Creating Jewish Liturgy for Juneteenth

May 11 & 18, 2023, 12:00–1:30 p.m. EST

Join us for a two-part workshop inviting people of all backgrounds, but specifically Black (and Jewish) individuals and allies, to give voice to the significance of Juneteenth through writing. In the first session, we will spend time working in havruta (in pairs) or alone to create prayers, poems, liturgy, or songs that engage meaningfully with the day. In the second session, we will come together to share our final pieces and reflect on the process of writing for Juneteenth.

This workshop is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the liberation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, and to give voice to the experiences and perspectives of Black individuals. All levels of writing experience are welcome. We hope you will join us in this meaningful and creative exploration of Juneteenth.

Rabbi Sandra Lawson (she/her) is the Inaugural Director of Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism and one of the first African American, queer, female rabbis. In 2020, the Forward named Lawson to its “Forward 50,” proclaiming her a “truth teller.” Prior to joining Reconstructing Judaism, Lawson served as the Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life and the Senior Jewish Educator at Hillel at Elon University in North Carolina. She is also the founder of Kol Hapanim – All Faces – an inclusive Jewish community that is relevant, accessible, and rooted in tradition, where all who come are welcomed, and diversity is embraced. She has also served as the investigative researcher for the Anti-Defamation League’s Southeast Region, becoming the go-to person when law enforcement in the South needed information on hate groups. Lawson lives in North Carolina with her wife Susan and three “fur babies”: Izzy, Bridget and Simon.

The sessions will be recorded and sent to participants. We encourage live attendance for you to get the most out of the experience.

We are happy to offer these two sessions for free. A suggested $36 donation has been added to the ticket. If you are unable to donate, you may remove that suggested amount from the ticket. Please consider donating if you’re able, to help us continue to offer free programs like this one.