Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
Welcome to JRCJRC is a diverse, participatory, and sacred community dedicated to a daring, deeply-rooted Judaism.
Welcome to JRC
Our 400-plus household congregation is known for joyful spirituality, intellectual curiosity, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to social justice. JRC is about people – our members- and providing them with meaningful rituals and services and Jewish learning experiences, special events, and many opportunities to make lifelong friends.
Recon-what?
Reconstructionist Judaism Was Made For This Moment: Rabbi Rachel Weiss
Reconstructionist Judaism is both deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and boldly relevant to the complexity and plurality of the times in which we live. We balance customs and long-observed traditions with the needs of contemporary Jews today. Core to Reconstructionism is the belief that Judaism is the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people; such a civilization contains ritual, music, text, art, history, sociology, food, literature, politics, and most importantly, Jewish Community.
“JRC is such a special place to me and to my family. We often note that JRC fills us up in ways we didn’t realize were empty and in need of filling.”
“Cantor Howard brings musicality, joy, and comfort. And Rabbi Weiss so genuinely and eloquently incorporates teachings from the Torah with everyday life in such a meaningful and powerful way.”
“I’m inspired by the commitment, passion, and intellectual curiosity of JRC members who don’t just talk about Tikkun Olam, but take real action to make this world a better place.”
From Our Assistant Rabbi for Education
A Welcome to Families from Rabbi David Eber
Kehillah, JRC’s boldly reimagined religious school, supports learners of all ages & abilities in cultivating joy & resilience by teaching sacred practices & values. Our Shabbat-based program is infused with joy, allowing us to experience Shabbat together as a multi-generational community, while our Kehillah learners engage in a project-based curriculum.
Every individual in our community is loved for who they are, celebrating their gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, racial identities, degree of Jewish knowledge, or their multifaith families. We partner with parents to cultivate the Jewish values that will serve our children throughout their lives, in their personal relationships and as global citizens. We are a community of learners, with the emphasis on the word “community.”
Voices: JRC’s Congregational Blog
Evanston Roundtable: A day of love and worship for the JRC community
It was a day to talk about the Torah, form a prayer circle, teach children about the upcoming Purim holiday, learn how to bake challah, play mahjong, join in meditation and celebrate community at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation. Yet, as Rabbi Rachel Weiss...
WBEZ: Evanston Rabbi responds to planned ‘day of hate’
Police are urging Jewish and other religious communities to be cautious this weekend, after an Iowa-based anti-Semitic group declared Saturday a “day of hate.” Reset discusses with a local faith leader about building strength and resilience in the Jewish community...
Evanston Roundtable: Rabbi Weiss Visits the US/Mexico Border with HIAS/T’ruah Rabbinic Delegation
Judaism teaches: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.“ On Sunday, Dec. 11, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Rabbi Rachel Weiss traveled to El Paso and Ciudad Juárez to join a delegation of 13 multi-denominational rabbis on a four-day...
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What's keeping you?
“Talk about stumbling into the Promised Land! Having serendipitously found JRC when I wasn’t even seeking them out, I found myself blessed to bond with a community of souls whose spiritual depth is evident through their intention of connection, justice, and self-reflection. JRC brings the spiritual legacy of our ancestors into practical present-day relevance, by way of laughter, love, and sweetness. JRC is the best of family, awaiting your arrival, with open arms, and an open heart.”