Cantor Anita F. Hochman

Cantor Anita Hochman served as spiritual leader, music director and educator at Congregation Kol Ami’s predecessor, M’kor Shalom for 36 years. There, Cantor Hochman helped make music a fundamental part of synagogue life, providing a an eduring thread of continuity and source of strength as part of the congregational family. In that time, Cantor Hochman taught every B’nai Mitzvah student, sharing her extraordinary gifts as a teacher and making a lasting positive impression on its congregational families.

Cantor Hochman, a Cherry Hill resident who grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, holds a BS in Music Education from West Chester University, and an MA in Jewish Music from Gratz College. She served as president of the Women Cantors’ Network for five years.

Cantor Hochman’s infectious love for Jewish choral music has inspired both singers and listeners of all ages. As conductor of M’kor Shalom’s renowned 45-member volunteer choir, the Cantor and choir recorded, SHIREI MAKOR – Songs of Our Source, and together they performed in Israel, at Carnegie Hall, with the New Jersey Opera company at Symphony Hall and at the North American Jewish Choral Festival. In addition, The Unity Choir which she formed through a partnership with Dr. Beverly Collins, Evelyn Thomas, and Donavon Soumas, was a source of great excitement and pride for almost 20 Martin Luther King, Jr Weekends, drawing attendances of hundreds of people from the community and beyond.

Under Cantor Hochman’s direction, M’kor Shalom enriched the worship experience with a Chavurah Ensemble, a folk vocal and instrumental group that served to encourage congregational participation. All Shabbat and holiday services have been enriched by Cantor Hochman’s inspiring musical contribution.

Although Cantor Hochman officially retired in June 2017, she remains both an integral member of our synagogue community and a member of our Congregation Kol Ami clergy team, continuing in her role as Cantor Emerita.