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.

Here They Are!  Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions of Reconstructionist Educators!

Developmental Introduction to Frequently Asked Questions of Reconstructionist Educators
Frequently Asked Questions of Reconstructionist Educators

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). We began with 8th and 9th graders, 10th graders are being added this year (2010-2011). New congregational groups are welcome to join the program. Please contact the Department of Education for more information.

Learn about the 2011 Fall TEL Kallah

TEL Teens are talking – listen to what they have to say!

TEL “is a great program … It is meaningful, but at the same time understanding in a way that lets teens be teens.”

(In the TEL Program,) “we can meet with teens outside of school, camp or synagogue and meet other people up and down the east coast!”

“TEL is fun, and it gives teens the opportunity to connect with other Reconstructionists. Usually teens don’t really know what other Reconstructionists are like because there aren’t many around. It gives a unique opportunity to meet and make long-lasting friendships.”

“This is a great way for teens to get together and meet, and talk about important issues troubling our world!”

“The (TEL) Program was really fun. (At the kallot), “there was enough free time that we could really focus and find meaning in the programs. There was a great balance.”

“It sounds like it would be really boring, but even I really enjoyed everything, from the retreat to the planning. I feel much better about myself for doing this.”                       

Click here to read about the TEL launch.
Click here to learn more about TEL

JRF WEST Mini Camp Modeled on the successful program of Camp JRF, founded in the Midwest and now in its fifth summer on The Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, JRF West Mini Camp at JCA Shalom brings a taste of Camp JRF to the Reconstructionist youth in the Western region.

Under the leadership of Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat, Founding Director of Camp JRF, JRF West is preparing its second season with JCA Shalom in the beautiful Malibu Mountains. The week-long camp for 3rd-7th graders will be held August 17-23, 2010. This summer’s activities will stress the wonderful Jewish experiential learning of Reconstructionist values along with great camp activities including zip-lining, horseback riding, swimming, gardening, nature, archery, ultimate Frisbee, drama, art, dancing and creating lifelong friendships.

The registration form is now online at http://jrf.org/jrf-west-mini-camp-2010. For more information, please contact Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat at (215) 885-5601 x27 or jeisenstat@jrf.org.

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 fall of 2010. Contact the Departments of Education or Development if you are interested in sponsoring a lesson or a series of lessons.

Help finding Reconstructionist-friendly resources here!

• 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 Education Directors: Check this out!

• Reconstructionist Educators of North America

RENA is the professional association of Reconstructionist education directors.

JRF’s Education Resources

Adult Education MethodologyAdult Education OrganizingBat/Bar MitzvahCurriculaCurriculum DevelopmentDiscipline in the ClassroomFamily Education ProgrammingHoliday ResourcesHuman DevelopmentIntergenerational LearningParentingPastoral IssuesSchool AdministrationSmall School AdministrationSpecial EducationTeaching GodTeaching IsraelTeaching LiturgyTeaching Modern HebrewTeaching ReconstructionismTeaching TextText StudyYouth Group

Sign up for JRF's Education Listserves:

EdTalk
Ed Directors
Lomdim  (learners)
Youthfocus

JRF Education has also launched a special listserv just for individuals who are directing schools with Forty or Fewer students.  If you would like to be a part of that conversation, please contact Rabbi Erin Hirsh, JRF Director of Education, directly, at ehirsh@jrf.org.

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.