Or Shalom Jewish Community is part of the Reconstructionist movement, a progressive movement that values intellectual integrity, spiritual vibrancy, social action, and strong community. Reconstructionist Judaism grew out of the thinking of Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in early 20th century America, and incorporates fearless creativity, democratic and egalitarian values, and a healthy balance of tradition and innovation. The movement currently includes a Rabbinical College, a Rabbinical Association and a Federation of over 100 congregations world wide. The following is a quotation from the Core Values statement of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College explaining the Reconstructionist approach to Judaism: We value the wisdom of our ancestors and recognize that Judaism must be revitalized in each age. It is our obligation to wrestle with our traditions, to infuse new meanings into Jewish practices and to add our voices to the chain of tradition. We embark upon this enterprise with courage, creativity and joy. Or Shalom In The News From the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation: Meet our Newest Affiliate: Or Shalom in San Francisco!  The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation is delighted to welcome Or Shalom Jewish Community of San Francisco, California, as its newest member community and the fourth in the greater San Francisco area. Or Shalom represents the first affiliate in the city of San Francisco itself for our movement, adding to Keddem Congregation in Palo Alto; Or Zaruah Havurah in Berkeley; and Ner Tamid in Cotati.
The congregation, founded in 1989, describes itself as "an active community of progressive Jews and non-Jews, diverse yet united in the effort to improve ourselves and mend our world through: limud (Jewish learning), gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), avodah (Jewish spiritual practice), and tikkun olam (social action). We share a commitment to deep mutual acceptance, the spirit of questioning, and a dynamic balance between tradition and innovation that makes our Judaism alive and relevant." Rabbi Katie Mizrahi (RRC '05), Or Shalom's rabbi since early 2007, said "Joining the Reconstructionist movement will connnect San Francisco's Jews with Reconstructionism's progressive social action platform and warm inclusive community—a perfect fit for San Francisco. Or Shalom is proud and excited to be embarking on our partnership with the JRF and we embrace this step forward with joy." From the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California: Reconstructionist Rabbi takes over at Or Shalom
From Congregation B'nai Jeshunun's New Voice: MTM Fellow Rabbi Katie Mizrahi Installed at Or Shalom Jewish Community in San Francisco Other Links about Reconstructionism:  The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation – www.jrf.org
 The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College – www.rrc.edu
 The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association – www.therra.org
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