Guide to the Records of the Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation, undated, 1920, 1928, 1930-1931, 1934-1936, 1938, 1940-1983
 
*I-71

Series I: By-Laws, Policy Statements, and Presidents' Reports, undated, 1944-1952, 1955-1956, 1958-1965, 1974.

Arrangement:

Arranged into two subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series I contains background information on the JRF, and includes by-laws, syllabi, President's letters and reports, and ideological statements. The series is arranged into two subseries: Subseries A: By-Laws and Policy Statements; and Subseries B: Presidents' Reports.

Subseries A: By-Laws and Policy Statements, undated, 1944-1952, 1955-1956, 1958, 1960-1961, 1974.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A includes basic historical and ideological information about JRF. Various editions of the by-laws are followed by a syllabus, newsletters and statements describing JRF, and official statements made by directors, staff, and unidentified authors regarding Reconstructionism, Zionism, and the formation of the Reconstructionist Fellowship of Congregations.

Subseries B: Presidents Letters/Reports, 1945, 1947-1948, 1958-1965.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Series B consists of reports and letters issued by former Presidents Maurice Linder, Herman Levin, and Ira Eisenstein. The letters include updates on JRF activities, and in some cases (see 1959) a list of regional Executive Committee members.

Series II: Financial Reports, 1945-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Series II consists of all aspects of financial records: Petty cash, budgets, income from specific departments or projects, retirement plans, and quarterly and year end statements.

Series III: Federation and Welfare Fund Allocations, undated, 1946, 1948, 1955-1967.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Series III includes correspondence regarding allocations from Jewish Federations, Welfare Funds, and Community Councils across the country. The files also include JRF descriptions, operating statement and other financial records, and a notice of tax exemption from the IRS. Publications issued by the New York National office of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, such as Council Reports and annual Directories, are also enclosed. Mysteriously, federation records pertaining to the American Jewish Historical Society were interleaved in these folders. The AJHS material has been separated and relocated into the AJHS archives. There seems to be no previous connection between AJHS and JRF.

See also: Series IX: Fund-raising and Special Funds, Subseries B: Allocations.

Series IV: Board of Directors Minutes and Correspondence, undated, 1943-1976.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Series IV consists of invitations, agendas, lists, correspondence, and minutes issued by the JRF Board of Directors. The minutes, for the most part, appear to be complete. Within the minutes can be found separate reports from various committees, such as the Publications Committee and Planning and Program Committee. Budgets are also interspersed. The series also includes a folder on a Board retreat that was arranged in 1965. In addition to lists of Board members, are lists of delegates and observers at Conferences of the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships. The minutes include short summaries of the activities of various committees and projects such as the women's committee, publications committee, and fundraising; and provide information concerning new Reconstructionist congregations.

Series V: Committees, undated, 1944-1952, 1954-1966.

Arrangement:

By committee name and then chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Series V includes correspondence, lists, invitations, agendas, memos, and minutes of various committees. These committees include Dinner, Executive, Finance, Fundraising, Liturgy and Ritual, Membership, National, New Ideas and Activities, Nominating, Policy and Program, Publications, and Reconstructionist Laymen.

See also: Series IV: Board of Directors minutes and correspondence; Series XXIII: Publications: Books and Pamphlets--Correspondence, Subseries F: Publishing and copyright correspondence for additional committee minutes.

Series VI: Annual Meetings, 1942, 1945, 1947-1948, 1957, 1963.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Series VI consists of correspondence, invitations, lists, news clippings, programs, proceedings, and press releases of various annual conferences/meetings of the JRF. Annual meetings often included, in addition to an election of Board Members and yearly reports, special sessions related to Reconstructionism. The 1948 annual conference discusses the new Jewish State; the 1963 conference proposes an institution for "Applied Research in Contemporary Judaism."

See also: Series VII: Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, Subseries C: Conferences; and Series XIII: Education, Retreats, and Projects.

Series VII: Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, undated, 1956-1957, 1959-1968, 1970-1971, 1973-1976, 1980.

Arrangement:

Arranged into three subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series VII pertains to the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, which succeeded its predecessor, the Reconstructionist Fellowship of Congregations at a conference held on May 21, 1956. The series is arranged into three subseries: Subseries A: Lists; Subseries B: Executive Committee/Board of Governors; Subseries C: Conferences.

See also: Series I, Subseries A, "Statement on Formation of Reconstructionist Fellowship of Congregations"; and Series XI: General Fellowship Materials, Series A: Pre-Federation; Correspondence with Potential and Established Study Groups.

Subseries A: Lists, undated, 1960-1964, 1966-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A includes lists of members from various categories such as observers, affiliated congregations, havurot, officers, and members of the Board of Governors and various committees. Updated contact information from Congregations and individuals are also included, as well as a 1960 conference proceeding and 1962 list of resolutions.

Subseries B: Executive Committee/Board of Governors, 1960-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B focuses on correspondence and minutes issued by Executive Committee and Board of Governors of the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships. The Executive Committee consisted of officers elected at annual Federation conferences. The Executive Committee oversaw the activities of the Board of Governors, a body composed of two members designated from a Congregation (or one member from a Havurah). Series B includes Federation conference proceedings for 1960 and resolutions for 1961, 1964 in addition to Executive Committee minutes for 1965, and the Board of Governor minutes for 1968. Lists of officers and Board of Governor delegates are included as well as correspondence and form letters pertaining to member appointments and meeting invitations.

Subseries C: Conferences, undated, 1956-1957, 1959-1968, 1970-1971, 1973-1976, 1979-1980.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C is devoted to conferences held by the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships. The conferences include annual conferences, Spring conferences, and specific Workshops. In many cases, conference material from JRF annual conferences, Rabbinical conferences and regional Federation meetings can also be found in some folders (see General Fellowship Materials, 1956-1957; Spring Conference Ritual Committee Workshop, 1957; Federation Conference, April 1964; "Conference August 26-27, 1964). These documents were retained in their original folders for research context.

Press releases, bulletins, articles, lists, resolutions, and correspondence related to the conferences are also included, as well as meetings and correspondence concerning the Board of Governors. "Skokie IL Conference, May 1962" contains a "Guide for Jewish Ritual Usage;" "Federation Conference May 20-23, 1965" includes "A Program for the Reconstitution of the Jewish People." by Mordecai M. Kaplan. A "Draft Resolution on Mixed Marriage" is located in "Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships 1968."

Registration cards and reservations can be found in "Federation Conference, May 14-15, 1966" (which also contains various JRF pamphlets); "Federation Conference: Montreal: 8^th Annual Conference, 1967;" "Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, 1968;" and "Fellowships, Conference reply cards, May 2-5, 1968."

