Marjorie Hochberg was the beloved Cantorial Soloist at Temple Emanu-El/Kol Ami  for over 30 years.  

As Cantorial Soloist, she officiated at Shabbat and festival services, helped to direct and support adult and youth choirs at Temple Emanu-El, led Strauss ECE Friday morning pre-Shabbat services, and took part in many concerts, Purim Spiels, and special events.

In her role as teacher, she tutored approximately 400 B’nai Mitzvah students,  and advised and calmed more than 800 B’nai Mitzvah parents. She taught pre-Kindergarteners, 6th and 7th graders, and Confirmands in the Religious School. In addition, she taught adult students  about Sephardic music, Prayerbook Hebrew, introduction to Judaism, and Jewish liturgy,  and helped prepare many adult B’nai Mitzvah students as well.

 Her virtuosity as a teacher was recognized by the Jewish community in 2009 when she was granted the  Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award; a national prize given for excellence in Jewish education.

She also took responsibility for other duties related to educating the public about Jewish holidays and observances, and communicating about the synagogue’s activities and mission  congregants. Those responsibilities included editing the  Temple Emanu-El newsletter,  and writing  and editing press releases, letters, ad copy, and emails. And occasionally writing  sermons and Purim spiels.

She is honored to have been granted the status of “Emerita” when she retired in May, 2022.  This status allows her to have a continuing presence in the synagogue as a member of the clergy team.   

Marjorie is married to Dr. Judy Shepard Gomez, continues to live in Tucson, AZ. She enjoys travel,  and loves spending time with her and Judy’s 10 grandchildren.