Communal Tragedy

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

“Be with us in our grief and fear…”
A collaborative prayer grounded in pursuit of freedom, safety, liberation, and justice for all. 
A description of Hostage Square in Tel Aviv
“Help our hearts heal so we can find the strength / to forge a new road and find a way to live in peace…”
“Let Av hold what hurts. / Let it draw us near.”
This powerful ritual includes both intentions and blessings.
“May we be reminded of the songs of Miriam, the keeper of the Mayim Hayim…”
“For now, all that we have / is to be together in this brokenness…”
“Fill each of us with Your Holy Presence and with the light of hope…”

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

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network