"#BethIsrael was where my parents were married. It was where my sister and I both became #BatMitzvahs, where we formed our #Jewish identity through #religiousschool and participation in our small but mighty youth group. It was where my husband and I married.

Last Saturday, Beth Israel Congregation was set on fire by someone who hates #Jews simply for being Jews. Seeing the charred images of the library is painful. I have vivid memories of being in that library playing hide-and-seek, participating in classes and youth group meetings, getting ready for my wedding and signing my #ketubah in that room.

If I close my eyes, I can see the ark where the #Torahs—now reduced to ash—once sat."

https://mississippitoday.org/2026/01/16/growing-up-jewish-in-mississippi/

"The man charged with #arson in the burning of #BethIsrael Congregation in #Jackson, #Miss., called the institution a “#synagogueofSatan” in an interview with authorities, according to an #FBI affidavit.

The phrase, originating in the #NewTestament book of #Revelation, has been used in recent years to attack #Jews, making its way into #graffiti on #Jewish institutions, #antisemitic #conspiracy theories and in #farright commentator #CandaceOwens’ criticism of Jewish figures.

But its meaning is not necessarily consistent: “#Synagogue of #Satan” has been used to refer to a supposed Jewish conspiracy to control the #US government, as a broad indictment of Jewish people as #Satanic and as a narrow critique against Jewish people perceived as behaving badly. It has been used by #Christian #nationalists and by #NationofIslam leaders."

Personally, I attend the Synagogue of GFYS, instead.

https://forward.com/fast-forward/797097/synagogue-of-satan-origin-meaning-synagogue-fire-candace-owens/

"The suspect #arrested for allegedly setting #fire to a #Mississippi #synagogue on Saturday confessed to the #FBI that he had targeted the #congregation due to its “#Jewish ties.”

#StephenSpencerPittman was charged on Monday with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi.

The blaze, which tore through the #BethIsrael Congregation, the only synagogue in #Jackson, Mississippi, early Saturday morning, destroyed two of the synagogue’s #Torahs as well as its library and offices. Several other Torahs belonging to the congregation were damaged, though no injuries were reported."

https://www.jta.org/2026/01/12/default/man-charged-with-setting-fire-to-mississippi-synagogue-targeted-it-due-to-its-jewish-ties-fbi-says

Keep inspiring me America 🔥🔥 🔥🔥

"A suspect has been #arrested and charged with #arson for setting #fire early Saturday morning to a #Mississippi #synagogue, the authorities said.

The fire, which occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, caused extensive damage to #BethIsrael, the only synagogue in #Jackson, Miss., said Charles Felton, chief of investigations at the Fire Department.

The suspect, whose name was not released, was arrested and charged at a nearby hospital on Saturday evening, where the person was recovering from non-life-threatening burn injuries, Mr. Felton said.

Once released from the hospital, the suspect will be taken into #FBI custody."

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/us/mississippi-synagogue-arson-suspect-custody-attack.html

Going to #BethIsrael in Boston this week?

You will likely come across at least 4 with #COVID19

😷 smart. Check before you go:
https://sentinel.hubbubworld.com/hub?id=fbe4562c-91f2-4602-8d18-408a1d470f8b

#KeepMasksInHealthCare