Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation got its start in 1935 with Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's book "Judaism as a Civilization: Toward a Reconstruction in Jewish American Life" and the publication of Reconstructionist magazine. The Federation was established in 1955 as the synagogue arm of the Reconstructionist movement, and since then, the liberal movement has experienced growth and expansion in America, claiming as many as 70,000 members in 2003.

Jewish Reconstructionist congregations are generally autonomous and democratic, with voluntary membership, while their teachings are open and inclusive, and leaders are elected. Rabbi Kaplan believed in a more fluid Jewish civilization that would be able to accommodate the changing needs of American Jews. Jewish Reconstructionism today sees itself as a bridge between "old" and "new" Judaism, as well as between traditional Jews and those who have been marginalized from mainstream Jewish communities. Judaism is also seen, following the legacy of Rabbi Kaplan, as more than a religion, but as a culture and community – a religious civilization.

The JRF participates in outreach and community-building, and provides contemporary Jewish books, music, and publications. Congregants are encouraged to discover their own joy in Judaism while simultaneously participating actively in the community.

The JRF also encourages social activism and participates as a community in global initiatives, such as their ongoing humanitarian Call to Action in Darfur, Sudan, and their membership in the Jewish Coalition for Asia Earthquake Relief. The JRF also has an established Resolution on the Environment which urges support of government regulations that reduce toxic emissions as well as conservation efforts for endangered species and habitats. The JRF is a member of various humanitarian organizations, such as the Jewish Coalition Responding to HIV/AIDS in Africa and MAZON, which allocates Jewish donations to the best hunger relief organizations in America.