See also: Series XXVIII: Photographs, for "Montreal conference, 1965;" "Federation Conference May 20-23, 1965" (separated photographs of President Arthur C. Kellman and Rabbi Arnold Kaiman); and "Federation Conference May 14-15, 1966" (separated photograph of Mordecai M. Kaplan)

See also: Series IV: Board of Directors minutes and correspondence for additional conference material.

Series VIII: Annual and Special Gifts Dinners, undated, 1951, 1956-1966.

Arrangement:

Arranged into two subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series VIII consists of annual and special event dinners held to raise money for JRF. The series is arranged into two subseries: Subseries A: Annual dinners; and Subseries B: Special gift and testimonial dinners.

See also: For additional fund raising in honor of Kaplan's birthdays see: Series IX: Fund-raising and Special Funds, Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives; Series XIV: Reconstructionist Rabbinical Fellowship, Subseries B: Rabbinic Fellowship seminars and conferences; Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries B: Tributes and Awards; and Series XXIV: Cantatas, Interview, Plays, and Prayer Pamphlets, Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's interview, radio appearance, and record album.

Subseries A: Annual dinners, undated, 1956-1966.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains correspondence, invitations, photographs, press releases, programs, and seating arrangements for JRF's annual dinners. Pledge information and mailing lists are also included. An important date is November 22, 1964, when JRF celebrated its 25^th anniversary and The Reconstructionist celebrated its 30^th anniversary. Folders documenting the November 3, 1965, which celebrated Mordecai M. Kaplan's 85^th birthday and October 30, 1966, which celebrated Ira Eisenstein's 60^th birthday include congratulatory letters and telegrams. Additional material regarding these special occasions can be found in Subseries B: Special gift and testimonial dinners.

See also: Series XXVIII: Photographs for Annual Dinner 1964 (separated photographs of Oscar Janowsky and Maurice Linder)

Subseries B: Special gift and testimonial dinners, 1951, 1956-1958, 1961.

Arrangement:

By subject, then chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B contains correspondence, invitations, journals, news clippings, JRF pamphlets, pledge information, and press releases regarding special gift and testimonial dinners. Special gift dinners were smaller affairs, held at Hotel Croyton and later at Maurice Linder's home. Mordecai M. Kaplan's birthday dinners included a journal titled "A book of tributes in honor of his 70^th birthday" and an essay by Dr. Meir Ben-Horin titled "Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan- Philosopher and Theologian." A dinner honoring Rabbi Eugene Kohn, editor of The Reconstructionist, took place on his 70^th birthday.

Series IX: Fund-Raising and Special Funds, undated, 1940-1947, 1950-1968.

Arrangement:

Arranged into four subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series IX documents JRF's fundraising efforts. The series is arranged into four subseries: Subseries A: General Fundraising; Subseries B: Allocations; Subseries C: Pledges; and Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives.

Subseries A: General Fundraising, 1950, 1952, 1954-1966.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A provides an overview of the varied ways in which JRF raised funds, which included mailing and traveling campaigns. The subseries primarily consists of lists of pledges given either by individuals, by different states, and in one case, for the Society of Advanced Judaism (see "General Fundraising 1950"). "General Fundraising 1955-1957" contains material related to Maurice Linder's 1957 parlor meeting.

See also: Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives for additional parlor meeting material.

Subseries B: Allocations, 1960-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B records contributions made by various organizations to JRF. These organizations included religious schools, congregations, and Jewish Community Councils, Jewish Federations, and Jewish Welfare Funds. Funds collected by children in religious schools were often allocated from a "Keren Ami" account.

See also: Series III: Federation and Welfare Fund Allocations for additional material on contributions made by Jewish Federations, Welfare Funds, and Community Councils.

Subseries C: Pledges, undated, 1940-1947, 1951-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C contains correspondence, balance sheets, and lists of pledges made at various dinners, holidays, and other occasions. "Follow-up Letters to Contributors, 1944-1945" includes pledges made for the Society for the Advancement of Judaism. A folder regarding Frank Cohen, who is suffering from libel attacks made in newspapers, writes; "I am very sorry you did not sell all of the stock at the time I gave it to the Reconstructionist Foundation." Estate allocations can also be located here.

Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives, undated, 1944-1945, 1954-1961, 1964-1965.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries D consists of correspondence, lists, and minutes regarding special gifts and fundraising campaigns. Special gifts made by individuals often contained a stipulation or were focused on particular uses; Mr. I. Rogosin required that his funds be used to research the "problem of ethical standards in Jewish life." Mr. Max S. Hillson and Mr. Julius Fligelman provided complimentary subscriptions to The Reconstructionist. Additional folders pertain to fundraising for Mordecai M. Kaplan's 75^th and 80^th birthdays and to parlor meetings that were held at the homes of Maurice Linder, Leopold J. Sneider, and Reuben I. Isaacson in 1964. Lastly, a grant was approved by Merrill Trust in 1965 to "conduct a conference to help Jewish leaders of the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Faiths discuss common problems."

See also: For additional fund raising in honor of Kaplan's birthdays see: Series VIII: Annual and Special Gift Dinners; Series XIV: Reconstructionist Rabbinical Fellowship, Subseries B: Rabbinic Fellowship seminars and conferences; Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries B: Tributes and Awards; and Series XXIV: Cantatas, Interview, Plays, and Prayer Pamphlets; Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's interview, radio appearance, and record album.

Series X: Lists of Prospective Members & Donors and Membership Lists, undated, 1944-1948, 1953, 1955-1958, 1960, 1965.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Series X contains correspondence and lists of potential JRF donors and members and subscribers to The Reconstructionist. Some of the lists are from other organizations: Society for the Advancement of Judaism, YM-YWHA of Montreal, National Jewish Welfare Board, and various other Jewish associations.

Series XI: General Fellowship Materials, undated, 1944-1946, 1950, 1955-1968.

Arrangement:

Arranged into two subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XI is composed of general fellowship materials that have not been organized into city or state, including material from the Jewish Reconstructionist Fellowship (formed in 1944) and Reconstructionist Fellowship of Congregations (formed in 1954), which were pre-cursors to the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships (formed in 1956). The series is arranged into two subseries: Subseries A: Pre-Federation; Correspondence with Potential and Established Study Groups (not ordered by region); and Subseries B: Materials sent by various study groups for inclusion in Newsletter.

