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RVOSNEXT PREVIOUS M M About RRC RRC is the intellectual center and rabbinical training institution of the Reconstructionist movement, one of the four main branches of American Judaism. The outgrowth of a philosophy developed in the 1930s, the graduate school was founded in 1968 with the explicit objective of training a new kind of rabbi, one uniquely prepared to lead and serve a rapidly changing American Jewish community in myriad settings. RRC’s rigorous curriculum emphasizes the study of Jewish theology, history and The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College ritual while also addressing the practical aspects of educates leaders, advances scholarship and rabbinic life and the responsibility of rabbis to act as develops resources for contemporary Jewish life. agents of social change. Graduates go on to assume leadership positions in synagogues, nonprofit organizations and philanthropies; to become educators at colleges and universities; and to serve as chaplains in hospitals and the military. M M M 1

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT A Message By Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz From the President

THE BIG PICTURE of Jewish higher less inclined to support rabbinical schools. And And it is our particular mission at RRC to train education in the United States has never been a outside the Orthodox world, the number of rabbis who understand that Judaism has evolved static landscape. The first U.S. seminaries were rabbinical schools recently has grown—but fewer and changed throughout time, who are capable of established in the late 19th century. In the early students choose to attend. responding to the challenges of today’s world with part of the 20th century, colleges of Jewish studies 4,000 years of collected wisdom at their fingertips. Yet seminaries fulfill a unique mission, and there joined the scene. In 1968, RRC came into being. We expect that our graduates will offer new and would be a great cost to the community were we to And since the late 1960s, secular colleges and challenging insights about Judaism and will use “outsource” the whole of Jewish higher education universities also have offered degrees in Jewish those insights to improve people’s lives and to secular colleges and universities. Academics are studies—posing direct competition to the specialized strengthen the community. expected to study their material objectively, indeed Jewish colleges. In fact, the fastest-growing arena critically, without reference to practical application. Within the liberal community, Jewish learning (as for Jewish higher education in the last three decades If they veer into the realm of contemporary opposed to learning about Jews) is under siege. has been the many Jewish studies programs within applications for their research, they risk crossing But it is impossible for members of our community secular institutions. With a degree from an Ivy the boundary between teaching about a particular to respond if they don’t know about the problem. League school more likely to lead to a professorial religion and promoting that religion. I hope that this column begins a dialogue among position at a university, these programs attracted your friends and within your community. You who money more readily than the colleges of Jewish At RRC, we want our students to be able to see firsthand the benefits that our graduates studies. Baltimore Hebrew College has now understand the work of Jewish academics. offer—delivering religious teaching and spiritual integrated with Towson University. Dropsie College However, we don’t want them to stop there. inspiration, building community, and counseling became part of the University of Pennsylvania. The Promoting Judaism—a cardinal sin, so to speak, individuals in need—know that RRC plays a other colleges of Jewish studies have attempted to for academics in a university—is precisely what unique and essential role in today’s Jewish scene. change their missions to adapt to changing needs. rabbinical education is all about. We insist that our None of them is without struggles. students constantly ask questions about how new Evidence of our good work can be found within knowledge is relevant to contemporary Jewish life. this annual report. In the following pages you will What does that bode for the future of the seminaries In other words, we see rabbis not as Jewish meet some of our students, faculty members and and for RRC in particular? The seminaries too are academics but as a bridge between the acumen alumni. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the struggling. The costs of education keep rising, and of the academy and the practical application of life of RRC and that they inspire you to renew endowments are down. Foundations that have that acumen to the way we live now. your efforts to help us remain a vital force for good. historically funded Jewish programs have grown M M M 23

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT A Clear Connection

By Eileen Fisher RRC’s people excel at the imaginative, eclectic work of bringing Judaism to college campuses.

In a truly accurate job description for a rabbi on a college campus, the list of challenges might read: Work with people who are highly unpre- dictable—and take their constantly revised intentions as a creative opportunity. Much of the time on the job, you will be following them down the winding road that is their day-to-day existence, looking for opportunities to involve them on their own terms in Jewish life. It is a road marked by many cups of coffee; you must be very patient. And yet dynamic! Your audience bores easily, and the competition for five min- utes of undivided attention—especially the competition from electron- ic media—is fierce.

The rewards? These can be stated in that are central to being good at it. a few words: Doing rabbinical work And in the last few years, RRC has on campus puts you in a position to found itself in the fortunate position help people—many people—lay a of supplying many such rabbis (see lasting groundwork for a meaningful sidebar); among the 2008 and 2009 life. And your tools will be the very classes alone, RRC graduates took ones you hold most precious. five new college positions. Rabbi Jake Rubin, ’09 (left), with University of Virginia student Henry Tessler Indeed, not everyone is well suited to “RRC is one of the few rabbinical campus work, but those who are can schools that have curricula focusing see great results from taking the time on community leadership,” says Rob to build the individual relationships Goldberg, vice president for external M M M 3

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT RRC graduates serve at … Until a recent trip to Israel with Rabbi Jake Rubin, ’09, Goucher College University of Virginia student Simon Svirnovskiy approached Indiana University Judaism like “an illiterate person who has hidden his problem Miami University Middlebury College by saying that he doesn’t want to read.” [] Ohio State University Ohio University Stanford University SUNY Albany University of Maryland, relations for Hillel, the international Svirnovskiy had not set foot in a The bar mitzvah was nontraditional, Baltimore County Jewish organization on college service or any other Hillel program: with no Torah portion, and was an University of Massachusetts campuses. “This makes RRC a signif- He was raised in Belarus and immi- occasion no one would soon forget. University of Michigan icant partner for us, because the grated to the United States in 1993. “First and foremost I want to thank University of Virginia professional training for RRC rabbis He had little Jewish background and Jake Rubin for helping me through- goes beyond standard skill building.” had never had a bar mitzvah, though out this entire process—from our Ursinus College many of his friends had. As time went first talks back in October … to Vassar College Rabbi Jake Rubin, ’09, serves not on he regretted it more and more; he helping me solidify my name choice Wesleyan University just in a rabbinical capacity but was interested in the possibility of on the bus 20 miles from Gaza,” Yale University as executive director of a Hillel having a bar mitzvah in Israel. At Svirnovskiy began his speech. He Goldberg calls “important, with college, he, along with his friend spoke of his complicated relationship extraordinary students.” To say Andrew, sang in an a cappella group. with a heritage he barely knew: “I RRC students Rubin is a busy man at the honestly think that in terms of serve at … University of Virginia is a gross “To celebrate our arrival in Jerusalem, Judaism, I have, up until now, lived understatement; in addition to I asked the two of them to participate the life of an illiterate person who has Brandeis University handling all of the Hillel’s programs, in a shehekhianu ceremony,” Rubin hidden his problem from everyone Bryn Mawr College religious services and teaching, he says. “They both said yes, but Simon else by saying that he doesn’t want to Haverford College currently is responsible for its told me he was unsure of the Hebrew. read, or has just avoided situations Philadelphia University administration and for raising funds So I worked with him. They did a where he’d have to read.” And he Swarthmore College in both an annual campaign and a beautiful version of ‘Oseh Shalom.’ spoke of how far he’d come since The University of the Arts capital campaign. Yet before he took And I believe when Simon saw his stepping off the plane: “This trip off for a Taglit-Birthright Israel- travel group’s response, he was showed me, for the first time, that (in Philadelphia) sponsored trip in January with 40 encouraged and decided that he there is much less judgment and University of Delaware students in tow, Rubin had gathered wanted to do a bar mitzvah of his stratification in Judaism than I Vassar College these facts about Simon Svirnovskiy, own before he left Israel.” thought. … I am having a bar West Chester University a student on the trip, even though mitzvah today to take one more step M M M 4

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT out of my Jewish illiteracy and to tangibly dedicate just a building—that the effort needed to radiate myself to this quest. … I care, and have cared very from the center out, to reach people where they much, about my Jewish identity and about how were already engaged and to bring opportunities lucky I am to be a Jew.” to them, so they could discover and connect with Jewish possibilities that they had never experienced Student rabbis, too, can see dramatic results as before.” She says that the Philadelphia-area Hillels they intern on college campuses and defy have been on the leading edge of that change. expectations about what Judaism can look like. Third-year student Josh Bolton, a poet who in 2008–09 was the award-winning initiator of the RRC grads are especially well suited new Hillel group dubbed “JewArts” at Philadelphia’s for Hillel work because they are University of the Arts (“UArts”), remembers the first Shabbat meal he orchestrated in a student prepared to help others become the apartment. Bolton arrived that Friday night to find leaders, teachers and arbiters of “a typical place you might find four guys living in. But all together, we dragged up the tables I had their own Judaism, says Rabbi brought, tablecloths, flowers, candles, and good- Howard Alpert of Hillel. He calls smelling food. We transformed that place from a jungle to a Shabbat paradise,” Bolton recalls. Barbara Hirsh one of the best

