Episode 62: Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman on Dismantling Racism
Description
“Dismantling Racism from the Inside Out.” The idea is deceptively simple and strongly rooted in Jewish tradition. To change society, individuals must first address their own attitudes, biases and inner lives. Easy to say, much harder to carry out. With funding from the Wabash Center, Rabbi Sandra Lawson and Rabbi Alex Weissman decided to try this approach at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, which is committed to anti-racism. Working with faculty, Lawson and Weissman led a year-long process grounded in mussar (Jewish ethical practice.) The work was set to begin in earnest on Oct. 17, 2023. In this episode, Weissman and Lawson talk about how the attacks of Oct. 7 and subsequent war cast a shadow over the project but ultimately led to some important insights about how racism has impact Jewish institutions. They also address why, in an age of skyrocketing antisemitism, it’s as important as ever for Jewish communities to address racism.
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 Guests: Rabbi Alex Weissman and Rabbi Sandra Lawson.
Links:
- Sign up for Evolve's free newsletter to stay up to date on the latest essays, videos and podcasts
- Read Bryan's story about Dismantling Racism From the Inside Out at RRC
- Learn more about the Wabash center
- Learn more about the Dismantling Racism curiculum
- "MLK and the Power of Community" by Rabbi Sandra
- Read Bryan's recent piece, "What MLK’s Friendship with Stanley Levinson Can Teach Us Today"
- Register for Reconstructing Judaism's "Reparations in Action" event on 2/2
- Register for Ritualwell's "Writing Disability Torah" event on 2/18
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