I’m familiar with the usual three forms of Judaism, but recently ran into someone who described themselves as Reconstructionist. There wasn’t time to ask, so I’m asking you. Who’s heard of it, and who can describe its basic philosophy to me? I presume it’s more liberal than Reform, but how exactly?
Reconstructionism is a branch that was more or less founded by Mordecai Kaplan in the 1930s. It places an emphasis on the cultural community of Judaism and how to see the world as a Jew; the idea is that Judaism is an evolving religious civilization.
Reconstructionists interpret Jewish law in a modern context- “The past has a vote, not a veto” is a phrase that aptly describes their philosophy.
I’d hesitate to call it more liberal than Reform. Reconstructionists are much more tradition-based than Reform Jews- it’s just that they are very pragmatic about certain traditions.
Reconstructionist Jews also tend to frown on the idea that Judaism is waiting for the messiah. At a reconstructionist service I once attended, all reference to the rebuilding of the Temple or of messiah bringing judgement was omitted.
Aha. Andygirl’s description makes good sense. The people I met are very much as she describes–and they are also very liberal. So I was confused as to what was owing to the Reconstructionism and what was just them. Thank you.
I’ll have to bring up the Temple someday–my religion says that it will be rebuilt near the end times. It could be interesting. 