What are “Spiritual Office Hours”?

Spiritual Office Hours offers you an opportunity to explore a particular question that is connected to what is happening in the Jewish calendar, the cycle of Torah portions, or pressing needs facing the Jewish community.  Each of us may relate to the question in a different way, but Spiritual Office Hours invites the SVIVAH community to reflect together and individually at the same time. It begins a conversation for all of us to consider what is sitting heavy on our hearts and to open ourselves up to a new perspective.  Spiritual Office Hours carves out a space for us to compassionately support one another as we introspect, reflect, and grow from the connections we make in the process. Join us as we consider a different “Core Question” with each new cycle of Spiritual Office Hours. 

What is the Core Question: שאלת ליבה? She’elat liba?

The Hebrew phrase for ”core question” is שאלת ליבה she’elat liba.  Liba also means heart, and the core questions we explore for Spiritual Office Hours invite you to listen closely to what are the expressions of your heart.  Each new cycle of Spiritual Office Hours will include a new Core Question that feels deeply relevant at that given moment.  These questions are invitations for you to pause, introspect, share if you would like, and engage in self care and personal growth. They are for you to use in the way that is most nourishing to your soul and they offer you the opportunity to experience challenge, wonder, new discoveries, and inspiration. 

How do “Spiritual Office Hours” work?

There are four pathways to engage with Spiritual Office Hours:

  1. Personal appointments with Chaplains/Clergy: A diverse group of chaplains and clergy are available for 20 minute conversations during a scheduled block of time. You can register for a time slot and meet with these spiritual guides over Zoom. This time is crafted in order to allow you to discuss their response to the  question. These meetings allow you to share openly with compassionate professionals who are there to listen, reflect, and suggest possible new ways to consider life challenges. 

  2. Join the online conversation on social media: The central question for each cycle of Spiritual Office Hours will be posted on SVIVAH’s social media outlets and you are invited to respond, interact with one another and support each other as we grapple with the feelings that arise during the digital conversation. Consider joining SVIVAH’s private Facebook group here.

  3. Share your response to the question on SVIVAH’s padlet: For those who prefer to engage anonymously or to do so in a more private space, a padlet will be created for each question. You are invited to post your replies and to offer supportive comments to one another. 

  4. Hitbodedut/ Reflecting in Solitude: For those who prefer to reflect on their own, considering the question as they meditate, journal, or walk in nature. This method invites you to join in the communal experience of considering what is weighing on your heart, while doing this exploration in the way that is most comfortable and nurturing for you. 

Frequently asked questions?

  • Can I try different methods of engagement each time? Absolutely! You are welcome to try all of them all at once, or try a different one each time. If you find one suits you best, feel free to stick with that one for as long as you like. 

  • Who would I speak to if I signed up for a personal appointment?  The Jewish chaplains and clergy on the Spiritual Office Hour calls are trained spiritual guides from diverse Jewish backgrounds who are there to listen and hold you as you explore your answer to the given question. 

  • Are Spiritual Office Hours like therapy? Though there are some similarities in that you have the opportunity to speak with someone who really knows how to listen, Spiritual Office Hours is not therapy. Spiritual Office Hours is an opportunity to have a personal space to reflect upon the Core Question, and share anything that is weighing on your heart within that framework.  Whereas in therapy you may build an ongoing relationship with your therapist, the chaplain or clergy you speak to is a guide that appears in your life just for that call, listens intently, shares thoughts and suggests reframing, and then wishes you well as you continue your journey.  

  • How often are Spiritual Office Hours?  Since Spiritual Office Hours are designed to respond to needs of our community which are ever changing, there is not an exact formula for how often we offer this program. Spiritual Office Hours will meet roughly once a month, and will often occur near Jewish holidays or other times of year that may evoke heightened emotions. 

  • Is there a cost for this program? There is no charge to participate, but donations to SVIVAH are most welcome. Consider making a donation to SVIVAH here in honor of your chaplain/clergy. Thank you for supporting this work.

    More questions?

    Reach out to Rabbanit Dalia Davis, Director of Pastoral Education here.