Judaism as the Culture of the Jewish People
To us, Judaism is more than religion; Judaism is the entire cultural legacy of the Jewish people. Religion and tradition are central; Jewish spiritual insights and religious teachings give meaning and purpose to our lives. Jewish creativity as expressed through art, music and drama, languages and literature — and our relationship with the land of Israel—all are integral parts of Jewish culture. Each of these aspects provides a gateway into the Jewish experience that can enrich and inspire our lives today.
Community as a Cornerstone
While deeply connected to the historical experience of the Jewish people, we find a profound sense of belonging in our contemporary communities as well. This connection often leads to ritual observance along with experimentation within the ritual rhythms of Jewish life. We find meaning in rediscovering the richness of tradition and in creating new observances that respond to our contemporary communal and personal cycles.
Like other communities that embrace Reconstructing Judaism, CBY is characterized by our respect for such core values as democratic process, social justice, and inclusion. In this way, we create a participatory, egalitarian community committed to exploring Jewish life with dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm.
Following our participatory approach, our Shabbat services are mostly lay-led. We do a lot of singing and talking together during the service as a way to create a spiritual community that transcends the individual. We arrange for a rabbi to lead holiday services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Patterns of Practice
“Torah” means “teaching.” In Jewish tradition, Talmud Torah, the study of Torah, is a life-long obligation and opportunity. Reconstructionists are committed to serious engagement with the texts and teachings, as well as the art, literature, and music of tradition. But we are not passive recipients; we are instead challenged to enter the conversation of the generations, to hear voices other than our own, and to add our own voices as well. Reconstructing Judaism is respectful of traditional Jewish observances but also open to new interpretations and forms of religious expression. Reconstructionists share a commitment to making Judaism our own by finding in it joy, meaning, and ideas we can believe and put into daily practice.
Ethics and Values
Reconstructionist communities emphasize acts of social justice alongside prayer and study as an essential part of their spiritual practice. Reconstructionist Judaism affirms that religion can and must be a powerful force for promoting communal discussion about ethics and values. We feel ethically obliged to engage in regular acts of social justice such as feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and preserving the health of our environment for the betterment of all.
