Shalom!
Welcome to Temple Adas Shalom. It is a privilege and a joy to serve this warm, vibrant, and caring community.
At Temple Adas Shalom, we strive to create a Jewish home where people of all ages and backgrounds can learn, grow, celebrate, and find meaningful connections. Whether you are seeking spiritual guidance, lifelong learning, friendship, social action opportunities, or simply a place to belong, you will find a welcoming community here.
My own Jewish journey began in Haifa, Israel, where I was born and raised in a secular Zionist home. After moving to California in 1995 to study music, I rediscovered my Jewish roots and found a profound spiritual home in Reform Judaism. What began as a personal journey soon became a calling to serve the Jewish community through worship, education, music, and relationship-building.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving congregations as both Cantor and Rabbi, teaching Hebrew, Torah trope, Jewish music, Israel education, and Jewish values to learners of all ages. I received Cantorial Ordination and a Master's Degree in Jewish Sacred Music from the Academy for Jewish Religion California, and later earned a Master's Degree in Rabbinic Studies and Rabbinic Ordination. Before coming to Temple Adas Shalom in 2022, I served congregations in California and New Jersey, experiences that deepened my appreciation for the many ways Jewish community enriches our lives and strengthens our connections with one another.
What inspires me most is helping people find meaning, purpose, and belonging through Jewish life. Since joining Temple Adas Shalom, I have been continually inspired by the dedication, kindness, and enthusiasm of our congregants. Together, we celebrate our traditions, support one another through life's milestones and challenges, engage in lifelong learning, and work to make a positive difference in the world around us.
Building bridges beyond our synagogue walls is also central to my rabbinate. As founder of the Interfaith Council of Harford County, I am committed to fostering understanding, respect, and friendship among people of diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. Through dialogue, collaboration, and shared values, we can help bring healing, compassion, and hope to our broader community.
Writing and teaching are additional passions of mine. I am the author of A Mother to Many: Creating a Meaningful Childless Jewish Life (2026). You can find more information on my website: Meeka Simerly Books
The Union for Reform Judaism also featured the book in an article titled Mothering Outside Motherhood: Living Childless and Free. You can read it here: Mothering Outside Motherhood: Living Childless and Free
I also published Voices in the Wilderness: Emerging Roles of Israeli Clergy Women (2015). My scholarly work includes the publication of my thesis, Naomi Shemer's Artistic Expression: Poetry, Prayer, or Both? in the volume Emotions in Jewish Music: it explores the intersections of Jewish identity, spirituality, music, and culture, reflecting my belief that Jewish wisdom continues to speak powerfully to contemporary life.
When I am not teaching, writing, or serving the community, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, Dave, and our beloved dogs. I love reading, solving crossword puzzles in both Hebrew and English, taking weekly Pilates and horseback-riding lessons, and creating oyster shell art inspired by Jewish symbols and traditions. You can find more details about my artwork and shells for sale, here: https://meekasimerly.com/artwork/
A quote that continually inspires me is: "Tradition has a vote, but not a veto." — Mordecai Kaplan
Above all, I believe Judaism flourishes through relationships—with one another, with our traditions, and with the world around us. I would love the opportunity to get to know you. Whether you are a longtime member, new to the area, exploring Judaism, or simply curious about our congregation, please stop by, introduce yourself, or schedule a visit. My door is always open.
Le’hit’raot be’karov, להתראות בקרוב(see you soon)!
High Holiday Sermons
