Ancient Rituals, Modern Impact with Rabbi Sharon Brous

We often think that purpose comes from big moments or grand gestures. But what if it’s the small, quiet connections that truly shape the way we see the world?

In this week’s episode, Simran speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, a spiritual leader whose journey to faith is deeply intertwined with her passion for social justice. Rabbi Brous shares how her path shifted from aspiring civil rights attorney to becoming a rabbi, and how a spiritual awakening in college led her to discover the powerful intersection of faith and justice.

She takes us through ancient rituals—like a practice at the Temple Mount designed to connect with the broken-hearted—and how these traditions can still help us build empathy and community today. Rabbi Brous also reflects on the importance of multi-faith collaboration and how showing compassion and curiosity toward others can transform our relationships.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose isn’t always about big moments. Often, it’s found in the quiet acts of connection and empathy that bring us closer to each other and to something greater.

Resources:

• IKAR Website
• Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.

Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. 

Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.

This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.