The Jewish Experience is an independent, non-profit institution whose purpose is to provide Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations an exceptional Jewish learning experience. Led by a team of young dynamic rabbis, Jewish Experience gives you the tools to connect to timeless Jewish traditions.

As the very foundation of the Jewish Experience, Rabbi Dovid Merling assumes many essential roles that have shaped the Jewish Experience into a successful organization. He is our Executive Director, Spiritual Adviser, and a much-admired lecturer. He is also active in the greater Montreal Jewish community as a member of the Beit Din and Vaad Ha'ir and the Chairman of Montreal Community Mikveh Rabbinic Committee. In addition to having been the Hillel Rabbi for a decade as well as principal of Yeshiva Gedolah Merkaz Hatorah Tiferes Mordechai High School for four years, Rabbi Merling is the spiritual leader of Agudas Yisroel of Montreal. His depth of knowledge, unique communication skills and vast experience as a Hillel Rabbi distinguish Rabbi Merling as a remarkable educator and expert in outreach. He sets the example for others to follow through his dedication to family, community and the Jewish way of life.

Rabbi Hoffman’s fascinating background reflects the many facets of his engaging personality. After studying Torah in Israel, he became an eminent teacher and scholar, reaching out to students, professionals and families worldwide. He founded the successful Torah Learning Center in Nebraska, where he taught everything from Jewish philosophy and Halacha to Chumash, Hebrew language and self-improvement courses. Rabbi Hoffman’s extensive knowledge of Torah, life-cycle topics and computers allowed him to become the Techno-Rebbe of the Aish.com website, where he answered thousands of questions sent to him at the “Ask the Rabbi” column for six years. As an undergraduate student in the United States, he founded his own theatre company and wrote and produced a wide variety of highly-acclaimed plays. Rabbi Hoffman’s many years of experience in community outreach make him the ideal Director for the West Island Jewish Experience.

Rabbi Dov Harrouch is a young, dynamic and entertaining individual. Intensely fascinated with Judaism, Rabbi Harrouch studied Torah in Israel for 10 years where he received rabbinic ordination from the former chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. Today, Rabbi Harrouch is known and beloved in the community for his excellent work at Maimonides High School, CEGEPs and Universities in the Montreal area. He also has organized various trips throughout Israel and the United States.

Rabbi Michael was born and raised in Montreal. After college, Michael studied Torah in Jerusalem where he was ordained by the former chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu. In addition to studying at Ner LeElef where he was certified for marriage counseling, Rabbi Michael also introduced Torah studies to many Israeli soldiers, as well as worked as a coordinator for a camp. Rabbi Michael is proud to have helped lead a Jerusalem Fellowships trip, which mixes the adventure and fun of touring Israel with the inspiration and meaning of learning about Judaism. After ten years he has come back to Montreal with his wife and two daughters as our program director for campuses and young professionals.

Ariella comes to the West Island Jewish Experience with a strong background in finance, commerce and marketing. Her impressive skills are complemented by a vast and inspiring knowledge of Jewish family issues, hands-on community involvement and love of teaching. Ariella received an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and went on to make Aliya where she studied at Ner L’Elef and Neve Yerushalayim, amongst other respected institutions. The warmth and friendliness felt upon entering the Hoffman household is largely due to Ariella, a gourmet cook, personal chef and supreme hostess. The proud mother of three busy little girls, Ariella still finds the time to keep her home and her heart open to the growing West Island Jewish community.

Barbi Cwinn is the Director of Communications & Administration for the Jewish Experience. Holding a BFA from Concordia University in Graphics Design and an advanced certificate in Computer Graphics Design from RTC, Barbi brings with her a wealth of experience in Marketing Communications, media, and graphic arts. To add to this Barbi has held administrative duties at Free Hebrew for Juniors and the Friendship Circle where she not only ran the administration of the day-to-day operations, but also coordinated fund-raising and group activities and events. We are delighted with the wealth of experience that Barbi adds to our organization. Barbi is a wife and mother of two.