Meet Michelle
Living from the Inside Out
Opening hearts through Spirit and song has been a lifetime passion for Michelle.
A Jewish spiritual leader for 20+ years, Michelle creates prayer services and rituals for many occasions, in and out of the synagogue. For 11 years, she served as cantor for Congregation Nevei Kodesh under the mentorship of Rabbi Tirzah Firestone. Michelle’s mastery was recognized by Rabbis Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (z”l) and Tirzah Firestone in 2011, when she received the titles Ba’alat Tefilah (Prayer Master) and Sh’lichat Tzibbur (Messenger for the Congregation).
Today, Michelle continues to serve Nevei Kodesh, and offers a range of programs and courses privately—within the Jewish framework, but open to all.
Educated at Stanford University, Columbia University’s Teachers College, Middlebury College, Aleph’s Davvenen’ Leadership Training Institute, and the Haden Institute (certificate in Spiritual Direction).
Michelle’s lifelong learning opportunities include deepening in relationship with her committed life partner, guiding two young adult sons, and the blessings of close family, friends, and community.
Spiritual
Guide
Prayer
Leader
Ritual
Maker
Vocal
Artist
I’ve been called…
Masterful
Finely tuned
Fully present
Filled with Spirit
Connected
Wise
...
A bright light amidst the storm and chaos
My Story
Are you sometimes plagued by loneliness, even within a life filled with blessings? Do you ever feel a nagging sadness or agitation, and blame it on something wrong in your relationship? Or other life circumstances?
I understand, because I’ve been there.
Just one year ago, I was feeling such deep loneliness—feeling alone inside the home I share with my beloved partner. I was suffering… And came to the conclusion I needed to break it off. I didn’t see another way through the pain. It was a confusing and scary time.
During this struggle, I confided in a wise friend who asked me a wise question: Was I sure my relationship was the true source of my loneliness? I sat with this question for quite a few days, turning it over and over.
Through prayer and meditation, the path for breaking out of my dark tunnel became clear: I needed to nourish my connection with Spirit within. The path forward was to find peace and wholeness FROM THE INSIDE. Realizing this was like the lights going on! I had been attaching my deep longing for connection and completion to circumstances OUTSIDE myself…
I made a commitment to dive deep into my spiritual practice. During that time, I created a series of tools and rituals for inspiration and connection to the Great Mystery.
These days, I feel such gratitude for the life I am privileged to live. My partner and I are more committed than ever, and devote time to what binds us—like dancing, cooking together, supporting each other’s dreams, and taking walks in the neighborhood (holding hands, of course).
At the same time, I continue to find internal peace through prayer and spiritual practice. And I’m helping others to cultivate this same sense of well-being.
Let’s explore this territory of the heart together.
Imagine what could shift in your life if you were nourished on the inside… Imagine the energy and delight you could experience if you felt fully aligned with the Source of All. You can get there!