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 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.

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.