“And when all the students began to arrive—and campus supervisors in the country. nearly 20 did—their eyes were so big. First, they couldn't believe the apartment had undergone that And nearby RRC, which was founded not simply transformation. (Perhaps that was the greatest Barbara Hirsh, director of the campus internship to fuel a Jewish denomination but with the explicit miracle.) And they were giddy with this new program, with first-year RRC student Nick Renner goal of serving the wider Jewish community with a attention. At some point someone mentioned creative approach—to “meet people where they Hillel, and a few voices echoed, ‘This is Hillel?’” Hillel of Greater Philadelphia, before coming to are”—has been a natural hot spot for this kind I the College. The Hillel organization has existed of thinking. Graduates say that given the since 1923. As recently as 30 years ago, its campus Reconstructionist approach—studying Judaism The recognition that relationships are key marked houses were still more like clubs; every year they as an evolving civilization—they came naturally to a critical turning point in the development of would sponsor activities, and the assumption was work on campus with the assumption that there is campus work, says Barbara Hirsh, RRC’s dean of that students would show up to participate. “Hillel no one way to be Jewish. They also mention that academic administration and director of its then was still the place where Jewish boys went to learning to build community among a pluralistic campus internship program. Hirsh worked in two meet Jewish girls,” Hirsh quips. “What evolved student body at RRC was essential preparation. Hillel offices, including as associate director of since was the understanding that Hillel was not Both Goldberg, the Hillel vice president, and M M M 5

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT Rabbi Howard Alpert, executive was informed that enough money In 2006, the student opportunities director of Hillel of Greater had collected in an RRC fund to now known as the John Bliss Philadelphia, confirm these points. enable a student to work on a local Campus Internships, funded by “One thing that makes RRC grads campus; by the following academic RRC board member William Fern, Developmentally, college students especially well suited for Hillel year, the Herman Silver and Dr. Lee Ph.D., were created. RRC students are in a stage of intense personal work is that the College’s culture Winston Fellowship was active once now work at nine different colleges and training prepares them to help again, and a Bryn Mawr/Haverford and in one position coordinating exploration, and are willing others become the leaders, teachers College internship had come into service learning for Hillel of to question everything. and arbiters of their own Judaism,” being. And RRC students started to Greater Philadelphia. Alpert says. And, he adds, Hillel’s hear from Rabbi Jordan Bendat- I “You get to be a part of this goal is similar: “to help students Appel, ’08, about how exciting he unbelievable moment in their own their own Judaism.” found his work at the sister and If rabbis connecting personally brother schools. Soon other schools with students can lead to Jewish lives,” confirms fifth-year Hirsh’s supervision of campus were added to the mix. In 2005, engagement, it is also true that student Isabel de Koninck. interns also is a key strength of when Annabel Lindy, z”l, a leading- RRC’s training in the field. Students successful Jewish engagement on edge supporter of resources for the campus must be personal. College receive oversight by administrators Philadelphia Jewish community at their workplaces, of course. But students are in the distinct develop- and an RRC board member, was mental stage that psychologist the added supervision by Hirsh is searching for a way to honor her invaluable, say graduates, and Jeffrey Arnett, whose materials deceased father, she decided to Hirsh uses in her courses, calls Alpert agrees, calling Hirsh one of devote the majority of her new the best campus supervisors in the “emerging adulthood”—a period RRC funding to campus work, that offers “the most opportunity country. Many students choose to and the William Flesher Campus stay in the RRC supervision group for identity exploration in love, Internships were born. “The intern- work and worldview.”“You get to for more than the required single ships gave students the opportunity semester, and may also take the be a part of this unbelievable to ‘help people discover their moment in their lives,” confirms Rabbi as Organizational Manager Judaism and create ways to express course with Hirsh. RRC fifth-year student Isabel de it,’ and that reflected Annabel’s Koninck, who works on the Bryn In the last several years, the buzz sharp strategic thinking and true Mawr and Haverford campuses Isabel de Koninck among RRC students about originality,” says Rabbi Dan and also helps students at several campus work has grown, and so Ehrenkrantz, RRC’s president. Alpert colleges find service-learning has the College’s internship agrees, calling her “a visionary who opportunities. “Students are so program. Momentum started to understood what it is to build an much more willing to adapt and build in spring 2003, when Hirsh inclusive Jewish community.” change and question everything. A M M M 6

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT student plops down in your office and you never know what the conversation is going to be. It could be ‘I’m not going to be a lawyer like my dad!’ And sometimes it’s ‘I want a more fulfilling spiritual life.’”

And when students do show up at a “lunch and learn,” the event must hit home. Take for example the teaching Rabbi Leigh Ann Kopans, ’08, gave this winter at Ohio State University about the “women of the wall,” the women who pray by the Western Wall in Jerusalem despite the adverse reaction of traditionalists who pray only in sex-segregated groups. The students’ main reaction was surprise, Kopans says: “‘This is going on in a world I have so much connection to, and I didn’t know about it!’ They’re not learning first and foremost about the women of the wall. They’re learning about their connection to other women in the Jewish world, to Israel; they’re formulating what they think about women and prayer. They’re running through their life history of prayer—remembering their bat mitzvah, what that felt like. And they’re thinking about what they want for their daughters.

“To learn that halfway around the world, where many of them have gone on Birthright, women can’t get up on the bimah as they do all the time here— what challenges does that issue to their Judaism? It’s important that we realize those questions are implicit in the situation and that we’re able to utilize them At Ohio State University Hillel on Shabbat, top: to start conversations.” Samantha Bloom, Rabbi I Leigh Ann Kopans, ’08, and Marla Davis light candles; right: Kopans Early on a Friday afternoon in January, Rabbi talks to the group. Danielle Stillman, ’09, talked with visitors as she waited for students to arrive at the campus house that is the Ursinus College Hillel in Collegeville, Far right: Ursinus College student Carly Freedman PA. Later, when her group of dinner shoppers (left) with Rabbi Danielle had finally gathered, she discussed with Carly Stillman, ’09 Freedman, the Hillel president, what soup the group would offer for that evening’s seder in honor of Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees. She accompanied Freedman and Katherine M M M 7

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT Murphy to the nearby Wegman’s By 7 p.m., about 30 guests—a store to shop for a long list of items significant number on this mostly for the seder. On return, Stillman non-Jewish campus—had trickled greeted students as they arrived to in. And the mundane duties of the cook; she stopped in periodically to day were left behind. The group help. listened as Stillman progressed through her explanation of the foods “You might think, ‘For this I went to on the table and their significance rabbinical school?’” Stillman allows. in the Jewish mystical tradition of “But I’m getting to know the kabbalah. She narrated through the students in a different light. They sefirot, or levels, symbolized by eventually share things with you.” the foods on the table, until she Chopping, arranging and simmering reached the 10th and highest, the at an almost feverish pace, students one said to bring participants close chatted and sang as they worked to God. Things were quiet for a around each other in a small moment. Then several conversations kitchen. By about 6:30 p.m., a started up around the table, and a At Ursinus College multicourse meal had emerged. pleasant commotion filled the room. Hillel’s Tu B'Shevat seder, top: the dinner; left: Rabbi Danielle Stillman, ’09; from far left: students Anna Leh, Neil Rosenthal, Katherine Murphy and Ted Branston prepare the foods. M M M 8

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT Decoding RRC’s resident Zohar scholar translates Jewish holy texts that sing like jazz. By Wendy Univer Mysticism

When Joel Hecker, Ph.D., As he explains it, the intensely poetic and esoteric prose of the Zohar attempts to communicate “things that rest in the first encountered Sefer ha-Zohar, heights of the universe; it is a highly sensual and luminous kind of language. It includes a great deal of tactile imagery. It’s not a book of abstractions. It interprets the material world, the natural world, and—most important—the Jewish or the Book of Splendor, textual world as a coded manifestation of God’s own being.” as a graduate student in Israel, Hecker frankly admits that the notion of a God with multiple identities, including strong masculine and feminine he felt seduced by the text — potencies, was “very striking and exciting” to him as a young man in his late 20s. However, what influenced him its language, theology and erotic style. most is the Zohar’s picture of a direct and mutually influential connection between people and the Divine. This launched him on a career dedicated largely to Jewish mysticism and kabbalah—the medieval mystics’ reinterpretation of Jewish tradition. That path now culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hecker, who chairs the Department of Modern Jewish Civilization at RRC, is one of only two academics in the world invited to join distinguished Zohar scholar Daniel Matt, Ph.D., in the monumental task of writing the first unabridged translation of and commentary on the Zohar in English. The original texts in Aramaic and Hebrew have been virtually impenetrable to untrained readers. Existing English translations fall far short. The new Zohar: Pritzker Edition, commissioned by philanthropist Margot Pritzker, will create an unprecedented level of insight and access for academics, rabbis and rabbinical students, and educated lay readers. Pritzker was motivated by her own text studies as well as a desire for a translation that includes more recent scholarship and matches the wondrous nature of the original. M M M 9

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT The kabbalists depicted God as a complex web of multiple potencies and identities—male and female, loving and angry, accessible and ineffable. “The Zohar is a masterpiece of world religious literature, one of the most stunning pieces of writing I’ve come across,” says Joel Hecker, Ph.D.

