David Epstein

Cantor David Epstein received his ordination from the New York campus of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music, where he also earned his Master of Sacred Music degree. He holds an undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts, with concentrations in Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre, from Marymount Manhattan College. Prior to his cantorial studies, he worked throughout the New York area as both an actor and bartender.  While in cantorial school, Cantor Epstein served for three years as a cantorial intern at Temple Emanu-El of the City of New York. He also served for one year as Student Cantor at Temple Beth Jacob, as a fourth-grade Judaica teacher at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, and as a B’nei Mitzvah tutor at Central Synagogue. He completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he served as a student chaplain. Cantor Epstein’s cantorial thesis explored American megachurches and their success in fostering intentional worship design, musical engagement, and young adult participation in religious life.  In addition to his musical and pastoral work, Cantor Epstein is a certified 200-hour Power Vinyasa Yoga teacher. In his free time, he enjoys practicing yoga, playing guitar, and exploring New York City in search of its best pad thai.