Temple Beth El has always been a place where people come together to learn, pray, and build Jewish lives of purpose. We are a community that values strong ideas and open hearts. In a time when so much around us pushes people apart, dismissing the possibility of relationship with those with whom we disagree politically only widens the divide. Amidst this challenging dynamic, our synagogue remains devoted to something more enduring: the belief that we can hold one another with respect, even when we disagree.
Our congregational leadership has spoken out when important issues have emerged and will continue to do so. It is important to reaffirm that we act from a foundation deeply rooted in Jewish values that will never be compromised by partisan interests. That is why the Temple Beth El Board of Directors, working in partnership with the clergy and staff, has adopted a new policy on political activity to guide our clergy, staff, and lay leadership in this area.
Why now?
The federal law that prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including houses of worship, from endorsing or opposing political candidates has not changed, yet its enforcement by the IRS has shifted. This inconsistency has left faith communities more vulnerable to pressure to take sides in elections or serve as channels for campaign influence.
After several months of careful consideration, we have crafted a policy that draws clear boundaries to ensure that Temple Beth El’s moral and prophetic voice can continue to be expressed without becoming entangled in partisan politics. To be clear, although we will avoid partisan political activity, if the rhetoric or actions of candidates or elected officials threaten the safety, dignity, or legitimacy of the Jewish people through antisemitism or incitement to violence, or if they promote racism, hatred, or violence that endangers any community, we will speak out clearly and publicly.
What now?
Beyond being a legal safeguard, this policy is a moral and spiritual commitment that grows directly from our mission: to cultivate connected, proud, meaningful Jewish living that inspires change in our world. This mission depends on nurturing connection across differences, pride without contempt, and relationships that rise above partisanship.
Our synagogue must remain a place where the social fabric is always being woven, where we remain in relationship through care, trust, and devotion to one another, even when we differ. Within our congregation are people of deep conviction who see the world in very different ways. Too often, partisan identity is treated as the most important thing about a person, even though political opinions are only one expression of the values we carry into the world. The measure of our community is not that we agree on every issue, but that we refuse to diminish or demonize one another because of them. Temple Beth El is a place where people engage in respectful conversations, explore their beliefs, and act for good.
Jewish tradition gives us language for this. The Talmud teaches Eilu v’eilu divrei Elohim chayim (“these and those are the words of the living God”). Disagreement, our sages remind us, is not the end of the conversation but its beginning. When approached with humility and care, difference becomes not a weakness but a source of strength.
Enacting this policy helps ensure our synagogue remains a space for the holiness of honest moral reflection, a place that stands for values without weaponizing disagreement. Temple Beth El exists to cultivate integrity, empathy, and courage so that we can continue to live out our Jewish mission and vision together.
With appreciation, partnership, and shared purpose,
A-J Secrist, Temple President
Rabbi Asher Knight, Senior Rabbi
Jonathan Friedman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
