A Message from Rabbi Bellows

April 27, 2025 /29 Nisan 5785 

Dear Beth Am Friends,

Last week, more than 100 rabbis and cantors from across Chicagoland published a Statement that spoke against attacks on democracy being carried out in the name of Jewish safety. I am a proud signatory of this letter. Antisemitism is not a tool to be weaponized, now is the time to speak out uphold our values of freedom and justice . You can read the letter here

Additionally, the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR),, the professional leadership organization for Reform rabbis in North America, joined a Jewish organizational coalition in a new statement rejecting the false choice between Jewish Safety and Democracy. You can access the statement here 

Included in the CCAR statement: it is both possible and necessary to fight antisemitism—on campus, in our communities, and across the country—without abandoning the democratic values that have allowed Jews, and so many other vulnerable minorities, to thrive. 

I look forward to being in conversation with you about the statements at an upcoming Shabbat service and beyond. 

With Blessings,

Rabbi Bellows