Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt is the spiritual leader and founder of Or Ahavah, a spiritual community rooted in Jewish traditions.  She received her rabbinical ordination from ALEPH, the Alliance for Jewish Renewal.  Rabbi Shenefelt is also certified as a teacher of Advanced Jewish meditation through the international Beit Miriam program.

In addition to her rabbinic duties for Or Ahavah, Rabbi Debrah has worked as a rabbinic chaplain for Hospice and continues chaplaincy work at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Nursing Home.  She received her chaplaincy training through the CPE program at Tampa General Hospital.

Rabbi Debrah conducts private lessons in Judaism and functions as a mashpia, soul guide, to both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals.  She officiates at life-cycle events including weddings, funerals, baby naming ceremonies and b’nei mitzvah ceremonies for individuals and families.

Rabbi Debrah embraces all kinds of people and families including interfaith, single-parent, same-sex couples and people with special needs.

Additionally, RabbiShenefelt is a board member of the Life Center, a non-profit organization specializing in grief and trauma couseling, and a member of the Advisory Committee for chaplaincy education at the Haley V.A. Hospital.