“About
Chazan Peter Gordon”

Chazan Peter Gordon is a cantor, musician, educator, author, and musical director with over five decades of dedicated service in Jewish sacred music. Known for his warmth, musical versatility, and ability to connect deeply with audiences of all ages, he has spent his life bringing together faith, artistry, and storytelling.

Born in Chicago and raised in Highland Park, Peter began his musical journey at an early age. He was first trained on the recorder and, by third grade, began studying violin at the Music Institute of Chicago in Winnetka under the guidance of Ruth Nash.

At that time, known as Gordy Tatner, he was selected to perform at Tenthouse Theatre in Highland Park, Illinois, appearing in the comedy-drama A Roomful of Roses by Edith Sommers and in the comedy The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker by Liam O'Brien, in which he played Ben Pennypacker.

After moving to Short Hills, New Jersey in fifth grade, he continued his violin studies and went on to perform in the All-State Orchestra during his final two years at Millburn High School, graduating in 1967.

Peter was awarded a vocal scholarship to Indiana University, where he studied voice, violin, and dance. During his summer breaks in 1968 and 1969, he performed for two seasons at the Surflight Theatre as a stage actor and singer. His theatrical credits there included Carnival, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Student Prince—an extraordinary schedule of eleven musicals in eleven weeks.

After three years at Indiana University, Peter entered the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion School of Sacred Music to pursue cantorial studies. Within four months, he was offered his first position as a cantor in New City, New York, marking the beginning of a lifelong calling.

Over the next four decades, Peter brought innovation, leadership, and creativity to congregational life. He founded the professional community choir Shirim Chorale, establishing ensembles in both Chicago and Atlanta, and created one of the first “Rock Shabbat” services, incorporating a full band into worship. He also recorded a professional cassette titled Aycha Ashir – How Can I Sing, featuring original compositions, and directed congregational productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, Milk and Honey, and Annie, enriching community life through both sacred and theatrical expression.

Peter served Temple Chai for seven years, where his leadership inspired a core group of thirty families to establish a new congregation, Shirat Emet (“Song of Truth”). Under his guidance, the congregation grew from its founding families to over 300 families, with a religious school serving more than 400 children—an enduring testament to his vision, dedication, and ability to build vibrant community.

Peter later moved to Las Vegas, where in nearby Boulder City he founded another congregation, Shirat Emet, which grew to include over fifty families. After a year, Rabbi Richard Schaket of Valley Outreach Synagogue invited Peter to serve as Chazan. He remained in that role until the Rabbi’s untimely passing six years later. Peter was then asked to lead a new congregation formed by many of the remaining families.

He later moved to Austin, Texas, where he joined Ahavat Ammi, Yeshivat Shuvu as Chazan, leading a congregation and continuing his work in teaching and ministry. He continues to serve to this day as a Chazan within this worldwide Messianic Jewish organization, teaching students across the globe—from America to Sri Lanka, India, France, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Germany.

Through Ahavat Ammi Ministries, Peter also streams worship services worldwide over the internet in six different languages, including Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat, Saturday morning Shacharit services, as well as Jewish Festivals and Holy Days.

In addition to his cantorial work, Peter is the founder and director of the folk music tribute group Peter, Paul and Mary Alive, a nationally recognized ensemble celebrating the music and legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary. Through this group, he brings timeless folk music to life with authenticity, harmony, and heartfelt storytelling.
Website: www.peterpaulandmaryalive.com

Their music has reached a global audience through YouTube, where two of their featured performances have each received over 8 million views, reflecting the enduring power of their message.

In March of 2026, Peter completed his novel Nic and Me, a moving and family-centered story inspired by the brief but powerful account of Nicodemus in the Gospel of John. While rooted in Scripture and ancient tradition, the story brings this moment in history to life through the imagined experiences of a family, inviting readers to see the search for truth through fresh and personal eyes.

In 2021, Peter met his wife, Katherine Derenia, and together they share a blended family of three daughters and nine grandchildren. They are also devoted to Tabby, their beloved Lab–Shar-Pei mix. Peter and Katherine currently reside in Henderson, Nevada.

Peter Gordon was known earlier in his career as Joel Gordon.

With a lifelong commitment to faith, music, teaching, and storytelling, Chazan Peter Gordon continues to inspire others—bridging tradition and creativity through prayer, performance, and the enduring power of song.