Every Breath, Words Aflame: Reconstructionist Thought Through Liturgy
In 1945, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan published the first Reconstructionist siddur–the Jewish prayer book that reflected the values and ideals of Reconstructionist thought. The changes and ideas in the siddur were so radical that a group of over 200 Orthodox rabbis gathered in New York to come up with a response. At this gathering, some rabbis burned the siddur, calling it heretical and placed Kaplan under cherem–excommunicating him from Judaism for “atheism, heresy and disbelief in the basic tenets of Judaism.” Over seventy-five years later, the Reconstructionist siddur has evolved and had a tremendous influence on prayer books in all streams of Judaism.
In this class, we will explore the Reconstructionist siddur with the dual aims of becoming more familiar with Jewish liturgy to enhance our prayer lives, and also to have a deeper understanding of Reconstructionist thought and practice. No previous knowledge required, just curiosity and an open mind.
Class will meet on Zoom, 1:00–2:30 PM:
April 24 Zoom: Aleynu: Chosenness, Distinctiveness, and Jewish Ethics
