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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

“We ask Your protection for Ukraine and its citizens”

Ukrainian flag waving against a dramatic sky and forest silhouette at sunset.

“We see you. We hold you.”

People in a subway station sit on a bench under a large wall medallion, wearing masks and using phones.

“there is a space between / flags and fireworks”

Historic building with a tall clock tower under a dramatic sky at sunset, surrounded by a grassy area.

“Take that fear, Israel, / And what threatens to shatter; / Choose to use it as a Blessing”

Rocky desert landscape with a tall, rugged peak under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.

“We sing a new Mi Hamokha in your names today”

A man with glasses embraces a woman in front of a red door, both facing away from the camera.

“Help us to have courage in the midst of fear”

Group of people offering support to a woman by placing hands on her shoulders.

Response to the acquittal of the shooter who killed two racial justice activists, and injured one, in Kenosha, Wi., in the summer of 2020

 
People holding lit candles at a nighttime vigil, with hands shielding the flames.

“My neighborhood is radiant in its mourning”

Orange leaves on tree branches in a misty forest with tall, dark tree trunks in the background.

“Ana, YHVH, restore our waters as before!”

Dramatic seascape with crashing waves under a stormy, cloudy sky.

“From the makor ha’hayim – the Source of All Life – we draw forth these blessings”

Two people holding hands, symbolizing support and friendship.

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