Reconstructionist Rabbinical College - Legacy Page

Exciting news! Today we are thrilled to announce the selection of Rabbi Elliott Tepperman as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Reconstructing Judaism.

Rabbi Tepperman comes to this role with decades of service to the Reconstructionist movement, including 24 years as the spiritual leader of Bnai Keshet after graduating from Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2002. He is a rabbi, teacher, community builder and passionate advocate for the kind of Judaism we are all striving to create: one rooted in tradition, open to question and relentlessly committed to a more just world.

Full press release linked in the comments, and be sure to drop a kol hakavod 🎉 to let Rabbi Tepperman know you're excited to see where this journey leads!

Some snapshots from closing circle ❤️🥲

Opening and closing circle are yearly RRC rituals for students, staff, and faculty to honor the transitions and accomplishments of our community. Closing circle in particular is an opportunity to sit with the seniors as they prepare to become rabbis. This year, we had the bittersweet honor of also sitting with Rabbi Deborah Waxman, Ph.D. in her last closing circle as President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism!

1. Senior student Léah Miller beautifully leads the group in a niggun.
2. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Rabbi Mira Wasserman, Ph.D., shares her joys and excitement in seeing the current seniors become rabbis and share their Torah.
3. Students and faculty in the circle represent with masks and fiber arts.

We asked RRC students about their favorite Jewish holidays, and Bec Feldman shared her appreciation for Pesakh Sheni (which begins tonight!).
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This biblical holiday comes a month after Pesakh, and it was an opportunity for those who had been ritually impure during Pesakh to offer their holiday sacrifices at this later date.

Bec says that Pesakh Sheni holds a special place in her heart, “because it shows us that — even as far back as the time of the Torah's compilation — our ancestors were thinking about how to be able to participate in ritual observance when the rest of our life and obligations don't perfectly correspond.” She also looks to the rabbinic layer, saying “The rabbis expanded on this, emphasizing that barriers to observance don't always look like blinking neon signs, but are sometimes subtle yet very real.”

Bec’s words remind us of the radical importance of accepting and uplifting imperfection, diversity and disability as holy and as wholly human. What a gift to be able to share the wisdom already coming from these rabbinical students as they do the work to become rabbis!

There's still time to register! Our virtual open house is TOMORROW, April 28th, 7:00-8:30 PM EDT. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll meet faculty, connect with current students and alumni, learn about the RRC program and what makes our community special and get your questions answered in small group discussions.

If you've been thinking about the rabbinate, this is your moment.

Don't wait — register now at rrc.edu or via the link in the comments!

Happy Earth Day from RRC! 🌎❤️
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In honor of the day, we spoke with RRC student, Carey Averbook, who brings a passion for Earth-based Judaism and the Baal Shem Tov's panentheism to her studies and to the RRC culture writ large. She shared about her journey to Earth-based Judaism which stemmed from a need for connection, and she offered powerful Torah about relationship, healing and creation — some of which we're happy to share with you now.
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If you're interested in Earth-based Judaism, or if you have another Reconstructionist take on Earth day, tell us in the comments!

One week away! Next Tuesday, April 28th from 7:00-8:30 PM EDT, we're opening our (virtual) doors for you to explore the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Whether you're seriously considering rabbinical school or just starting to explore the possibility, this is your opportunity to connect with our community, hear from students and alumni, meet faculty and admissions staff and get all your questions answered. We can't wait to meet you. Register now at rrc.edu or use the link in the comments!

Got questions about rabbinical school? Our April 28th open house (7:00-8:30 PM EDT) includes small breakout groups where you can ask anything — about admissions, curriculum, student life, career paths and more. This is your chance to get real answers in an intimate setting.

Don't miss it — Register today at rrc.edu or via the link in the comments!

Rabbinical school isn't just about studying. It's about finding your community.

At RRC, you'll be surrounded by passionate students, dedicated faculty and a network of alumni doing incredible work. Experience our community firsthand at our April 28th open house (7:00-8:30 PM EDT).

Get to know us — link to register in the comments!

A zissen Pesach from the RRC community!
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How beautiful is this table setting from one of our students' first night seder?

Pesach is a busy time for rabbinical students; RRC students are leading communal seders, hosting seders at home, visiting family and friends ... It's wonderful to see students' creativity and love for their community expressed through their seder tables!

As students share more, we'll share with you! What did your seder look like this year?

Learn from the best. At our virtual open house on April 28th (7:00-8:30 PM EDT), you'll meet RRC faculty and admissions staff who are committed to supporting your journey to the rabbinate. Discover the mentorship and guidance that makes RRC special.

Join us—register at rrc.edu or via the link in the comments!