Rabbi's Blog

Dear Haverim,

We are so honored, each year, when our Congresswoman Katie Porter joins us at services and inspires us to be politically engaged.  She frequently challenges her own party and the GOP, as well as Congress and the media, to focus on essential issues of importance to the life of everyday Americans.

“Katie,” as so many call her, is so impressive because she’s a serious intellectual, with a detailed knowledge of law, policy and American history, which, sadly, can often not be said about many elected officials.

We’ll have the great opportunity to ask Rep. Porter about political polarization, the future of democracy, anti-Semitism, Israel and the Middle East and so many other issues. 

She’s a fighter for our district and a feared questioner at Congressional hearings, when she displays both her intimidating “white board,” as well as her fierce wit.

As a former professor of law at UCI and a lifelong consumer advocate, Rep. Porter was well prepared to serve in Congress from her first day in office, and University Synagogue was so proud to be the venue for her first “Town Hall Meeting” shortly after taking her oath of office.

Rep. Porter, who represents California’s 47th Congressional District in Orange County, is a member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, and a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, where she works to protect our beaches and public lands, elevate science-based solutions to the climate crisis, and keep Orange County families safe from wildfires. Rep. Porter also chairs the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, where she leads efforts to hold polluters accountable.

As a single working mom, she knows firsthand the challenges that families face and she’s introduced bipartisan legislation that would more than double the amount families can set aside pre-tax to help pay for preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or adult daycare. In Congress, she’s a key voice for ending political corruption, increasing government transparency, and holding leaders of both parties accountable. She’s matched her commitment to transparency with concrete action by hosting regular town halls and publicly posting a list of meetings she takes. 

Rep. Porter’s energy, optimism, humor, and incredible command of the issues will make this Shabbat a most rewarding experience.  Here’s some advice:  Arrive early!  There’s always a crowd.

So, please join us for this Friday’s 6:00 p.m. Shabbat dinner, and 7:00 p.m. “Shabbat Alive” services with our band, followed by Rep. Katie Porter (RSVP here).

Shavua Tov/Have a thoughtful week,

Rabbi Arnie Rachlis