Clergy

Rabbi Marc Israel

Rabbi Israel joined the Tikvat Israel community in June 2019. He previously served as associate rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel–Beth El in the Philadelphia suburb of Wynnewood for 6 years. Before that he was the rabbi educator at Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase for eight years.

Rabbi Israel graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1992. He earned his rabbinic ordination in 1998 from the Hebrew Union College’s Jewish Institute of Religion, and he joined the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly in 2007. He has been a member of the R.A.’s Social Action Commission.

Rabbi Israel is married to Abbey Frank and they have three children. He is a sports fan, an avid supporter of all things University of Michigan and looks forward to attending some Washington Nationals games in his free time.

Contact Rabbi Israel by e-mail  at rabbi@tikvatisrael.org or phone 301-762-7338, ext. 115.
Rabbi Israel is using calendly to schedule meetings. To schedule a meeting with Rabbi Israel click here. 

Cantor Rochelle Helzner

Cantor Helzner has served the Tikvat Israel/Beth Tikva community since the fall of 1984. She was the first female cantor in a Conservative congregation in the Washington area. Since her appointment, she has inspired our congregation and the community through her davening, teaching and mentoring. Under her leadership, the congregation has established many programs that continue to fulfill the musical, educational and spiritual needs of the community, including a monthly Kabbalat Shabbat with Instruments, a Thanksgiving Sing with a sister church, a Purim puppet production, a Sukkot Kumsitz, programs for families with young children and a yearly innovative concert.

Cantor Helzner graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University, with a degree in music, theater and art. Her cantorial training was received through apprenticeships with such notable hazzanim as Jeffrey Nadel, Arnold Saltzman, Max Wohlberg and Robert Kieval.

Contact Cantor Helzner by e-mail at rhelzner@gmail.com or phone 301-762-7338, ext. 116.