Thoughts on Beth Israel in Jackson, MS

Originally Posted January 16, 2026

In November 1967, the Ku Klux Klan placed a bomb at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, MS. They targeted the synagogue because its rabbi, Perry Nussbaum who had served the congregation since 1954 had been deeply involved in the civil rights movement, supporting black churches, marching with Dr. King and others, and had personally made weekly trips to check on individuals who were imprisoned some distance from Jackson for their roles in the struggle for civil rights. Later, Rabbi Nussbaum’s home was also bombed by the Klan. Fortunately, though he and his wife were home at the time, they were uninjured and nobody was injured at the synagogue bombing either. However, there was extensive damage to both structures. The community at large came out to offer assistance to the Jewish congregation and the building was repaired. 

Though they were not tried specifically for the arson at Beth Israel, the perpetrators were caught in the act of attempting to bomb the home of a Jewish leader in Meridian. Thomas A. Tarrants III who was involved in multiple bombings at the time including at the Temple was arrested and convicted of arson and sent to the State Penitentiary for a 30-year sentence. While in prison, he renounced the Klan and later became a minister and author. His accomplice, Kathy Ainsworth, was killed in the shootout in Meridian.

           Memories of those events from nearly 60 years ago were rekindled last week when once again Beth Israel was attacked early on Saturday morning of January 10th. The synagogue library and the administrative offices were engulfed in fire. Two Torah scrolls were destroyed and others were damaged as well. A Holocaust Torah on display in a glass case, however, survived the blaze. A 19-year-old, Stephen Pittman, was arrested after arriving at a local hospital with burn injuries. He confessed to the crime to the FBI, saying that he did it because of the synagogue’s “Jewish ties.” He called it the “synagogue of Satan.” He was charged with first degree arson enhanced by hate crime charges as well as federal charges of arson and faces up to 60 years in prison.

           Once again, the Jackson community has responded strongly in support of the congregation which has a history going back to its founding in 1860.. The mayor of Jackson, John Hohrn, who took office last summer and has been active in the Civil Rights Museum legislation, strongly condemned the arson as an act of antisemitism and religious hatred. He said that he considered this an act of terror against residents’ safety and freedom to worship. Local churches in Jackson immediately offered their sanctuaries for Shabbat services.  The Northminster Baptist church has offered its sanctuary as long as it is needed. The Mississippi Children’s Museum is providing space for the Sunday school classes to continue. While the extent of the damage is being assessed, the congregation has declared their plans to rebuild once more. It may take more than a year before they are able to reopen however.

The Jewish Federations of North America have set up a central address to transfer funds directly into Beth Israel’s relief fund. If you wish to help you can send your contributions to JFNA. Make checks payable to “Jewish Federations of North America” and in the memo line note: “Beth Israel Jackson MS Rebuilding Fund.” Mail checks to: Jewish Federations of North America

Attn: Beth Israel Jackson, MS Rebuilding Fund

25 Broadway, Suite 1799

New York, NY 10004-1010

Or this link will take you to their website for an online donation:

https://pci.jotform.com/form/260106539018957

They do request if you are paying by credit card to please add the 3% fee that they are charged so that your funds will go entirely to the congregation.

           While this second fire at Beth Israel brings back vivid memories of that turbulent era of Southern racism: the bombings, the murders, the lynchings, it once again reminds us of the scourge of antisemitism that has broken out to an increased degree around the country and the world in the past few years. It is also a reminder of the solidarity both then and now by neighbors and other people of good will to support the Jewish community, to provide a temporary home for the congregation, and to stand with them against all forms of bigotry, racism, and antisemitism.

           We offer our prayers for healing and, if you are able, we encourage your support of the rebuilding efforts.  

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Edward Friedman