SERVICES

Reconstructionism is a relatively small movement within Judaism, but a big tent. No matter your Jewish background or your connection to the Jewish people, you will recognize yourself in our community, and you'll get to be yourself in the company of some pretty great other people.  Our approach to Judaism is creative, egalitarian, and focused on making strong connections among us. 

Reconstructionists hold diverse ideas about God, but we share an emphasis on Godliness--those hopes, beliefs, and values within us that impel us to work for a better world, that give us strength and solace in times of need, that challenge us to grow, and that deepen our joy. God is viewed as a creative energy and a force for good.  God isn’t talked about as a superhuman figure with an ego and emotions (or gender, for that matter, which makes pronouns tricky). God is seen as a spirit of love encompassing the universe and inhabiting its creatures.  In our liturgy, God is referred to by many names, such as Holy One, Source, Teacher, Boundless One, the Eternal, the Bountiful, to express the many ways this force expresses itself for good in our lives.

If you grew up in a different stream of Judaism, a few things at CBH may be different than you’re used to—like not using the words “chosen people” in our prayers or the collaborative relationship between the Rabbi and the congregation and the "values-based" democratic decision-making process we use.  At the same time, most people find plenty of the beloved traditions they grew up with, and they quickly grow comfortable with the unfamiliar aspects they encounter and enjoy the opportunity to refresh their Jewish experience.

Rabbi Hannah Orden became our spiritual leader in 2014, and since then has blessed our community with her special blend of love, laughter, and dedication. She has an extensive background in Jewish education as well as a strong commitment to community building and social action, evident in her work with Summit Interfaith Council, of which she is President and  where she serves on the Anti-Racism Task Force.

Before coming to CBH, Rabbi Orden was the rabbi for Temple B’nai Israel in Laconia, New Hampshire and served on the adjunct faculty for Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts where she earned her rabbinic ordination and Master of Arts in Jewish Studies.

Follow Rabbi Orden on Facebook HERE

Read Rabbi's Blog HERE

We are a casual group. We care more about seeing you than what it is you are wearing.