Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community (TCJRC)
Welcome!
Come experience the joy, beauty, aliveness, creativity, and deep spirituality of renewal Judaism!
About Us
Our TCJRC Spiritual Path
We are a vibrant, welcoming, egalitarian community that embraces spiritual connection, heartfelt prayer, lively study, musical and artistic expression, movement, Tikkun Olam, social justice, Eco-Kosher, Kabbalah, Mussar, and other evolving approaches to connect our Judaism with renewal Judaism and The Source of Life. In addition to occasional Shabbat and holiday gatherings, we share a wide variety of renewal-inspired events, classes, and worship offered by local Jewish Congregations.
ALEPH National Affiliation
We are affiliated with ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal (www.aleph.org), which takes a trans-denominational and inclusive approach to revitalizing Judaism. ALEPH combines "the socially progressive values of egalitarianism, the joy of Hasidism, the informed do-it-yourself spirit of the chavurah movement, and the accumulated wisdom of centuries of tradition." This renewal Judaism movement seeks to fully include all Jews and all peoples, aiming to bring creativity, relevance, joy, and an all-embracing awareness to spiritual practice and life.
We strive to open ourselves to awareness of the sacred in all of existence. We see ourselves in a crucial position during these times of paradigm shift and are committed to developing a spirituality through which Judaism can transform itself to maintain vitality in the service of tikkun olam—world and soul healing. ALEPH’s statement of Eighteen Principles emphasizes the principles and values that flow together from the Four Worlds of Being, Knowing, Relating, and Doing.
This renewal Judaism movement is dedicated to the Jewish people's sacred purpose of partnership with the Divine in the inseparable tasks of healing the world and healing our hearts. We aim to heal the earth and society by seeking peace, justice, and ecological wholeness.
Our Community
Everyone who crosses our path is a blessing to us. As part of the ALEPH Network Community, you may belong to any local Twin Cities or nearby Temple/Synagogue, or you may be unaffiliated. Our community embraces renewal Judaism, welcoming all individuals on their spiritual journey.
Paid Members receive invitations to Member privilege programs or services and may join our private Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community Facebook Group.
To receive our TCJRC newsletter, join our mailing list, get involved, or share about Twin Cities Jewish Renewal events, please contact TCJewishRenewal@gmail.com.
About Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community
Mission & Purpose
Mission & Purpose
Mission & Purpose
The Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community is dedicated to revitalizing Judaism by blending ancient and modern Jewish wisdom with progressive values. Our approach to renewal Judaism is unique; while we offer stand-alone programming, the essence of Renewal is a mindset that can enrich all denominations, which is why we are deeply committed to community collaborations.
Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, multigenerational, participatory community that focuses on renewing Jewish tradition through engaged spiritual practice, meaningful study, and responsible social action.
We envision revitalizing Judaism as a transformative spiritual path, encouraging Jews and those in search of a spiritual home to engage more deeply.
At the core of our purpose is the nourishment of our souls, enabling us to make the world a better place by fostering loving interactions among people, promoting Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), and cultivating a vibrant, living Jewish tradition.
Our Offerings
Mission & Purpose
Mission & Purpose
We have a comprehensive monthly e-Newsletter listing TCJRC events, as well as a variety of local and national Jewish Renewal events at area synagogues, Jewish institutions, and ALEPH online programs.
In addition, we host and partner with numerous interactive, experiential opportunities related to renewal Judaism, ranging from Jewish Renewal music and spiritual worship services to educational workshops and speakers.
We are committed to fostering a large, welcoming, and diverse membership and event participation, especially including Jews identifying as LGBTQ+, young Jews, those who are unaffiliated, Jews by Choice, Jews of Color, and spiritual seekers.
Our diverse speakers engage in extensive outreach and build on our existing partnerships. We strive to enhance our egalitarian, gender-respectful language at all of our events and services.
Now in our seventh year, TCJRC has blossomed into a vibrant home for renewal Judaism in the Twin Cities. We have been blessed to host or co-sponsor:
- Spiritual Programs – Soulful Shabbat with J-Pride, PJ Library Shabbat morning, Havdalah, Passover Seder, Broken Open: A Tisha B'av Inspirational Retreat
- Inspired Musicians – Reb Shefa Gold, Cantor Linda Hirschhorn, Nava Tehila, Elana Brody
- Earth Renewal – Climate Justice: Stories of Hope and Action, Earth Based Judaism Experience
- Personal Growth & Exploration – ALEPH Biennial Kallah, Torah Yoga with Diane Bloomfield, Judaism Meets Curiosity: An Interactive Playful Experience, Kabbalah Coloring Workshop
- Study & Connection – Spiritual (often mystical) Book Group, Heritage Judaica
- Tu B’shevat Seder and Sing with Minnesota JCC and Hineni
- Hosted SooJi Min-Maranda, Executive Director of ALEPH with EDOT Midwest speaking about Jews of Color.
Our History
Mission & Purpose
Our History
The Jewish Renewal community in Minnesota has existed since the 1980s and has always been connected to ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. It began with Services in the St. Paul Friends Meeting House and has changed its name and locations over the years until 2019 when it officially became the Twin Cities Jewish Renewal Community (TCJRC) and formally affiliated with Aleph. This affiliation enhances our practice of renewal Judaism by providing professional financial management, access to outstanding speakers and national online offerings, and occasional mini-grants for programs aimed at attracting unaffiliated Jews.
Among our partners are Adath Jeshurun, Beth El, Shir Tikvah, Mount Zion Beth Jacob, YALA, J-Pride, Hineni, Jewish Community Action, EDOT Midwest, Minnesota JCC, PJ Library, and Heritage Judaica.
Photo Gallery
