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Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation

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You are here: Home / Who We Are / Our History

Our History

At the annual cookout
Hannukah candles

Our congregation was founded as the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Havurah in 1993. For many years we met in members’ homes for services, discussions and celebrations. At that time, services were lay led, and leadership rotated throughout the membership. Decisions were made by consensus of the entire membership –which started with about 20 people.

We have grown a lot since then; settled down in the Jewish Community Center; started a school for our kids; celebrated weddings, births, adoptions, and bar and bat mitzvahs; expanded from once a month services to a wide range of activities; appointed Aura Ahuvia as student rabbinic intern; became the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation and formalized our organizational structure and service leadership. Michal Woll served as our rabbi from 2013-2015. From 2015-2017, Alana Alpert of our sister congregation T’Chiyah was our visiting rabbi. From 2017-2022, Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner served as our congregation’s rabbi.

Even as we grow, AARC still nurtures the feel of the Havurah that we were for nearly two decades—informal, dynamic, and highly participatory.

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Upcoming Events

  • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, February 11, 2023 – Second Saturday Shabbat Morning Service
  • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, February 24, 2023 – Fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Service
  • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, March 11, 2023 – Second Saturday Shabbat Morning Service
  • 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, March 24, 2023 – Fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Service
  • 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, April 8, 2023 – Second Saturday Shabbat Morning Service

Latest News

  • AARC as Ecosystem in Feb. 2023 WJN February 1, 2023
  • The Golem January 30, 2023
  • Mollie Meadow’s Dvar Torah: Shmot January 18, 2023
  • Isaac Meadow’s Dvar Torah: Shmot January 18, 2023
  • Reconstructing Judaism Movement Votes to Support Reparations to BIPOC Communities That Suffered Due To American Colonization January 12, 2023

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