Merle’s Writings

  • Judaism and Relationships

    As a Rabbi, a paramount role since the onset of my Rabbinate was human connection and communication with temple members. Leading a service is of utmost importance as a Rabbi and a religious leader, but leadership serves beyond the bima. When a Rabbi graduates from school, we walk away with the tools to produce a

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  • Meditation Matters

    Meditation Matters

    Meditation, a centuries-old practice, has gained its popularity over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic. I myself never naturally acclimated to the practice of meditation in the traditional sense of sitting in one spot for a lengthy period, yet as a reform rabbi, I have found aspects of Jewish prayer lay parallel to

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  • A Glance At Friendships

    What is a friend? How is friendship defined? What are the qualities and aesthetics that curate a friendship? Does the length of knowing one truly dictate the compounds of friendship? I ponder these questions and more as I have reached a milestone in my life where I feel sincere gratitude for the friendships I have

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  • Courage and Fear

    Courage and Fear

    In life, we will be faced with matters beyond our comprehension. It is how we face those challenges or life situations that ultimately express who we are as individuals. Rebbe Nachman expressed the importance of daily meditation, a way to soothe the soul and allow our bodies and minds to embrace the moment of reflection.

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  • Leading With Our Hearts

    In life, we have chances and opportunities. In life, we can either be the lifesaver toward others or the passerby. I ask you, which are you? As a Rabbi, it is my birthright and civic duty to help and aid my community, family, and friends despite my own hardships. When we help others, we help

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  • Hope Is Our Birthright

    I begin our story by asking you to examine your life, those moments when challenges were turned into opportunities, or possibly when opportunities were left undiscovered. Here we are in 2022, embracing a new reality and learning new ways of daily survival while holding onto our dreams. Today, how are you helping one another?  What

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  • Nature Meditation

    Nature Meditation

    As a Rabbi, much of my time is spent delivering prayer, offering insight, and helping people reach a state of serenity. Today, that space of peace is more critical than ever. While I could lament disregarding the news, our civic duty is to remain aware of the world. Yet, I urge you not to let

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  • A Place of Hope and Inspiration

    Welcome to the modern version of my pen and notepad. After years of handwriting my notes and thoughts which often became sermons and articles, with the support of my assistant Debra, I have finally embraced the digital world of composition as a mission to share my writings beyond the desk and podium. All of my

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