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 “May Your ears be attentive to the voice of all my supplications”

תִּהְיֶינָה אָזְנֶיךָ, קַשֻּׁבוֹת לְקוֹל תַּחֲנוּנָי

Kashouvot, inspired by these words from Psalms 150, is about the healing power of listening. We are a pioneering force in establishing the spiritual care field in Israel and a leading advocate for professional standards and high-quality care. We believe all people facing loss, illness and death deserve to be listened to by a compassionate person trained to be able to see all people as unique and infinitely valuable manifestations of the Divine.

In 2019 Kashouvot merged with the Schwartz Center for Health and Spirituality, the leading Israeli spiritual care education organization. Now, as the largest spiritual care training center in Israel, Kashouvot offers year-long programs in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) for those seeking professional certification as spiritual caregivers, as well as workshops and programs for medical professionals to familiarize them with the basic principles of spiritual care.

Kashouvot’s professional staff of spiritual caregivers and the caregivers-in-training provide spiritual support, counseling and companionship for individuals of any faith and for their families, in hospital, hospice, palliative care, retirement home or private settings. Led by Rabbi Valerie Stessin, the first woman ordained in Israel by the Conservative movement and a pioneer in founding the spiritual care field here, our team helps people to cope with the transitions of aging, illness, death and grief as well as identifying areas of joy and growth. People facing these challenges want to explore the meaning of their lives and need some guidance on their journeys. We make Jewish sources, traditions and messages more accessible and creative for people who feel far away from these sources of strength. As spiritual caregivers, we focus on “Refuat hanefesh”, healing of the spirit. Our caregivers honor each person’s unique beliefs, culture and inner resources.

On this site you will find information about our projects in spiritual care, the educational and pastoral services we offer for groups and individuals.

“Kashouvot – the Center for Spiritual Care in Israel” mourns the death of over 1,400 civilians and soldiers murdered by Hamas terrorists, and our hearts reach out to the many hundreds kidnapped, missing and injured from the battles of 7 October and since. We pray for the welfare, both physical and spiritual, of all of the defenders of Israel who are courageously defending our borders. We hope that we will see the speedy rebuilding of all of the communities that are presently in ruins.

 

And what about the terror? The paralyzing fears? The terrible memories and nightmares?

Entire communities are presently dealing with a terrible and intense sense of loss… personally for the murder of family and friends, also for the loss of physical homes, and also the sense of loss of both personal and community safety. Kashouvot will continue to fulfill its mission: to provide comfort in chaplaincy and spiritual support. More urgently than ever, Kashouvot – the Center for Spiritual Care in Israel  – provides chaplains with the knowledge and professional skills and the broad hearts and souls who can be available in this terrible time for all who need us.

We thank you in advance for helping us provide this service to all Israeli citizens.