Rabbi Sandra Lawson
Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ)
Rabbi Sandra Lawson
Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ)
Biography
Rabbi Sandra Lawson is a nationally recognized leader, visionary strategist, and community builder working at the intersection of Judaism, justice, and community transformation. As the Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice (CJJ), she brings her passion for equity, her commitment to grassroots organizing, and her visionary leadership to Jewish communities across North Carolina. Under her leadership, CJJ is expanding its reach and deepening its impact in North Carolina.
As one of the first African American, queer, female rabbis, Rabbi Lawson brings a powerful and unique perspective to conversations about identity, inclusion, justice, and faith. A veteran of the U.S. Army, sociologist, and rabbi, she has spent her career lifting up marginalized voices, building bridges across differences, and helping communities live out their deepest values.
A 2018 Reconstructionist Rabbinical College graduate, Rabbi Lawson is a nationally recognized thought leader who has consciously worked to transform perceptions of what a rabbi — and the rabbinate — looks like. She is known for tackling difficult questions surrounding Jews and race, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and social justice through her writing, podcasts, essays, media appearances and keynote speeches.
Previously, she served as the inaugural Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism and as Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life at Hillel at Elon University. Rabbi Lawson also founded Kol Hapanim – All Faces – an inclusive Jewish community where diversity is embraced.
A social media pioneer, Rabbi Lawson models what it means to teach Torah and build community in digital spaces, building a following of more than 100,000 people across multiple platforms. In 2020, the Forward named Rabbi Lawson to its “Forward 50,” proclaiming her a “truth-teller.” In 2022, the Center for American Progress named her one of 22 Faith Leaders To Watch.
Rabbi Lawson's diverse background includes service in the U.S. Army as a Military Police investigator specializing in child abuse and domestic violence cases, and later work as an investigative researcher for the Anti-Defamation League's Southeast Region, where she became a trusted resource for law enforcement seeking information on hate groups.
Drawing on her experiences across faith leadership, social justice advocacy, and community organizing, Rabbi Lawson speaks with universities, faith communities and organizations about identity, belonging, racial justice and building more inclusive communities. Her work invites audiences to engage difficult conversations with empathy, courage and a commitment to collective responsibility. Rabbi Lawson works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.
Born in St. Louis and raised in a military family, she holds a graduate degree in Sociology from Clark Atlanta University, a Master of Hebrew Letters (MHL) and rabbinic ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School. Rabbi Lawson lives in North Carolina with her wife, Susan, and three “fur babies”: Bridget, Simon and Stella.
Speaker Videos
My Story of Becoming Jewish
Black, Jewish & Queer: Navigating Judaism with Multiple Identities
Speech Topics
Embracing Genuine Connection in a Polarized World: Empowering the Next Generation
In a time defined by political division, global conflict, and constant digital discourse, young people are growing up in a world where conversations about identity, justice, and belonging unfold in real time online and in their communities. In this timely and hopeful keynote, Rabbi Sandra Lawson explores how the next generation can lead with empathy, authenticity, and courage in an increasingly polarized world. Drawing from spiritual teachings and the idea that “words that come from the heart enter the heart,” Rabbi Lawson shows how intentional listening and honest communication can transform disagreement into deeper understanding. She speaks directly to the pressures facing today’s students who want to make a difference while navigating complex social conversations and digital spaces. Through thoughtful stories and practical tools, Rabbi Lawson equips audiences to engage across differences, uncover shared values, and build stronger communities rooted in respect and connection.
Audiences will learn:
- How young people can lead meaningful dialogue in an age of polarization and social media.
- Practical tools for engaging across differences with empathy, curiosity, and authenticity.
- How discovering shared values can strengthen relationships and build healthier communities.
Beyond the Synagogue: My Journey to Judaism & Reimagining Jewish Leadership
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking keynote, Rabbi Sandra Lawson shares the remarkable journey that led her to Judaism and how that journey shaped her vision for Jewish leadership today. Raised in a non-religious military family and later serving in the United States Army, Rabbi Lawson’s path to faith began with curiosity and personal exploration, ultimately leading to her conversion to Judaism in 2004. As someone who often felt outside the traditional boundaries of Jewish spaces, Rabbi Lawson came to understand how many people yearn for connection to Jewish life but do not always see themselves reflected in existing institutions. Her experience helped shape a new model of rabbinic leadership rooted in accessibility, creativity, and community. Through technology, music, prayer, and meaningful conversation, Rabbi Lawson creates sacred spaces that extend beyond the walls of synagogues and into the places where people actually live their lives. Blending personal storytelling with insight into the evolving landscape of Jewish community, this keynote explores what it means to meet people where they are and build belonging in new ways.
Audiences will learn:
- How Rabbi Lawson’s personal journey to Judaism shaped her approach to faith, leadership, and community.
- Why many people seek connection to Jewish life beyond traditional institutional models.
- Innovative ways spiritual leaders and communities can create meaningful engagement and belonging today.
Intersectionality in Action: Navigating Faith, Identity & Belonging
In this powerful and deeply personal keynote, Rabbi Sandra Lawson explores how intersecting identities shape the way we experience faith, community, and belonging. As a Black, Jewish, and queer rabbi, Rabbi Lawson shares how embracing the fullness of one’s identity can become a powerful tool for connection and bridge-building across communities. Drawing from her work as a 21st-century rabbinic leader—from conversations in nursing homes and cafés to engaging audiences across digital platforms—Rabbi Lawson demonstrates how intersectionality can deepen empathy, expand understanding, and strengthen community ties. Through storytelling and reflection, she invites audiences to consider how identity can be a source of strength rather than division. This keynote encourages participants to recognize the richness that diverse lived experiences bring to conversations about faith, leadership, and community.
Audiences will learn:
- How intersectionality shapes personal identity, leadership, and community engagement.
- Why embracing multiple identities can strengthen understanding and bridge divides.
- Practical ways individuals and organizations can foster belonging across differences.
Testimonials
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