Reconstructionist Rabbinical College - College Enrollment and Alumni

College Enrollment and Alumni

The first graduate of RRC, Michael Luckens, was ordained in 1973. From its second year, 1969, RRC students included women. Sandy Eisenberg Sasso was ordained in 1974, the second woman rabbi in the United States, and the first female Reconstructionist rabbi. Since 1984, RRC has admitted and ordained openly gay and lesbian rabbis, the first major rabbinic seminary to do so.

As of June 2008, RRC had graduated 321 rabbis, nine graduates of the masters in Jewish studies program, and three cantors. In 2007, the enrollment included 72 rabbinical students, four master’s students, and one cantorial student. The college had 38 full-time and adjunct faculty, and four endowed chairs.

Most RRC graduates are members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association. Approximately half the graduates serve congregations (Reconstructionist, those affiliated with other movements, or unaffiliated.) Others serve in academia, in Hillel and campus positions, as civilian and military chaplains, educators, in Jewish agencies, or are employed by the Reconstructionist movement. About one-fifth work in other areas, including as authors, editors, researchers, spiritual counselors, independent rabbis, or are retired. RRC graduates serve Jewish communities in the US, Canada, Australia, France, and Israel.