Where Ancient Melodies Meet New Harmonies
Music is the soul of our worship. At Emanu-El, our services are alive with song, reflection, and community spirit – blending traditional chants with modern arrangements. Whether you’re here for the first time or have grown up with us, you belong in our song.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Congregational Singing – Join your voice with ours at virtually every service for a truly inspiring communal sound.
- Adult Volunteer Choir – Lend your talent to our Shabbat services once a month, as well as during festivals and High Holy Days.
- Children’s Choir – Our youngest voices participate in services and perform special outreach concerts in the community.
- The Emanu-El Mazel Tunes Band – Catch our band performing at synagogue events, local retirement facilities, or by special request.
- Purim Spiel & Variety Show – From the fun of our annual Purim musical to our member talent showcase, we make plenty of room for joy and play.
Music is one of the many ways we create connection without conditions. Whether you’re a lifelong musician or just love to listen, your presence makes our harmony complete.
Come find your rhythm with us. Join us for an upcoming service or reach out to learn how you can share your musical gifts with the community.
Our Music Committee: Sustaining the Spirit
At Emanu-El, music is more than just a background – it’s a bridge that connects our history to our future. Our Music Committee works behind the scenes to ensure that every note sung in our sanctuary or played in our community resonates with meaning and joy.
Major Highlights & Initiatives:
- Salute to Song & Spirit – This signature annual concert, initiated by Cantor Barash, is a cornerstone of our community life. As a major fundraising event, it brings world-class professional musicians to Milwaukee, offering a high-caliber cultural experience that supports the ongoing mission of Emanu-El.
- Collaborative Worship – We are currently expanding our partnership with the Worship Committee to thoughtfully integrate congregational music into our services, ensuring our traditions remain vibrant and accessible to all generations.
- Community Outreach – Music is one of the most powerful ways we offer “connection without conditions”. We are actively developing joint concerts and musical outreach programs to build deeper ties within the broader Milwaukee community.
Join Our Harmony
We believe that everyone has a part to play in our community’s song. Whether you are a professional musician, a passionate listener, or someone who wants to help shape the future of Jewish music in Milwaukee, we would love to have you involved.
For more information or to join the Music Committee, please reach out to:
Experience the Music of Emanu-El
The best way to understand the spirit of our congregation is to hear it for yourself. Below, you can listen to and watch Cantor Barash as he brings our “ancient melodies and new harmonies” to life. Whether it’s a soulful prayer or a spirited folk tune, each selection reflects the authentic, unpretentious spirit of our community.
Listen and Watch:
Find Your Own Rhythm
Whether you’re here to listen, to pray, or simply to be, you belong in our song. We invite you to join us at an upcoming service to experience these melodies in person – no prior religious fluency required.
