Jeremy Barras
A congregational rabbi and a national Jewish leader — building institutions in Miami and coalitions across the country at a consequential moment for the American Jewish community.
Eleven years of growth at Temple Beth Am
Since becoming Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Am in 2015, Rabbi Barras has grown the congregation from 1,135 to 1,650 families. He designed Beth Am University to redefine the temple's adult education program, and created Unbiased, an initiative that engages the congregation in interfaith work and counters antisemitism. The congregation recently marked ten years of his leadership with a gala, "Born to Lead."
Coalitions beyond the pulpit
Be'et Hazot
Founder of a coalition of 55 of the country's leading rabbis, formed to coordinate American Jewish leadership in the wake of October 7th. The group has met with the Israeli Ambassador to the United States and the Israeli Foreign Minister.
In August 2026, Rabbi Barras joined clergy from across the country at the Historic Black Pastor and Rabbi Summit in Atlanta, signing "Renewing the Black/Jewish Alliance: Our Sacred Covenant" and returning to Miami to build the same work locally.
What rabbis are saying about Be'et Hazot
"Be'et Hazot is a trusted and safe space I can turn towards to find facts, surround myself with colleagues and smart thinkers and ideate creatively to promote our shared Jewish story. The social and thought orbit is the perfect balm after enduring the rough and tumble of those looking to hurt our cause."Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El, Closter, NJ
"As an orthodox rabbi there are not so many avenues through which I can work with many different types of rabbis on the things we are passionate about. Be'et Hazot enables true Achdut by having us all work together for a common cause to promote the holy work of Israel advocacy and Jewish unity."Rabbi Sam Klibanoff, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Etz Chaim, Livingston, NJ
"It is truly an honor to be a part of Be'et Hazot. It is the much needed response to the current climate of antisemitism and anti-Israel vitriol. This group of interdenominational rabbis working on nationwide initiatives is leading the way on building bridges, understanding and advocacy for the Jewish people across the world. Am Yisrael Chai!"Rabbi Geri Newburge, Senior Rabbi, Main Line Reform Temple-Beth Elohim, Philadelphia, PA
Central Conference of American Rabbis
Board member, 2021–2024. Now serving as CCAR Vice President of Organizational Relationships, 2025–2026.
Rabbinic Association of Greater Miami
President, 2026–2027, which also seats him on the board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Convener of the Historic Black Pastor and Rabbi Summit, Atlanta, August 2026.
From the pulpit
A selection of Rabbi Barras's Shabbat and holiday sermons at Temple Beth Am.
Israel Solidarity Sermon
A sermon addressing the war in Israel and its meaning for the American Jewish community.
Watch on YouTube →Special Welcome Shabbat Sermon
A sermon delivered to welcome new and prospective members into the Temple Beth Am community.
Watch on YouTube →Parashat BeChukotai
A weekly Torah portion sermon reflecting on this parasha's themes.
Watch on YouTube →Parashat VaYakhel
A weekly Torah portion sermon reflecting on this parasha's themes.
Watch on YouTube →Parashat Acharei Mot
A weekly Torah portion sermon reflecting on this parasha's themes.
Watch on YouTube →LIVE from Beth Am!
A livestreamed service and message from Rabbi Barras at Temple Beth Am.
Watch on YouTube →A book and a podcast
A Light in the Sandstorm
A forthcoming book, currently in search of a publisher, following his 2023 title A Reason to Rise.
A New Podcast
Launching fall 2026, featuring rabbis and other figures leading the American Jewish community today.
In the press
Rabbi Barras writes and is featured regularly for the CCAR's RavBlog and eJewishPhilanthropy, and blogs for the Times of Israel.
View press coverage →