excerpt:

We have great contributions to make in repairing the world. In our parasha this week, Vayera, Abraham pleads, even negotiates with Adonai, to spare the lives of the wicked people of Sodom and Gomora if only he can find a few righteous individuals. In fact, Midrash says that Abraham was chosen as the patriarch of our people specifically because he would stand up to even the Highest Power in the defense of justice. And, today we note further that Abraham’s example is even more remarkable because he was working not just for his own family, not just for his own tribe, but on behalf of all humanity. His sense of social justice is a guide for us today.

Play Video.

One of the themes that infused the entire five days from the JRF Board meeting through the four days of convention, was the leadership transition from Dan Cedarbaum to Bob Barkin.

Dan Cedarbaum served two two-year terms as President of JRF. He was a strong leader and advocate for the strong development of the nascent Camp JRF. He played a major role in spearheading its fund raising. Dan's intellectual interest in Judaism and Reconstructionism were palpable during hes tenure, expressed in writing articles for RT and the Reconstructionist and speaking around the country at Reconstructionist congregations. Dan is passionate about his ideas of taking halachah (Jewish Law) and Jewish ritual seriously. He has spoken often on these topics.

Read the article about Dan Cedarbaum's legacy at JRF.

Read Bob Barkin's inaugural speech.

Ruth Calderon speaks about her search for a spiritual home at the 41st convention of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation held in Philadelphia. She is speaking on November 10, 2006.