what are the differences between renewal Judaism and reconstructionist Judaism?

Jewish Renewal is a recent movement in Judaism which endeavors to reinvigorate modern Judaism with mystical, Hasidic, musical and meditative practices.

Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan (1881–1983). The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism, before it splintered. The movement developed from the late 1920s to 1940s, and it established a rabbinical college in 1968.

There is substantial theological diversity within the movement. Halakha is not considered binding, but is treated as a valuable cultural remnant that should be upheld unless there is reason for the contrary. The movement emphasizes positive views toward modernism, and has an approach to Jewish custom which aims toward communal decision making through a process of education and distillation of values from traditional Jewish sources.

Founded by Rabbi Zalman Schecter Shalomi in 1962. He is sort of the Rebbe. MANY disciples of Reb Zalman; Lerner just one. Jewish Renewal tries to revive the mystical in Judaism and is open to The teachings of other mystical traditions. Recon tried to take in some of this but still is very wedded to naturalistic, non theistic thought and it shows.

In practice, I suspect there is little difference.

Jewish Renewal was popularized by a man named Michael Lerner, who has the ability never to say in ten words what he can say in 100. (In spite of that, his ideas are good.)

Zvi