Spiritual care is, for many, a very important part of loss and grief. When something unexpected or unfortunate happens, people tend to turn to a higher power. It doesn't have to be the same god or even a deity, but there is a comfort that comes from the idea of praying or just sitting together. The impact is not only on the patient or loved one, but also on the chaplains who provide that care. A Still Small Voice presents an insightful look at the benefits and burdens of counseling others.
Mati is a resident chaplain at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, working during the height of the pandemic. He sees patients throughout his day and works with their loved ones, and meets periodically with his cohort and his supervisor, the Reverend David. As he struggles, he processes how much he is investing in the people he knows, which affects his own well-being. When Mati goes to Reverend David for support, he discovers that he has a different view of his involvement in his work and that he also needs to talk to his own supervisor about the strain that is being imposed.
Director: Luke Lorentzen
Star: Margaret 'Mati' Engel
A Still Small Voice gets its title from the Jewish holiday liturgy that contrasts the voice of God with the loud sound of the great shofar. Reverend David explains that he likes to change the expression “don't just stand there, do something” for a sentiment that applies particularly to chaplaincy: “don't just stand there, stay there.” Even the simple presence of another person can be tremendously meaningful, and the role of a chaplain, among other things, is often simply to be and provide some source of comfort to someone who is going through something.
Mati's job is understandably difficult, and his residency during the pandemic only exacerbates it. In one memorable scene, she serves tea to doctors and nurses, who are tremendously grateful because they rarely find time to take care of themselves. Mati is on her own journey, and when someone who has just lost a family member asks her what the Jewish perspective on death is, she explains that she will give him that and her own slightly different view of hers. She also expresses an important sentiment: anyone who claims to know what happens after death cannot know for sure.
Director Luke Lorentzen was previously at Sundance for another fascinating look at a facet of the healthcare industry that doesn't always get attention: Midnight Family. Although this film is only ninety-three minutes long, it manages to be remarkably intimate. At the beginning, Mati spends a lot of time with a single patient, and instead of cutting away to show only the key points, the camera stays focused on these two people and the conversation they are having. It is also a very personal and revealing look at the relationship Mati and Reverend David have, and the different types of affirmation and guidance they require from their supervisors. They are both completely open and vulnerable, conveying their personal feelings and not trying to diminish the weight of the work they were doing.
Most people who experience a challenging life cycle event would like to think that the people providing their care have it all together, but there can be something comforting in the fact that they are just normal people. More than anything, this documentary reveals the complexities of meeting other people's needs while monitoring a person's own bandwidth and potential for burnout. The experiences of these two chaplains are not universal, but they can serve as an important and educational case study for larger applicable dynamics.
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