Matt, professor of Jewish mysticism at the Center series. Hecker notes that he and Wolski must be century, circulated by a kabbalist named Rabbi for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological “faithful to the Zohar, in harmony with Danny’s Moses de Leon. He claimed that they originated Union in Berkeley, CA, has worked on the Zohar style, and yet true to our own vision of what the with a second-century rabbi, Shimon bar Yochai. Education Project full time since 1997 and has Zohar is trying to communicate.” They will draw Contemporary experts believe that de Leon published five volumes so far, to great critical on extensive Aramaic-to-English glossaries probably authored the bulk of this material him- acclaim; he anticipates producing four more. developed for the early volumes. self, possibly in collaboration with a group of his However, to meet the project’s targeted completion contemporaries. They wrote in Aramaic, a sister date of 2015, a team of advisers began looking for Matt expresses great excitement about the language of Hebrew and the voice of the Talmud. additional translators. They offered RRC’s partnership: “Joel combines superb scholarship professor an assignment based on his previous with literary sensitivity. I am confident that he However, the Zohar’s Aramaic is highly publications and the sensitivity he demonstrated will produce an accurate, vibrant, and uplifting idiosyncratic, due to a combination of linguistic in bringing zoharic text to life in English. translation, enabling English readers to explore error, poetic embellishment and a deliberate desire the enchanted world of the Zohar.” for mystery. The work values alliteration, ambiguity Hecker and Nathan Wolski, Ph.D., of Monash and aural play, such as the frequent use of open University in Melbourne, Australia, will focus on History of a mystery vowel sounds like “ta” at the ends of words even Zohar Chadash, which is material that came to The unusual origins of what became known when this is grammatically inappropriate. light after the initial printing of the Zohar in as Sefer ha-Zohar help explain many of the 1558 in Italy. Working independently, the two Later scribes “Aramaized” some of the related texts complexities involved in translation. Pieces of that appeared in Hebrew to match de Leon’s, adding expect to produce volumes 10 through 12 in the the text first appeared in Spain in the late 13th M M M 10

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT another layer of complication. The end result is Matt’s work to date shows ample evidence that Whereas the Pritzker Edition offers this: nearly 2,000 pages of commentary on Torah and he has succeeded. In Volume 2, he offers this Talmud—as well as wide-ranging material that description of the Milky Way: Speak, my son! May dazzling topaz from your covers theology, cosmogony (the origin and mouth resound like a spark! (Zohar 1:92b; Matt evolution of the universe), psychology, parables, In the middle of the sky, a lustrous path is 2004–2009, vol. 2, p. 84) narratives and poetry, all designed to draw readers woven—Celestial Serpent—all gossamer To deepen the reader’s understanding, extensive into participation in a mystical drama. Scholarly stars clustered within, mounds upon mound notations in the Pritzker Edition cover a broad readers have compared zoharic text to jazz, with encharged with requiting the deeds of range of topics: explaining how Latin, Greek, a variety of voices improvising around a theme. inhabitants of the world. Similarly, numerous Castilian and Arabic influenced the language of the Hecker agrees, saying that one can definitely bands of dazzling demons issue from this Zohar; offering historical context for the narrative’s recognize when a “Miles Davis” shows up and supernal, primordial serpent—by whom references to physics, botany and medicine; and starts to play. Adam was seduced—and they are all encharged with requiting deeds of the world. much more. The kabbalists depicted God as a complex web of (Zohar 1125b; Matt 2004–2009, vol. 2, p. 215) Sefirotic system of meaning multiple potencies and identities—male and female, loving and angry, accessible and ineffable. He diverges dramatically from earlier English At the heart of the Zohar and kabbalistic thinking “It is a masterpiece of world religious literature, translations and provides meticulous documentation lies a depiction of a God made up of 10 sefirot, one of the most stunning pieces of writing I’ve of his word choices. For example, in a passage in or gradations of divinity, each representing a come across,” observes Hecker, who received his which Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (the purported different attribute, such as the stern judge or the undergraduate degree in literature before pursuing author of the Zohar) invites his son to interpret the compassionate healer. Hecker explains that for the a rabbinical degree and a Ph.D. in Judaic studies. Torah, a literal translation looks like this: kabbalists, these identities are indivisible and always unified, yet have sharply different characteristics According to Hecker, Matt wants to “recover the Recount something good, my son, because a word that offer flexibility to the faithful in interpreting Zohar’s primal texture and cryptic flavor” and from your mouth is like the voice of the lamp. God’s actions. convey the text’s “strangeness, potency and rich ambiguity.” All three scholars are striving for the “most colorful and zestful” translation possible. M M M 11

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT “Having 10 sefirot or 10 ‘balls in the air’ to describe However, he considers this a commercialization are trying to do is make sense of the Bible and how divinity interacts with the world, humanity that distorts its meaning, sometimes to the point rabbinic tradition and of God’s message to Jewish and the Jewish people—manifesting itself through of denying its Jewish nature entirely. As a result, people.” nature, Torah and mitzvot—helps to fashion a web rabbis today have an even greater need for textual of meaning that is always referring back to itself,” and historical grounding in Jewish mysticism, so Hecker appears to relish the challenge of sifting he says. This kaleidoscopic framework grows that they can guide people who feel drawn to its through layers of meaning that have accumulated logically from the medieval mindset as well as appeal. But this subject matter isn’t new at RRC. over centuries. He looks forward to translating the from competing religious forces of that era, full of Zohar’s commentaries on Song of Songs, magic, myth, angels and demons, and other sacred The College began offering coursework in kabbalah Lamentations and the Book of Ruth as well as fantasies. as early as 1976, when the pure rationalism of the other material. “After the five books of Moses, the early Reconstructionist movement was giving way Song of Songs is the single most important text for Academic Dean Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D., to a wider range of ideas and practices. By 1985 the kabbalists,” he explains. This stems from the notes that current biblical scholarship also offers it had become a requirement—part of RRC’s belief handed down from Rabbi Akiba that it “a rediscovery of God as a fluid spiritual force long-standing leadership in training rabbis represents the love song between God and the who manifests in different ways at different times.” who can meet their communities’ needs for Jewish people. In fact, kabbalistic thinking draws upon a very spiritual exploration. ancient way of approaching divinity that may Ultimately, Hecker describes his work on the even be “the most dominant in Judaism.” She is Today, all students take a minimum of one course Zohar: Pritzker Edition as more than a prestigious excited by the prospect of faculty work that in kabbalah and one in Hasidism, the mystical scholarly assignment. “I relate to the Zohar as a opens such pivotal Jewish source material to a beliefs and practices that evolved in the 18th sacred book of Jewish tradition, and I approach broader audience. century. Hecker observes: “It seems to me perfectly the task of translating it with a fair amount of in keeping with the Reconstructionist mission to trepidation and a sense that what this text wants Spirituality, not pop psychology integrate the best of kabbalistic lore, thought, to do is help us to seek God. I’m aware that in practice and theology, in order to help reconstruct translating it, I’m trying to open up the English The recent popularity of kabbalah—attracting Judaism in the most vibrant form that it can adopt language to be able to deliver that same kind of celebrities from Madonna to British soccer star today. Ultimately, what the writers of the Zohar experience. It is not only an academic endeavor; David Beckham—does not surprise Hecker. I believe that this is holy work.” M M M 12

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT By Joanna Poses A Different Kind of

Rabbis Sheila Peltz Weinberg, ’86, Legacy and Ezra Weinberg, ’09, both feel driven to create new forms of Jewish expression.

