Hashpa’ah is the traditional term for the relationship with a spiritual director or mashpia who offers guidance and teaching
on matters of Jewish faith and practice,
and on a personal relationship with the Divine.
A spiritual director (mashpia) practices holy listening while gently and carefully accompanying you along the journey to go deeper with G!d. Mostly, the mashpia listens and reflects back to you the wisdom of G!d that s/he notices in you, that maybe you can’t see/hear. This is done without judgment and without seeking to solve problems or provide solutions. The mashpia's role is to guide you to discover for yourself where you are being led.
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Spiritual direction is an excellent practice for becoming more aware of G!d’s presence, for savoring the goodness in your life, and for sorting out difficult life situations and choices (discernment). Spiritual direction centers on
G!d, prayer, meditation and the holiness of everyday life.
(amended from the Sacred Space website)
Rabbi Mark Novak •• [email protected]