Rabbi Marisa James
@marisaelana.bsky.social
Reconstructionist rabbi, woods-loving city-dweller, lover of languages, history, justice, coffee. Director of Social Justice Programming at CBST. She/her/rabbi 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Pinned
![Text of tweet: Trans kids, non-binary kids, you are so perfect and loved and incredible.
[images of trans flags]
And for those of you trying to stop kids from being who they are, or punish their families for supporting them? You're evil lumps of snot, and we're going to fight you until we win.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:n4uitomfp5ebpz2d7nmx4p4r/bafkreid7kpopob3hgsdufntbbtrhwhlhjqdukqnxldetvjdptw32uenvv4@jpeg)
My last pinned tweet, for 2.5 years, still true. 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Slowly extricating myself from the Bad Place.
Slowly extricating myself from the Bad Place.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
The reason people freak out and run from Trump’s racist goon squad is they are literally disappearing people. www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
November 23, 2025 at 3:42 AM
The reason people freak out and run from Trump’s racist goon squad is they are literally disappearing people. www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
I am going to say this only once but fuck these white racists. Fuck them to hell.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that Muslims are a “threat to our freedom” on Tuesday as he targeted the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S. with a foreign terrorist organization label in an escalation of a movement of anti-Muslim hate in the state.
Abbott Says Muslims Are “Threat to Our Freedom” as He Targets Civil Rights Group With Terrorist Designation
Governors do not have the authority to designate groups as a foreign terrorist organization.
truthout.org
November 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
I am going to say this only once but fuck these white racists. Fuck them to hell.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
I mean, look, I'm not a reporter, so who am I to talk?
But on a day where the president both just called a woman reporter "Piggy" and is celebrating someone who had people bone saw apart one of my colleagues, I might just be a little ready to defend my colleagues and profession.
But that's just me
But on a day where the president both just called a woman reporter "Piggy" and is celebrating someone who had people bone saw apart one of my colleagues, I might just be a little ready to defend my colleagues and profession.
But that's just me
November 18, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I mean, look, I'm not a reporter, so who am I to talk?
But on a day where the president both just called a woman reporter "Piggy" and is celebrating someone who had people bone saw apart one of my colleagues, I might just be a little ready to defend my colleagues and profession.
But that's just me
But on a day where the president both just called a woman reporter "Piggy" and is celebrating someone who had people bone saw apart one of my colleagues, I might just be a little ready to defend my colleagues and profession.
But that's just me
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
CIA concludes Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination
Audio recordings, intercepted phone calls and other intelligence link Mohammed bin Salman to killing that Saudis say was conducted by rogue elements.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
A reminder that seven years ago almost to the day, the CIA determined that Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the killing of @washingtonpost.com journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
I hired and worked with Jamal for a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/nation...
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Where are the learning loss people? It’s hard to learn at school if you’re afraid to go because the secret police might kidnap you.
November 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Where are the learning loss people? It’s hard to learn at school if you’re afraid to go because the secret police might kidnap you.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
November 15, 2025 at 6:12 AM
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Rev. Woolf is the faith leader in this viral photograph:
November 15, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Rev. Woolf is the faith leader in this viral photograph:
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
What a photograph.
“Nearly two dozen arrested as faith leaders protested outside a federal immigration facility near Chicago…”
Arrested large amounts of peaceful clergy face first on pavement is a pretty good sign you’re not the good guys in the story. www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
“Nearly two dozen arrested as faith leaders protested outside a federal immigration facility near Chicago…”
Arrested large amounts of peaceful clergy face first on pavement is a pretty good sign you’re not the good guys in the story. www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
November 15, 2025 at 1:51 PM
What a photograph.
“Nearly two dozen arrested as faith leaders protested outside a federal immigration facility near Chicago…”
Arrested large amounts of peaceful clergy face first on pavement is a pretty good sign you’re not the good guys in the story. www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
“Nearly two dozen arrested as faith leaders protested outside a federal immigration facility near Chicago…”
Arrested large amounts of peaceful clergy face first on pavement is a pretty good sign you’re not the good guys in the story. www.reuters.com/legal/govern...
