Ma Jaya grew up in a poor Jewish Brooklyn family and following her own mother’s death, Ma resumed her young life by living on the streets, meeting people and circumstances that gave her a depth of understanding of life and taught her compassion and respect for all of humanity.

Ma Jaya is a spiritual teacher widely known for her compassionate work serving those who are suffering,  living with AIDS, the homeless, the poor, and anyone in need. She is passionate about the importance of service in spiritual life. Ma Jaya lives and breathes a profound commitment to alleviating the suffering in our society.  Through grass-root efforts locally, nationally and internationally, Ma's Kashi community has become a model for helping others through selfless service.

Ma Jaya describes herself simply as "a woman who loves God and other name for God is kindness."