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Meet a Member

Anndee Hochman
Age: 63
Member Since: 1993
Why Mishkan?
Mishkan is the first synagogue I have ever belonged to. My family did not belong to a synagogue when I was growing up, and I never really planned to join one until Rosh Hashana 1992, when Elissa (partner) and I just happened to be in Philly for the High Holy Days. We were checking out various East Coast cities to decide where to land and where Elissa would want to go to graduate school in social work.

We came to Mishkan, because ticketless services, and services were in the Quaker meeting house with Rabbi Brian. I had never heard a rabbi who felt so engaging and so radical at the same time. As I was standing there marveling that a Jewish service can feel like that, a piece of paper, supplement, fell out about a feminist scholar weekend. Elissa and I exchanged a look that meant this was our place, this was our shul.

Favorite Programs at Mishkan:
I love the moments during Yom Kippur services, when teenagers read aloud a selection of our collective "al chets" (regrets/missteps), and you can feel the ripples of recognition spread throughout the room. And I love, love, the final moments of Yom Kippur. It’s one of the reasons why I stay the whole day: a group of people that are a little bit loopy and transformed in ways they do not have words for yet, and they are looking at each other and seeing each other in the Havdalah lights.

And I love it when I am part of a group of Mishkan folks who show up at a various demonstration or march, who are showing up for or against a cause. Whether or not our leaders are present, those moments make me feel proud to be a part of Mishkan and proud to be a part of Mishkan, a group of activists where that word “active” actually means something.

Fun Fact:
I drive a stick shift — and I’m really proud of it.
Meredith Barber and Michael J. Schwager
Age: 58 / 72
Member Since: 1998
Why Mishkan?
MJS: The first time I attended a service, in 1995, it felt right.
MB: We were looking for something meaningful, where services and ritual weren’t perfunctory, they had depth. The first time I attended a High Holy Days service, it felt therapeutic and intentional. And the people were all authentic and real. Everyone we meet has so much depth.
Favorite Programs at Mishkan:
MB: Spiritual Direction on Monday mornings with Meredith Barber! Another is the retreat. We’ve been to every retreat for several decades. High Holy Day services are another favorite. I really like Village Shabbats. We’ve attended; we’ve hosted.
Fun Facts:
Meredith played the title role in her school’s sixth-grade production of "Annie."
Michael wrote about major league baseball for 15 years.
Fri, September 5 2025 12 Elul 5785