Biography

Hazzan Matthew Klein is a recent graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, receiving a Master’s Degree in Sacred Music and Investiture as a Hazzan. He earned his B.A. in Music summa cum laude from the College of William and Mary in 2006.

Hazzan Klein’s formal cantorial career began while a senior at the William & Mary, where he was first engaged as the High Holiday cantor of Rodef Sholom Temple in Hampton, VA. He soon after entered cantorial school at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he served on the JTS Gabbai staff and as the hazzan of White Meadow Temple in Rockaway, NJ. He has taught in religious schools and summer camps, and has served on the JTS Faculty as a nusach tutor. Hazzan Klein is also committed to pastoral care, serving two summers in CPE as a hospital chaplain and working with mentally ill adults. He is past president of the Cantorial School Student Organization (CSSO) and recently served on the JTS Cantorial Curriculum task force.

Hazzan Klein has been a featured tenor soloist with the Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus, JTS, and William & Mary Choirs. He is also a founding member of the four-man Jewish singing group The Wizards of Ashkenaz, along with fellow JTS graduate and Beth El member, Cantor Jonathan Schultz. Hazzan Klein is featured on a recent recording of new synagogue melodies, “Joey’s Niggunim,” produced by Mechon Hadar.

You can contact me at 301-301-652-2606 x317 or email me at: mklein@bethelmc.org