It was against her own expectations Though he has forged a distinct begged her parents to let her attend that Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, path, he shares his mother’s a Jewish day school in Manhattan, ’86, became one of the first attraction to new Jewish ideas and but her mother believed there was generation of women rabbis. “I had practices. In 2009 the Weinbergs such a thing as “too Jewish.” The never found a way of living a Jewish became RRC’s first parent-child compromise was that Sheila was life that was intense enough for me,” graduates, and their stories illustrate permitted to attend Hebrew school Weinberg reflects. Her own search how, though times may change, the at her family’s Conservative for a Judaism that was compelling strong personal drive that fuels a synagogue. Her deep love of Judaism enough to engage her was what truly original rabbinate remains was notable, and she found out later attracted her to the seminary. Yet she the same. that the other kids had taken to would later go on to become a key calling her “the little rabbi.” Had she player in the creation of new projects Sheila grew up in the Bronx and was known this at the time she would in Jewish mindfulness that would exposed to many Jewish communities have found the idea as outrageous as substantially change the wider Jewish from an early age. During her they did. In the ’50s, women didn’t landscape. And after nearly 25 years childhood and adolescence, Camp become rabbis—they married them. in the field, she would see her son, Ramah was her salvation. She loved Ezra, join her in the rabbinate. learning to speak Hebrew and Growing up just a few decades later, learning about Jewish tradition. She however, Ezra and his sister, Abby, M M M 13

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT found themselves surrounded by force in a society of conflict. The female Jewish leaders. It was the strongest element of the peace- 1980s, and Philadelphia’s Mt. Airy building community was the neighborhood was a hotbed of religious voices. They weren’t progressive Judaism. Ezra wrote dependent solely on having funding. vividly about this community in his These people were peace-builders application essay for RRC: in their hearts.” He was grateful for a well-rounded Ezra had studied conflict resolution I could not have realized that I All of Ezra’s passions came together Jewish upbringing that taught him in college and graduate school, and was living in a unique environ- during this time. His activist there were many entries into the Israel was the focus of his master’s ment because it was all I knew. instincts, his spiritual searching and religion. As he grew older, his thesis. He moved there with the I just figured there were many his admiration for religious peace- primary connection to Judaism dream that he would “bring peace more Jewish communities builders helped affirm his Judaism was through Habonim Dror, the to the Middle East,” but everything around the country comprised and his ambitions within the Jewish progressive labor Zionist youth changed after the outbreak of the of vegetarians, lesbians, female community. At the same time, movement. He rose to leadership Second Intifada; he witnessed the rabbinical students and chant- Reconstructionist Judaism reentered positions within that organization disbanding of nearly all the peace- ing-style davening sessions in his life; he started attending RRC’s by the time he was in college, but building efforts and organizations. big circles on rugs. Weekends monthly minyan in Jerusalem. The grew disappointed that the emphasis He marvels that “the only exception were spent at havurah retreats. decision to attend rabbinical school was on political Judaism at the I saw to that was the job done by … I went to this farm where evolved very naturally. It was not expense of Jewish spirituality and rabbis and religious peace-builders. lots of rabbis and hip Jews out of any sense of legacy, but practice. It was partly this desire to I saw the power of religion. Religion would spend hours experi- because it was the only logical reintegrate spirituality into his life is often seen as the reason there’s menting with new forms of channel for his disparate Jewish that led him to Israel. so much conflict, but I was seeing prayer and worship. aspirations and values. religion as being the one sustaining M M M 14

CONTENTS PREVIOUSM NEXT Yet the nature of his decision might have felt was accepted to both RRC and Hebrew Union familiar. Sheila too had entered rabbinical school College. After deciding on RRC, she moved to almost as a matter of personal necessity. She Philadelphia and deferred her enrollment for five had married midway through college and years while she recovered from her divorce and soon was living as a young mother outside settled Abby and Ezra in the new community. of Scranton with her two children. She writes frankly in her new memoir, During their times at RRC, Ezra and Sheila both Surprisingly Happy: An Atypical Religious were able to pursue projects that would lay the Memoir, about the personal troubles, groundwork for their inventive rabbinates. After including alcohol addiction, that first graduating, Sheila served as the spiritual leader of plagued her during this time. The salve the Jewish Community of Amherst, MA, for 13 was a meditation and spirituality group years; but she had been immersed since her RRC that introduced her to new ideas and days in Jewish feminist and spirituality groups that Buddhist concepts; she instinctively anticipated her current work at the Institute for found ways to place these teachings in Jewish Spirituality. IJS is not explicitly feminist, a Jewish context. but Sheila believes it builds on the revelations of the feminist movement by validating individuals’ It was around this time that her friend experiences. She now teaches the meditation Jeff Eisenstat enrolled at RRC and told and mindfulness practices that have had such a her that some of his most exciting powerful influence on her own life to rabbis and classmates were women. “It blew me away other Jewish leaders. that there were women rabbis,” Sheila recalls. “It was thrilling. As soon as I heard it And her influence has been profound. Rabbi Jacob I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s what I’m supposed Staub, ’77, Ph.D., director of RRC’s Jewish Spiritual to do!’” She applied to rabbinical school and Direction Program, counts himself among those

As a young mother, Sheila heard from her friend Jeff Eisenstat that some of his most exciting RRC classmates were women. “It blew me away that there were women rabbis,” she recalls. “As soon as I heard it I said, ‘That’s what I’m supposed to do!’” M M M CONTENTS 15 PREVIOUS NEXT M who have been transformed by her work. He says, The story of the Weinbergs reflects not just family “Sheila’s work over the last two decades to history repeating itself but also the arc of liberal reintroduce meditation and contemplative Judaism in America. Undeniably, the last 25 years spirituality back into Jewish practice has trans- have seen unexpected changes. Who would have Watch video of the Weinbergs formed the Jewish community in North America predicted in the early ’80s that men would one and elsewhere beyond recognition. Through the day need their own groups for social and spiritual Institute for Jewish Spirituality and, before that, support? Yet as these two careers demonstrate, through the Mindfulness Leadership Training RRC continues to produce rabbis who embrace Program, she has taught and mentored hundreds the challenges of a changing Jewish landscape. of rabbis and other Jewish leaders, so that there is hardly a corner of the Jewish world that has not been influenced by her, directly or indirectly.”

Throughout his rabbinical education, Ezra sought out opportunities to explore prayer and spirituality more deeply. He became the rosh rukhaniyut (spirituality director) during Camp JRF’s early years and was instrumental in the creation of RRC’s davening collective. He believes that his role in the collective was what secured him the prestigious Marshall T. Meyer Fellow position he currently holds at B’nai Jeshurun in New York City. The position has given him the opportunity to work with a unique group: BJ’s newly formed men’s havurah is an effort to reengage Jewish men, who have become much less active than women in synagogue life in recent years. Ezra is excited to be part of this project and notes that he’s “always had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time, where new things are starting up.” M M M CONTENTS 16 PREVIOUS NEXT M From Our

Academic Centers: Center directors Lori Lefkovitz, Ph.D.; Rabbi David Teutsch, Ph.D.; and Rabbi News in Review Dayle Friedman

Hiddur: The Center The Center for Jewish Ethics for Aging and Judaism

The Center has been busy this year Jewish Ethics, and for the journal provided a briefing for the organiza- In the past year, Hiddur has completed with publishing, rabbinic education Textual Reasoning examining tion’s executive staff. He gave the two major initiatives that have helped and lectures in the broader Mordecai M. Kaplan’s pragmatic Fran Kane Memorial Lecture for the current and future leaders of the community. Perhaps the single approach to Jewish education. Jewish Family and Children’s Service Jewish community transform their most important activity of the of Philadelphia, “Values-Based approach to later life. Center is its work on the series A The Center continues to expand the Decision Making and Organizational Guide to Jewish Practice, which is presence of Jewish ethics in RRC’s Ethics,” and participated in a panel A three-year Helen Bader Foundation- used for adult and high school curriculum and related activities. on healthcare reform sponsored by funded training initiative culminated education as well as for personal Teutsch taught a fall senior seminar several organizations. He also with “Addressing the Spiritual reference. The book on family and focused on ethics for contemporary delivered a lecture at Ursinus College Journey of Jews Beyond Midlife,” a sexual ethics became available in rabbis and a spring Jewish titled “Bioethics, Religion, and conference presented in partnership March, and work is under way on bioethics course. He also offered Genetic Selection.” with UJA-Federation of New York. the volume about holidays. In the an introduction to rabbinic ethics as Attendees described the day as next 18 months the Center anticipates part of the Prospective Student Teutsch continued his work in “groundbreaking,”“shifting how we finishing the section of the Guide Institute, co-led a College Time professional development for Jewish think about aging—from aging as a dealing with everyday ethics. program titled “The Challenges of leaders, including a Web-based problem to aging as a promise and a End-of-Life Decision-Making,” and seminar for rabbis and a training privilege.” Two hundred rabbis, Center director Rabbi David Teutsch, did a lunchtime program titled “Key series for the Palm Beach Federation. chaplains, agency executives, social Ph.D., published articles on Issues in Healthcare Reform: How He also served as scholar in residence workers and lay leaders from a broad leadership in the Jewish Exponent (in Can Rabbis Address These?” for the Beit Breira Congregation spectrum of Jewish movements and response to the Madoff investment in Miami, where his topics ranged communities around the United crisis), on the Reconstructionist Teutsch was the scholar in residence from the ethics of food, sex and power States and Israel participated. An approach to Jewish ethics for the for a rabbinical student mission to to the challenges of maintaining online conference toolkit was created forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Senegal sponsored by the American community. that includes resources from the Jewish World Service and later workshops, audio clips and results from a survey of innovative practices. M M M CONTENTS 17 PREVIOUS NEXT M Hiddur offers these unique resources free of charge Kolot: The Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies on its Web site at www.rrc.edu/spiritualjourney.

