A Message from Rabbi Bellows

January 12, 2026/22 Tevet 5786

Dear Friends,

The events unfolding across the country this week have cast a long shadow, transcending partisan lines and leaving a heavy sense of uncertainty in their wake. Regardless of our individual political leanings, there is a shared exhaustion that comes from navigating such a relentless cycle of upheaval. There is fear, deep concern, and what Ezra Klein, The New York Times opinion columnist and podcast host, calls an “assault on hope.” This collective unease goes beyond simple disagreement; it touches on a deeper concern for the stability and future of our communities.

I woke up this morning to yet another piece of devastating news: a predawn fire yesterday morning, allegedly set by a 19-year-old antisemitic arsonist, destroyed parts of Mississippi’s oldest synagogue, reducing parts of the synagogue to charred ruins. Thankfully, no one was injured. The sanctuary was damaged, but the worst damage was to the library and administrative offices. The synagogue, Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, is a Reform congregation founded in 1860 and is served primarily by student rabbis, staff, and a team of lay leaders. Our heart goes out to the entire community. We will share ways we can help them as more news becomes available about their needs and requests. Acts of hatred continue to rise. Unease in our country is as palpable as it is disturbing.

I hope you will attend our Countering Active Threat training at 7:00pm on January 13 (hybrid). Also on that night, at 7:00pm is a RAC program online on How to Take Action for Immigration Justice. While Beth Am will focus on our own safety and security that night, if you sign up for the RAC program, you will receive a recording of it. At the RAC online event (recording), you will hear from fellow Jewish leaders and community members about how to take action for immigration justice at the federal, state, congregational, and individual levels. We will share insights and lessons learned from those leading the fight across the country and share what you can do in this pivotal moment. The link for more information is here.

Additionally, in a couple of weeks, I will attend T’ruah‘s National

Jewish Clergy Convening in Washington, D.C. This clergy-only summit will be a key opportunity to build both our individual strengths as rabbis and cantors and our collective power as Jewish clergy leading for human rights and democracy. I look forward to sharing more when I return from the convening and working with you to raise our voices against hatred and injustice.

May this week be a peaceful week.

Rabbi Lisa Bellows