Subseries A: Pre-Federation; Correspondence with Potential and Established Study Groups (not ordered by region), undated, 1944-1946, 1950, 1955-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains correspondence, minutes, news clippings, reports, and relating to the first inklings of the Jewish Reconstructionist Fellowship until it eventually evolved in the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships. Mordecai Kaplan and Assistant President Abraham Dubin made several visits to various areas of the country to promote Reconstructionism. Correspondence from and to synagogues with different issues concerning the Reconstructionist movement and setting up study groups can also be found here, but are not organized into City or State as in the following series. An interesting folder is titled "Federation: New and Original Materials." This includes a report by Rabbi Murray Levine from Temple Sholom of Flatbush in Brooklyn, where he describes his synagogue's "Shavous Integration Program," a program that discussed Black and Jewish stereotypes and invited Black and White non-Jews to participate. "Supplementary Kit Given to Affiliates," includes cantatas, bulletins, pamphlets, programs, articles and excerpts from books pertaining to Reconstructionism, and material from the Society of Advanced Judaism and local synagogues.

See also: Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries A: Correspondence for updates from local synagogues.

See also: Series XXIV: Cantatas, Interviews, Plays, and Prayer Pamphlets; and Series XXV: Pamphlets and Reports for other publications.

Subseries B: Materials sent by various study groups for inclusion in Newsletter, undated, 1961-1965.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B consists of correspondence, essays, flyers, minutes, news clippings, newsletters, photographs, prayers, and programs from local synagogues that were sent for possible incorporation into the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships newsletter. Some of the newsletters were issued for Jews in the military serving in the Philippines during World War II (see "Fellowship News, 1946").

Series XII: Fellowship and Study Groups, undated, 1943-1969, 1971.

Arrangement:

Arranged into nine subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XII contains material from and about members of the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships. Each subseries is organized by region. The majority of material is correspondence, from synagogues providing updates on their activities; requesting advice regarding observance, administration, fundraising, or supplies; and or relating to visits made by JRF staff. In addition to correspondence, there are calendars of events, flyers, lists, minutes, news clippings, newsletters, programs, sermons, and syllabi issued from individual synagogues, havurot, or regional chapters. The series is arranged into nine subseries: Subseries A: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; Subseries B: New England; Subseries C: South; Subseries D: Midwest (minus Illinois); Subseries E: Illinois; Subseries F: California; Subseries G: Western States; Subseries H: West Coast; and Subseries I: Other Countries.

See also: Series IV: Board of Directors Minutes and Correspondence; Series VII: Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships; Series XI: General Fellowship Materials; and Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries A: Correspondence.

Subseries A: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, undated, 1945-1946, 1948-1968, 1971.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A covers Federation members in New York city and state, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Subseries B: New England, undated, 1948-1952, 1959-1964.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B covers Federation members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Subseries C: South, 1945-1952, 1954, 1957, 1959-1967.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C covers Federation members in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Subseries D: Midwest (minus Illinois), 1943-1946, 1948-1952, 1954-1967.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries D covers Federation members in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. For Illinois, please see Subseries E.

Subseries E: Illinois, undated, 1944-1946, 1948-1969.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries E covers Federation members in Illinois, including Chicago, Evanston, Peoria, and Skokie.

Subseries F: California, undated, 1944-1952, 1956-1969.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries F covers Federation members in California, including Beverly Hills, La Mesa, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Redwood City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Whittier. Additional California material is located in Subseries H: West Coast.

Subseries G: Western States, 1944-1945, 1947-1952, 1956-1968.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city.

Scope and Content:

Subseries G covers Federation members in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Subseries H: West Coast, undated, 1955-1967.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries H also includes Federation members from California. Much of the correspondence concerns annual trips that JRF staff made to the state. Additional California material is available in Subseries F: California.

Subseries I: Other Countries, undated, 1948-1952, 1957-1968.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by city and or country.

Scope and Content:

Subseries I covers Federation members in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curaçao, and the Virgin Islands.

Series XIII: Education, Retreats, and Projects, undated, 1938, 1944, 1946, 1948-1951, 1956-1969, 1971, 1974, 1977-1979.

Arrangement:

Arranged into five subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XIII includes information on JRF projects in adult and teenage education, a Jewish flag, an Institute for research in Jewish issues, and ways in which to disseminate the JRF philosophy within the United States and Israel. The series is arranged into five subseries: Subseries A: Adult Education, Retreats and Cejwin Camps; Subseries B: Institute for Applied Research in Contemporary Judaism; Subseries C: Panels and Discussions; Subseries D: Israel; and Subseries E: Other Projects.

Subseries A: Adult Education, Retreats and Cejwin Camps, undated, 1938, 1944, 1946, 1948-1951, 1958-1967, 1971.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains material on conferences, institutes, seminars, and retreats that were held by JRF for various groups in different venues, to advocate the Reconstructionist philosophy. These include institutes held at Cejwin and Ramah camps, conferences for Chaplains and Veterans, and meetings for Rabbinical students. Several proposals for various Adult Schools were discussed, among them to become active in the Academy for Higher Jewish Learning, a training school for Rabbis and educators; and a Graduate School for Applied Judaism to be established at Brandeis University. A plan to stimulate post Bar and Bat Mitzvah teenagers with a Ben-Torah degree is also considered. Conferences were also planned around Mordecai M. Kaplan's 80^th birthday (see Ideological Conference) and 90^th birthday (see National Convention and Cabinet Meeting).

See also: Series VII: Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, Subseries C: Conferences; and Series VI: Annual Meetings. For Mordecai M. Kaplan's birthday celebrations, see: Series VIII: Annual and Special Gift Dinners; Series IX: Fund-Raising and Special Funds, Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives; Series XIII: Education, Retreats and Projects, Subseries A: Adult Education, Retreats and Cejwin Camps; Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries B: Tributes and Awards; and Series XXIV: Cantatas, Interviews, Plays, and Prayer Pamphlets, Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's interview, radio appearance, and record album.

Subseries B: Institute for Applied Research in Contemporary Judaism, 1963-1964.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B contains correspondence, a certificate of incorporation and by laws (for the National Foundation for Jewish Culture), invitations, and news clippings regarding Mordecai M. Kaplan's decision to retire from the faculty of the Jewish Theological Seminary and establish an Institute for Applied Research in Contemporary Judaism which would be funded by the National Foundation for Jewish Culture. The Institute would progressively seek to improve Jewish life on many fronts.

See also: Subseries A: Adult Education, Retreats and Cejwin Camps, "Graduate School for Applied Judaism"; Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan; and Series XXVII: Clippings.

Subseries C: Panels and Discussions, undated, 1948, 1958-1961.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C consists of panel discussions on topics such as "Who is a Jew" and "the role of Anglo-Jewish periodicals in America" through the conduit of conferences and monthly newsletters. "Panel Discussion, 1948" includes index cards from questions posed from the audience to Mordecai M. Kaplan, Will Herberg (writer and lecturer), and Irving Kristol (assistant editor of Commentary). The Kaplanger letters were an effort to promote discussion on contemporary issues through a monthly newsletter and the folders contain extensive correspondence from participants. In 1960, a discussion was held involving editors of Jewish magazines and newspapers concerning the role of Anglo-Jewish periodicals in America, upon which a majority decision was made that there should be a national Jewish weekly newspaper.

