About

Shalom, my English/ maiden name is Carey Monica Knight and my Hebrew name is Rabbi Miriam Berkowitz. I grew up in Montreal, did A- levels at a boarding school in England, earned a BA in International Relations from Harvard, an MA and Ordination from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem, and a Doctorate of Theology in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from the University of Theology and Spirituality. I am one of Israel’s first hospital chaplains, accredited in the US and Israel after 1600 hours of pastoral studies and clinical experience, and completed an  intensive tour guide course in 2024.  My rabbinic experience includes work as Assistant Rabbi at the Park Avenue Synagogue in NY and many adult education, scholar in residence and high holiday positions. I wrote the book Taking the Plunge: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to the Mikveh and many articles for journals and websites. Returning to Israel in 2008 I founded Kashouvot: Advancing Pastoral Care with Rabbi Valerie Stessin to introduce spiritual care to Israeli healthcare. I worked as a chaplain at the St. Louis French Hospital for five years in English, French, Hebrew and Russian and Italian and  directed Kashouvot until 2019.  I currently live in Jerusalem and serve part-time as Development Director for Kehilat Kol HaNeshama Reform synagogue. I perform bnei mitzvah ceremonies and weddings for Israelis and visitors and aim to combine this with guiding for a complete Israel experience. I am also a potter, making functional and decorative Judaica and daily items on the wheel.  As a spiritual coach, I help people of all ages and cultures/ faiths navigate life transitions and figure out their life's purpose, using the best combination of life coaching and pastoral care tools.  If you are interested in any of these directions, please get in touch today.