Hineni - "here I am" - are the words spoken by those who cannot and will not turn away: Abraham answering the call that will test him, Moses standing barefoot before the burning bush, Isaiah responding to a world in need of repair. Our tradition calls on us to see clearly, to remember faithfully, and to answer the call of justice with presence and courage.
Last week, Reform Jewish leaders from across the country echoed that ancient call by gathering in Minnesota with clergy of all faiths, entering places of pain and protest, refusing to turn away, and bearing witness to the devastation of ICE's takeover of Minnesota and the community's resilient organizing in response.
Learn more about the RAC's work on immigration justice and how you can get involved.
February 2
The RAC’s Sr. Legislative Assistant, Tamara Upfall, was among the team on the ground in Minneapolis this last week, and shares her reflections on her time there.
January 30
A group of students attending L'Taken, from Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka, MN, spoke about immigration at lobby meetings with their Senators and Representatives. Read some of their remarks.
Rabbi Jill Avrin reflects on families living in fear and isolation, drawing a parallel to the Israelites’ struggle to embrace freedom even after leaving Egypt.
Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker, Mount Zion Temple, St. Paul, MN, reflecting on last Friday's rally in Minneapolis.
January 29
Braving subzero temperatures, more than 75,000 people marched in Minneapolis on January 23 to protest the federal government’s actions in their city. As part of that day’s rally, entitled “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth & Freedom,” Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg from Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis delivered a benediction she wrote, "A Prayer for This Moment."
January 28
Last week, Rabbi Jonah Pesner and Senior Legislative Assistant Tamara Upfal joined hundreds of clergy in Minnesota to bring solidarity and strength to the community. This video shares images from their trip. Visit rac.org/2026immigration to find out how to take action.
January 27
Cantor Tamar H. Havilio joined hundreds of other faith leaders in Minneapolis, praying, studying, and marching together for justice. While she was there, Alex Pretti was murdered. Upon learning he was from her hometown, Cantor Havilio felt an even deeper connection to his memory. Cantor Havilio shared her reflections.
As part of the January 23 rally at Target Center, entitled “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth & Freedom,” Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg from Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis delivered a benediction she wrote, “A Prayer for This Moment” updated after the killing of Alex Pretti.
January 26
Members of the Religious Action Center team shared photos from their time in Minnesota last week.
January 23
RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner stopped to pay his respects at the memorial for Renee Good: "I want to pause and allow all of you to be here with me and honor her memory, and all of those who died in detention, and all of those who are struggling so hard to live the maxim to love our neighbors as we love ourselves…."
The following day’s horrific and tragic killing of another protestor, Alex Pretti, makes clear, yet again, why secure, just, and compassionate immigration policy must be achieved through sound policy decisions, not the infusion of thousands of ICE agents into communities nationwide.
At a multi-faith service this morning at Temple Israel in Minneapolis, RAC Director Rabbi Jonah Pesner’s voice joined others speaking out, bringing solidarity and strength to the community.
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