Michael Hunter Ochs

In addition to his success in contemporary popular music, Ochs is universally recognized as a leading composer of Jewish and Interfaith worship music. On any given Friday evening his music can be heard in synagogues around the world. 

A Song Commission for your congregation will become much more than an opportunity to enhance your Shabbat, High Holy Days or special occasions.  It is a chance for your community to contribute to the very essence of modern Jewish worship music. As your synagogue creates new Jewish music with Michael, you will also ensure communities around the world continue to be inspired as they experience a new “Jewish Song Book” for decades to come - and your Synagogue’s name will be part of the legacy.

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"He wrote words that ignited smiles, delight and meaning. 
He set it to music that lifted our souls...the result was a song sung by millions."  
-Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein,  Director of Jewish Community and Bronfman Center for Jewish Life, 92nd Street Y
("A New Year" - Over 10 Million Views on Facebook)

“Michael Ochs is more than simply an incredibly talented composer, lyricist and performer – although all of those adjectives could easily describe him. He is someone who understands the power of music to move people – as individuals and communities. Working with Michael to commission a new Psalm 150 to commemorate Temple Emanuel, Denver’s 150th Anniversary was a remarkable experience of collaboration, synergy, and brilliance. He took the time to get to know us and to learn about who we were as a sacred community. While he was the composer of this beautiful piece of music, the final product was a reflection of our collective values and vision. We were thrilled to be gifted with this remarkable piece of liturgy that will be a cherished by multiple generations.”
-Rabbi Joe Black, Temple Emanuel Denver (Denver, CO) 

"Working with Michael on his setting of the Priestly Benediction was a dream. He asked the perfect questions and worked hard to understand why this particular text was so meaningful to me - and captured it so beautifully in song! Michael's enthusiasm for his work is outdone only by his ability to craft perfect moments of prayer through song - he is truly one of the most important voices in Jewish music of our time. Thank you, Michael, for leaving an indelible mark on me as a Cantor and, more importantly, the world of 21st century Jewish music!"
-Cantor Tracy Fishbein, The Temple (Nashville, TN)…The Temple has commissioned 2 pieces.

"Michael is a soulful, prayerful, insightful songwriter, composer and artist.  He aims to get to the truth of the lyric and the heart of the idea...through study, deep conversations and genuine passion. Collaborating with Michael is an experience I'll never forget, and one that I want to repeat again and again."
-Cantor Yonah Kliger, Temple Judea (Los Angeles)

 "Working with Michael as been revolutionary for our congregation.   He has helped us to find our unique voice, creating a signature sound that expresses who we are as a synagogue community and who we are as Jews.   The tremendous power of joining together to sing music composed with the heart and soul of our community at the center is so palpably felt yet difficult to express in words. Each song was introduced individually at a special Shabbat service and each of those services was followed by a talk back at which Michael presented a power-point presentation, walking the congregation through the steps of the creative composition process.  These talkbacks were an incredible programatic highlight, always very well attended and always extremely fun, engaging and entertaining."
-Cantor Shira Ginsburg, East End Temple (New York)…East End Temple Commissioned 10 original songs and album production.

“Working with Michael was a gift!  We spent months digging into the inspiration and goals for the song he wrote. Michael made sure our study included traditional and contemporary texts and that it would be a piece we could use in worship, in gathering, and in celebration.  Barnert Temple's proud 175^th anniversary celebration was elevated by Michael's original music which he brought to our community with respect and love.  We can't wait for another reason to engage with this one of a kind songwriter and service leader - thank you!”
-Rabbi Rachel Steiner, Barnert Temple (Franklin Lakes, NJ)

"When our congregation was considering a meaningful way to honor our beloved rabbi emeritus on the 50^th anniversary of his ordination, a song commission by Michael Hunter Ochs was the natural choice. Michael created an original piece that honors our rabbi with selections from the Bible and contemporary lyrics that capture his life's work. The Shabbat celebration at which Michael was our composer and artist-in-residence could not have been more meaningful and moving. Just as our rabbi emeritus' good works go beyond our congregation, it is our hope that Michael's "Do Justly" will be sung around the world."
Rabbi David Komerofsky, Temple Israel (Canton, OH)

“Michael, Your ability to bring meaning to life through melody is unmatched.  I could never imagine the piece that you created and grateful that you were the one to put this important massage to song for us.  Your ability to balance all of the needs we asked of you, is truly a gift. We will use this song with love and light!  Amazing work!”
Cantor Abbie Strauss, Temple Judea (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)

"His setting of Y'varechecha perfectly spoke to my musical soul. I could not be happier with the composition." 
-Dr. Alan Mason, Director of Music, Temple Israel of Greater Miami

"Michael's prayerful neshama (soul) is evident in every note that pours out of him." 
-Cantor Tracy Fishbein, The Temple (Nashville, TN)

"Our congregation has fallen in love. I am a BIG fan and look forward to many more commissions."
-Cantor Rebecca Garfein, Rodeph Sholom (New York, NY)

"Michael is that unique combination of creative modernity and love of tradition. His music draws people together, no matter their background or perspective, faith or ideology. His personal approach is revisioning our liturgy in an energizing and uplifting way that is accessible to all."  Rabbi Kenneth Kanter, Director of Rabbinical School, Hebrew Union College

“It was a wonderful experience to work with Michael Ochs during his visit as composer in residence at Temple Israel.  Michael elevated our Shabbat services with his warmth, spirit and beautiful music.  Michael was commissioned to write a song to honor our Rabbi Emeritus John Spitzer.  He took the time to learn everything he could about Rabbi Spitzer, and that knowledge combined with his depth of feeling, resulted in a beautiful and moving musical tribute to our beloved Rabbi Emeritus.  ”
Suzanne Steiglitz (Cantorial Soloist) Temple Israel (Canton OH)