New Cantor Brings South American Flair and Elementary Education Background to Ohev Shalom of Bucks County

RICHBORO, PA...When Ohev Shalom of Bucks County welcomes in its new cantor on August 1, it will also be welcoming in a vibrant vocalist of spiritual sound, sometimes enhanced by the Cuatro, a Venezuelan folk guitar.

Cantor Annelise Ocanto will join Ohev Shalom from Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester, Mass, where she has served as Cantor for the past four years. While a New Englander by birth, there is no denying the influence of her Venezuelan parents, her mom a classical musician and her dad a classical music enthusiast, in shaping her passion for music with a Latin flair. “It is so important to teach people the joy of music and of singing out,” says Cantor Ocanto.

Her interest in channeling her love for music toward a career as a cantor first sparked while preparing for her Bat Mitzvah. Her very supportive cantor encouraged her to join her synagogue’s various choirs. The synagogue’s next cantor, like her parents, came from South America. “He opened my eyes to how Sephardic and Latino culture, a love for Judaism and music can all be melded together.”

Eager to pursue a career that enabled her to work with children and inspire them through Jewish music, Cantor Ocanto earned her bachelor’s from the University of Nebraska in Elementary Education, specializing in English as a Second Language, with a minor in music. She then attended the Jewish Theological Seminary’s H.L. Miller Cantorial School, where she earned her cantorial ordination.

Cantor Ocanto is eager to bring the love of music fostered in her by her past cantors to her new position. “I am excited to be a mentor to the kids and to show everyone at Ohev Shalom how they can explore their identity through music,” she said.

According to Ohev Shalom Rabbi Eliott Perlstein, she already has started to do so. “When Cantor Ocanto visited our congregation this spring, I was amazed how mesmerized the kids were in seeing her and singing with her. She brings tremendous warmth to her interactions with children and adults and I am excited to see what is ahead,” said Rabbi Perlstein.

The search for Ohev Shalom’s new cantor spanned the nation, with the synagogue bringing in six candidates to lead the Sabbath service according to Board President Barry Klein. “By all accounts, our congregation fell in love with Annelise Ocanto.”

Meet Cantor Ocanto at Shabbat in the Park

The public is invited to celebrate a joyous and informal Shabbat in the Park with Cantor Annelise Ocanto on Friday, August 14. The family-friendly event will be held in Tyler State Park (Upper Plantation Area), in Newtown, PA. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.

ABOUT OHEV SHALOM OF BUCKS COUNTY
Ohev Shalom has been serving the Jewish community of Bucks County since its founding in 1976. Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, it is a vibrant and dynamic congregation that is committed to serving the spiritual, cultural, educational and social needs of its congregational family. Ohev Shalom celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and welcomes diversity within its sacred community. For information about Ohev Shalom, go to www.ohev.org.