Meet our leaders

 Dr. Charlie Kluge first received s’micha (ordination) in 1989 and then through the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS) in 1993. He began his professional ministry career in 1986, with his wife Racquel, serving as Leader of the Singles Group at Temple Aron HaKodesh in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Currently, he is the Senior Rabbi of Gesher Shalom of the Palm Beach. Rabbi Kluge is a well-known conference speaker, both nationally and internationally, holding seminars and lectures on the Jewish Roots of the Messiah. Additionally, he provides leadership training, marriage and relationship counseling, inner healing prayer and Hebrew Torah readings with interactive studies. He also teaches on many other motivational topics including, Israel, current events and how it relates to end time prophecy. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) since 1995 and served as its President from 2003-2007. Dr. Kluge has served on the Executive Committee as Southeast Regional Director and on the Steering Committee of the IAMCS as Ordination Chairman for the past 27 years . Dr. Kluge also served as the Southeast Regional Conference Chairman from 1995-2018. Rabbi Dr. Kluge is the author of “The Tallit, Experience the Mysteries of the Prayer Shawl and other Hidden Treasures.” Rabbi Dr. Kluge holds a Doctorate in Optometry, a BA in Psychology, a BS in Physical and Chemical Sciences and has served as President of his local Optometric Association and as President of a local chapter of B’nai B’rith. Dr. Kluge has appeared on many radio and television programs, including the shows, “Jewish Voice” and “Jewish Jewels.” On Jewish Jewels, he is seen officiating Bar Mitzvahs and Weddings. Dr. Kluge sits on the Board of Trustees of Jewish Jewels, Cleft of the Rock Ministries and is President of Gesher International; which has its mission to bridge hearts of love through the ministry of reconciliation and to intercede for and support Israel. 

Racquel, along with her husband, Rabbi Kluge, began her professional ministry career by serving as the co-leader of the Singles Group in 1986 at Temple Aron HaKodesh. She co-lectures with him in many congregations and on radio and TV programs. As an ordained Messianic Jewish teacher, she has a thriving career as a Retreat and Conference Speaker, focusing on living in the supernatural, the empowering of a woman of excellence, marriage and relationships and healing, along with other motivational subjects. Currently, Racquel is the Executive Director of Gesher Shalom Palm Beach.  Racquel holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Master's in School Guidance and Counseling. She practiced in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, for many years. In addition, she was a Guidance Counselor, Primary Specialist, and Teacher in Broward County for seventeen years. It was in Broward that she helped found a large Conservative synagogue and was Vice President of a local chapter of B’nai B’rith. Racquel has a unique G-d given ability for healing both the Inner and outer person, through prayer and teaching, and is particularly gifted in ministering to women.