Subseries D: Israel, undated, 1948, 1950, 1956-1961, 1963, 1967, 1974, 1979.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries D consists of a 1948 panel discussion on Zionism, 1967 protest rallies, and proposals to open a Reconstructionist office in Israel. In 1948, Eliezer Liebenstein (Israeli journalist and Knesset member) remarked on the "relation of the American Jew to the Jewish state." A decision to open a JRF office in Israel was reached in 1956, and a project was undertaken to send Reconstructionist magazine and books to libraries and other potential subscribers. At the onset of the 1967 Six Day War, JRF and Federation members were urged to take part in a rally called by the Conference of Presidents of National Jewish Organizations. Various articles on Israel and the mid-East crisis are located in "Israel and the Middle East." JRF also held study mission and tours of Israel in the 1970s.

Subseries E: Other Projects, undated, 1964-1969, 1971, 1977-1978.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries E contains correspondence, U.S. patent responses, clippings, pamphlets, and newsletters concerning projects that do not fall under the other subseries. These include a proposal by M.P. Epstein for the design of a flag to represent Jewish peoplehood in the synagogue ("I think it is wrong for American institutions to fly this flag [the Israeli flag] as their own, although, of course, it would be proper to fly the flag of any state when an official representative of that state is formally present.") Other projects are a speakers' bureau, and the opening of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College at Temple University.

Series XIV: Reconstructionist Rabbinical Fellowship, undated, 1943-1944, 1946-1952, 1955-1968.

Arrangement:

Arranged into three subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XIV is devoted to JRF's establishment of a body of Reconstructionist Rabbis that would meet regularly to discuss issues and attend seminars. The series is arranged into three subseries: Subseries A: Lists; Subseries B: Rabbinic Fellowship Seminars and Conferences; and Subseries C: News Bulletin and correspondence.

See also: Series XIII, Subseries E, for information regarding a Rabbinical College.

Subseries A: Lists, 1943-1944, 1956, 1962-1963.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains lists of World War II Chaplains and USO Directors; members of the National Rabbinic Committee in 1956; and attendance lists for the Rabbinic Fellowship from 1962-1963.

Subseries B: Rabbinic Fellowship Seminars and Conferences, undated, 1946-1952, 1955-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B consists of correspondence, guides, lists, minutes, newsclippings, notes, prayers, press releases, proceedings, reply cards, and reports pertaining to JRF's efforts to elicit Rabbis' interest and support. Beginning with an informal group of Rabbis meeting at the Society for the Advancement of Judaism in 1946, JRF solicited names from the Rabbinical Seminary and the Central Conference of American Rabbis and eventually created a Rabbis Fellowship in 1950. A list of Rabbis belonging to the Rabbinical Seminary of America in 1946 is located in "Rabbis' Meeting, 1947." In 1956, a National Rabbinic Committee met to raise funds for Mordecai M. Kaplan's 75^th birthday. Reconstructionist Rabbi's Caucuses were also formed both for the Rabbinical Assembly and the CCAR in 1957. Fellowship conferences and seminars were held on a sporadic basis, until an effort to regularize them began in 1958. Of interest are the Rabbinic Fellowship statement of objectives (see "Reconstructionist Rabbinical Fellowship, 1950-1952"); proceedings of sessions held in February 1959 on Jewish ethics, ritual, and Zionism (see "Rabbinic Fellowship, 1958-1959"); guides to ritual and mourning (see "Rabbinic Conference, 1960-1962, 1965-1966"); a Conservative interpretation of the laws of the Marriage Service (see "Rabbinic Fellowship Meeting Notices"); a paper by Jacob Neusner on Milton Steinberg's thoughts on Jewish peoplehood (see "Milton Steinberg Memorial"); and an address delivered by Jacob Agus on Martin Buber (see "Rabbinic Conference, 1965").

See also: Series VII: Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships, Subseries C: Conferences.

Subseries C: News Bulletin and Correspondence, 1951-1952, 1955-1957.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C consists of correspondence, form letters, and news letters regarding various topics pertaining to the Rabbinic Fellowship. Rabbinic Fellowship news bulletins are available from 1951-1952, with gaps. An effort to solicit Rabbis for funding for JRF and/or for The Reconstructionist magazine was made in 1952. Rabbinic Fellowship form letters, pertaining to various events and fundraising, were collected from 1955-1957.

Series XV: Women's Organization, undated, 1958-1962, 1970-1974.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Series XV includes invitations and programs to events, end of the year reports, and board meeting minutes regarding the activities of the JRF Women's Organization, which was formed in 1958. The Women's Organization supported the JRF activities, and arranged for forums, social events, and seminars.

See also: Series IV: Board of Directors minutes and correspondence for material on the women's committee.

See also: Women's Finding Aid binder for separate finding aid (Please ask reference librarian).

Series XVI: Youth and University Fellowships, undated, 1943-1949, 1952, 1955-1956, 1959-1960, 1965, 1967-1968, 1970, 1976.

Arrangement:

Arranged into three subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XVI is devoted to JRF's efforts to interest high school and University level youth in Reconstructionist activities. The series is arranged into three subseries: Subseries A: B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations; Subseries B: Youth Fellowship; Subseries C: University Fellowship.

Subseries A: B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations, 1945, 1949, 1952, 1959-1960, 1967-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A consists of correspondence between JRF and Hillel Foundations concerning providing JRF resources to students on campus. Of interest is a proposal to establish the Havurat Shalom Community Seminary in the Boston area as well as a paper by Rabbi Axelrod titled "Jewish Forms of Authority and the Hillel Director" (see "Correspondence with Rabbi Albert Axelrod")

Subseries B: Youth Fellowship, undated, 1944-1949, 1955-1956.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B contains addresses, correspondence, discussion guides and syllabi, lists, minutes, papers, press releases, and questionnaires concerning the formation of a Reconstructionist Institute for Youth Leadership that was organized in 1946. An interesting proposal was put forth in 1944 to create a Reconstructionist Youth House that would include summer camping opportunities. This proposal was completed in some form at a Youth Leadership Seminar held at Cejwin Camps in 1946 (see "Youth Institute, 1946-1947"). Other items of interest include questionnaires filled out by two participants (see "Youth Fellowship Lists." Please note that this folder also includes material on T'hiyah). The subseries also contains material regarding the Society for the Advancement of Judaism Youth Group (see "Youth Group (SAJ), 1946") and the New York Chapter of the Reconstructionist Institute for Youth Leadership.

