Rabbi Andrea London to be Recognized for Social Justice Work

Avodah, a national Jewish organization that believes Jewish leaders have the power to help change our country for the better, has chosen Rabbi Andrea London of Evanston's Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, as a 2019 Partner in Justice. Avodah’s 2019 Partners in Justice Dinner will take place Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Café Brauer (2021 North Stockton Drive, Chicago).

"Rabbi London is a spiritual and practical leader in today’s struggles against racism, Antisemitism and Islamophobia, and for worker rights. She is a pillar of the Evanston religious and activist community, and an Avodah enthusiast," said Benetta Mansfield, Avodah national board chair.

Social justice activism is an integral part of Rabbi London’s rabbinate. She has led several social action trips, including two congregational volunteer trips to hurricane-devastated areas on the Gulf Coast; two interfaith teen trips to historic civil rights sites both in Chicago and in the south; and last year, accompanied teens on a U.S.-Mexico Immersion Experience. Rabbi London has also worked to build bridges between Chicago-area Jews, Christians, and Muslims. She chairs the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs’ Jewish-Muslim Community-Building Initiative that works with the Muslim community to build relationships and understanding and to stand up for each other when our communities face discrimination, threats, intimidation and acts of physical violence.

Rabbi London was also integral in making Evanston a Sanctuary City with the Evanston Interfaith Clergy Leaders (EICL). She is also a frequent collaborator with Second Baptist Church and Grace Lutheran Church on interfaith projects—including a trip to Israel planned for this fall with members from each congregation.

Avodah’s 2019 Partner in Justice Dinner will also be honoring preeminent political strategist, David Axelrod, and Director of HIAS Immigration and Citizenship, Jessica Schaffer. Learn more at bethemet.org.