Moral Injury and Soul Repair: Understanding an Emerging Field for Rabbis

Moral injury and soul repair is the study of a phenomenon both ancient and contemporary—the profound brokenness resulting from violation of one’s core moral values. What do we do when we or others breach our moral code? How do we heal—or help others heal&mdashfrom the wounds these breaches inflict? Both clergy and clinicians have been tackling the questions raised in this emerging field. In this workshop we will look at daily and High Holy Day liturgy, biblical texts, and medieval codes to find concepts and language which can speak specifically to Jewish clergy, expand their awareness of moral injury, and enhance their pastoral work with those suffering from it.