See also: Subseries C: University Fellowship, "T'hiyah the Reconstructionist University Fellowship" for Youth Leadership newsletters.

Subseries C: University Fellowship, undated, 1943-1944, 1946-1947, 1949, 1959-1960, 1965, 1970, 1976.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C contains articles, brochures, correspondence, flyers, guides, lists, newsletters, plans, questionnaires, and songsheets pertaining to T'hiyah, the Reconstructionist University Fellowship. Aimed at college and graduate students, T'hiyah (meaning "rebirth" in Hebrew), provided camps (at Cejwin), seminars, study programs, and cultural events to encourage Jewish participation. This subseries includes a 1949 plan of study for college students in order to evaluate their needs. Various articles, excerpts, and pamphlets are also included for discussion purposes. These include topics as alienation, political education, European Jewry population patterns, and Christmas and Hanukah in the public schools. "Tehiyah Renascence" a newsletter issued by the Reconstructionist Institute for Youth Leadership, is located in "T'hiyah-the Reconstructionist University Fellowship" (Oct/Nov. 1946 and Dec/Jan. 1947 only).

See also: Subseries B: Youth Fellowship, "Youth Fellowship Lists" for information on T'hiyah.

Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, undated, 1945-1946, 1948-1953, 1955-1961, 1963-1965, 1967.

Arrangement:

Arranged into three subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XVII includes correspondence, birthday tributes, political statements, and biographical information on Mordecai M. Kaplan. Please note that additional material on Kaplan is scattered throughout the JRF collection. The series is arranged into three subseries: Subseries A: Correspondence; Subseries B: Tributes and Awards; and Subseries C: Biography, Notes, Statements, Syllabi.

See also: Series XXVII: Clippings

Subseries A: Correspondence, undated, 1945-1946, 1948-1952, 1956-1961, 1963-1964, 1967.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains correspondence written by and to Mordecai M. Kaplan. Although such correspondence exists throughout the collection, these folders represent a core of his letter writing. In addition to correspondence, the folders include V-mail holiday cards and correspondence from military Chaplains, synagogue invitations for his lectures, synagogue newsletters and other updates, newsclippings, addresses, papers, and other publications.

The subject of his correspondence varies, and may include updates from local synagogues (such as Pittsfield, Mass. or Chicago), and responses to his lectures, writings, and proposals (including his University of Judaism idea).

Of unique interest is the early issue of separating Reconstructionism from Reform Judaism and Kaplan's excommunication by Agudas Horabbonim, the association of Orthodox Rabbis (see "Kaplan-Morgenstern Reconstructionist Reform, 1945-1946").

Kaplan's University of Judaism proposal results in a sharp reaction from Hebrew University and encouragement from Israel Goldstein of the Rabbinical Assembly (see "Reactions to his University of Judaism idea, n.d., July-December 1946"). This folder also contains questions asked of Kaplan at various synagogue forums (see also MMK correspondence, 1948") and correspondence with Sol Dann, a prominent Detroit attorney, regarding reorganizing the Zionist Organization of America.

Other items of interest consist of support for the Committee for Kashruth in the planned Long Island Jewish Hospital (see "MMK correspondence A-G 1951," and "M-Z, 1952") and a report by Abba Hillel Silver titled "My Visit to the Soviet Union," dated in 1961 which forms a heated exchange between Kaplan and the American Council for Judaism (see "Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, n.d., 1960, 1963").

Several papers, mainly not attributed, are scattered throughout this subseries. These include "The Belief in G-d" (see "Reactions to his University of Judaism idea, n.d., July-December 1946"); Kaplan's letter to the Editors of Opinion "Tribute to Stephen S. Wise: (see "MMK correspondence, 1949"); "Tribute to Dr. Kaplan" March 2, 1951 for Kaplan's testimonial dinner (see "MMK correspondence, H-Z, 1951"); "Synopsis of Lectures" by Mordecai Kaplan for the Hebrew Union College and a draft of Kaplan's "Why an Applied Research Institute for Contemporary Judaism?" (both available in "Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, n.d., 1960, 1963"); and a handwritten description of Reconstructionism as it relates to Christianity (see "Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, 1963-1964").

See also: Series XXVIII: Photographs, for photos of the opening of the 6^th Marine Division Cemetery on Okinawa.
See also: Series XVII: Mordecai M. Kaplan, Subseries C: Biography, Notes, Statements, Syllabi include a statement on the University of Judaism idea.
See also: Series XI: General Fellowship materials; and Series XII: Fellowship and Study Groups for information on local synagogues.
See also: Series XXV: Pamphlets and Reports, Subseries C: JRF and Reconstructionist Press for additional material on Kaplan's excommunication.

Subseries B: Tributes and Awards, undated, 1951, 1961, 1965.

Arrangement:

Chronological.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B contains material regarding Mordecai M. Kaplan's 70^th and 80^th birthdays and an award issued to him in 1964 by the Decalogue Society of Lawyers.

Kaplan's 70^th birthday folders include letters of congratulation, a book of tributes, and a statement from Martin Buber. His 80^th birthday folders contain press releases and lists of press coverage, as well as letters and telegrams of congratulations including one from David Ben-Gurion.

For Mordecai M. Kaplan's birthday celebrations, see: Series VIII: Annual and Special Gift Dinners; Series IX: Fund-Raising and Special Funds, Subseries D: Special Funds and Pledge Drives; Series XIII: Education, Retreats and Projects, Subseries A: Adult Education, Retreats and Cejwin Camps; Series XIV: Reconstructionist Rabbinical Fellowship, Subseries B: Rabbinic Fellowship Seminars; and Series XXIV: Cantatas, Interviews, Plays, and Prayer Pamphlets, Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's interview, radio appearance, and record album.

Subseries C: Biography, Notes, Statements, Syllabi, undated, 1945, 1948, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C contains a variety of folders that do not fall under other subseries. These include articles, a biography, and tributes concerning Mordecai M. Kaplan; quote excerpts of his "random thoughts" (see MMK biography and Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, n.d., 1961, 1963, 1965"); open letters and an outline concerning reorganizing the Jewish community (see "Dr. Mordecai M. Kaplan, 1959"); and several political statements Kaplan issued regarding his University of Judaism concept and Zionism.

See also: Subseries A: Correspondence for reactions to the University of Judaism idea.

Series XVIII: Ira Eisenstein Correspondence, 1944-1946, 1948, 1950-1953, 1955-1961, 1965, 1967-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Series XVIII contains the correspondence of Ira Eisenstein, a close collaborator with Mordecai M. Kaplan in promoting Reconstructionism. Please note that additional correspondence of Ira Eisenstein is scattered throughout the collection; this series demonstrates the more significant matters Eisenstein managed.

