New cantor at Kol Ami brings theater and music experience to the role - September 30, 2025

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“One of the things I really love about the cantorate is the ways in which it brings forth tradition while communicating with the community through music,” said Callis during an interview in his office. He noted that Kol Ami is a “blended synagogue,” formed with the merger of Temple Emanuel and Cong. M’kor Shalom. He said the synagogue is still finding its musical voice.

 

https://www.jewishvoicesnj.org/articles/new-cantor-at-kol-ami-brings-theater-and-music-experience-to-the-role/

 

Kol Ami in Cherry Hill Hires New Cantor - July 22, 2025

 

“We had many Zoom interviews and Cantor Callis just rose head and shoulders above so many of the candidates. He was very interactive and his mensch-iness came through. When we brought him in in-person, it was the same. He was very consistent with how he presented initially, and listening to [his recordings], you get the chills,” Zinn said.

 

https://www.jewishexponent.com/kol-ami-in-cherry-hill-hires-new-cantor/

 

Cantorial Student Justin Callis Fulfills Lifelong Dream, Composing His Own “Song of Jonah” - November 8, 2024

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...The two recitals of The Song of Jonah are “a powerful example of everything students and faculty at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music are working together to accomplish,” said Cantor Jill Abramson, DFSSM Director. “Justin Callis has brought a breathtaking variety of musical and cultural elements together to create a work that brings joy to audiences and fellow musicians, and which is also right at home at the heart of a synagogue setting on Yom Kippur –– a remarkable accomplishment.”...

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​https://huc.edu/news/cantorial-student-justin-callis-fulfills-lifelong-dream-composing-his-own-song-of-jonah/​

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At Washington Hebrew, student cantors find harmony - July 27, 2021

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...“People are really loving the idea that they can help mold future cantors who are going out there and serve Jewish communities and the Jewish people; the congregants are very excited about being part of their training,” Bortnick said. “As for what they bring to us, they bring youth, they bring energy, they bring their own knowledge of Jewish music and their own talents, abilities and knowledge … it’s really a two-way street.”...

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https://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/at-washington-hebrew-student-cantors-find-harmony/