Grief, Loss, and Transformation
Mythic Journeys in the Lives of Our Biblical Ancestors
What can the journeys of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Ruth teach us about finding hope and purpose through grief, loss, and life's greatest transitions?
Even in the face of profound loss, our stories hold the possibility of resilience, renewal, and new beginnings.
The Hebrew Scriptures tell stories of people whose lives were shaped by bereavement, displacement, family conflict, and profound change. Their experiences are deeply human, reflecting the challenges of living with uncertainty, confronting mortality, and finding a way forward when life takes an unexpected turn.
Abraham leaves behind the familiar and answers a call toward an unknown future. Jacob approaches death while attending to the relationships and responsibilities of his life. Moses confronts his mortality and the realization that he will not complete his journey as he had hoped. Ruth, having experienced displacement and loss, discovers the power of commitment, community, and unexpected allies.
These ancient narratives offer more than stories of hardship. They reveal how grief and loss can become part of a larger journey of spiritual awakening, resilience, and transformation.
In the final workshop of One Spirit Learning Alliance's Sacred Texts Series: Navigating Crisis, Rabbi Dr. Simcha Raphael draws on biblical narratives, Jewish Midrash, and his decades of experience in death awareness and bereavement counseling to explore how the spiritual journeys of our biblical ancestors can illuminate our own lives.
Saturday, May 15, 2027
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Live on Zoom · Recording included
General Public $135 · OSLA Affiliated Alumni $100
What We'll Study
Abraham's Calling: From Bereaved Refugee to Man of Destiny
Abraham's journey begins amid family loss, infertility, and displacement. His familiar world has changed, and the future remains uncertain.
Through biblical passages and contemporary Midrash, we'll explore how Abraham's grief becomes part of a larger spiritual journey. His response to the call of Lech Lecha, to leave what is familiar and travel toward an unknown destination, invites us to consider how purpose and possibility can emerge through life's most difficult transitions.
Jacob's Deathbed Finale: Family Drama and Trauma on the End-of-Life Journey
As Jacob approaches death, questions of family, memory, unfinished business, and ancestral belonging come into focus.
We'll examine his final conversations, his preparations for burial, and the relationships that shaped his life. Through Jacob's story, we'll consider conscious dying, life review, ethical wills, and the psychological and spiritual significance of mourning rituals.
Moses's Death: A Journey Through the Sacred Stages of Dying
Moses has spent his life leading the Israelites toward the Promised Land, yet he learns that he will not enter it himself.
Drawing on the Book of Deuteronomy and Jewish Midrash, we'll explore his emotional and spiritual responses to approaching death, including denial, anger, bargaining, despair, and acceptance.
These teachings offer a perspective on the human struggle with mortality and the possibility of finding spiritual peace as life draws to a close.
Ruth as a Mythic Tale: Awakening Resilience, Transcending Trauma
The Book of Ruth begins with famine, displacement, and devastating family loss. Ruth and Naomi face an uncertain future, yet their choices and relationships gradually open a path toward restoration.
We'll follow their journey through grief, loyalty, courage, and connection, examining the importance of commitment and the visible and unexpected allies who help us move forward.
Ruth's story reminds us that resilience is not always an individual achievement. It can grow through relationships, shared responsibility, and the willingness to embrace a future we could not have imagined.
What You'll Take Away
A Deeper Understanding of Biblical Narratives
Explore the stories of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Ruth through the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish interpretive traditions, discovering how their experiences speak to the realities of human life.New Perspectives on Grief and Loss
Consider the emotional and spiritual dimensions of bereavement, mortality, family relationships, and life transitions through ancient narratives and contemporary reflection.An Appreciation for Ritual and Remembrance
Examine the significance of mourning practices, end-of-life preparation, and the ways individuals and communities honor those who have died.Wisdom for Navigating Life's Transitions
Reflect on how courage, relationships, spiritual calling, and community can help us discover meaning and possibility through changing circumstances.
Who Should Attend?
Those Interested in the Hebrew Scriptures
Whether these biblical stories are familiar or you're encountering them with fresh curiosity, this workshop offers an opportunity to explore their spiritual and psychological dimensions through Jewish interpretation.
Those Exploring Grief, Resilience, and Life Transitions
This workshop may be especially meaningful for people interested in bereavement, end-of-life spirituality, family relationships, and the ways we make meaning through loss and change.
Those Who Accompany Others Through Difficult Times
Spiritual caregivers, chaplains, counselors, clergy, and others who support people experiencing grief or major life transitions may find these narratives valuable for their personal and professional reflection.
All Who Are Curious Are Welcome
No previous knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish interpretive traditions is required. Newcomers to One Spirit, current students, graduates, and longtime community members are welcome, regardless of spiritual tradition or none at all.
About Your Facilitator
Rabbi Dr. Simcha Raphael is the founding director of the DA'AT Institute for Death Awareness, Advocacy and Training. He is a transpersonal psychotherapist, bereavement counselor, scholar of Jewish spirituality, and rabbinic chaplain ordained by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.
He earned his Ph.D. in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and works with individuals and communities exploring the spiritual and psychological dimensions of death, dying, and bereavement.
Rabbi Raphael is the author of eight books on death and Judaism, including Jewish Views of the Afterlife and Spirits, Ghosts, and Dybbuks: Afterlife Journeys in Yiddish Lore.
His work brings together Jewish sacred texts, spiritual teachings, and extensive experience accompanying people through grief, loss, and life's profound transitions.
Registration Details
What Your Registration Includes
Six-hour live, interactive workshop with guidance into the sacred text.
Workshop recording, available through June 30, 2027.
Reflection questions, guided practices, and community discussions to deepen your experience.
Spiritual practices and resources for integration beyond the classroom.
Registration Pricing
General Public: $135 · OSLA Affiliated Alumni: $100
OSLA Alumni: →Log in to your OSLA Portal to apply your affiliate discount.
Not affiliated yet? →Learn More about Affiliation
Sacred Text Series Pricing
This workshop is part of One Spirit’s Sacred Texts Series, bringing six sacred texts into conversation around the wisdom, resilience, and possibilities available to us in times of change.
Complete Six-Workshop Series: $495
→Explore all Six Offerings →Register for the Complete Series
After You Register
You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions for accessing the workshop's Hylo Course Board, where you'll find the Zoom link and workshop materials.
Can't attend live? The recording will be available within 72 hours of the workshop and accessible through June 30, 2027.
Questions? Contact help@1spirit.org.