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
props to WSJ for once on a useful notion, ADMIN PARTY for everybody
November 15, 2025 at 2:11 PM
props to WSJ for once on a useful notion, ADMIN PARTY for everybody
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
The humanities get attacked because they make you and the system uncomfortable. They make you think about power, history, and yourself in ways profit-driven tech can’t.
November 15, 2025 at 6:29 AM
The humanities get attacked because they make you and the system uncomfortable. They make you think about power, history, and yourself in ways profit-driven tech can’t.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Before anyone gets too carried away here.
Anthony Fauci says Marjorie Taylor Greene drove death threats against him
Ex-leader of US Covid response said congresswoman and Fox News sparked ‘credible death threats’ against him and his family
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Before anyone gets too carried away here.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Amazon announced 14,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $40M last year.
UPS announced 48,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $24M last year.
Intel announced 20,000 layoffs. Its new CEO's pay package is valued at nearly $69M.
This is what I mean when I say the system is rigged.
UPS announced 48,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $24M last year.
Intel announced 20,000 layoffs. Its new CEO's pay package is valued at nearly $69M.
This is what I mean when I say the system is rigged.
November 15, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Amazon announced 14,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $40M last year.
UPS announced 48,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $24M last year.
Intel announced 20,000 layoffs. Its new CEO's pay package is valued at nearly $69M.
This is what I mean when I say the system is rigged.
UPS announced 48,000 layoffs. Its CEO made over $24M last year.
Intel announced 20,000 layoffs. Its new CEO's pay package is valued at nearly $69M.
This is what I mean when I say the system is rigged.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
RIP Alice Wong, fiercest, finest, most fabulously dressed freedom fighter and friend. She changed the world a bit at a time every day and never stopped loving it. She taught me so much. I can’t believe this. I miss her bravery and clarity already. 💔♿️
November 15, 2025 at 7:04 AM
RIP Alice Wong, fiercest, finest, most fabulously dressed freedom fighter and friend. She changed the world a bit at a time every day and never stopped loving it. She taught me so much. I can’t believe this. I miss her bravery and clarity already. 💔♿️
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Read about the life of Sharon Camp, the woman who turned hard-to-obtain emergency contraception into over-the-counter Plan B, and forever bless the women who get things done! 🎁 link
Sharon Camp, Mother of the ‘Plan B’ Contraceptive Pill, Dies at 81
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Read about the life of Sharon Camp, the woman who turned hard-to-obtain emergency contraception into over-the-counter Plan B, and forever bless the women who get things done! 🎁 link
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
From a statement from faith leaders at Broadview this morning:
"God does not bless cages. God does not sanction abductions. God demands freedom."
"God does not bless cages. God does not sanction abductions. God demands freedom."
November 15, 2025 at 1:00 AM
From a statement from faith leaders at Broadview this morning:
"God does not bless cages. God does not sanction abductions. God demands freedom."
"God does not bless cages. God does not sanction abductions. God demands freedom."
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
I just don’t see how we can pretend even for a moment that anything involving our federal government is remotely normal when the president is covering up his involvement in a child sex trafficking ring. Like, what are we doing here
November 15, 2025 at 1:14 AM
I just don’t see how we can pretend even for a moment that anything involving our federal government is remotely normal when the president is covering up his involvement in a child sex trafficking ring. Like, what are we doing here
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
The same people who claim we don’t know what a “woman” is are having a real tough time defining a “child”.
November 14, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The same people who claim we don’t know what a “woman” is are having a real tough time defining a “child”.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
"You know us...So please trust us now when we say that what is happening in the Chicago area is wrong."
Powerful letter from retired Chicago broadcast journalists about what ICE/CBP is doing to our city: "it is terror"
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/13/l...
Powerful letter from retired Chicago broadcast journalists about what ICE/CBP is doing to our city: "it is terror"
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/13/l...
