Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is a process wherein an individual, or group of people, meets at regular intervals (often once per month) with a spiritual director for the purpose of exploring and cultivating a relationship with God. This process is not about being “directed”; rather it encourages the growth of awareness of holiness in the joyful, the painful, and the ordinary moments of life. Additionally, Spiritual Direction is a place to take questions, doubts, and struggles with God. The director acts as a companion and witness, helping the directee discern her/his own unique experiences of God’s presence. Spiritual Direction is not psychotherapy. The focus of the process is in opening to the Divine in one’s life, rather than problem-solving or facing unresolved psychological issues. Spiritual Direction can be time set aside for deep, personal communion with one’s own spiritual longings and inclinations, and for directing one’s attention to the Sacred in others, in the planet, and in oneself.

Pre-registration is required for all spiritual direction programs. To pre-register, please call (510) 704-9687
or email frontdesk@chochmat.org.

Individual Spiritual Direction with Laura Goldman

Each member of Chochmat HaLev is eligible for one free 1-hour individual session of Spiritual Direction per year. In individual Spiritual Direction, the time is devoted to contemplatively exploring and discerning the movement of God in your life right now. Through conversation, prayer, and silence we reflect on your personal spiritual journey with the intention of opening and deepening. Subsequent individual sessions are available for a fee.

To schedule an individual session of Spiritual Direction, contact Laura Goldman at (510) 528-1835.

Your Spritual Direction Facilitators

Estelle Frankel

Estelle Frankel is a practicing psychotherapist,and spiritual teacher who blends the healing wisdom and practices of the Kabbalah with depth psychology. She is an ordained Rabbinic Pastor (Mashpiah-Maggidah) and the author of Sacred Therapy: Jewish Spiritual Teachings on Emotional Healing & Inner Wholeness.

Laura Goldman

Laura Goldman is a practicing psychotherapist and spiritual director. She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and leader of contemplative worship at Chochmat HaLev.