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Communal Tragedy

Memorial wall with photos and plaques honoring Yitzhak Rabin at Tel Aviv assassination site.

As individuals, we all know pain and loss. It is the rare person who escapes sorrow. But when one of us hurts, others are there to offer comfort. Communal tragedy is different. When something bad happens to us as a community—whether that is a school, a town, a people, or a country—we struggle to figure out how to tend to our own wounds while taking care of each other. Drawing on compassion, empathy, justice, and love, we can bring out the best in each other, and perhaps, find a theology of hope in the midst of despair.

Latest Rituals

For recently released hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damar,and Doron Steinbrecher
Mountain landscape with dramatic skies, sunbeams breaking through clouds, and silhouetted pine trees in the foreground.
“we pray for healing the minds and hearts of those newly released…”
A vast, empty field under a bright blue sky filled with scattered fluffy clouds.
“So as we save the scrolls from the fire’s roar, /we save ourselves and so much more.”
Open Torah scroll with decorative handles on a table, surrounded by people wearing prayer shawls.
“There are mystical colors spelling peace…”
Dramatic sky with sunbeams breaking through fluffy, dark clouds against a vibrant blue backdrop.
“We will come together, as we always do, to make fire holy in our lives again.”
Close-up of a lit candle with a melting wax drip and soft flame in the background.
“Embers of fire Destroy their path / But carry / shattered vessels of holiness…”
Abstract red and black marbled texture with fluid patterns and swirling lines.
A new prayer for those suffering in the Los Angeles area.
Close-up of dewdrops on a soft, feather-like surface with a blurred, gradient background in blue and green hues.
“To build again with love and grace and heal this wounded, sacred space.”
Bright red blossoms on a tree branch against a clear blue sky.
“For the earth that burns, may healing rains fall swiftly.”
Close-up of green leaves with water droplets, set against a blurred background.
“Her light endures where heroes tread…”
Close-up of a lighter with a tall, bright flame against a black background.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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The Reconstructionist Network