November 13, 2025 at 8:20 PM
"You know us...So please trust us now when we say that what is happening in the Chicago area is wrong."
Powerful letter from retired Chicago broadcast journalists about what ICE/CBP is doing to our city: "it is terror"
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/13/l...
Powerful letter from retired Chicago broadcast journalists about what ICE/CBP is doing to our city: "it is terror"
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/13/l...
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
"We’re done waiting for Dems to find their spine. We can’t afford a weak & cowardly Democratic Party while the authoritarians invade our cities, terrorize our communities, & threaten our democracy. We get the party we demand, & we intend to demand a Democratic Party that fights.” — @indivisible.org
Indivisible Launches its Largest Primary Program in Response to Senate Democrats Surrendering on the Shutdown Vote
indivisible.org
November 10, 2025 at 11:08 PM
"We’re done waiting for Dems to find their spine. We can’t afford a weak & cowardly Democratic Party while the authoritarians invade our cities, terrorize our communities, & threaten our democracy. We get the party we demand, & we intend to demand a Democratic Party that fights.” — @indivisible.org
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
This sounds like the start of a conversation to put Paw Paw in an assisted living center.
Pirro: "Mr President, there is in this room a group of people who love you, who believe in you, and who are so proud to be in this Oval Office and to be part of this amazing day because you have changed the course of America."
November 11, 2025 at 12:06 AM
This sounds like the start of a conversation to put Paw Paw in an assisted living center.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
November 9, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer.
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
He is a computer safety researcher.
And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine.
In under 1600 words.
aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
If you're not already following Erin for really helpful analysis, I *highly* recommend!
1. The text for the Continuing Resolution and three Minibus packages for VA/MilCon, Ag, and Leg have been released, and they contain no anti-trans riders.
The danger is not fully passed though: big fights are shaping up for Jan 30.
Read my latest analysis.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
The danger is not fully passed though: big fights are shaping up for Jan 30.
Read my latest analysis.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Continuing Resolution And Shutdown Compromise Contains No Anti-Trans Riders
The shutdown package must still get through the House of Representatives, and further fights on appropriations are expected by the new Jan 30 deadline.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:22 PM
If you're not already following Erin for really helpful analysis, I *highly* recommend!
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Democrats have to stop bailing out Republicans from facing the consequences of their own policies. And yeah, that means they have to stop sparing voters from experiencing what GOP government truly means.
Every time Dems step in, it only emboldens the GOP & they make it even worse the next time.
Every time Dems step in, it only emboldens the GOP & they make it even worse the next time.
So Democrats get:
1. A CR that will prevent the GOP from facing the wrath of Americans for a shutdown over the holidays
2. A coupon for one (1) meaningless ACA vote that will fail
3. An end to the illegal RIF/SNAP moves that are already before the courts
Those all seem like wins for the GOP.
1. A CR that will prevent the GOP from facing the wrath of Americans for a shutdown over the holidays
2. A coupon for one (1) meaningless ACA vote that will fail
3. An end to the illegal RIF/SNAP moves that are already before the courts
Those all seem like wins for the GOP.
November 10, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Democrats have to stop bailing out Republicans from facing the consequences of their own policies. And yeah, that means they have to stop sparing voters from experiencing what GOP government truly means.
Every time Dems step in, it only emboldens the GOP & they make it even worse the next time.
Every time Dems step in, it only emboldens the GOP & they make it even worse the next time.
Reposted by Rabbi Marisa James
Nice reporting from the Sun-Times on the Girl Scout aspect of my experience yesterday
tinyurl.com/4azkbhjy
tinyurl.com/4azkbhjy
Masked ICE agents put damper on Oak Park Girl Scout food drive: ‘It’s heartbreaking as a mom’
Federal immigration agents were confronted in Oak Park on Saturday morning by residents blowing whistles as local Girl Scouts collect food for local pantries, rattling some girls and their parents.
tinyurl.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Nice reporting from the Sun-Times on the Girl Scout aspect of my experience yesterday
tinyurl.com/4azkbhjy
tinyurl.com/4azkbhjy