Performing Groups

Music is an important part of our religious services and congregational events. There are numerous opportunities to participate in the musical experience at M'kor Shalom. These include:

• The M'kor Shalom Choir
• Shabbat Havurah Ensemble
• High Holy Day Ensemble
• Izzy

If you are interested in becoming involved with any of these congregational musical activities, please contact Cantor Anita F. Hochman by e-mail or by phone at 856-424-4220.

The M'kor Shalom Choir
Under the direction of Cantor Anita F. Hochman, the M'kor Shalom Choir serves as a unique source of inspiration for listeners and choir members alike. In addition to enhancing worship during the High Holy Days and at numerous Shabbat services throughout the year, the choir can be found performing at a variety of special events both within our synagogue and across the region. Made up of over 45 men and women who love celebrating our people's heritage through music, the popularity of this large ensemble has actually created a waiting list for membership.

The choir has represented M'kor Shalom at countless Zimriyot (choral festivals) throughout our region and beyond. The amazing opportunities that have come our way over the years include performing in Israel, at Carnegie Hall, and at Symphony Hall with the New Jersey State Opera Company. Shirei Makor, our first recording, includes a diverse sampling of the choir's repertoire as well as a number of the melodies the congregation sings together at Shabbat services.

Reflecting the innovative style of M'kor Shalom, new opportunities often arise. Most recently a unique partnership has been formed with The Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church of Camden and their gifted director, Dr. Beverly Collins. Together we have discovered a shared passion for celebrating God and a common vision for lifting up and healing through song. What started as a joint project sponsored by our congregations to celebrate the life and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King has quickly become an abiding and incomparable bond that will continue to lead us to new projects and occasions to rejoice in song.

Shabbat Havurah Ensemble
The first Friday night of the month is Shabbat Havurah (Fellowship Sabbath). Under the leadership of Cantor Anita F. Hochman, a special Havurah Ensemble was formed, made up of 20 congregants who love to sing, as well as seven very talented instrumentalists from the congregation. The ensemble's goal is to encourage greater congregational participation in the service. The melodies are inviting, uplifting, at times meditative, and always a reflection of our desire to worship as a joyous community in the celebration Shabbat.

The sources for the music are as diverse as the Jewish people itself, drawing from Chassidic, Israeli, Yiddish and contemporary composers. New tunes and familiar ones are integrated to create a worship experience that for so many has become the highlight of their Shabbat observance. Join us and add your voice to so many others who have discovered the unique spirit of Shabbat Havurah.

High Holy Day Ensemble
The High Holy Day Ensemble is a small choral group, under the direction of Cantor Anita F. Hochman, that participates in both the Selichot and the Kol Nidre services.

Izzy
Izzy is M'kor Shalom's Klezmer orchestra. Under the direction of Edmond Weiss, the ensemble comprises between 12 and 20 musicians, aged 12 to 85+. Formed in the mid-1990's to accompany the Hakafah (Torah procession) on Simchat Torah, Izzy now entertains at various M'kor Shalom gatherings, such as the Annual Meeting, holiday music festivals and fund-raisers.