Cantor Clissold Welcomes YOU!

I grew up in South Orange, the child of artists Jo and Carol Jochnowitz. My journey into music began at age twelve when I started studying classical voice. I was also an active member of Congregation Beth El, where I thrived in religious school and embarked on a six-week trip to Israel at sixteen—an experience that profoundly shaped me.

I attended Columbia High School and UNC-Greensboro while serving as a cantorial soloist at Temple Emanuel, a Reform congregation. It was through this work that I realized my true calling: to become a cantor. In 1994, before beginning my formal studies at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, I had the opportunity to serve as a substitute cantor at Monmouth Reform Temple. I still vividly remember standing on the bima, feeling the power of the congregation’s active participation—it was as if my hair was being blown back by their energy! That Shabbat, I met Rabbi Priesand (now Rabbi Emerita) and lay leaders who remain an integral part of our temple today. The warmth and dynamic worship style of MRT left a lasting impression on me.

When I officially joined the clergy team in 2002, I was thrilled to find that the same warmth and enthusiasm for Jewish music were still alive. The congregation’s openness to learning, experimenting with music, and embracing both traditional and contemporary Jewish compositions has allowed me to create unique and joyful Shabbat experiences. I deeply appreciate their enthusiasm—whether through participation or simply being present to absorb the beauty of our music.

Yet, my role extends far beyond music. I am incredibly proud to have developed and nurtured many programs, including:

  • Strong participation at URJ Camps
  • Visual worship
  • Live Streaming and technology integration
  • Torah and Haftarah readers and service leaders
  • Junior and senior Youth Groups
  • B’nai Mitzvah preparation
  • Shir Chadash Band
  • Adult Purim Shpiel
  • Volunteer choir
  • Music and Hebrew education
  • Adult education
  • Pastoral care
  • Life-cycle officiation

If you love to sing, we would love to have you in our choir or band! Our volunteer choir is made up of temple members who enjoy singing, and it is always a joy to make music together. They join me on the bima for MLK Shabbat, the High Holy Days, and Thanksgiving services, bringing an added depth to our worship.

Children at MRT get to know me through religious school and services. I teach all ages and play an active role in religious school, especially working one-on-one with sixth and seventh graders as they prepare to become B’nai Mitzvah. Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with students and their families. Many of our students continue beyond their B’nai Mitzvah, staying involved through confirmation, Torah chanting, choir, band, and youth group. Their achievements fill me with pride, and I cherish watching them grow as members of our community.

As one of the clergy members at MRT, I also share in the pastoral care of our temple family. Walking through life’s journey together—through both joys and challenges—is a sacred privilege, and I want you to know how much I care.

When you join MRT, you become part of something truly special. As your Cantor, I feel deeply fortunate to be part of this incredible community. My own family considers MRT our extended family, and I have no doubt that you will too. Please stop by, send me a message, or email me—I would love to meet you and hear your story.

For nearly 25 years, I have been dedicated to Monmouth Reform Temple, striving to create continuity of progressive Judaism. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of growing professionally with our synagogue, a community that values our traditions and deletes my experiments.

As I approach my retirement in June 2026, I reflect with gratitude on the incredible journey I’ve had—collaborating with talented lay people, colleagues and clergy, serving MRT and witnessing the growth and evolution of our community. While this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to excellence and passion for our future remains unwavering.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!