Michael Greenspan, Congregation Etz Chaim’s accordion playing cantorial soloist, has degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education, but spent most of his working life as a professional musician and entertainer.  Even in his hometown of Charlotte, NC he was playing his accordion professionally during his high school years, having created his first performance group with his best friend, a future rabbi, and his friend’s younger sister.  

Working throughout his college years as an entertainer and accompanist for international folk dance groups in the Research Triangle area around Chapel Hill, NC, Michael received his BA degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina.  His musical career continued with a move to Atlanta, GA during the early 70’s where he co-created the Erev Duo, a singing partnership specializing in Jewish and international music.  Spending each summer for ten years working with Fred Berk, the respected New York choreographer and authority on Israeli folkdance, Michael honed his skills and repertoire both as a dancer and as musical/social director for Fred Berk’s dance camp workshop held yearly at Camp Blue Star in Hendersonville, NC. 

His move to south Florida in 1976 began Michael’s association with the American Balalaika Company for nearly twenty years of playing cruise ships, state fairs, arts councils, casinos, and concert series across the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey.  The quartet specialized in Russian and gypsy music played on Russian balalaikas, the unique three stringed triangular Russian instruments.  But their repertoire included dance and music in many languages including Hebrew, Yiddish, Roumanian, Turkish, Greek, and Arabic, as well as other Eastern and Western European music.  When not on the road, the American Balalaika Company was one of the most well known and popular music acts during the “golden age” of the Condo circuit in south Florida.

Eventually the American Balalaika Company decided not to do anymore extensive touring and eventually retired the act.  During those years Michael received his Masters degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and began a career as a teacher specializing in using technology in the elementary classroom.  He is currently the technology specialist at Millennium Middle School in Tamarac, FL.

Michael’s association with Congregation Etz Chaim began in February of 1985 when he first walked through its doors.  He met his partner of more than 18 years, Jesse Monteagudo, a writer, book critic, and recognized authority on Gay and Lesbian literature, that first night.  Jesse, who was leading services that night, claims that Michael fell in love twice that evening, once with him, and once with Congregation Etz Chaim.  Michael served two terms as President of the congregation from 1986-1988, and two more terms from 1996-1998.  After many years as a volunteer and occasional music leader, he has been the congregation’s paid cantorial soloist since 1999.  He brings to Etz Chaim years of Jewish musical experience that reach back to his high school days and years as a professional musician in a genre of music that includes Jewish, Israeli, and cantorial selections.  Michael and Jesse make their home in Plantation, FL.