Reconstructionist Rabbinical College

Can you imagine a seminary dedicated to the idea of Judaism as an evolving civilization? Here, at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, that very concept takes center stage. Founded in Philadelphia in 1968, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College embodies the vision of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism. This institution arose from the desire of Reconstructionist congregations for rabbis who truly understood their unique perspective, a perspective not always met by Reform or Conservative rabbis. The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College wasn’t just another seminary. It was intended to be different. Initially, the college required students to pursue doctoral studies in religion at a secular university, reflecting Kaplan’s belief that American Jews lived in two civilizations. This “dual-studies” program, though eventually dropped, highlights the college’s initial commitment to bridging the secular and the sacred. The curriculum itself was also revolutionary. It focused on the evolution of Jewish civilization through different periods: biblical, rabbinic, medieval, modern, and contemporary. Each year, students would delve into a specific era, immersing themselves in its history, texts, and ideas. The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College first opened its doors near Temple University, fostering collaboration and providing access to other graduate programs. For many students, their time at the college marked their first real encounter with the Reconstructionist movement in practice. In 1974, Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, the second woman rabbi in the United States, graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. The college later moved to its current suburban Wyncote location, a former mansion, in 1984. This move coincided with a period of significant growth and transformation. The curriculum expanded, Hebrew language studies were intensified, and visiting non-Jewish scholars enriched the learning experience. In 1983, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College made history by becoming the first rabbinical seminary to officially admit openly gay students. The college also added a preparatory year, or *mekhinah*, for students needing additional grounding in Hebrew and Jewish traditions. Financial stability and program expansion marked the following decades. Cantorial studies and a master’s program in Jewish studies were added, further diversifying the college’s offerings. Three academic centers were established, focusing on Jewish ethics, Jewish women’s and gender studies (Kolot), and aging (Hiddur), further expanding the intellectual reach of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College has continued to evolve, adapt, and lead the way in progressive Jewish thought. It stands as a testament to Kaplan’s vision of Judaism as a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving to meet the needs of a changing world.