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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

“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.

“have we become so familiar that we have memorized the Great Lie”

Protesters gather at night, one holding a sign reading White Silence = Violence under a tree.

“Allah, Adonai – please give ear to us”

People holding lit candles, partially shielding the flame with their hands in a dimly lit gathering.

Poem by Israeli peace activist on war with Gaza

Silhouette of a person holding a flowing scarf against a vibrant sunset sky.

Shalom, salaam – the only victory”

Silhouetted group of people holding hands together against a sunset sky.

“our eyes clouded / By rocket fire”

Skyline view of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock at sunset, beneath a partly cloudy sky.

“Today we pray in the name of the children”

Ancient stone castle with a tower, silhouetted against a dramatic, colorful sunset sky.

“and so we forget our own house / and walk in g-d’s”

A person walks through a dimly lit stone tunnel towards a sunlit courtyard.

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

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Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

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The Reconstructionist Network