The correspondence encompasses a few key areas of Eisenstein's career; his election as President of the Rabbinical Assembly in 1952, his position as editor of The Reconstructionist beginning in 1935, and the bestowal of an honorary degree by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1958. The series also includes correspondence with local synagogues, individuals, and magazine editors who seek answers concerning Reconstructionist philosophy, as well as the financial difficulties faced by JRF in the 1950s (see "Ira Eisenstein correspondence, 1950-1953" and "1955-1958").

Of interest is a letter written by Eisenstein, inviting Abba Eban to write articles for The Reconstructionist.(see "Ira Eisenstein correspondence, 1960-1961"). Papers delivered at a conference sponsored by the American Jewish Congress, titled "East European Values and Their Impact on American Jewish Life are available in "Ira Eisenstein correspondence, 1960-1961." Other papers include a draft of Eisenstein's "A Code of Standards for Rabbis" (see "Ira Eisenstein Rabbinical Assembly, 1961") and an address in honor of Alfred Schoolman's 70^th birthday (see "Ira Eisenstein correspondence, 1965, 1967-1968"). An envelope contains forum questions for Eisenstein posed by audience members that are on index cards; these are also available within this folder.

See also: Series XXVII: Clippings

Series XIX: Staff Meetings, Staff and President's Correspondence, undated, 1945-1968.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by individual's last name.

Scope and Content:

Series XIX contains correspondence, notes, and reports pertaining to staff and Board member positions at JRF. The materials include notes on staff meetings, reports of traveling lectures made by Ira Eisenstein and Jack Cohen, and applications for open positions at JRF. Primarily, however, the series consists of folders on individual staff members. Among the more significant folders are Jack J. Cohen (Director of JRF and Associate Editor for The Reconstructionist in Israel), Hannah L. Goldberg (Executive Secretary), and Eugene Kohn (Managing Editor for the Reconstructionist).

Series XX: General Correspondence, undated, 1928, 1945-1946, 1948-1952, 1955-1969.

Arrangement:

Arranged into four subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XX contains correspondence that in relation to the other series in the collection can be termed "general." This includes folders that have been labeled by JRF as general or miscellaneous, and folders that focus on Israel, Zionism, and other matters which do not fall under the other series. The series is arranged into four subseries: Subseries A: General and miscellaneous correspondence; Subseries B: Foreign and military correspondence; Subseries C: Israel and Zionism related correspondence; and Subseries D: Other correspondence.

Subseries A: General and miscellaneous correspondence, undated, 1928, 1945-1946, 1952, 1956-1969.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A contains correspondence that was placed together in folders and labeled general or miscellaneous by JRF staff members. The correspondence is similar to the type that is found within focused series in the collection, however; in order to keep the original order of the folders, they have been left in their unsorted state.

Highlights in the subseries include correspondence with the National Jewish Welfare Board in the 1940s regarding providing Reconstructionist publications to servicemen; correspondence with various established and potential members of the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships; interoffice memos concerning daily business matters, Board meetings, and appointments; letters regarding promoting Reconstructionism in Israel; responses to articles submitted for publication in The Reconstructionist; and memberships, donations, and subscriptions to JRF and its publications.

Examples of "gems" that a researcher may find in this series include a copy of a letter from James P. Warburg, dated December 1959, in which he defends his Zionist views (see "General Correspondence, 1958-1959"); a letter to the Rabbinical Assembly, written by Richard L. Rubenstein of the B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation, dated February 1960, in which he protests against a proposal to create minimum standards of behavior for Rabbinical Assembly members (see "General Correspondence, 1960"); a letter to Mrs. David H. Neustadt, dated February 1961 in which Eisenstein explains why the ten plagues were eliminated from the Haggadah (see General Correspondence, 1960-1961")'; a letter from Hubert H. Humphrey, Vice-President of the U.S., dated July 1968, in which he encloses his statement on Near East policies (see "General Correspondence, D-K, n.d., 1966-1968"); a letter from and to Mr. Kivie Kaplan, head of the NAACP, dated November 1966 (see the same folder); the "Recollections of Robert Szold," issued by the Zionist Federation of London (see "General Correspondence, R-S, 1965-1968"); and lessons in intermarriage, a series of questions posed by an unidentified author (see "General Correspondence, T-Z, 1928, 1964, 1966-1968).

Subseries B: Foreign and military correspondence, 1945-1946, 1950.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B consist of correspondence from members of the military and from congregations in foreign countries, asking for publication supplies and general assistance. The military correspondence includes V-Mail and among the correspondents are Chaplain Judah Nadich in the Pacific Theatre (see "Literature requested by Army Posts and USO Center"), and Captain David Macarov in which he describes the Jewish community in Calcutta, India (see "Army Literature Requests, 1945-1946"). The foreign correspondence is primarily from England and Calcutta, India.

Subseries C: Israel and Zionism related correspondence, undated, 1945-1946, 1964-1965, 1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C consists of correspondence and mailing lists regarding Zionist issues. Several of the folders are dated pre-1948; these include a telegram sent to President Harry Truman by Maurice Linder, President of JRF, a telegram sent to JRF by Stephen S. Wise, and a resolution and memorandum from the Rabbinical Assembly relating to the focus of United Jewish Appeal. Later material contains an invitation for a small Zionist meeting at Albert and Bertha Schoolman's home (see "Zionist Organization of America, 1964-1965"); a response by Wolfe Kelman, Executive Vice-President of the Rabbinical Assembly to an article by Richard L. Rubenstein, of the Bnai Brith Hillel Foundation; and a mailing list of libraries and other repositories which were sent Zionism Explained.

Subseries D: Other correspondence, 1948-1952, 1955, 1957.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries D contains specified correspondence that does not fall under the other subseries. These include correspondence relating to a conference on Community organization; the involvement of JRF in the Religion and Labor Foundation, a foundation seeking an atmosphere of cooperation between the religious and labor leaders; a protest letter against the removal of Secretary of State Dean Acheson; a folder of correspondence with Maxwell Abbell, Chair of the President's Committee on Government Employment Policy; and an invitation for JRF to join the National Council on Jewish Audio-Visual Materials.

Series XXI: Editorial Board Minutes and Correspondence, undated, 1942-1965, 1970-1971, 1973.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Series XXI contain the minutes of the meeting of the editorial board for The Reconstructionist. The series also includes meeting announcements, correspondence, and lists of board members. The meetings touch on different sections of the magazine, the magazine's format, and administrative matters pertaining both to the magazine and to JRF.

Series XXII: Reconstructionist Magazine - Correspondence and Manuscripts, undated, 1920, 1930-1931, 1934-1936, 1943-1969.

