“There are life coaches. There are therapists. There are spiritual guides. And then there is Marcelo, a man beyond simple categories. Marcelo transcends, transforms and lifts up. He draws from a deep place of wisdom, listens with the grace of insight, and helps you reach higher and go further than you imagined possible. Marcelo challenges with tough love just as he comforts with gentleness and humor. Marcelo enables you to find and nurture the divine seed of greatness within you.”
— John Heller, Managing Director, Synergos
“Marcelo Bronstein is the quintessential mentor: teacher, coach, therapist, silent advisor. He is at once supportive and challenging, a guide, a sounding board, a confidante, someone who believes in me when my self-confidence runs low. He knows the rhythms of life, of pain, of change, and of success. I cannot recommend him enough.”
“When I first met Marcelo, I thought to myself: “Of course he is a big man. How else could he fit that huge heart and that wonderful mind? And how else could he hug so many people so warmly?” That first impression has only grown and deepened over time, and today I can say that if I ever had to lean on someone, that is one shoulder I would pick.”
— Ami Dar, Founder & CEO of Idealist.org
“Marcelo’s unusual blend of rabbi, psychologist, and mindfulness teacher come to the fore when you soak in his presence at one of his group retreats. While Marcelo moves through his sessions as if they are purely spontaneous, it is clear he has invested time and care to produce his own brand of creative teachings. All of these activities/lessons ignite one’s practice to ‘be present’ and ‘show up’ ‘and then one is also quite aware that what you are being gifted are tools to take away for the months and years that follow. There are always surprises that come, as Marcelo “violates expectations” often by example, where he digs deep and promotes us to do the same- to challenge those old stories we all have and which often burden us. One leaves with nothing less, than a new toolbox of how to think and feel with more clarity and meaning.”
— Miriam Steele, PhD, Director of clinical Psychology at The New School for Social Research, Co-Director of the Center for Attachment Research.
“Marcelo has created a very special retreat that was a magnificently crafted program which enabled me to journey far deeper than I expected to explore more intimate levels of my heart and soul. Marcelo led a week of perfection, and I use that word rarely. The program elements—mindfulness, prayer, study, visits in the community; the gorgeous physical setting, the sequencing—further enriched my life. I am grateful.”
— Dr. John S. Ruskay Executive Vice President Emeritus, Uja-Federation of New York
“While I was a musician at Residence at BJ I sought out Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein for spiritual guidance and mentorship. His office was a sanctuary of deep listening, witnessing and subtle steering, through book recommendations, retreat suggestions, and conversation, He seemed to be able to hold my brokenness, and offer me pathways towards healing, and at the same time to reflect my strengths and gifts - and see beyond where I was stuck to the vast world that was possible for me. I have grown so much through our time together and am truly grateful for his wisdom, and abundant love.”
— Basya Schechter, American Jewish singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, cantor, and music teacher.
“I’ve had (and have) the great privilege of both going on retreat with Marcelo and also being mentored one-on-one by him, both of which are incredible experiences. He is a guide who has combined the gifts of psychology and the wisdom of Judaism to help me grow as a person. He brings an incredible mix of reverence, irreverence, humor and focus to all of our interactions, and he teaches me how to challenge myself with compassion. I am incredibly grateful for the gifts he gave me.”
“I know Marcelo for about two decades and have seen him work in many different capacities with people from every generation. Marcelo has a true gift of being able to bring out the best in someone - the creative idea or action or goodness - that is just beyond the horizon, just beneath the surface. He knows how to take measured risks and to impart both his caution or even fear in ways that actually strengthen the other, and I think himself, spurring constructive action.
How does he do this? I think it is his unique way of seeing others clearly in an authoritative, nonjudgmental and no-nonsense manner, along with a contagious excitement, playfulness and warmth that allows people to let that inhibiting guard down - the one we all carry - so they can become more of who they might want to be.
I have had this experience myself as Marcelo and I worked on so many projects together over the years - natural, easy and fun collaborations that invariably went way beyond what we’d imagined at the beginning. Marcelo has been a rabbi, a friend, and a mentor to me and my family, always sharing his generosity of spirit and wisdom. For this we are truly grateful.”
— Ron Taffel, PhD, professional public speaker at parent groups nationwide.
“I began what became a series of meetings with Marcelo soon after my son was killed, riding his bicycle back to college. I was devastated and defensive. Marcelo got me to open up, and, over time, with patience and wisdom, and spiritual curiosity, guided me to explore my endless questions until I was able to release the pain, the rage, the self-pity, and find my way back to living with hope and joy.”
— Karen Capelluto, artist and writer.
“Marcelo approaches every mentoring encounter with deep listening and curiosity. His questions consistently create space for my own inner voice to emerge, and awaken within me a kind of ‘right intuition’ that allows me to move forward in an authentic and empowered way. Our conversations have led me to bold and courageous new opportunities for service and fulfillment. I will be forever grateful for his wisdom, kindness and presence.”
— Jeannie Blaustein, Ph.d, D. Ministry, Founding Board Chair, Re:Imagine | End of Life
