Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Caring Heart Award

The 2021 caring heart award

The Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Caring Heart Award is an annual award given to an institution or individual that embodies the integration of spirituality and health at the highest level. It is the most prestigious award the Institute for Spirituality and Health offers. Rabbi Karff was a beloved interfaith leader in the Houston community with decades of service to our Institute. His limitless empathy and unwavering belief in servant leadership were notable throughout his life’s work as his legacy continues to live on.

This year, in light of the pandemic and the extraordinary efforts that have been made by all those who have continued to serve the community despite the ongoing challenges, ISH is proud to honor essential and frontline professionals from across sectors - people who show up every day, risking their lives and that of their families, to fulfill their duty to serve. The Caring Heart Celebration, to be held virtually via live-stream on February 25, at 7:00pm CST, is the capstone event after week of festivities, including an auction as well as daily blessings extended to essential professionals. These include those working in:

Retail - February 11
Hospitality - February 12
Food Service - February 13
First Response - February 14
Education - February 15
Healthcare - February 16
Nursing - February 17
Spiritual Care - February 18

To follow along during the week, find ISH on Facebook and Instagram.

The celebration on the evening of February 25 will also feature remarks by local humorist and author, Louise Parsley. Join us by registering below!

the origins of the award

Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, Emeritus member of our Institute’s board and long-time friend, was known as a change-maker, a beloved friend to many and civil rights advocate. He served the board of trustees at ISH for almost 25 years, dedicating his time and heart to caring for our community. Rabbi Karff served as Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel for decades, and also worked to establish the Sacred Vocations course at UTHealth Science Center’s McGovern Medical School. He recently passed away at 88 years of age, making the 2021 Caring Heart Award even more precious and meaningful.

Past Keynote Speakers and Awardees:

2019 - Keynote: Patrick Summers // Awardee: The Women’s Home

2018 - Keynote: Rabbi David A. Lyon and Tara Storch // Awardee: LifeGift - Houston

2017 - Keynote: Robert J. Wicks, Ph.D. // Awardee: Father Donald S. Nesti

2016 - Keynote: Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D. and Eduardo Bruera, M.D. // Awardee: Dick Stasney, M.D.

2015 - Keynote: Darrell Cass, M.D. // Awardee: Texas Children's Hospital

2014 - Keynote: Congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords, and Mark Kelly // Awardee: TIRR Memorial Hermann and Rabbi Sam Karff

2013 - Keynote: Susan Baker // Awardee: James Willerson, M.D.