Robyn Helzner has been Temple Sinai’s Cantorial Soloist since 2005 but she has been leading services here since 1987. Encouraging participation is a hallmark of Robyn’s cantorial style. She coordinates the temple’s twice monthly lay-led Shabbat morning, Kehillat Shabbat services.

Robyn is a graduate of Northwestern University’s renowned theatre program. She served for six years as the Cantor for the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong and officiated at the first bar mitzvah celebrated in Beijing, China. In addition to her work at Temple Sinai, she leads the Robyn Helzner Trio, performing concerts of World Jewish Music throughout the U.S. and abroad. The moving story of her underground concerts in the Soviet Union, which led to sold-out performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg, was broadcast on the Public Television special, “Chanukah – A Celebration of Freedom.”  Robyn has released five recordings. “Hearts Awaken,” “ A Fire Burns,” and “Signs & Wonders,” feature the Robyn Helzner Trio. “Clap Your Hands” and “I Live in the City” are beloved by children worldwide.

A native Washingtonian, Robyn comes from a Temple Sinai family. Her father, Manny, was the temple’s first Director of Education, and her mother, Charlotte, taught first grade in the Religious School. Combining her love of Jewish music, culture, history and travel, Robyn leads Jewish Heritage Tours and has escorted groups to China, Spain and the Balkans.

 

 

Contact

Robyn Helzner
Cantorial Soloist
rhelzner@templesinaidc.org
(202) 363-6394 x 214