Video & Transcript : 'synagogues' :
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- great state of Texas have to practice their own religion, a state where we can pray in a church, synagogue
- A state where we can pray in a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, Jamaat Khana, Gurdwara, or anywhere
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- I first met Grace when she was the executive director of the synagogue of Ohavi Zedek in Burlington.
- <00:05:24.240><c> director</c><00:05:24.840><c> of</c><00:05:25.120><c> the</c><00:05:25.360><c> synagogue
- </c><00:05:26.080><c> of</c> executive director of the synagogue of executive director of the synagogue
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When we first arrived, there was no synagogue in my community, and my parents joined with other Jews
- I'm honored to represent San Francisco, which is home to not one, but two of the oldest synagogues in
- These synagogues were born from the first gatherings of Jews in the state, predating California's admission
- continually operating nonprofit west of the Mississippi, founded in 1850 before there were any official synagogues
- You walk into the synagogue. You also see the tzedakah box every week at services.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities.
The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote.
On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When we first arrived, there was no synagogue in my community, and my parents joined with other Jews
- I'm honored to represent San Francisco, which is home to not one, but two of the oldest synagogues in
- Synagogues born from the first gatherings of Jews in the state, predating California's admission to the
- continually operating nonprofit west of the Mississippi, founded in 1850 before there were any official synagogues
- You walk into the synagogue. You also see the tzedakah box every week at services.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m a rabbi in Louisville, Kentucky, at Knesseth Israel synagogue, and as a Jew and a rabbi, hopefully
- I’m a rabbi in Louisville, Kentucky, at Knesseth Israel synagogue, and as a Jew and a rabbi, hopefully
- If a person were to aggressively solicit my synagogue, attempting to convert us — something that happens
- If a person were to aggressively solicit my synagogue, attempting to convert us — something that happens
- If a person were to aggressively solicit my synagogue, attempting to convert us — something that happens
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition.
Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we'll digress for a moment to the Michigan synagogue and school shooting. Muhammad Ghazley...
- Now we'll digress for a moment to the Michigan synagogue and school shooting.
- truck, a vehicle with which some in this chamber aren't familiar, through the gate at the school and synagogue
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Our devotional exercises will be conducted by Rabbi Ariel Yakov Dana of the Oh Zedak Synagogue in Burlington
- I'm the rabbi and spiritual leader of Havitic synagogue in Burlington.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Federalism and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- You've kind of opened a door to something else, and that would be the guy who drives his truck into a synagogue
- , the largest synagogue in Michigan.
- Well, we've got action taken against a synagogue. We've had actions taken against churches.
- That is extraneous. ...against the synagogue. We've had actions taken against churches.
Committees:
Senate Federalism and Family Law , Senate Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference
Keywords:
constitutional convention, faithless delegates, state delegates, oath of office, class 2 felony, civil penalties, parent-child relationship, termination of parental rights, child welfare, court procedures, abandonment, neglect, reunification services, felony conviction, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- He also noted that, although one testifier mentioned Christian churches, synagogues and other religious
- Representative Bruce Skaug continued: "...our synagogues and other religious services are under attack
- if the bill were limited to houses of worship, it would be relatively clear, covering churches, synagogues
- Representative Joe Alfieri responded that he pictures the situation as a church, synagogue, or other
Committee:
House Judiciary, Rules and Administration
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties, California Jewish Democrats, Beverly Hills Synagogue
- Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties, California Jewish Democrats, Beverly Hills Synagogue
- I'm also active in my synagogue in San Francisco. I had a daughter in public school for 13 years.
- Voice for Peace, International Anti-Zionist Jewish Network, Queers Against Israeli Terrorism, Kahila Synagogue
- Laura Einhorn, a proud Jew, a synagogue member of Temple Beth Shalom, a public school teacher of 15 years
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion.
The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues.
Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Emergency Management Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- addition to the crises and tragedies that you've mentioned, we recently had one in Los Angeles: a synagogue
- Island Liberation Front that decided that it was a good idea to pose as congregants and walk into a synagogue
Committee:
Senate Emergency Management
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- where I think my colleagues started, which is arson is bad and it is bad to target mosques and synagogues
- where I think my colleagues started, which is arson is bad and it is bad to target mosques and synagogues
- and churches and political synagogues and churches and political organizations<00:31:25.320><c> and<
- So having some type of definition, we had a fire in Duluth a number of years ago where a synagogue got
- </c> a number of years ago where a synagogue a number of years ago where a synagogue got<00:42:27.880
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And as many people honestly may not know, when I take my kids to synagogue, I drive up, I have to have
- But when I go to synagogue, it's where I should feel safe. It is where I should feel like I can go.
- But that is the current condition at synagogues here in California.
- And so this bill really starts to address some of what we've seen in some of our more urban synagogues
- Inside a synagogue in Los Angeles, parents couldn't reach their children.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote.
AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns.
AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Education (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- we as Baptists can fight over the carpet and split the church, and I’m hearing that the Jewish synagogues
- we as Baptists can fight over the carpet and split the church, and I’m hearing that the Jewish synagogues
- church and I'm hearing that the the church and I'm hearing that the the Jewish<00:16:15.440><c> synagogues
- have the same issue so Jewish synagogues have the same issue so I'm<00:16:18.079><c> glad</c><00:16:
- She would go quietly from Jewish student to Jewish student to invite them to synagogue.
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 19, which would require a daily moment of silence or reflection in Kentucky public schools and clarify that students may use the time as they choose without coercion or religious direction. The sponsor and supporters, including representatives of the Kentucky Jewish Council, argued the bill is nonsectarian, intended to promote calm and focus, and supported by research and prior bipartisan backing. Opponents from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass said they supported the anti-coercion language but objected to making the moment of silence mandatory rather than permissive, citing concerns about the statute’s interaction with the Lord’s Prayer language already in law. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 19 unanimously with favorable expression.
The committee then considered SB 83, which revises the KEES scholarship program so homeschool and non-certified school students can receive awards using an ACT-to-GPA conversion and be treated more comparably to public school students. The sponsor described the bill as a recurring measure and walked through how the award amounts would be calculated under the substitute. There was no opposition raised during the hearing, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 83 unanimously with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to combat anti-Semitism. The resolution would require campuses to adopt policies using the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, notify students of Title VI and state-law complaint rights, recognize Jewish organizations as community resources on the same basis as other religious organizations, take action against student groups supporting designated terrorist organizations, and collect and report campus anti-Semitism data. The presenters and supporters described a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses after October 7 and said schools have not responded adequately. The committee adopted the substitute and began hearing testimony on the resolution, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on SJR 55.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- I could bring up the Michigan synagogue and school shooting this same year, where private security wouldn
- Northern Virginia, where there are individuals tasked with protecting individuals in mosques and synagogues
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members received introductions of Pastor Ralph S. Hodge of Second Baptist Church in Richmond and students from the 26th District and surrounding areas. The House also adopted House Resolution 2195 honoring Robert Stouffer, with a request that adjournment be in his memory. During personal privilege remarks, members spoke on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights, and another member delivered a lengthy floor speech opposing firearm restrictions and defending self-defense rights.
The chamber then adopted memorial and commending resolutions in blocks, including additional commending resolutions added by the clerk. The main item of business was House Bill 30, the budget, on which the House considered the governor’s 14 amendments. Amendments 3, 4, and 5 were taken up together and adopted, followed by adoption of Amendment 1 on referendum costs, Amendment 2 on Atlantic research support, Amendment 6 expanding REGO utility credit to cooperatives, Amendment 7 clarifying law-enforcement facial covering restrictions, Amendment 8 creating a firefighter cancer screening grant program, Amendment 9 funding a digital services team, Amendment 10 relating to acquisition of Oak Hill Farm, Amendment 11 on data center electricity tax technical changes, Amendment 12 on local sales tax referendum timing, Amendment 13 on paid sick leave, and Amendment 14 on firearms in public areas and delayed enactment.
