A Message from Rabbi Bellows

March 1, 2026/12 Adar 5786

Updated Message: As we begin to celebrate Purim, we find ourselves holding two truths at once. On the one hand, this is a season of costumes, laughter, upside-down stories, and noisy joy. On the other hand, many are carrying heavy hearts as violence in the Middle East has intensified, and uncertainty weighs on us.  At Beth Am, your safety is our highest priority. We remain vigilant and prepared.

The Book of Esther does not shy away from fear. It tells the story of a vulnerable people navigating danger in a precarious world. And yet, woven through the suspense is a fierce inner strength. Mordechai refuses to bow. Esther finds her voice. 

In Jewish tradition, joy is not escapism. It is defiance. It is the audacious belief that even in anxious times, we can lift a glass, wear a costume, sing loudly, and insist that hope still belongs to us.

May our prayers for peace be heard, and may we continue to strengthen one another. May peace and safety come to Israel, the innocent in Iran, and all the world.

Chag Purim sameach, Happy Purim!-even now

Rabbi Bellows

Dear Friends,

Send a note to our Israeli Consulate on this critical matter!

We have talked before about the need for an egalitarian worship space at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for many years now, and thanks to your voting in the World Zionist Congress elections, our coalition passed Resolution No. 5 calling on the Israeli government to reopen the egalitarian section of the Kotel and allow all streams of Judaism to practice and pray at the Western Wall. This is all being challenged!

Yesterday, MK Avi Maoz’s dangerous bill passed in the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, by a 56-47 vote. This bill would change the status of the Kotel, the Western Wall, to be brought solely under the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Chief Rabbinate’s control. The bill, which passed its preliminary reading, would make egalitarian prayer at the Kotel a crime, punishable by up to seven years in prison.  

IF THIS BILL PASSES, THE WAY YOU PRACTICE JUDAISM COULD BE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE! ISRAEL’S LEADERS AND REPS ABROAD NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!

We need to take action against the passage of this bill!

The Israeli government hosts representatives in the capitals of the U.S. and Canada, as well as throughout North America. Their responsibility includes maintaining the Israel-Diaspora relationship. PLEASE EMAIL THE CHICAGO ISRAELI CONSULATE TODAY to STOP THE KOTEL BILL

If you can, please reply to this email or drop me a note saying you sent it —we will keep track. Beth Am makes a difference! Every vote matters.

To read the Reform Movement’s statement condemning the Knesset’s vote to criminalize egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, click here

With Blessings and Hope,

Rabbi Bellows