The other major undertaking completed this year This year, Kolot is celebrating its bat mitzvah blessings of raising children in the public eye was was “Embracing Aging,” a Retirement Research milestone with programs organized around the both enlightening and fun. Foundation-funded effort to develop new models theme of gender, power and healthy relationships. This year, Kolot’s annual initiative to invigorate the for seminary training on aging. “Embracing Several programs for rabbinical students have observance of Ta’anit Esther as a “Jewish Day for Aging” has infused learning about aging throughout sought to raise awareness about intimate-partner Justice” began with a panel presentation by health RRC’s courses, co-curricular programming and violence in the Jewish community and how rabbis professionals who enlightened students about the field experiences. It has helped faculty and students can help as leaders and counselors. features of healthy relationships. A Ta’anit Esther see the importance of engaging Jews beyond An expert from Jewish Women’s International text study helped reveal the importance of midlife—whether in congregations, organizations educated students about the prevalence and signs appropriate clothes in empowering both biblical or chaplaincy settings. In a recent series of focus of abuse and what practical steps rabbis can take priests and Queen Esther. Kolot also named Nancy groups and interviews, 100 percent of student when confronted with the possibility that a woman Lublin, the founder of Dress for Success (an participants expressed a strong interest in working may be in danger. In anticipation of this program, international not-for-profit that helps women with populations beyond midlife. Their growing students created an artwork clothesline at the secure employment) as Kolot Queen Esther 2010. enthusiasm was evident. For example, one student entrance of the communal sukkah, using fabric to In support of Dress for Success, Kolot is collecting said, “Everyone has a soul, and that soul gets wiser, reflect on domestic violence and raise awareness suits for women reentering the workplace. better, richer, deeper as they age.” The “Embracing in the RRC community. This project added to Aging” model will be disseminated in a special the meanings of the sukkah, transforming it into In addition, Ritualwell.org—Kolot’s unique Web issue of The Journal of Religion, Spirituality and a symbol of the potential fragility of the home. site for contemporary Jewish ritual—continues Aging focused on clergy training, edited by Hiddur to provide an indispensable resource to the Jewish Director Rabbi Dayle Friedman. At the second in a series of events for rabbinical community. New sections on the environment students and their partners, Kolot presented a and communal responsibility have been added. With these major accomplishments completed and Hanukkah evening program titled “Rabbis Raising a challenging economic environment continuing, Children: That’s a Miracle!” A full house listened Finally, Kolot proudly announces the publication Hiddur’s future efforts will focus exclusively on as children of rabbis talked about their experiences of a new book by Director Lori Lefkovitz, Ph.D.: training rabbis at RRC about later life. Hiddur’s growing up, answered questions and offered In Scripture: The First Stories of Jewish Sexual unparalleled, comprehensive program of academic advice. The conversation about the pitfalls and Identities (Rowman and Littlefield). courses, internships and informal learning will continue to prepare RRC students for the challenges and blessings of the aging Jewish community. M M M CONTENTS 18 PREVIOUS NEXT M Financial Statements Statements of Financial Position as of August 31, 2009

OPERATING REVENUES: Sources of Operating Revenue Gifts and grants 3,008,000 54% 1% Endowment resources 849,000 15% 1% 18% Student tuition and fees 613,000 11% 11% Investment income 39,000 1% Other sources 67,000 1% Program funding 1,013,000 18% 15% 54% Total Operating Revenues 5,589,000 100%

OPERATING EXPENSES: Distribution of Expenses Salaries and benefits 3,427,000 65%

Travel and special events 650,000 12% 2% 1% Financial aid 404,000 8% 3% General and administrative 258,000 5% 5% 4% 8% Professional services 192,000 4% 12% Plant operations and maintenance 157,000 3% Communication 144,000 2% Constituent Activities 58,000 1% 65% Total Operating Expenses 5,290,000 100%

NET OPERATING SURPLUS 299,000 M M M CONTENTS 19 PREVIOUS NEXT M Thank You for Your Support September 2008–August 2009

Builder / $100,000+ Sally Gottesman National Endowment for the Humanities Anonymous Karen Kolodny & Hank Amon* Tony & Linda Rubin* Susan Beckerman* Linda & Jake Kriger* Juliet Spitzer & Philip Wachs* Fay & Daniel Levin* Andrew & Marina Lewin* UJA Federation of New York Annabel Lindy, z”l, & Philip Lindy* Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds Estates of Harry & Leona Mancher Joyce & Carl Norden* Supporter / $2,500+ David Roberts & Sue Fischlowitz* Doris Gross Nussbaum* Jennifer Abraham* Estate of Goldyne Savad Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Anonymous Estate of Ronnie Selbst Lili Perski* David Bunis* Aaron & Marjorie Ziegelman* Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Francine & Barry Cohen* Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore* Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, ’89, & Kay Ehrenkrantz* Founder / $50,000+ Miriam Roland* Judith Ehrman* Howard & Maureen Blitman* RRC Student Leadership Campaign Joanne Feltman* E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Myrna Sameth* Richard & Renee Goldman* Arthur “Nick” & Janice Goldman* Luis & Vivian Schuchinski* Leonard & Jacqueline Goldner* Henry Luce Foundation Rabbis Margot Stein, ’97, & Myriam Klotz, ’99* GreenFaith: Interfaith Partners in Action for the Mark & Patricia Nussbaum* Prudence Steiner* Earth Retirement Research Foundation Louis & Myra Wiener* Hanford & Kitty Gross* Donald & Arlene Shapiro* Arthur Winston & Joan Davidson Winston* Fred & Naomi Hazell Scholarship Fund Rosanne Ziering* Barbara Hirsh & Rabbi Richard Hirsh, ’81* Patron / $25,000+ Rachel & Bruce Jeffer* Hillel & Mitzi Becker* Donor / $5,000+ Rabbi Melissa Klein, ’04, & Neysa Nevins* Leona & Murry Brochin* Milton & Florence Bienenfeld* Ron Loberfeld* William H. Fern & John Bliss* Naomi Franklin* Rabbi Nathan Martin, ’06, & Abby Weinberg* Victor & Barbara Klein* Hans & Doris Grunwald* Mrs. Daniel G. Miller* Herbert & Deborah Krasnow* Alan & Linda Haberman* Michael Ostroff* Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia David Paul & Kathy Schultz* Sponsor / $10,000+ Howard Kerbel & Beth Fuqua* Rita Poretsky Foundation Anonymous Jesse & Maris Krasnow* Marian Roffman & David Greenfield* Helen Bader Foundation Donald & Betsy Landis* Tobey Roland* Dave & Catherine Capper* David Leigh* Rabbi Brant Rosen, ’92, & Hallie Rosen* Joseph Cohen* Jonathan & Bobbie Leigh* Rivka Rudner & Nancy Beltrandi* Carol & Jack Feder* Paul Levy* Rabbi David Teutsch & Betsy Platkin Teutsch* Jacob & Malka Goldfarb Charitable Foundation Lucius N. Littauer Foundation Irwin & Carol Wagner* *Member of RRC President’s Council M M M CONTENTS 20 PREVIOUS NEXT M Harry & Karen Waizer* Chayim & Judy Herzig-Marx Jill Schwartz Jack & Kay Wolofsky* Elaine T. Hirsch & Donald Grossman Rabbi Henry Shreibman, ’81 Edith & Robert Zinn* Rabbi Linda Holtzman, ’79, & Betsy Conston Susan & William Siebers* Ed Ichart Myrna & Donald Sigman* Contributor / $1,000+ Leo & Irene Irvings* Miriam Singer* Esther Bates Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Rabbi Amy Joy Small, ’87, & Robert Small* Jeffrey & Marge Bauml* Tamar Kamionkowski Mark & Paula Solomon* Joan Bayliss & Irwin Noparstak* Richard & Heidi Katz* Rabbi Anita Steiner, ’04 Beth-El Zedeck Sisterhood Audrey & Sidney Kaufman* Jeffrey Stern & Frances Rodriguez Stern Harry Bloomfield* Josephine Kellman Jane & Harvey Susswein Ruth Bowman* Ruth & Peter Laibson* Moira & Stuart Tenzer* Cynthia Brodsky Lori Lefkovitz & Rabbi Leonard Gordon Rabbi Elliott Tepperman, ’02, & Sarah O’Leary* David Brodsky & Andrew Nagel Norman & Bea Leopold Michael & Laurie Vander Velde* Rabbi Les Bronstein & Cantor Benjie Schiller* Charles & Mimi Lieber* Harold & Barbara Weinreb Lisa Brush Alan & Cathy Lindy* Sandra Weiss Lawrence & Joan Budish Rabbi Michael Luckens, ’73, & Sharon Schumack* Richard & Jill Wiener Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben & Didi Carr Reuben* Leon & Ariel Mandel* Nancy & Howard Wimmer* Linda Charnes & Stanley Yudin* Jonathan Markowitz & Ruth Wenger* Rabbi Avi Winokur, ’91, & Susan Berman Abraham Clott & Sabirzyan Badertdinov* Harvey M. & Lyn P. Meyerhoff Fund Rabbi Marjorie Yudkin & Randy Tiffany* Congregation Beth Israel Daniel & Karol Musher* Mark & Margie Zivin* Rabbi Fredi Cooper, ’00, & Harry Cooper* Hadassah Musher* Myra & Matthew Zuckerbraun* Stephen & Donna Dobrow Iris Newman* Rabbi George Driesen, ’99, & Susan Driesen* M. Frank & Sandra Norman Friend / $500+ Miriam Eisenstein & Carol Stern Lee S. Parker* Rabbi Ronald Aigen, ’76, & Carmela Aigen Barry & Barbara Epstein* Nancy Post & Christopher Jacobs* Susan Alan Andrew & Audrey Feiner Rabbi Arnold Rachlis, ’75, & Cantor Ruti Braie Rabbi Rebecca Alpert, ’76, & Christie Balka Rabbi Steven Fineblum, ’76, & Barbara Fineblum Rabbi Debra Rappaport, ’07* Madeleine & David Arnow Rabbi Lee Friedlander, ’75* Nataly & Toby Ritter* Robert Barkin & Cathy Shaw Rabbi Dayle Friedman & David Ferleger Dan Rome & Cindy Shulak-Rome* Marie Barr Victor Fuchs Lawrence & Ruth Rosen* William Behr & Soma Golden Philip & Cheryl Genet* Seth & Joan Rosen Bet Am Shalom Synagogue Bruce & Leslie Gifford Herbert Ruben* George & Pauline Blum Joel Greenberg & Marcy Gringlass* Bruce & Vicki Safran Rabbi Lenore Bohm Fritz & Joann Heimann Rabbis Dennis & Sandy Sasso, ’74 George Bookman Sharon & Stephen Hellman Kim & Robert Schacter Joel & Vicki Breman

