Born: 1970 (St. Louis, Missouri)
Biography:
Sandra Lawson (born 1970) is a trailblazing figure in the field of Judaism and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the first openly gay, female, and black rabbi in the world, Lawson has shattered barriers and made significant contributions to both the Jewish community and society as a whole.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Sandra Lawson grew up in a military family that did not practice Christianity. This unique upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline and a deep respect for diversity. Lawson’s passion for social justice and equality led her to pursue a degree in sociology at Saint Leo University in Florida, where she graduated magna cum laude.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Lawson enlisted in the U.S. Army, where she served in military law enforcement, focusing on cases of child abuse and domestic violence. During her time in the army, she had the courage to come out as a lesbian, embracing her true identity and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Following her honorable discharge from the military, Lawson established a personal training business. It was through one of her clients, Rabbi Joshua Lesser, that she discovered Judaism and found solace and inspiration in the teachings of the faith. Deeply moved by Rabbi Lesser’s synagogue, Lawson made the life-altering decision to convert to Judaism in 2004.
Driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of Judaism and make a positive impact, Lawson pursued a master’s degree in sociology from Clark Atlanta University before attending the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. In 2011, she made history as the first African-American and openly gay African-American to be accepted into the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College.
Lawson’s ordination as a rabbi in 2018 marked a groundbreaking moment for both the Jewish community and the LGBTQ+ community. Her unique intersectional identity and her advocacy for inclusivity have inspired countless individuals and challenged traditional notions of what a rabbi can be. That same year, she began serving as the Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life at Elon University, where she made a significant impact on the campus community.
In 2021, Sandra Lawson embarked on a new chapter in her career as she assumed the role of the first Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism. In this position, she has been instrumental in promoting racial equality within the Jewish community and creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.
Beyond her official roles, Rabbi Sandra Lawson has been acclaimed for her innovative approach to teaching Judaism. She has conducted Friday night services at Arnold’s Way, a vegan cafe and health store near Philadelphia, blending her passion for spirituality with her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle.
Lawson has also embraced the power of social media to reach and educate a wider audience. Known as Snapchat’s Top Rabbi and the Best TikTok Rabbi, she has utilized platforms like Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok to share her teachings and engage with people from all walks of life. Her influential presence on social media has been recognized by both the Jewish community and mainstream media outlets alike.
In recognition of her impactful work, Sandra Lawson has received numerous accolades and acknowledgments. She was named one of The 50 Jews everyone should follow on Twitter by the JTA in 2019 and was included in The Forward 50 in 2020: The people we (mostly) needed in the year we (definitely) didn’t. Furthermore, the Center for American Progress (CAP) identified Lawson as one of 22 Faith Leaders to watch in 2022, highlighting her influence and potential to effect positive change.
Motivated by her deep-rooted belief in social justice and her commitment to equality, Rabbi Sandra Lawson continues to inspire countless individuals with her unwavering dedication to inclusivity within the Jewish community and beyond. Her pioneering spirit and tireless efforts have truly shaped women’s history and left an indelible mark on society.