David A. Teutsch

David A. Teutsch is professor emeritus at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College where he was president from 1993 to 2001 and the founding director of the Center for Jewish Ethics. He is also the editor-in-chief of the Reconstructionist Kol Haneshamah prayerbook series as well as the three-volume Guide to Jewish Practice.

Early life and education Teutsch grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and earned and A.B. from Harvard University in 1972 focusing on Jewish studies. During and shortly after college, Teutsch realized the importance of revitalizing, rather than abandoning, old religious traditions. He believed this required fresh thought and action to breathe new life into the rich but somewhat stagnant traditions. Teutsch emphasized that Judaism is both a religion and a culture, benefiting from the cultural pride of minorities in the U.S. and the growth of modern Israel. At the time he also noted that Jewish religious life serves both its conservative members and those seeking a meaningful counterculture, and that philosophy and law didn't seem to look to Jewish traditions for guidance.

He was the first rabbi of Temple Ramat Shalom in South Spring Valley, New York where he began serving as a student rabbi in 1974, and literally helped build the synagogue when the contractors who were to finish completion of the building went bankrupt. Teutsch described the congregation as liberal-traditional where members were encouraged to ask questions towards making the service more relevant for modern times.

He later earned a Ph.D. from Wharton's social-systems sciences program while working at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC). In 1990, Teutsch was appointed executive vice president of the college and the director of its Department of Contemporary Civilization. While in that role, he coordinated the application and review process to earn a "fully accredited" grade from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Teutsch became president of RRC in 1993, succeeding Arthur Green. He highlighted that while some critics believed Reconstructionism would lose relevance as other Jewish movements adopted its innovations, the need for morally driven change would always persist. He also observed a shift in spirituality, with more Jews seeking integrated paths into Jewish life. This interest led to the creation of a center for Jewish ethics and expanded arts programs at the college. At this time he also worked on editing the Guide to Jewish Practice. He noted that he believed this guide along with the Kol Haneshamah prayerbook series made the biggest difference in promoting the Reconstructionist movement. Madoff investment scandal,

In 2022, Teutsch drafted a letter “A call to action for clergy in protest of Israeli government extremists” that was signed by several hundred rabbis and cantors expressing dismay about the far-right policies of the newly elected government of Israel.

Books Teutsch is the editor-in-chief of the Kol Haneshamah series, which includes prayer books for weekday prayer, Shabbat and festivals, high holidays, rituals for the home, and prayers for a house of mourning. The prayer book “Kol Haneshamah for Sabbath and Holidays” was officially published in 1994, the 25th anniversary year of the rabbinical college. It differentiated itself from other siddurim in its use of gender-neutral language and alternative language besides "Lord" used for God. The high holiday "Prayerbook for the Days of Awe", published in 1999, introduced guided meditations, contemplative drawings, and poems by renowned poets such as Maya Angelou. It featured a gender-neutral English translation with three service options: a traditional service, an innovative shorter one, and another focused on English readings. The 1,275-page book, weighing 2.75 pounds, was the first Reconstructionist High Holy Day prayer book since 1948. Teutsch emphasized the book's inclusivity of women in language and content and its user-friendly design, noting that incorporating commentary, poetry, a new translation, and maintaining the traditional liturgy inevitably resulted in a very large book.

Bibliography (selected) Kol Haneshamah Prayerbook Series, David A. Teutsch, editor-in-chief

Personal life Teutsch lives in Philadelphia with his wife Betsy Platkin Teutsch, an artist.