Amid threats to the separation of Church and State, rising Christian Nationalism, and the erosion of American democracy, clarity on the role of religion and religious voices in politics is more important than ever. In this timely conversation, Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, will pull back the curtain on the organized movement behind Christian Nationalism and what’s at stake for our democracy.

Rachel will share the important role Americans United has played for nearly 80 years defending core constitutional principles and provide insight into the current attempts to undermine civil rights. She will guide us in the role each of us can play in strengthening our First Amendment freedoms and democracy. Following her talk, Temple Isaiah will provide in-person small group conversations on the ideas presented by our speaker.

Please try to join us in person to give Rachel Laser a warm welcome to Isaiah. You can register using the buttons above to attend in person or to receive the livestream link. Please note that online viewers will be unable to participate in small group conversations.

What is Isaiah Speaks?

Our synagogue’s namesake, the prophet Isaiah, was not one to shy away from the most central and difficult questions of the day – and neither do we today. Isaiah Speaks is a speaker series at Temple Isaiah featuring subject-matter experts and opinion-makers who will help us navigate today’s most relevant issues, all in the safe setting of our community. Utilizing the lens of our Jewish wisdom and tradition, Isaiah Speaks will help us better understand and respond to today’s most controversial concerns. At Isaiah, we do not shy away from difficult questions; instead, we embrace the fact that our community is exactly the place where rigorous, respectful, and thoughtful discussion and debate are celebrated, and where we can translate Jewish values into action and repair. Isaiah Speaks programs are open to all, regardless of religious identification or political affiliation.

About Rachel Laser

Rachel Laser is the President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State – the first non-Christian and female leader in the organization’s 78-year history. Rachel is a lawyer, advocate, and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive.



A Reform Jew, Rachel previously served as the deputy director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (the RAC) and as senior counsel at the National Women’s Law Center. Her advocacy and teaching transcend lines of difference to support reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and equal opportunity for all.

In 2025, Rachel was appointed by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent, bipartisan federal government commission established to monitor, analyze, and report on threats to religious freedom abroad.

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