Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Cantor Elena Zarkh was raised in a home filled with Yiddish folk music, where her mother and grandmother instilled a deep love for Jewish song. She studied voice and choral conducting before immigrating to the U.S. in 1979.
After settling in Los Angeles, Cantor Zarkh was accepted into the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion’s School of Sacred Music in New York. She was invested as a cantor in 1985 and joined Old York Road Temple-Beth Am that same year—her first full-time position and spiritual home ever since.
For over three decades, she has inspired generations through music and education, leading services, preparing B’nai Mitzvah students, directing choirs and bands, and creating joyful holiday celebrations. In 2021, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Sacred Music from HUC-JIR and led a meaningful congregational trip to her native Russia.
Cantor Zarkh is active in the broader Jewish community through the Delaware Valley Cantors Council, American Conference of Cantors, and Women Cantors’ Network. She lives in Maple Glen with her husband, Serge, and cherishes music as a powerful force for connection, healing, and joy.
“When people sing together, community is created.” – Peter Yarrow