Most amendments passed by substantial margins, with Amendment 8 adopted unanimously. The House completed work on the calendar and then agreed to a motion to stand in recess pursuant to House Resolution 2069.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (3-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- heads of the Jewish federations of Louisville and Lexington, which represent the collection of synagogues
- /c><00:32:09.840><c> of</c> which represent the collection of which represent the collection of synagogues
- c> temples</c><00:32:10.960><c> in</c><00:32:11.120><c> Louisville</c><00:32:11.679><c> and</c> synagogues
- and temples in Louisville and synagogues and temples in Louisville and in<00:32:12.000><c> Lexington
- </c><00:32:22.080><c> and</c> Kentucky, endorsed by synagogues and Kentucky, endorsed by synagogues and
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 77, which would allow comprehensive universities to pursue doctoral programs under a new approval process and, in the original bill, would also change who may serve on the EPSB board for small colleges and universities. The sponsor and Council on Postsecondary Education representative explained that the committee substitute removed the current statutory prohibition on comprehensive universities offering certain doctoral degrees, but added eligibility guardrails: a 77% first-to-second-year retention rate, a 56% six-year graduation rate, and three months of unrestricted cash reserves. They said the thresholds were based on national data placing institutions in roughly the top quartile, and that CPE would still review proposals for mission fit, workforce need, fiscal impact, and, where applicable, programmatic accreditation and legislative appropriations. EKU President David McFaden supported creating a pathway for comprehensive universities, said Kentucky is unusual in having an explicit statutory prohibition, and urged the committee to keep the standards attainable and durable. The committee approved the bill and adopted a title amendment, with the motion passing unanimously.
The committee then heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, which addresses antisemitism on postsecondary campuses. Senator Tichenor said the resolution responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents after October 7, 2023, and would require campuses to notify students each semester of Title VI rights, complaint procedures, existing harassment policies, and available Jewish student resources. It would also direct campuses to disband student organizations found to provide material support to known terrorist organizations, report such matters to law enforcement, and collect and report antisemitism data to CPE for posting on its website. A guest speaker from the Kentucky Jewish Council described a sharp increase in reported incidents, including harassment, threats, vandalism, and hostile campus activity, and argued that schools have often done too little to respond. He said the resolution was amended to protect free speech while ensuring Jewish students receive the same protections as other protected groups. The transcript ends while testimony on the resolution was still underway, before any committee vote on SJR 55.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- school and then I took our little guy Noah to preschool and he happens to go to preschool at our synagogue
- and as I walked him into our synagogue we walked past three security guards through a metal detector
- California, it would have never crossed my mind that we would have needed a metal detector outside a synagogue
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cameras required in child care centers, HF4277 3/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- reinstating the policy on federal immigration officers entering sensitive areas, like churches, synagogues
- reinstating the policy on federal immigration officers entering sensitive areas, like churches, synagogues
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And as many people honestly may not know, when I take my kids to synagogue, I drive up, I have to have
- But when I go to synagogue, it's where I should feel safe. It is where I should feel like I can go.
- But that is the current condition at synagogues here in California.
- Inside a synagogue in Los Angeles, parents couldn't reach their children.
- Imagine what it means for smaller churches and mosques and synagogues and temples that have far less
Committee:
House Public Safety
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Several weeks ago, one of the latest, we had a man that wanted to drive into a synagogue in the city
- His goal was to destroy the synagogue.
- His goal was to destroy the synagogue.
Bills:
HB146 , HB333 , HB517 , HB828 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB118 , SB125 , SB199 , SB277 , SB294 , SB306
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Keywords:
sports wagering, gambling, elections, local control, revenue generation, inmates, housing, corrections, Department of Public Safety, local jurisdiction, criminal justice, juvenile justice, jury trial, felony offenses, crime of violence, sex offenses, correctional facilities, in-custody deaths, medical oversight, independent investigations