Inspiration for the Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale came from Cantor Ronald Eichaker, formerly of Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. The idea grew a volunteer choir that performed at the 1994 convention of the Conservative movement’s Cantors Assembly. That performance was part of the celebration honoring Milwaukee Jewry’s 150th anniversary. The organization’s first president was Libbie Peckarsky z’l.

The Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale has grown musically since its inception. Performing to rave reviews at the North American Choral Festival in Hudson, New York, the Chorale also accompanied the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s mission to Israel for the celebration of the 3,000 anniversary of King David. Other Chorale performances include Lincoln Center in New York City, Chicago, and Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Higher Ground” (a live performance!).

The Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale also has established itself as a provider of Jewish music to the Wisconsin Jewish community, performing for the Jewish Chaplaincy Program, Milwaukee Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point, Sarah Chudnow, and nursing homes throughout Wisconsin. We have participated in cantorial and other programs at synagogues, Jewish National Fund functions and in the Summer Evenings of Jewish Music series.

The Chorale’s annual spring concert draws an audience from across the metro-Milwaukee area and other surrounding Jewish communities.