Episode 5: Racism in the Jewish Community

Imagine you’re an African American Jew-by-choice and made the monumental decision to go to rabbinical school. A fellow synagogue board member says, “wow, you’re more Jewish than the Jews.” Throughout rabbinical school, the first thing you’re asked when you enter Jewish space is “how can you be Jewish?” or “when did you convert?” And then after starting your first job as a campus rabbi, a parent asks if you’re really ordained. In this episode, Rabbi Sandra Lawson shares her personal experiences like these. She seeks to push white Jews to face their assumptions and confront racism within themselves, racism that may not be malicious in intent but is inherited from the world around. Her hopes are for the Jewish people to live up to our highest ideals.

Theme song, “Ilu Finu” by Rabbi Miriam Margles. Her album This is the Day is available for purchase at CDBaby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/miriammarglesandthehadarensemb

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This podcast is produced by Reconstructing Judaism. Visit us at ReconstructingJudaism.org. Special Guest: Rabbi Sandra Lawson. Support Evolve Links:Racism in the Jewish Community - Evolve essaySandra Lawson, black lesbian vegan rabbinical student, hopes to redefine where Judaism happens - Jewish Telegraphic AgencyRabbi Meets Jews Where They Are Today - Jewish ExponentBreaking with tradition, rabbinical student does Shabbat service Arnold's WayRabbi Lawson Says Hineni | New VoicesA Personal Trainer, Vegan and Sociologist Walk into a Synagogue — Oh Wait, that’s just Sandra LawsonThe Snapchat Rabbi - Sandra Lawson — Judaism Unbound podcast, Episode 34Elon University / Sandra LawsonRabbi Sandra Lawson homepageBarefoot, Bluegrass and Blues on the Porch - YouTube