Lauren Henderson

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Rabbi Lauren Henderson arrived in Chicago in June 2016 on a two-year fellowship, but her imprint on the local Jewish community has been so indelible that Mishkan Chicago found a way to keep her around.

In the past two years, Lauren has deepened and enriched Mishkan's community partnerships, especially in the areas of social justice. She facilitated Mishkan's work with HIAS Chicago to help community members resettle two refugee families, partnered with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs to organize justice education Shabbat dinners and oversees Mishkan's relationship with the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.

Lauren's leadership also plays out on drastically different scales. On one hand she's a leader in Chicago interfaith coalitions focused on unifying to make positive change, including ONE Northside and Protected by Faith, but on the other facilitates a weekly meditation group and co-created Mishkan's first meditation retreat.

AGE:
30

PRIMARY GIG:
Rabbi-ing

ON THE SIDE:
Baking pies, running half marathons (did the Chicago full marathon last year -- never again...)

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Got hitched on June 24 to the fabulous Joel Dworkin

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Always learning, trying to open up to whatever comes my way

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Rabbi Shai Held, who's able to hold a capaciousness of spirit amidst joy and struggle and also maintain a clarity of moral voice and vision for America.

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and bring in friends and mentors who have taught me along the way at different stages of the hike.