Abstract:

Reconstructionist Judaism is a religious movement that emerged in America in the XXth century. The movement's originator and founder is Mordecai M. Kaplan (1881-1983) who is Jewish scholar and philosopher. Mordecai's main goal is to preserve the existence of the Jewish community in America, which is in danger of extinction in the face of modernity. According to him Judaism cannot exist without the Jewish people. For Reconstructionist Judaism understanding, which is its basic principles and method is appointed by Mordecai, Judaism is not just a religion, but a evolving religious civilization over time. At the exact center of this understanding, which accepts Judaism as a way of life, is placed the concept of civilization. Jewish history, language, literature, art, social structure, aesthetics and moral values that make up Jewish culture, especially religion, are shaped according to this concept. Religion as a social phenomenon is the energy source of Judaism. Therefore, it is the most important element of Jewish civilization. For Kaplan, Jews must keep up with American civilization so that Judaism is surviving in America. The Jewish community must learn to live in both Jewish and American civilization. As a method, Kaplan proposed to revaluate the Jewish tradition according to the living conditions of the era, to receive the heritage that fits the modern mind, and to discard the rest.