Micha'el Akiba received an M.A (in Ancient Near Eastern Studies: Languages and Literatures from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor); M.Div. and M.Th. (with an emphasis in exegesis and sacred liturgy from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago); and an M.Mus. (in orchestral conducting from Michigan State University, East Lansing). He received the personal semichah (ordination) of Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi (the founder and spiritual leader of the Jewish Renewal Movement) and serves as the rabbi of P'nai Or--Long Beach. Reb Micha'el (as his students call him) also completed all of his doctoral coursework in music at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. While at USC, he was the conductor of the USC Mens’ Chorale and the assistant conductor of the internationally-known USC Chamber Singers.

For many years, Micha’el worked professionally in Los Angeles as a musician, composer-arranger, and award-winning musical director. Now, he also teaches Hebrew and Kabbalah privately; offers spiritual guidance to individuals (both in Southern California and as well to seekers in other countries); and teaches Torah and Jewish Law at Los Angeles Hebrew High School. He is currently completing two books: "B'sha'arei T'fillah: Within the Gates of Prayer"; and "Aiming Your Heart Towards G-d: The Kavvanah of Prayer". In the secular world, Micha'el also works as a private corporate consultant, helping companies to become high-performance teams by focusing on improving communication and developing their hidden inner strength.