Arrangement:

Arranged into fourteen subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XXII pertains to the organ of JRF, The Reconstructionist. The magazine was first published in 1935 as an extension of the SAJ Review, the bulletin printed by the Society for the Advancement of Judaism. It remained a biweekly serial that was published for twenty consecutive issues per year beginning in October for over four decades. In 1970 the magazine began decreasing its frequency, publishing only 10 issues per year. The Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations and Fellowships took over the management of the magazine in 1983, and by 1990, only four issues were being published a year. In 1994, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (Wyncote, Penn.) became the last and most current manager for the magazine. Current issues are available at www.rrc.edu and an entire run of the magazine has been digitized by the American Theological Association, available at www.atla.com. Throughout its tenure, the magazine generally contained sections for editorials, corrrespondence, featured articles, and book reviews.

The series is arranged into fourteen subseries: Subseries A: Early formation; Subseries B: Manuscripts; Subseries C: Editorial and manuscript correspondence; Subseries D: Correspondence with writers and contributors; Subseries E: Book reviews; Subseries F: Symposiums; Subseries G: Regional and anniversary issues; Subseries H: Creative Arts Supplement; Subseries I: Reprints and use in other publications; Subseries J: Statistics; Subseries K: Publicity and promotion; Subseries L: Circulation and subscription; Subseries M: 30^th anniversary; and Subseries N: Orders for printers.

Subseries A: Early formation, undated, 1934-1936.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A consists of minutes from an early meeting of editors in 1934; correspondence from founding members of the magazine's editorial board; a magazine report, and 1935 financial reports, invoices, and statistics.

Subseries B: Manuscripts, undated, 1930-1931, 1944-1945, 1947-1948, 1954-1955, 1957-1967.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B contains manuscripts submitted for inclusion in The Reconstructionist. Not all of the manuscripts were actually published. Among the genre are music; poetry; religious services; military Chaplains' addresses; letters from Jewish soldiers; editorials; book reviews; sermons; and topics such as anti-Semitism, Zionism, the Eichmann trial, Jewish identity, Jewish education, interfaith relations, and religious thought. Interspersed with some of the manuscripts are application and response letters.

The more significant authors include Salo W. Baron (see Box 57, "Manuscripts, n.d.), Eliahu Ben-Horin (see Box 57, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1963 1 and 2 of 3, and "Manuscripts, n.d."), Willy Brandt (Governing Mayor of Gerlin in 1961- See Box 55, "Manuscripts 1960-1961 1 of 2), Sol Dann (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1958, 1960-1962 1 of 4; Box 57, "Manuscripts, 1960, 1962-1964), Abraham G. Duker (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1958, 1960-1962 1 of 4), Alexander M. Duskin (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 2 of 4), Abraham J. Heschel (see Box 55, "Manuscripts 1960-1961 2 of 2), Philip M. Klutznick (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 4 of 4), Louis Kraft interview (see Box 58, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1965-1967, "Manuscripts, n.d.), S. Margoshes (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 2 of 4; Box 57, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1963 2 0f 3), Jacob Neusner (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 2, 3, and 4 of 4; Box 57, "Manuscripts, 1960, 1962-1964; Box 58, "Manuscripts 1965-1966, and "Manuscripts, n.d."), Alfred P. Schoolman (see Box 55, "Manuscripts 1960-1961 1 of 2), Harold M. Schulweis (see Box 57, "Manuscripts, n.d, 1962-1963 3 of 3), Sanford Solender (see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 4 of 4), Isaac N. Trainin ((see Box 56, "Manuscripts, n.d., 1961-1962 1 and 4 of 4), and Carl H. Voss (see Box 57, "Manuscripts, 1960, 1962-1964).

Subseries C: Editorial and manuscript correspondence, undated, 1920, 1943-1952, 1955-1969.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C contains the bulk of Series XXII and primarily includes letters between the Editor of The Reconstructionist and potential contributors. A few manuscripts are scattered throughout the subseries.

Correspondents are filed for the most part alphabetically within folders. Please note that correspondents in Subseries D: Correspondence with writers and contributors, may also have additional letters available within this subseries.

The subseries also includes letters written by readers reacting to the magazine or to specific editorials.

Subseries D: Correspondence with writers and contributors, undated, 1944-1949, 1952, 1956, 1958-1969.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by author's name.

Scope and Content:

Subseries D is similar to Subseries C: Editorial and manuscript correspondence, but is organized specifically by author. Researchers may wish to also consult Subseries C for further correspondence from authors that are listed in this Subseries.

Several files are of particular interest. These include: Rabbi David Z. Ben-Ami and his efforts to improve race relations in Hattiesburg, Miss. in the 1960s; Eliahu Ben-Horin's contributions to the Reconstructionist column "Middle East Cockpits" and his extensive correspondence with Philip M. Klutznick; a volatile exchange between Sol Dann and Lessing J. Rosenwald ( President of American Council for Judaism) relating to Dann's indictments against ACJ Zionist statements; a defensive letter written by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover in 1949 regarding discriminatory labeling; a copy of a letter from Thomas Mann to Jacob Billikopf stating "...the passing of Roosevelt has shocked me too. We have lost a powerful friend...;" reactions to Rabbi Harold Schulweis' sermon "the Voice of Esau" which touched on Black-Jewish relations; and transcripts of personal letters of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise submitted by Carl Voss.

Subseries E: Book Reviews, 1965-1969.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries E contains lists of book reviewers, authors, and bibliographies. Much of the subseries consists of correspondence from the Editor of The Reconstructionist either soliciting contributions or following up on requested work.

Subseries F: Symposiums, 1959, 1961-1962.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries F consists of correspondence regarding two, out of many symposiums in which participants' contributions are discussed in issues of the magazine. The first symposium pertains to Jewish Community Councils' services to communities; it appeared in the January 10, 1958 issue (Vol. XXIII, no. 18). The second, a "counter-Symposium," was a reaction to Commentary's symposium on "Jewishness and the Younger Intellectuals," which appeared in Commentary's April 1961 issue. Articles pertaining to the counter-symposium can be located in various issues from 1961-1962.

Subseries G: Regional and anniversary issues, 1955-1957, 1960.

Arrangement:

Alphabetically by region.

Scope and Content:

Subseries G consists of correspondence, manuscripts, and meeting minutes regarding special regional issues of The Reconstructionist that were published between 1955 and 1957. The Chicago issue appeared in the following issues: May 26, 1966 (Vol. XXI, no. 8) and January 25, 1957 (Vol. XXII no. 19). The New England issue appeared in January 31, 1957 (Vol. XXIII, no. 8). The West Coast issues appeared in November 16, 1956 (Vol. XXII, no. 14), a supplement in November 30, 1956 (Vol. XXII, no. 15), and February 20, 1958 (Vol. XXIII, no. 18). It is unclear if a Southern issue was ever published. Each issue dealt with Jewish life in the particular region of the country and was compiled by contributors from the particular region. The resulting issues were then used as promotional tools for synagogue members in those regions.

