Born in Israel in 1949, Rabbi Heilman moved to the United States with his family in 1961. Trained in classical music and learning piano from an early age, he studied at UCLA and SMU, earning a Bachelor of Music and an Artist Diploma in piano performance from SMU in 1971 and 1973 respectively. In 1973, Rabbi Heilman rejoined his family in Israel. Between 1973 and 1977 he concertized in Israel and abroad and made several solo, chamber and concerto recordings for the Israel Broadcasting Authority. During that period he also fulfilled his military duty, serving as a medic in Zahal, the Israel Defense Force. 

In 1977, Rabbi Heilman returned to the United States to continue his musical studies and to further his career as a pianist. He received a Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati in 1979. In 1980, he married Sally Finestone, then a rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College. Rabbi Heilman’s and Rabbi Finestone’s two children, Hannah and Yoni, were born in 1982 and 1986 respectively. 

In addition to his musical work, Rabbi Heilman has taught Hebrew, Hebrew literature, the history of Jewish music, and other related topics. He has also composed music to Jewish texts and written works of fiction--including several short stories, poetry, and a Purimspiel. 

In 1995, he was accepted into the rabbinic program at Hebrew Union College--Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City, where he was ordained in 1998. 

Rabbi Heilman served as Rabbinic Leader of Congregation B’nai Torah between 1995 and 1998, and as its first full-time rabbi since then. A dynamic leader, his extensive background is evident in all aspects of the Congregation---from guiding our worship and ritual, to involvement in the Hebrew School and adult education classes, providing spiritual guidance in times of crisis for congregants, having input on Board decisions--to playing and organizing musical concerts.