Rabbi Naomi Kalish Attends NAJC Conference
June 10, 2026
Rabbi Naomi Kalish, Harold and Carole Wolfe Director of the Center for Pastoral Education and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Education, recently attended the Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) annual conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. The four-day gathering centered on the theme “Finding Strength, Courage, and Healing in the Wilderness” and brought together chaplains and spiritual care professionals from across the country.
Rabbi Kalish, who is a past president of NAJC, presented a session titled “The Story of Hagar and Meeting People in the Wilderness.” She explored the biblical narrative of Hagar and examined the ways Torah study and theological reflection can inform and enrich the practice of chaplaincy and spiritual care.
JTS was well represented throughout the conference. Rabbi Lynn Liberman, a JTS alumna, presided over the event in her new role as president of NAJC. Another JTS alum, Rabbi Ed Bernstein, was honored with the Ner Tamid Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership in chaplaincy and a “commitment to bringing light, hope, and healing to others.” The conference was also attended by four graduates of the MA in Spiritual Care and Counseling program, one current student, and numerous alumni from JTS’s Division of Religious Leadership.
JTS also extends mazal tov to Rabbi Hector Epelbaum, who was honored with the Rabbi Dr. Barry and Anita Kinzbrunner Award. Rabbi Epelbaum is a graduate of Seminario Latinoamericano, a Conservative/Masorti seminary based in Argentina.
The conference provided a meaningful opportunity for chaplains to learn together, share experiences, and strengthen their professional and spiritual communities. It was an inspiring gathering that fostered connection, support, and renewed purpose among colleagues dedicated to caring for others.
