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Cantor Anna Chapman May

 Dobbs Ferry, NY

 cantor.may@ghcny.org

 

Passionate about creating engaging prayer services and deepening connection to Jewish life through contemporary and traditional styles of Jewish music that make services accessible to today’s congregations.  Love working with youth, from leading song sessions with pre-schoolers to preparing B’nai mitzvah students in a supportive and esteem building manner.  Thoughtful listener and caring pastoral presence.

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EDUCATION

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Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, NY

H.L. Miller Cantorial School

  • Masters in Sacred Music, 2019

 

Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY

  • Masters in Library Science, 2010

  • Masters in Art Education, 2006

 

New York University, New York, NY

Tisch School of the Arts

  • BFA Photography, 2003

 

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

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Greenburgh Hebrew Center, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cantor (Since July 2020)

Serving a Conservative synagogue a prayer leader, educator and b'nai Mitzvah teacher, and pastoral care giver

  • Offered workshops in Torah chanting, Yiddish Song, and led a weekly niggunim circle, which were well attended

  • Worked with students to lead parts of the service for their class Shabbatot, which encouraged youth engagement

  • Participate in local concerts and events, including a Collaborative Musical Selichot, and Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, bringing together a variety of congregations in the area

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Congregation Brothers of Israel, Newtown, PA

Student Cantor (2018-Present)

Served a 260 family Conservative Synagogue as prayer leader, Torah reader, b’nai mitzvah teacher and song leader for the religious school.

  • Re-energized Shabbat and Holiday services by introducing new melodies and encouraging more participation.

  • Organized popular themed Shabbatot: Shabbat Under the Stars, Beatles Shabbat and Disney Shabbat, which drew big crowds and created excitement about services.

  • Worked with congregational choir for the Kol Nidre service, which enhanced the service and engaged the community.

  • Co-led Tot Shabbat with Rabbi and led weekly song sessions for the religious school that tied into their curriculum.

 

Congregation Beth El, New London, CT

Student Cantor (2017-Present)

Served a 200 family Conservative synagogue, as prayer leader and teacher.

  • Introduced new melodies into services, led a popular Friday night musical service with instrumentalists from the congregation.

  • Led Hanukkah sing-along and a kids’ musical workshop for Purim.

  • Organized and performed in a cantorial concert, a major community event held annually in memory of a past congregant.

 

Congregation Beth Mordecai, Perth Amboy, NJ

Cantor, High Holy Days (2017)

Led services for Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur, and chanted all Torah readings.

  • Worked collaboratively with Rabbi to shape services, making them more accessible and participatory.

  • Integrated new melodies and taught them to the congregation. Worked with an organist for Kol Nidre and Neilah services.

 

Temple Sinai, Middletown, NY

Student Cantor (2016)

Served a 250 family Conservative synagogue as prayer leader, Torah reader, and teacher.

  • Integrated new melodies into services and collaborated with Rabbi and musicians in the congregation on a monthly family service.

  • Sang duets with teens as part of a Shabbat Shira service.

  • Featured speaker for Sisterhood Shabbat, on the topic of my journey to the cantorate.

 

CHAPLAINCY TRAINING

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New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital

Chaplain Resident (August 2019- June 2020)

●        Worked as an Interfaith chaplain in a large major NYC hospital environment. Provided pastoral care to patients and families in all areas of the hospital, including ICU, ER, and Labor and Delivery. Led weekly spirituality group on the Psychiatric unit. 

       

Project ORE, New York, NY

Chaplain Intern (Summer 2018)

  • Completed one unit (400 hours) of Clinical Pastoral Education through the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Center for Pastoral Education.

  • Served as the chaplain intern at a social service agency and meal program for seniors who were marginalized due to low-income, mental health issues, or homelessness.

  • Led a weekly singing group and a Friday afternoon community Shabbat oneg.

 

 

INTERFAITH WORK

 

The Interfaith Community, New York, NY

Teacher (2015-16)

Working with a Christian educator, co-taught classes for students ages 5-13 from interfaith families.

  • Created original lesson plans on Jewish values, history and practice.

  • Discussed issues of religious identity with students to empower them to develop their own personal practices.

  • Organized interfaith holiday events for students and their families with music, games, art projects and food.

 

CONCERTS

 

John Leopold and Martha Dellheim Senior Recital January 2019 JTS, New York, NY

(View online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhZM-s2LlRA)

 

 Shirei Ahavah v’Aviv –Songs of Love and Spring June 2018 Congregation Beth El, New London, CT

 

 From Bima to Broadway March 2018 Beth Tzedec Congregation, Calgary, Alberta

 

Songs of Israel Yom Yerushalayim, May 2015 Congregation Beth El, New London, CT              

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