Cantor Peter Halpern was raised on Long Island and developed a love for music and singing early on. As a teenager he nostalgically recalls entertaining table-to-table at a restaurant with his sister (now also a cantor). His emerging guitar skills held him in good stead later on. He graduated with distinction from the Eastman School of Music and was ordained as a Cantor at the Hebrew Union College in New York. Upon ordination he went to the Netherlands, where he served as Cantor for ten years. Since that time Cantor Halpern has served congregations in California, Arizona, Massachusetts and Florida. In November 2010, he was invited to sing at the Vatican as part of a contingency of 20 North American Cantors. Cantor Halpern has also composed music for Shabbat that was published by the URJ and is sung in congregations in the US and abroad.

In his words, “It is an exciting juncture in the history of this congregation, and I am proud to be a part of it. Among the things I hope to bring to and experience with you is the elevation and inspiration of prayer and beautiful music.”

Cantor Halpern is the proud father of Nathan, who will be attending Florida Atlantic University in the fall.

His favorite Jewish quote is “Tov l’hodot l’Adonai” – It is good to give thanks to God.

He feels blessed to be called to now serve Temple Beth Kodesh!

To contact Cantor Halpern click here:  cantorpeterhalpern@gmail.com