*Member of RRC President’s Council M M M CONTENTS 21 PREVIOUS NEXT M Rabbi Daniel Brenner, ’97, & Lisa Silberman Warren & Deborah Hernand Isaac & Rosalind Silberman Diana Brody & Justin Kaplan Rabbis Andrew Jacobs, ’01, & Cheryl Asarkof Judy Silverman Rabbi Caryn Broitman, ’92 Benjamin Kaplan Rabbi Elliot Skiddell, ’80, & Julie Skiddell Donald & Beth Capelin Rabbi David Kaplan & Terri Kaplan Lea Sneider Steve Capper & Jan Marcus-Capper Alan & Pat Kessler Rabbi Toba Spitzer, ’97, & Gina Fried Daniel Cedarbaum & Caryn Jacobs Rabbi Jason Klein, ’02 Ilse Stamm Estate of Rita Chipkin Morris & Susan Klein Rabbi Jacob Staub, ’77, & Michael Spitko Richard & Marcia Cohen Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, ’89, & Ellen Jahoda Francine Stein Rabbi Mychal Copeland, ’00 Marshall & Ellen Kolba Hazel Stix Rabbi Meryl Crean, ’96, & Joy Cohen Rabbi Barry Krieger, ’85, & Alice Passer Estate of Savina June Teubal John & Laura Cromwell Rabbi Danielle Leshaw, ’02, & Kevin Haworth Florence Thomases Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb, ’97, & Minna Morse Arthur Levine & Judith Ludwig Levine Donna Tieger Jack & Joyce Dolcourt Jack Levy & Judith Bass Rabbi Deborah Waxman, ’99, & Christina Ager Cynthia Ehrenkrantz Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, ’85, & Lynn Iser Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, ’00, & David Nerenberg Rabbi Lewis Eron, ’81, & Gail Trachtenberg Harold & Rhonda Magid Rabbi Sheila P. Weinberg, ’86, & Maynard Seider Harriet Feiner Susan & Lloyd Miller Rabbi Eitan Weiner-Kaplow, ’88, & Dawn Weiner- Frances & Philip Feltman George O’Connell Kaplow William & Linda Forman Rabbi Barbara Penzner, ’87, & Brian Rosman Helene Wolloch Rabbi Susan Frank, ’81, & Kenneth Frank Rabbi Linda Potemken, ’97 Max Yaffe & Joan Amatniek Andrew Fredman & Susan Leon Rabbi Michael Remson & Susan Remson C. William Yanuck & Moira Herson-Yanuck Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, ’82, & Seth Kreimer Rabbi Yael Ridberg, ’97, & Mark Laska Rabbi Shawn Zevit, ’98, & Simcha Schneider Zevit Edward & Phyllis Gabovitch Philip & Rita Rosen Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman & Judith Zimmerman Rabbi David Gedzelman, ’91, & Judith Turner Marla Rosner Barry & Elaine Gilbert David & Susan Roth Associate / $250+ Paul & Wendi Gilbert RRC Senior Class Rabbi Joel Alpert, ’76, & Jodi Roseman Laurence & Muriel Gillick Rabbi Peter Rubinstein Anonymous David & Robin Glazer Helen & Herb Sacks Rabbi Benjamin Arnold, ’99, & Marti Arnold Rabbi Rosalind Glazer, ’03 Raymond Saperstein David & Stephanie Azrieli Rabbi Gail Glicksman, ’86, & Allen Glicksman Alan & Suzanne Saposnik Rabbi Larry Bach Monroe & Grace Gliedman Roberta Schiff Rabbi David Dunn Bauer, ’03 Ruth & Robert Goldston Estate of Alice Schimberg Irwin & Ellen Belitsky Jimmy & Manuela Goren Rabbi Harold Schulweis Jack & Ann Benary Bernard M. Gus Rabbi Sidney Schwarz, ’80, & Sandy Perlstein Eve Bernstein & Alex Gersznowicz Rabbi Doug Heifetz, ’05, & Elaine Lippmann Rabbi Jodie Siff, ’01, & Peter Scherr Jeffrey Bernstein & Judith Chernoff M M M CONTENTS 22 PREVIOUS NEXT M Rabbi Kevin Bernstein, ’07, & Rebecca Meyer Rabbi Daniel Grossman, ’78, & Elayne Robinson Elizabeth Reed & Darlene Olson Linda Blair & Bill Doescher Daniel & Fran Heyman Michele Reimer & Jeffrey Winkler Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, ’03 Ernest & Elmina Hilsenrath Michael & Marcia Rosen Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton, ’96 Zachary Hodes Ruth Rosen Rabbi Stephen Booth-Nadav, ’92, & Jan Charles & Suzanne Hoyle Stephen & Ruth Rosenthal Cooper-Nadav Barbara & Gerald Israelite James Ross Richard & Barbara Braun Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation of Whittier David & Jeanne Saletan Rabbi Deborah Brin, ’85 James Jordan Rabbi Isaac Saposnik, ’08, & Jeanne Calloway Wally Buchband Babette Josephs Ann & Benjamin Schaffer Aaron & Sheila Cohen Jack & Ruth Kahgan Rabbi Susan Schein, ’03 Jay & Cheryl Cohen Charles & Barbara Kahn Susan Schewel & Lizzy Schmidt Steven Datlof & Diane Harrison Valerie Kaplan Sy & Rosalind Schulman Caleb Deitch & Dorothy Hubbard Elihu Katzman Edward & Lenore Schultz Stephan Deutsch & Judith Burstyn Sheldon & Florence Kohn Lawrence & Cherie Karo Schwartz Fred & Jane Dubrow Asher Kotz & Robyn Lieberman Aaron & Ruth Kertzer Seidman William & Tamar Earnest Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, ’04, & Ashirah Lazarus- Shirley Shils Wayne & Susan Eisman Klein David & Robin Sigman Robert & Miriam Epstein Rabbi Joshua Lesser, ’99 Julie Sissman & Phil Richter Rabbi Rachel Esserman, ’98 Paula Levine & Bernard Beitman Matthew Slepin & Diane Olmstead Robert & Marjorie Feder Barbara G. Lissy Arthur & Linda Solomon Samuel & Phyllis Feder Ronald Losk Paul Sonnenblick Anne C. Fendrich Rabbi Jonathan Malamy, ’00, & Cantor Jill Michael & Doris Starr Morris & Natalie Fisher Abramson Rabbi David E.S. Stein, ’91 Arlene S. Fred Richard & Sandra Malkin Rhonda Stein & Edwin Smolevitz Ira & Vivian Freilicher Rabbi Nina Mandel, ’03 Rabbi Danielle Stillman, ’09 Larry & Helen Frey Minnie Marguleas George & Holly Stone Laura S. Gans Frederick Mehlman & Harriet Gluckman Rabbi Yaffa-Shira Sultan, ’05 Lydia Gattanell Mark & Angela Milstein Rabbi Jeffrey Sultar, ’96, & Julia Bell Rabbis Deborah Glanzberg-Krainin, ’96, & Rabbi Katie Mizrahi, ’05 United Jewish Federation of Johnstown David Glanzberg-Krainin Deborah Dash Moore & MacDonald Moore Alvin & Joan Weinstein Edward Goldberg & Barbara Saidel Arnold & Judith Olshan Terry Winant Harry Goldin & Jane Kaplan Linda Purvis Herbert Winer Sandra Goldman Marsha Raleigh Peter & Reva Winston Rabbi James Greene, ’08, & Jennifer Greene Robert Rambo Melissa Gregory Reconstructionist Congregation Beth Emeth M M M CONTENTS 23 PREVIOUS NEXT M Matching Corporate Grants Andrew E. Nagel & David M. Brodsky Fund Bequests GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Olive Bridge Fund Estate of Rita Chipkin Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Rita Poretsky Foundation Estates of Harry & Leona Mancher Merck & Co., Inc. Retirement Research Foundation Estate of Goldyne Savad New York Times Company Foundation Toby & Nataly Ritter Family Foundation Estate of Alice Schimberg United Way of Tri-State Martin & Florence Roffman Family Foundation Estate of Ronnie Selbst Tobey, Julie & Lucy Roland Philanthropic Fund Estate of Savina June Teubal Foundations Rosen Family Charitable Gift Fund Anonymous Edith G. & A. Walter Socolow Philanthropic Fund RRC Programs Madeleine & David Arnow Fund Allen A. Stein Family Foundation Beth El Zedek Internship Helen Bader Foundation Susquehanna Foundation John Bliss Campus Internships Richard & Barbara Braun Fund Florence & Fred Thomases Foundation John Bliss Scholarships for Clinical Pastoral B’ruchah At Fund Myra E. or Louis J. Wiener Donor Advised Education E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation Philanthropic Fund Distance Learning CMS Foundation Ziering Family Foundation Dorshei Emet Internship Richard & Marcia Cohen Fund Mark & Margie Zivin Gift Fund George Driesen Lecture Eldee Foundation Matthew & Myra Zuckerbraun Fund Dee Einhorn Hesed Fund William Fern Philanthropic Fund Faculty Research Gilbert Family Philanthropic Fund Corporate Donations William Flesher Community Internship Program Jacob & Malka Goldfarb Charitable Foundation Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC Fred & Naomi Hazell Scholarship Fund Richard & Renee Goldman Fund Ashbridge Investment Management Israel Program Regina Gruss Charitable Lead Unitrust Atlantic Coast Imaging Mekom Torah Lotte & Max Heine Philanthropic Fund Goren Brothers Multifaith Studies and Initiatives Laibson Family Fund Gross Mechanical Contractors Oral History Project Lenore Bohm Leichtag Family Foundation Fund O’Connell & Company Rabbinic Intern for Brandeis University Leigh Foundation Primark Benefits Rabbinic Intern for Franklin & Marshall College Daniel Levin Charitable Fund Sobel & Co., LLC Rabbinic Intern for Noar Hadash and Camp JRF Andrew & Marina Lewin Family Foundation Stolar Partnership* Rabbinic Intern for Susquehanna University Lucius N. Littauer Foundation Zinn Petroleum Company Rabbinic Intern for Vassar College Henry Luce Foundation Reconstructionist Archives Harvey M. & Lyn P. Meyerhoff Fund Recruitment Institute Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds Spiritual Writing Molly & Carl Fund Tzey U’lemad Daniel & Karol Musher Philanthropic Fund Zinbarg Ethics

