Benjamin Shalva is a writer whose work explores the interwoven themes of grief, healing, spirit, and silence. His poetry and prose have appeared in Image, Spirituality & Health Magazine, The Washington Post, and other publications. His debut poetry collection, House of Mourning (Kelsay Books, 2025), offers an intimate meditation on loss, end-of-life care, and the mysterious terrain between despair and renewal. He is also the author of two books 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 a hospice chaplain and rabbi in Baltimore, where he is Manager of Jewish Care & Support at Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest hospice organization. With over a decade of experience accompanying patients and families at the end of life, he specializes in spiritual care, grief support, and interfaith engagement.

Benjamin teaches and leads workshops on writing, death and mourning, Jewish wisdom, and the healing power of poetry. His approach draws from Jewish tradition, mindfulness practice, and his background in both the arts and pastoral care.

Benjamin lives in Baltimore with his wife, their two children, and their two hound dogs.