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Home > About Us > Leadership

Leadership

Rabbi David Spey

Temple Bat Yam welcomed Rabbi David A. Spey in July 2010, bringing a wealth of new experiences and insights to the Temple’s vibrant congregation.  Prior to joining the Bat Yam family, Rabbi Spey served seven years on the bima of Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, Md.  His previous experience includes serving as a rabbinic intern for Central Synagogue in New York City; at Temple Emanuel in Worcester, Mass.; and at Temple Beth Tikva in Wayne, N.J.

Rabbi Spey has taught and advised synagogue youth groups in a variety of synagogues in the New York metropolitan area. He was a staff member of the Joint Commission on Social Action at the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in New York City, served as a chaplain at the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale in the Bronx, and a rabbinic resident at the Community Synagogue in Rye, N.Y.  He also was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council of the Union for Reform Judaism, Camp Harlam Advisory Group, the Washington Board of Rabbis, and Past President of the Board of Rabbis.

Rabbi Spey received his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City in 2003 and his undergraduate degree in Religion from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. in 1989.  During the hiatus in his studies, he explored careers in architecture, sailing and medical research.

Rabbi Spey, his wife Dara and their children Quin (Quintin) and Ani (Eliana), are happy to be part of Temple Bat Yam’s vibrant community and make Fort Lauderdale their home.

Michael Peer

Michael Peer serves as Cantorial Soloist at Temple Bat Yam in Fort Lauderdale, bringing a rich blend of musical artistry, spiritual depth, and heartfelt connection to the congregation. With a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and over 15 years of experience as a performer, educator, and liturgical leader, Michael enhances worship through music that is both inspiring and inclusive.

Originally from Israel, Michael’s international career in opera, musical theatre, and Jewish music allows him to bridge tradition and modernity, creating meaningful prayer experiences that resonate with congregants of all ages. At Temple Bat Yam, he leads Shabbat and holiday services, lifecycle events, and musical programming that strengthens the community’s spiritual life.

In addition to his role at Temple Bat Yam, Michael is a dedicated vocal coach and music educator, guiding students in developing both technical skill and expressive artistry. His warmth, professionalism, and passion for Jewish music make him a beloved presence in the South Florida Jewish community.

Temple Board of Trustees 2025/2026

Officers

Barry Solomon, President

Jordan Sangerman  Vice President

Carey Fischer, Vice-President/General Counsel

Arnold Pittler, Executive Vice President

David Yalen, Secretary

Brooks Turkel, Treasurer

Melissa Comras, Past President

Jerry Baer
Robert Baker
Ed Boreth
Ed Coopersmith
Corey Friedman
Kathalyn Haimo
Kerri Harrell
Sam Jacobs
Greg Kaliman
Suzanne Newman
Lyn Saberg
Dory Sangerman
David Simon
Sean Thompson
Terri Voss

Sisterhood President: Ruth Schachter
Brotherhood Presidents: Robert Baker & Evan Goldman

Cantor Wendy Autenrieth, D.M., Cantor Emerita

Cantor Wendy Autenrieth brings music to Temple Bat Yam, everyday, from her impressive Cantorial leadership even in retirement.  She still is a regular at Shabbat evening services and she is still director of the intergenerational band, Dor L’Dor.

Cantor Wendy, as she is affectionately called by many congregants, brings her expertise to many aspects of temple life when she is called upon to do so.  In retirement, she still collects school supplies each summer to benefit the Wilton Manors Elementary School.  Cantor Autenrieth now serves the TBY Sisterhood as treasurer and sings with the Nova Singers, a community choir.

Cantor Autenrieth graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in music therapy.  In 1987 she received a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music and certification as a Cantor from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in New York.  She is a member of the American Conference of Cantors and has served on its board of directors.  Prior to joining TBY in 2001 she served congregations in Worcester, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Cantor Autenrieth and her husband, Bruce, have been married for 52 years and have two sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. 

Rabbi Lewis Littman z"l, Founding Rabbi

Rabbi Lewis C. Littman joined Temple Bat Yam in 1986. A superb teacher and spiritual leader, Rabbi Littman’s perspective on Judaism reflects his strong commitment to Tikkun Olam, or Repairing the World. In addition, his love of Jewish music and theater is reflected in the central role music plays in Temple services, observances and events.

The National Conference for Community and Justice recognized Rabbi Littman’s work on behalf of the Jewish community and the community-at-large with the 2002 “Silver Medallion Award” for community service. Rabbi Littman currently chairs the Community Relations Council of Imperial Point Hospital, and has served on the Board of the “Missions of Mercy” at nearby Holy Cross Hospital.

Over the years, he has served as president of the Broward Board of Rabbis; Chairman of the Clergy Dialogue Group of the National Conference on Community and Justice (NCCJ); and on regional boards of directors of Seafarer’s House, the Anti-Defamation League, the Central Agency for Jewish Education and the Jewish Federation.

A native of Trenton, N.J., Rabbi Littman graduated from Rutgers University and then earned a Master of Arts degree. He was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York in 1967. Following ordination, he served congregations in Denver, Colo.; Erie, Pa.; and Rockville Centre, N.Y. From 1982 through 1986 he was Director of the Southeast Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, based in Miami.

In 1992 the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion awarded Rabbi Littman the degree of Doctor of Divinity in recognition of 25 years of service in the rabbinate.

Rabbi Littman and his wife, Dr. Marlyn Kemper Littman, a professor at Nova Southeastern University, are the parents of six children and five grandchildren.

Fri, August 15 2025 21 Av 5785