Since becoming spiritual leader of Bet Shira Congregation in Pinecrest last month, Rabbi Ben Herman has introduced programs that are considered innovative with the intention of encouraging increased understanding of Conservative Jewish practices and greater personal involvement.

So far in his new role at Bet Shira, Herman has introduced Torah Study classes which are taught on Thursdays and Shabbat mornings immediately after prayer services. He is also planning to teach Reiki Torah, a process of gaining greater appreciation of Jewish philosophy and practices through guided meditation, and also plans to organize several new events at the synagogue including “Hiking and Halachah” and “Shabbat on the Beach.” He is also conferring with the congregation’s Programming Committee to introduce new experiential activities for family members of all ages.

Herman previously served as the senior rabbi at Jericho Jewish Center in Jericho, N.Y. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Hebrew and Jewish Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and rabbinic ordination with a Master of Arts in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Visit betshira.org or call 305-238-2601 for more information on the synagogue.