*Member of RRC President’s Council M M M CONTENTS 24 PREVIOUS NEXT M Endowed Programs at RRC

Scholarships and Fellowships Prizes Levin-Lieber Family Program in Jewish Ethics Beverly Bain Scholarship Rabbi Devora Bartnoff Memorial Prize for Zelda and Joel Liebling Fund for Yiddish The Dorothy and Sidney Becker Israel Scholarship Spiritually Motivated Social Action Literature and Culture Fran Berley Memorial Scholarship Dr. Dorothy and Sidney Becker Prize for Hebrew Mehlman Hiddur Fund Brin Scholarship Writing Henny Wenkart Kolot Writer-in-Residence Leona and Murry Brochin Scholarship Rabbi Kenneth and Aviva Berger Memorial Prize Whizin Endowment for Ethics Chaplaincy Internship Fund in Practical Rabbinics Louis J. and Myra E. Wiener Chair in Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh Scholarship David Fern Memorial Award for Outstanding Contemporary Civilization Jeannette Henigson Cowen Scholarship Contributions to the RRC Community Arthur D. Winston Fund for Spiritual Education Jeffrey Eisenstat Scholarship Lillian Fern Memorial Student Award for Library Programs Ira and Judith Eisenstein Scholarship Outstanding Contributions to the RRC Minnie Kalkstein Choper Memorial Library Fund Frieda Abelson Green Scholarship Community Abbot Eron Library Fund Anna Weber Gross Scholarship Yaacov Gladstone Award for Fine Teaching Kolot Beckerman Library Fund Joseph and Frieda Hellenbrand Memorial Evelyn R. Mehlman Jewish Music Award Charles and Mimi Lieber Book Fund Scholarship Ann Pinkenson Prize in Rabbinics Lucius N. Littauer Judaica Book Fund Jewish Reconstructionist Society of Brooklyn A. Walter Socolow Essay Prize Goldyne Savad Library Fund Myron H. Kinberg Scholarship Fred Louis Stamm Memorial Prize Dorothy and Myer Kripke Scholarship Alice Stein Prize in Jewish Women’s Studies General Endowment Herman and Shirley Levin Scholarship Academic Programs Howard Blitman Fund for the Advancement of Benjamin Wm. Mehlman Scholarship Reconstructionist Judaism Marie Barr Kolot Fund Or Hadash Internship Green Committee The Dorothy and Sidney Becker Chair in Hebrew Leslie Reggel Scholarship Reuben I. Isaacson Memorial Fund Studies Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben Internship Levin Fund for Excellence The Dorothy and Sidney Becker Fund for Hebrew Morton Schein Education Fellowship Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Fund Media Lewis and Alice Schimberg Scholarship Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Presidential Chair Sylvia Milgram Semanoff Scholarship The Dorothy and Sidney Becker Israel Program Herman Silver and Dr. Lee Winston Fellowship Lavy M. Becker Department of Practical Rabbinics Community Support Herman Silver and Dr. Lee Winston Israel Roy and Bess Berlin Fund for Education Keren Reviyah Fund Scholarship Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Fund for Preparatory Joseph and Miriam Singer Israel Scholarship Year Studies Edith G. and A. Walter Socolow Scholarship Louis Bunis Memorial Lecture Allen A. Stein Scholarship Gottesman Kolot Chair in Gender and Judaism Rabbi David A. Teutsch Israel Scholarship Frieda and Jules Herskowitz Hiddur Fund Wiener Camp JRF Fellowship Florence Holtzman Fund for Practical Rabbinics Judith Winston Scholarship Media Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Scholarships Kolot Operating Fund M M M CONTENTS 25 PREVIOUS NEXT M Faculty and Administration