To observe the 25^th Anniversary of The Reconstructionist, the magazine issued a special issue on February 19, 1960 (Vol. XXVI, no. 1). The folder consists of two copies of this issue.

Subseries H: Creative Arts Supplement, undated, 1960, 1964-1966.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries H pertains to a creative arts supplement that The Reconstructionist began in 1965 in order to disseminate new synagogue music to its members. The supplement appeared in two issues of the magazine: June 25, 1965 (vol. XXXI, no. 10) and June 24, 1966 (vol. XXXII no. 10). The subseries primarily consists of sheet music and lyrics that were submitted to the Editorial Committee of the Creative Arts Supplement.

Subseries I: Reprints and use in other publications, undated, 1943-1946, 1956-1967, 1959-1964.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries I relates to the use of other journals' articles for inclusion in The Reconstructionist and the use of The Reconstructionist articles' for use in other journals and newsletters. Also included in this subseries are article reprints, and issues from other publications in which The Reconstructionist is quoted.

Subseries J: Statistics, 1943-1963, 1965-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries J provides statistics on circulation according to regional zone or state by magazine issue. Box 70, Folder 1 ("Magazine Records, 1943-1949") includes figures for postage and printing costs. "Reconstructionist Magazine Statistics, 1962-1963" consists of a two page breakdown of subscribers and financial contributors.

Subseries K: Publicity and Promotion, undated, 1959-1969.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries K contains correspondence and advertisements soliciting advertisement space in The Reconstructionist and correspondence, reports, and press releases promoting the magazine to subscribers. El Al Airlines was a frequent advertiser in the magazine, and the subseries includes the airline's camera ready advertisements as well as contracts with its advertising agency. "Promotion and Publicity, 1960, 1963" contains a description of the magazine, listing its general subjects and names of distinguished contributors. A report on membership statistics and a subscription analysis for February 1967 is located in "Promotion and Publicity, 1960, 1967" along with a JRF press release introducing the Bnot Torah educational project for women who did not have previous Bat Mitzvahs.

Subseries L: Circulation and subscription, 1944, 1954-1955, 1957-1964, 1966-1969.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries L consists of correspondence, mailing lists, minutes, and reports regarding strategies to increase circulation as well as everyday managing of subscriber's accounts. Letters from Emanuel Celler, NY Representative in 1944 and others praising the magazine can be located in "Subscription Campaign, 1944." Statistical reports listing the numbers of subscribers, printing and postage costs, and a nationwide distribution schedule are scattered throughout the subseries. "Magazine Committee, 1957-1958" includes minutes and reports of this committee's meetings along with a list of JRF publications and the number distributed in 1956-1957. Responses to Ira Eisenstein's inquiry in 1963 on changing the frequency of the magazine from a biweekly to a monthly are located in "Replies to President's letter regarding magazine publication, 1963."

Subseries M: 30^th Anniversary, undated, 1964-1965.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries M mainly consists of reply cards, correspondence, and lists of individuals pledging money in honor of The Reconstructionist's 30^th anniversary. Statements of praise written by Rabbis, civil and Jewish leaders, and scholars about the magazine are published in "Tributes to The Reconstructionist on its Thirtieth Anniversary, 1935-1965."

Subseries N: Orders for printers, 1963, 1967-1968.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries N contains orders and invoices between JRF and printers regarding the production of the magazine.

Series XXIII: Publications: Books and Pamphlets-Correspondence, undated, 1943-1961, 1963, 1975.

Arrangement:

Arranged into seven subseries.

Scope and Content:

Series XXIII contains correspondence, contracts, draft manuscripts, invoices, lists, minutes, pamphlets, photo engraving samples, press releases, and statistical tables related to the business of publishing and promoting JRF books and pamphlets. Drafts of publications may also be found in this series. The series is arranged into seven subseries: Subseries A: Religious books; Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's publications; Subseries C: Publications written by others; Subseries D: Educational publications; Subseries E: Promotional material and general correspondence; Subseries F: Publishing, copyright, and authors' correspondence; Subseries G: Statistics.

See also: Series XXV: Pamphlets and Reports for the actual copies of publications.

Subseries A: Religious books, undated, 1943-1948, 1950, 1953, 1961.

Arrangement:

Chronologically by title.

Scope and Content:

Subseries A consists of a certificate, correspondence, lists, news clippings, notes, pamphlets, poetry, and promotional writings that relate to the promotion, publishing and literary rights of Sabbath Seudah, written by Rabbi Eugene Kohn; a prayerbook for Sabbath Services, written by Mordecai M. Kaplan and Eugene Kohn; High Holiday prayerbooks; and New Haggadah. The subseries contains a collection of religious poems for possible inclusion in a prayerbook (see "Prayer Book-Miscellaneous, undated") and small haggadot that were used by Military Jewish Chaplains during World War II (see "New Haggadah, 1945" and "Haggadah, 1945-1946"). In addition, the subseries contains undated sermon fragments.

Subseries B: Mordecai M. Kaplan's publications, undated, 1944-1945, 1947-1951, 1957.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries B relates to Mordecai M. Kaplan's non-liturgical writings, and includes promotional and business correspondence concerning Faith of America, The Meaning of G-d, The Future of the American Jew, and Judaism as a Civilization. An extensive amount of book reviews are located in the folders pertaining to The Future of the American Jew which also contain a manuscript, mailing lists, and a sales record. A letter written to Rabbi Kaplan from Albert Einstein in 1948 may also allude to this title.

Subseries C: Publications written by others, undated, 1946, 1948-1958.

Arrangement:

Chronologically.

Scope and Content:

Subseries C concerns the promotion and business matters relating to published and unpublished publications written by others. These works include two works regarding poetry (see "Poetry Volume, undated, 1946" and "Shalom, 1950"); Cantillation of the Bible, by Solomon Rosowsky; Mordecai M. Kaplan: An Evaluation, by Ira Eisenstein and Eugene Kohn; New Lights and Old Shadows, by Lionel S. Reiss; "Jewish Community Relations; An analysis of the MacIver Report," by Abraham G. Duker; and articles by Jack J. Cohen and Milton Steinberg. Of interest is a collection of poetry, some of which were submitted by World War II soldier Solom Bloom (see "Poetry volume, undated, 1946"). An essay on Israeli poet S. Shalom is located in "Shalom, 1950." Two copies of the Abraham G. Duker report are located within his folder.