Interim Rabbi Ron Eichaker
Rabbi Ron Eichaker is Cantor Emeritus of United Hebrew Congregation, St. Louis, Missouri. First ordained as Cantor from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and then ordained as Rabbi from the Rabbinical Academy of America, Rabbi Ron has served his congregation and community on many levels and in many ways. He has been hailed by those who have worked with him and have been taught by him as a highly skilled musician, with a “warm and beautiful voice”, and dynamic skills as a Hazzan, teacher, writer and communicator with children and adults alike. Those who know him are especially intrigued by his background as a competitor on an international level in the javelin throw.
Raised in Chicago, Rabbi Ron had an early interest in pursuing Jewish community service as either a rabbi or cantor, he served as a student Hazzan from the age of fourteen. He attended Northern Illinois University, majoring in music education and vocal performance on a full athletic scholarship in Track and Field.
While serving Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun in Milwaukee, Wisc. Rabbi Ron took a strong interest in ethnic music, family education, adult education and directing the Torah Readers Academy and Adult Torah Institute. He also founded and directed the Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale, organized the American Jewish Composer’s Forum and Festival (with funding from the Wisconsin Arts Board), and served on several state, county and municipal ethics boards. He was also deeply involved in the interfaith community organizing musical events and partnerships while working with inner city youth. He often appeared at sporting events, conventions and festivals to deliver invocations or singing the national anthem. He frequently performed or served as a panelist on television and radio.
In addition to his congregational work, he is a law enforcement chaplain for St. Louis County and the Cities of Ballwin and Chesterfield in Missouri. He is currently a certified notary and has rabbinic credentials in the U.K. as well as other countries.
Rabbi Ron currently serves on the Cambridge University On Line Academic Panel. He is a certified facilitator from Pardes Institute’s Mahloket Matters program and Bridging Differences from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California-Berkley.
Rabbi Ron and Heidi traveled to Joplin, Mo., in the aftermath of the tornado of 2011 to help counsel community members and to lead worship services; later organizing the first annual memorial service in 2012 which laid the foundation for the Joplin Interfaith Alliance. He also represented the St. Louis Jewish community performing at the first “Interfaith Memorial in Music Concert” (now called “Arts and Faith) held at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Sept. 2011 commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Today he continues to answer the call when needed to serve St. Louis’ interfaith and inter-racial relations communities.
Rabbi Ron and Heidi currently reside in Chesterfield, Missouri.
CONTACT INFORMATIONEmail: ravcbsmizzou@gmail.com
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