FACULTY Carol Hausman, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor David Mendelsson, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor of Israeli Studies Jennifer S. Abraham, Vice President for Rabbi Moriah Simon Hazani, Adjunct Instructor Administration of Rabbinics Adina Newberg, Ph.D., Director, Modern Hebrew Language Program; Associate Professor of Joel Hecker, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Modern Rabbi Judith Abrahamson, Education Resources Hebrew Language Specialist Jewish Civilization; Associate Professor of Jewish Mysticism Ilan Peleg, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Israeli Barbara Breitman, D.Min., Adjunct Professor of Society Pastoral Counseling; Director of Training, Rabbi Melissa Heller, Adjunct Instructor Rabbi Amber Powers, Dean of Admissions and Program in Spiritual Direction Barbara Hirsh, Dean of Academic Administration; Recruitment; Adjunct Instructor of Practical Instructor of Campus Chaplaincy David Brodsky, Ph.D., Co-Chair, Department of Rabbinics Rabbinic Civilization; Assistant Professor of Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Executive Director, Tirzah Rom, Adjunct Instructor of Modern Rabbinics Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association; Adjunct Hebrew Language Michael Carasik, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor of Instructor of Jewish Thought Yechiel Schur, Adjunct Instructor of Modern and Biblical Studies Rabbi Linda Holtzman, Adjunct Associate Contemporary Hebrew Literature Rabbi Fredi Cooper, Ed.D., Adjunct Instructor of Professor of Practical Rabbinics Rabbi Jacob J. Staub, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Practical Rabbinics Ernest Kahn, Ph.D., Adjunct Associate Professor Medieval Jewish Civilization; Professor of Jewish of Jewish Communal Organization Rabbi Gail Diamond, Adjunct Instructor Philosophy and Spirituality; Director, Jewish Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, President; Marjorie and S. Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D., Vice President for Spiritual Direction Program Academic Affairs and Academic Dean; Chair, Aaron Ziegelman Presidential Professor Spiritual Directors: Department of Biblical Civilization; Associate Rabbi Marjorie Berman; Sandra B. Cohen, Ph.D.; Rabbi Dayle Friedman, Instructor of Practical Professor of Bible Rabbinics Rabbi Nancy Epstein; Rabbi Elisa Goldberg; Rabbi Amy Klein, Director, Israel Office Rabbi Myriam Klotz; Rabbi Yael Levy; Simcha Reena Sigman Friedman, Ph.D., Associate Raphael, Ph.D.; Rabbi Joshua Waxman Professor of Modern Jewish History Lori Hope Lefkovitz, Ph.D., Sadie Gottesman and Arlene Gottesman Reff Professor of Gender and Michael C. Steinlauf, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor of Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, Ph.D., Director, Judaism Yiddish Studies Multifaith Studies and Initiatives; Associate Professor of Religious Studies Rabbi Sarra Lev, Ph.D., Co-Chair, Department of Deborah Stern, Director, Mordecai M. Kaplan Rabbinic Civilization; Associate Professor of Library Rabbi Jordi Gendra, Adjunct Instructor Rabbinics Elsie Stern, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Bible Rabbi Gail Glicksman, Ph.D., Dean of Students; Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Instructor of Practical Rabbi Ira F. Stone, Adjunct Instructor of Modern Assistant Professor of the Social Sciences Rabbinics Jewish Thought Rabbi Leonard Gordon, Adjunct Instructor of Rabbi Vivie Mayer, Director, Mekhinah-Year Rev. Hal Taussig, Ph.D., Visiting Professor of Early Rabbinics Program and Bet Midrash Christianity M M M CONTENTS 26 PREVIOUS NEXT M Rabbi David A. Teutsch, Ph.D., Louis and Myra ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND DEAN’S OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS Wiener Professor of Contemporary Jewish S. Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D., Vice President Eileen Fisher, Director Civilization; Chair, Department of Contemporary and Dean Joanna Poses, Associate Jewish Civilization; Director, Levin-Lieber Amy Brenner, Administrative Assistant Program in Jewish Ethics Janis Smith, Web Master/Director of Educational Rabbi Gail Gaisin Glicksman, Ph.D., Dean of Media Cantor Arlyne Terri Unger, Adjunct Instructor of Students Hazzanut Wendy Univer, New-Media Strategist Elaine Snyder, Administrative Assistant ADMINISTRATION Barbara Hirsh, Dean of Academic Administration DEVELOPMENT Barbara G. Lissy, Assistant Vice President for Rabbi Amy Klein, Director, RRC Israel Office PRESIDENT’S OFFICE Development Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, President Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, Director, Social Justice Maria Barnet, Database Coordinator Raela Forman, Administrative Assistant Organizing Program Barbara Josephs, Database Staff President’s Cabinet Rabbi Vivie Mayer, Director, Mekhinah-Year Jennifer S. Abraham, Vice President for Program and Bet Midrash Arlene Spector, Administrative Assistant Administration Rabbi Amber Powers, Dean of Admissions and Susan Berman, Grants Coordinator S. Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D., Vice President for Recruitment Sara Crimm, Associate Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Cheryl Plumly, Administrative Assistant Rabbi Henry Shreibman, Ph.D., West Coast Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Vice President for Director, Advancement and Outreach Governance ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS Academic Centers Jennifer S. Abraham, Vice President GOVERNANCE Rabbi Dayle Friedman, Director, Hiddur: The Lisa Francine Cohen, CPA, Controller Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Vice President Center for Aging and Judaism Denise Foster, Administrative Rabbi Deborah Glanzberg-Krainin, Ph.D., Project Lori Hope Lefkovitz, Ph.D., Director, Kolot: The Assistant/Receptionist Director, Tzey U’lemad Center for Jewish Women’s and Gender Studies Manel Frau, Assistant Librarian, Jewish Religious Kim Tieger, Archives Consultant Ruth Heiges, Kolot Administrator Texts Rabbi David A. Teutsch, Ph.D., Director, The Christine Marsh, Administrative Associate Center for Jewish Ethics Taras Mykhailovych, Maintenance Staff Cheryl Plumly, Administrative Assistant Perry Plotkin, Network Services Administrator Deborah Stern, Director, Mordecai M. Kaplan Library RoseMary Greiner, Library Assistant M M M CONTENTS 27 PREVIOUS NEXT M Board of Governors 2009–10

General Chair Hillel Becker, Montreal EX-OFFICIO GOVERNORS Aaron Ziegelman, New York City Howard Blitman, Scarsdale, NY Jennifer S. Abraham, Vice President for Abraham Clott, New York City Administration, RRC, Philadelphia Chair Joseph N. Cohen, Beverly Hills, CA Robert Barkin, President, Jewish David Roberts, St. Louis Carol Feder, Potomac, MD William H. Fern, Ph.D., Westport, CT Reconstructionist Federation, Bethesda, MD Vice Chair Valerie Kaplan, Laurel, MD Arlene M. Berger, Student Representative, RRC, Susan Beckerman, New York City Howard Kerbel, Montclair, NJ Rockville, MD Karen Kolodny, New York City Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, President, RRC, Treasurer Herbert Krasnow, White Plains, NY Elkins Park, PA Donald Landis, White Plains, NY Bert Linder, New York City Rabbi Richard Hirsh, Executive Director, Daniel Levin, Chicago Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, Recording Secretary Annabel Lindy, z’’l, Philadelphia Wynnewood, PA Arthur S. “Nick” Goldman, Elkins Park, PA Harold Magid, White Plains, NY Joyce Norden, Ph.D., Philadelphia S. Tamar Kamionkowski, Ph.D., Vice President for Corresponding Secretary Mark Nussbaum, San Diego Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, RRC, Leona Brochin, South Orange, NJ Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, Pacific Palisades, CA Philadelphia Miriam Roland, Montreal Chair Emeritus Lori Hope Lefkovitz, Ph.D., Faculty Myrna Sameth, Saugerties, NY Representative, RRC, Philadelphia Don Shapiro, Naples, FL Luis Schuchinski, Montclair, NJ Rabbi Yael Ridberg, President, Reconstructionist Rabbi Jodie Siff, Plandome, NY Rabbinical Association, New York City Louis J. Wiener, Newport Beach, CA Rabbi Avi Winokur, Haddonfield, NJ Carl A. Sheingold, Ph.D., Executive Director, Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, Philadelphia Rabbi Jacob Staub, Ph.D., Faculty Representative, CREDITS [ ] RRC, Philadelphia Editor Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Vice President for Eileen Fisher Governance, RRC, Elkins Park, PA Editorial Staff Joanna Poses Wendy Univer HONORARY GOVERNORS Design Jacques G. Pomeranz, Oyster Bay, NY Amy Pollack Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, Encino, CA Photography Charles E. Silberman, Sarasota, FL Richard Quindry Copy Editor Lillian Haas ▼ ▼ ▼ CONTENTS 28 PREVIOUS