Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

In a striking blend of tradition and innovation, Kol HaLev, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Baltimore, distinguishes itself through its embrace of Hashpa'ah, a program for training Jewish spiritual directors known as mashpi'im. Rabbi Emily Stern, leading the congregation, and Shira Karrus, a dedicated congregant, are at the forefront of this spiritual journey, both participating in the ALEPH Ordination Program's training to become mashpi'im. This initiative marks a significant step towards deepening the spiritual connections within their community.

Rabbi Stern's venture into becoming a mashpiah was inspired by her desire to enhance her rabbinical role through a more intimate involvement in her congregants' spiritual lives. The three-year Hashpa'ah training program, facilitated by ALEPH, aims at equipping candidates with the skills needed for spiritual counseling and interpreting sacred texts through a spiritual lens. Stern's approach to spiritual direction emphasizes group work and discussion, fostering a community-centric environment for spiritual exploration.

One of the core tenets of Kol HaLev's Hashpa'ah sessions under Stern's guidance is the practice of deep listening and the art of asking profound questions without immediately offering solutions. This method has proven to be particularly resonant for those who identify as spiritual but not strictly religious, providing a space for reflection and connection free from judgment. Stern and her participants find value in silence and the process of collectively seeking spiritual clarity.

Shira Karrus, motivated by her experiences in the Hashpa'ah sessions at Kol HaLev, has also embarked on the path to becoming a mashpiah through ALEPH's training program. Her aspiration is to facilitate others' spiritual development and help them align more closely with their truest selves. Both Stern and Karrus envision their roles as mashpi'im as integral to nurturing a more conscious and connected community, contributing to a broader vision of healing and transformation.

As Kol HaLev continues to pioneer this spiritual direction initiative, the efforts of Rabbi Stern and Shira Karrus underscore the synagogue's commitment to fostering deep, meaningful connections among its members. Through their dedication to Hashpa'ah, they are not only shaping a distinctive spiritual landscape within their congregation but also contributing to a larger dialogue about the role of spirituality in contemporary Jewish life. Their journey invites reflection on how spiritual companionship can serve as a catalyst for personal and communal growth, offering insights into the potential for spirituality to inspire change one person at a time.

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Kol HaLev Synagogue Embraces Spiritual Direction, Rabbi and Congregant Pursue Hashpa'ah Training - BNN Breaking

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