A Message from Rabbi Bellows

August 24, 2025 /30 Av 5785 

Dear Beth Am Friends, 

This past week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, began with a simple yet profound challenge: We read in Deuteronmy 11:26,  “See, I set before you today, blessing and curse. Moses reminds us that we have the power to choose to live a life of blessing. Our sacred covenantal relationship with God and each other is not abstract, it is lived — in the choices we make, the words we speak, the ways we treat one another.

We are living in a moment when fear and harm are too easily chosen — when raids and armed patrols sow anxiety in our communities. These are not signs of blessing. Torah urges us to see clearly: blessing comes not from power or intimidation, but from compassion, welcome, and the recognition that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim — in the image of God.

Each day, we are given this choice anew. May we choose blessing: to act with kindness, to stand with the vulnerable, and to bring more light into our world.

Blessings for a good week,

Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows