A K’hillah Kedosha…
In The Wisdom of Our Fathers, it is written: Ah-say l’cha rav, v’kah-nay l’cha chaver — “get yourself a rabbi/teacher and acquire a friend.”
Our rabbis of old understood that each of us needs a friend — someone who could journey with us in life. And each of us needs a “rabbi” — someone who can help guide us along your path. At Temple Beth Am, your clergy welcomes the opportunity to be that guide.
Whether celebrating a simcha… holding you in time of sorrow… offering counsel during moments of confusion or trouble… sharing the wisdom of our traditions… visiting you when you are ill or just that quick hug and embrace… praying with you on shabbat and holy days… We are here for you and yours.
Torah Study
Be a part of the weekly Torah study. Everyone is welcome — no previous experience or Hebrew is required.
From the Pulpit
Learn the many ways you may follow your spiritual journey with Temple Beth Am.
Long-Term Care Visits…
If your loved one is in long-term care — at The Palace, Miami Jewish Health Systems or at home — your Temple Beth Am Clergy would be delighted to visit them. Call us at (305) 667-6667 and we will connect you to the Clergy office.
Meet Our Clergy
If you have not already done so, please take the time to get to know your clergy. Senior Rabbi Jeremy Barras, Rabbi Rachel Greengrass, Rabbi Jaime Aklepi, Cantor Joseph Flaxman and Cantorial Soloist Jessica Bass always welcome your visits and look forward to getting to know you better.
We are honored to serve as your clergy and very proud to be a part of your Beth Am community, a K’hillah Kedosha.
Senior Rabbi Jeremy Barras
Rabbi Jeremy Barras is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he grew up in a strong Jewish community, attending an Orthodox day school until seventh grade. He descends from a long line of…
Rabbi Jaime Aklepi
Jaime Klein Aklepi joined Temple Beth Am’s Clergy Team on July 1, 2016, having served the Miami Jewish community for over 20 years. Rabbi Aklepi is a Past President of the Greater Miami Rabbinic…
Rabbi Rachel G. Greengrass
Rachel Greengrass has been part of the Beth Am family since 2008, where she has become part of every aspect of Temple Beth Am, and believes that Judaism is a beautiful tool through which…
Rabbi Robyn Fisher
Rabbi Robyn Fisher joined Temple Beth Am as a member of our clergy team in January 2026, marking a meaningful homecoming to the community where she raised her family and began her rabbinic journey.…
Cantor Michael Smolash
Cantor Michael Smolash is thrilled to join the TBAM clergy team as our Senior Cantor, and is excited to get to know each and every member of this inspiring community. He arrives after serving for…
Cantorial Intern Jessica Bass
Jessica Bass has served as a Cantorial Soloist at Temple Beth Am in Miami, Florida, since 2020. With over a decade of experience, Jessica co-leads Shabbat and holiday services, helps craft meaningful High Holy Day…
Senior Cantor Emerita Rachelle Nelson
Rachelle Nelson became Senior Cantor Emerita of Temple Beth Am during summer 2021, following a 29-year career uplifting our congregants with her voice and original music. A native Floridian, Rachelle is a cum laude…
Founding Rabbi Emeritus
Herbert Baumgard
(1920–2016)
Founding Rabbi Emeritus Herbert M. Baumgard (z”l) was a native of Norfolk, Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1950.
Rabbi Baumgard was regarded as one of the leading interpreters of Liberal Judaism, having written a number of publications on the subject. He has lectured at Columbia University in New York where he earned his doctorate degree in Semitics.
In addition to having served Temple Beth Am as a spiritual leader since its founding in 1955, Rabbi Baumgard was director of the Southern Florida Council of Reform Congregations.
October 8th Jews Need Torah Too
The Jewish people may never recover completely from the horrors of October 7th. I remember visiting the Nova exhibit when it came to Miami and reliving the images from that day that are permanently seared…
Everyone’s Story is Important
Over a year ago, Rabbi Rachel Greengrass and I attended a meeting with officials from the City of Miami Police Department and Homeland Security. The goal of the meeting was to discuss the recent rise…