American Jews are taking a hard look at racism in their midst
The challenge for white American Jews is to understand that they can be both targets of white supremacy and also accomplices. Rabbi Sandra Lawson, right, dances with others during Reconstructing Judaism s 2018 Convention in Philadelphia in Nov. 2018 the year she was ordained. Photo by Jordan Cassway
February 12, 2021
The boards of both synagogues were enthusiastic about hiring her.
But when they presented Lawson to the entire congregation, the membership backed down, acknowledging that while she was obviously qualified, they were not ready for a Black rabbi.
Lawson now wants to make sure other Black rabbis, and Jews of color generally, don’t have the same painful experience.