Born: 1951 (Israel)

Voice: Tenor

Current Position: Cantor at Shaarey Zedek Congregation, Southfield

Note: At one time, the youngest cantor in Europe

Cantor Meir Finkelstein is one of the most renowned composers of contemporary Jewish music and his compositions can be heard in synagogues throughout the world. Born in Israel and the son of Chazzan Zvi Finkelstein, music and religion was always a part of his life. At a young age, his family relocated to England when his father was offered a cantorial position in London where Meir and his older brother Aryeh would join their father in services.

Shortly after Meir’s Bar Mitzvah, he accepted the position of cantor at a synagogue in Scotland. This resulted in Meir becoming the youngest cantor in Europe. During this time, Meir recorded two albums along with his father and brother which were released in the United States.

He began officiating as cantor at Golders Green Synagogue, one of the most prestigious synagogues in London, at the age of 18. At the same time he also attended the Royal College of Music where he received a degree in singing.

Meir came to the USA when he was given the opportunity to sing at the Beth Hillel Congregation in Illinois. He has also served as cantor of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, and Beth Tzedec Congregation in Toronto.  He is currently at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, MI.