RNS Morning Report - California inmates celebrate a unique b’nai mitzvah

California inmates celebrate a unique b’nai mitzvah   Inside California’s oldest prison on the shores of the San Francisco Bay last month, nine men became b’nai mitzvah. Wearing purple kippahs and identical light-blue shirts, they approached the podium and made short statements at their shared Jewish ceremony.   “I’m making a promise to never return to bloodshed or drugs,” one said. Another said, “I’m giving my life to Adonai (God) and the Jewish people.” A third added, “I want to make my ancestors proud.”   The ceremony at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center was the culmination of more than a year of study for the inmates, who ranged in age from their late-30s to mid-60s. While adult bar or bat mitzvahs are not unusual, they are rare behind bars. But many of the men have practiced Jewish customs for years and would formally convert if it were possible to do so, their b’nai mitzvah tutor told RNS.   Read Andrew Esensten's full story for RNS here.         Top Stories California inmates celebrate a unique b’nai mitzvah SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (RNS) — 'I’m making a promise to never return to bloodshed or drugs,' one said. DHS, probing anti-ICE activists, spied on at least five Midwest churches, court records indicate (RNS) — Church leaders were outraged and vowed to continue their advocacy for immigrants. 13 US citizens denied entry to Israel for weeklong trip to learn about Palestinian Christians (RNS) — Amid escalating violence in the West Bank, an interfaith group, led by a retired Emory University theology professor, was turned back at Israel's border. Photos of the Week: Indonesian earthquakes, Haitian immigrants (RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes the aftermath of earthquakes in Indonesia, support for Haitian migrants and more. Opinion Jason Arday’s unnecessary death and the cost of a graceless culture (RNS) — The tragedy reveals the cost of conflating cruelty and accountability. 20 years ago, I wrote SBC leaders to warn them about abuse. They are still not listening. (RNS) — For more than 20 years, Southern Baptist leaders have refused to take responsibility for keeping abusers out of church. ICYMI From ‘terror threat’ to ‘civilizational threat,’ top Republicans escalate anti-Muslim rhetoric (RNS) — The avalanche directed at El-Sayed added to a wave of blatant anti-Muslim sentiment in mainstream politics that experts say is unprecedented, with politicians openly decrying the faith in new ways. If Jesus showed up today, would he play guitar? Nashville (RNS) — During a gathering in Nashville, scholars looked at the theology, money and music reshaping how Americans worship and experience God.       Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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