Beth Tikvah Presents Speaker on Reconstructionism

Rabbi Michael Swarttz will present a talk on Reconstructionism at the third Shmear and Shmooze. Event takes place at Beth Tikvah Synagogue, 45 Oak St. Sunday, Feb. 6 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Reconstructionism has played a major role in the American Jewish community, well beyond the congregations and institutions that are affiliated with the movement. Mordecai M. Kaplan, who articulated the philosophy and the approach of Reconstructionism, was arguably one of the great Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century. Yet many people, including many active in the community and knowledgeable about many aspects of Judaism, have little knowledge or understanding about Reconstructionism or Kaplan.

Rabbi Swarttz will provide some of the basics about the philosophy and the movement that have had such a significant impact on American Judaism.

In addition to being the Rabbi of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, Rabbi Swarttz is the Jewish Chaplain at the Phillips Academy in Andover and the Coordinator of the Harold Cotton Leadership Institute of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. He was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He lives with his wife, also a Rabbi, and their two sons in Newton.

The cost for this event is free for members of Beth Tikvah and $5 for non-members. Contact EJ Dotts at ejdotts@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding this event. We also ask that you email her if you plan to attend this event so that we can make sure we have enough shmear for the schmooze.