Our Mission & History
The mission of Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) is to create an engaged Jewish Community that practices a Judaism responsive to the times and culture in which we live - sustainable Judaism for the 21st Century.
JRC has a rich and varied history, rooted in an evolving and active Judaism. We began as the first established Reconstructionist Havurah (Jewish study group of give-and-take education) in Chicago. The group soon developed into a participatory member-led congregation of singles and families, dedicated to providing innovative and egalitarian services and leadership to its community.
Services were exciting and enriching, utilizing musical instruments, multi-media presentations, drama and modern dance. Social action projects, educational programs for adults, a religious school for children, and first Bar and Bat Mitzvahs evolved as the community grew.
Today our membership counts more than 475 households. We have 250 children enrolled in our Early Childhood Center, religious school and youth group.
From our beginning, JRC’s history has been the story of individuals coming together to form a unique congregation with a sense of intellectual integrity, moral purpose and meaningful community. It is through the combined efforts of our founders, our current officers, Rabbi, Cantor, staff, and membership that we continue to nurture and develop our original dream.
