Levite 2011-2012
Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman's rabbinate took a surprising turn when she discovered she and her son are both Autistic and PDA, an emerging category of neurodivergence. Using the pastoral, educational, and community leadership skills from her rabbinic training, Shoshana created The PDA Safe Circle®, a strengths-based approach that has grown into an international community of practice for PDA people, their families, educators, and clinicians. Through her innovative visuals and in-depth educational materials, Shoshana helps people understand PDA through both a nervous system and cultural lens, translating emerging research from diverse fields into practical, compassionate support that helps people of all ages thrive. She runs an online secular congregation for PDAers and their loved ones, provides private coaching, and certifies providers in her approach.
Shoshana still loves leading uplifting, musical prayer services and has been the High Holiday Prayer Leader at Temple Beth El of Portland, Maine since 2019. Before that, she served various roles in the Boston Jewish community, including Associate Rabbi at Temple Sinai of Brookline (where she used many Nava Tehila melodies!) and Director of Professional Development at Hebrew College. She was a leader in the Massachusetts interfaith climate movement from 2014-2017.
Shoshana' writing has appeared in numerous anthologies and venues, including The New York Times and Psychotherapy Networker. She is also the author of three books for children and families: The Safe Circle Coloring Book, Playground Count Along: For Young Children & Gestalt Language Processors, and The Tide Is Rising, So Are We!: A Climate Movement Anthem, based on her song that went viral in the climate movement. She can be found at PDASafeCircle.com, RabbiShoshana.com and on Instagram @rabbishoshana.
One thing I learned from Nava Tehila:
It is OK to totally focus on Kabbalat Shabbat and less on Ma'ariv!
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