How can radical welcoming transform the way we build spiritual community?

This week, Simran sits down with Rabbi Shira Statman for a moving conversation about belonging, identity, and the evolving face of faith. Raised in a predominantly Christian town, Rabbi Shira shares how her early experiences shaped her understanding of what it means to hold space for difference—and why radical hospitality is central to her Jewish practice.

Together, they explore the meaning behind prayers across spiritual traditions, the friction of political division within congregations, and the sacred responsibility of making room for those on the margins. Rabbi Shira speaks candidly about the challenges and beauty of integrating people from all walks of life into Jewish community life, without compromising core values.

In a time when many spiritual spaces are grappling with inclusivity, this conversation calls us to reimagine what true welcome looks like: not just opening the door, but creating a home.

With gentle wisdom, Rabbi Shira reminds us that happiness in Judaism isn’t about fleeting joy—it’s rooted in meaningful action, collective care, and the deep fulfillment that arises when we show up fully for ourselves and each other.

Resources:

• Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.
• You can find out more about The Jewish Way to a Good Life here.

Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation.

Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.

This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.