“Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro is a skilled teacher of meditation, grounded in the Jewish tradition and informed by her deep practice of yoga. Her years of service in synagogues—guiding young people and old, consoling mourners, comforting the sick, celebrating joyful moments—only enhanced her already expansive heart and soul. She is expert in creating meditation instructions and then supporting the practitioner in taking the instructions in and connecting experience to wisdom. Everyone who practices with her will grow in body, heart, mind and soul.”
– Rabbi Jonathan Slater, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro's unwavering support and dedication were instrumental in shaping me into the rabbi and individual I am today. Under the compassionate guidance of Cantor Shapiro as my mentor during my journey as a student rabbi, I experienced profound growth and transformation. She provided a safe space for open dialogue, allowing me to voice my concerns and brainstorm solutions, and was always approachable and attentive. Cantor Shapiro’s follow-up sessions were not just about processing, but also about genuine care, ensuring that I felt supported every step of the way. With a delicate balance of encouragement and constructive feedback, she helped me navigate challenges while fostering my personal and professional development. Meeting me where I was, she empowered me to set ambitious goals and guided me to meet and exceed them. Cantor Shapiro viewed our relationship as one of clergy partnership founded on mutual respect and collaboration. Her mentorship was truly invaluable and has continuously inspired me on my journey toward becoming the rabbi I aspire to be.
– Rabbi Joanne Loiben, Temple Beth Sholom
“Kerith has a gift for combining deep soulfulness, care, and joy together in all her work. Kerith taught me how to step into my fullest self as a prayer leader, how to meet people where they are with sensitivity in pastoral work, how to bring creativity to worship music, and how to work collaboratively with each and every person on our team. Kerith lovingly shaped me into the cantor I am now and I am profoundly grateful for all I have learned from her.”
– Cantor Ze’evi Tovlev, Temple Shalom, Chevy Chase, MD
“Cantor Kerith Spencer-Shapiro is a skilled leader of Jewish meditation, interweaving deep teaching, music, and silence to help others cultivate inner stillness and wisdom.”
– Rabbi Marc Margolius, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
“It must be said that your voice is so beautiful, somehow so soothing and soft, yet so powerful at the same time, sometimes piercing the air in sheer beauty. But it’s never about you; you don’t let it be. We truly are spoiled to have you lead our congregation in song and you do so with such rare humility. You could easily be a person who acts the part of being a ‘diva’ in her daily life and in interactions with others, but you do not. You reach out and relate to each of us so genuinely. We have been so lucky as a family to feel your good-hearted kindness. Thank you.”
– Elizabeth W., Congregant