Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

The JRF Department of Education provides resources and support for congregational school education directors and lay leaders, rabbis, adult education chairs, early childhood directors, teachers and parents, as well as independent learners.

Guidance is available in terms of both the content and administration of all congregational education programs.

Please consult the extensive collection of educational materials in the "Resources" section of this website.

You may also be interested in the following:

The TEL (Teens: Experience & Learning) Post B'nai Mitzvah Program

The TEL program brings Reconstructionist teens together for an experiential educational program framed by fall and spring kallot (retreats)at Camp JRF. In between the kallot, the teens pursue a series of activities with their congregational cohort and stay connected to one another through a TEL Facebook page. Each year the teens explore a theme based on one of the Values of Spiritual Peoplehood (first Tikkun Olam/Social Justice, then Hiddur Mitzvah/Creativity, then Derekh Eretz/Character, etc.). We began with 8th and 9th graders, 10th graders will be added next year, followed by 11th and 12th graders as the first group matriculates. New congregational groups are welcome to participate in the program next year. Please contact the Department of Education for more information.

Now in Development: Reconstructionist Readymades

Reconstructionist Readymades are lesson plans on core aspects of Reconstructionism that are “ready made” for a teacher to pick up and teach. A teacher’s guide and student activity sheets will be included in a self-contained packet. Some lessons will be available to pilot in the spring of 2010. Contact the Departments of Education or Development if you are interested in sponsoring a lesson or a series of lessons.

• Reconstructionist Curriculum Resource Finder

The Reconstructionist Curriculum Resource Finder is an interactive resource currently in development that is intended to serve teachers, parents, and education directors. It offers a menu of Reconstructionist-friendly or Reconstructionist-compatible textbooks, story books and resource materials on each of approximately 20 major topics taught in our schools. Topics are searchable by author, title and sub-categories. Each resource is linked directly to the publishing site from which the item can be purchased. Users are invited to add commentary based on their experience of or questions about particular resources. As educators share questions and answers, the resource will become a central tool for Reconstructionist Jewish educators across North America. Users are also strongly encouraged to suggest resources that they would like to see added.

• Reconstructionist Educators of North America

RENA is the professional association of Reconstructionist education directors.

Rabbi Erin Hirsh, JRF Director of Education, is available on a full time basis. You are welcome to contact her by telephone, 215-885-5601, extension 16, or by email, ehirsh@jrf.org.