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Somewhere around July of 2024, I received a strange phone call. An actual Rabbi was on the other end of my phone, asking if I would consider contract CPE work at AJRCA. As I listened to Rabbi Hoffman share about the life and growth of the CPE program, I became excited about the possibility of leading a group of future Rabbis, Cantors, and Chaplains into deeper self-awareness through the clinical method of learning (action - reflection - new action). I was curious about exploring the undertones of the ancestral connections common to our faith perspectives, while exploring ways to translate and transliterate our unique worldviews into the work of offering spiritual and emotional support to those in need. I was excited about many things, and I came with a Hallelujah in my heart.
I was not so excited about the great unknown that I was about to walk into. The complexities of a past I had nothing to do with, along with the amazing possibilities of continuing a legacy set in motion by a respected colleague. Upon reflection, those feelings were reminiscent of my experience of moving to Perth, Australia, to offer CPE at Royal Perth Hospital. I had so many curiosities and wonderings, and a bit of fear.
When I arrived at my first residency experience, I began looking for common ground. Spaces where we have walked similar, parallel, and intersecting paths. I observed the gathering of old friends and the introduction of new ones. I was welcomed by the Elders and embraced with a cautious curiosity by the students. The change that was ‘promised’ had arrived, and behold, she is African American and a Jesus Follower - Oy vey!
Then the music started, and my body and soul naturally fell into step with the rhythm......
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