Benjamin Shalva

Benjamin Shalva is a poet, hospice chaplain, and rabbi. His poetry and prose have appeared in publications including Image, Spirituality & Health Magazine, and The Washington Post. His debut poetry collection, House of Mourning (Kelsay Books, 2025), is a meditation on loss, end-of-life care, and the terrain between despair, desire, and renewal. He is also the author of two works of nonfiction, Spiritual Cross-Training and Ambition Addiction (Grand Harbor Press), which blend memoir with teachings from the world’s contemplative traditions. In addition to his literary work, Benjamin serves as the Manager of Jewish Care at Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest hospice organization. He specializes in spiritual care, grief support, and interfaith engagement, and his approach draws from Jewish, Buddhist, and Yogic traditions, as well as his background in the literary and performing arts. Benjamin lives in Baltimore.