Cantor Anita F. Hochman

Music touches lives in many ways, and when it comes to religion it is often music that strikes the deepest chord. At Congregation M'kor Shalom, Cantor Anita F. Hochman is the musical connection that has been a thread of continuity for the congregation since her arrival on November 1, 1981.

Cantor Hochman, a Cherry Hill resident who grew up in Bucks County, Pa., holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from West Chester University. She received her Masters degree in Jewish Music from Gratz College. From 1994 to 1999 she served as president of the Women Cantors' Network, an international organization. In her role at Congregation M'kor Shalom, Cantor Hochman is spiritual leader, educator and music director. She has taught every Bar and Bat Mitzvah student since she began here. Cantor Hochman's extraordinary gifts as a teacher have made a most positive impact on over a thousand M'kor Shalom families who love and respect her.

Cantor Hochman's commitment to and love for Jewish choral music is infectious and has inspired both singers and listeners of all ages. As conductor of M'kor Shalom's renowned 48-member volunteer choir, Cantor Hochman has taken them to Israel to perform at the first Jewish Zimriyah (Jewish Choral Festival) in 1988 and to Carnegie Hall, where the choir was part of the National Jewish Chorale under Matthew Lazar. This special concert offered in tribute of the 25th anniversary of Jerusalem's re-unification included performances with Theodore Bikel, Alberto Mizrahi and Elie Wiesel.

Cantor Hochman and the M'kor Shalom Choir recorded SHIREI MAKOR - Songs Of Our Source, which includes a wide variety of Jewish pieces arranged for choir, as well as a number of melodies performed and accompanied by Cantor Hochman.

More recently, Cantor Hochman conducted our choir at the 12th Annual North American Jewish Choral Festival. It was also under her direction that the first South Jersey Jewish Community Choir was formed in 1996. This impressive group of over 120 voices performs biannually at our acclaimed Jewish community concerts.

Recently our congregation has expanded its worship experience with the addition of a folk vocal and instrumental group, usually on the fourth Friday night of the month, which we call Shabbat Havurah. Through Cantor Hochman's direction, our Shabbat Havurah Ensemble is enhancing our services and is enabling our congregants to find new and uplifting ways to make a sacred connection.

The unique Shabbat and holiday services at M'kor Shalom are enriched by Cantor Hochman's inspiring musical contributions. Cantor Hochman is a musical as well as spiritual source of strength for the entire congregation.

In the words of one of our young members studying for his Bar Mitzvah, "Cantor Hochman is the gold standard for cantors."

You can send Cantor Hochman an e-mail at CantorHochman@mkorshalom.org