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, Senior Cantor Tifani Coyot, 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 distinguished rabbis…
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 Association…
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 we…
Senior Cantor Tifani Coyot
Tifani Coyot joined the Temple Beth Am family as Senior Cantor on July 1, 2021. A sought-after worship leader and teacher, she is known for creating meaningful and joyous Jewish experiences that unite the body,…
Cantor Joseph Flaxman
Cantor Joseph Flaxman joined the Temple Beth Am family as an associate cantor and Rambam Day School’s Director of Judaic Studies in 2024. He is a passionate and dynamic worship leader dedicated to creating accessible…
Cantorial Soloist Jessica Bass
I am extremely excited to be part of the clergy team at Temple Beth Am. This beautiful temple and community is a testament to what the tenacity, love and courage of the Jewish people can…
Senior Cantor Emerita Rachelle Nelson
Rachel 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 graduate…
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.
The Spiritual and Musical Renaissance in Israel
In this space each month, we feature the writings of one of the members of our Beth Am Clergy. This month we invite Cantor Tifani Coyot to share some thoughts with you. You may contact her…
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…