To submit an event for consideration write to Chronicle@MilwaukeeJewish.org by the 15th for the monthly edition arriving in homes about two weeks later. Include date, time, location, a description, contact information and whether the event is free or what is charged.
Sunday, April 8
Hear a survivor’s story
The Holocaust Stories: In Their Honor series features Renata Laxova at 10 a.m. on April 8. Laxova is a member of the Speakers Bureau of the Nathan & Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Free and open to the public. For further information visit HolocaustCenterMilwaukee.org or contact Brittany Hager McNeely at 414-963-2714. Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center – Daniel M. Soref Community Hall, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd.
Stitching Histories exhibit returns
“Stitching Histories From the Holocaust” returns to Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, at 1360 N. Prospect Ave., open from April 8 – Sept. 16. See April 12 listing for more information.
Monday, April 9
‘Breakfast’ film and author visit
“Breakfast at Ina’s” (2015) 7 p.m., April 9. Meet Ina Pinkney, a Chicago legend known as the “Breakfast Queen,” who ran a beloved breakfast/lunch restaurant in the West Loop for 33 years. Pinkney survived polio as an infant, entered an interracial marriage in the ‘60s (despite family objections) – and her joy for life and her passion for cooking and feeding people is contagious. The film follows the last days as Pinkney closed her restaurant in 2013. She will present a talkback following the film (51 minutes), as well as a book signing of her cookbook/memoir “Ina’s Kitchen: Memories and Recipes from the Breakfast Queen.” Taste a sample of Ina’s Famous Sour Cream Coffeecake! Class is free and will be shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. For more information, contact Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.
Tuesday, April 10
Cooking with Israeli emissaries
Join our Israeli emissaries – Community Shlichah Keren Weisshaus and Campus Fellow Pnina Ezra – for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn to make Mediterranean bourekas from scratch from 6-8 p.m. on April 10 at Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd. While the creations are baking, Weisshaus and Ezra will lead a discussion on the many foods influenced by different cultures, and how it brings people together as a common denominator. This free event is organized by Milwaukee Jewish Federation and Congregation Shalom. RSVP required by April 3: MilwaukeeJewish.org/Cooking or contact Allison Hayden at AllisonH@MilwaukeeJewish.org or 414-390-5724.
Gingold book talk
Author talk and book signing: “Tunnel, Smuggle, Collect: A Holocaust Boy,” by Jeffrey N. Gingold. North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, April 10, 6 p.m. This book is the true story of Gingold’s father’s and grandmother’s survival during the Holocaust. Sam Gingold and his family were taken to the Warsaw Ghetto, where this 7-year-old boy helped his family survive by smuggling food and medicines. There will be books for sale and a book signing immediately following the presentation. As the son of a Holocaust survivor, Gingold is a member of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Speakers Bureau. Gingold contributes 100 percent of the proceeds from his book to HERC. Free.
Wednesday, April 11
Yiddish, klezmer and more
Anthony Russell and klezmer trio Veretski Pass will perform “Convergence,” the sold-out hit of the 29th annual Berkeley Jewish Music Festival. Convergence brings together 100 years of Yiddish folk music and African-American spiritual music. The musical collaboration joins elements from classical, jazz, blues, and gospel music with Jewish folk songs, synagogue music and Negro spirituals. Russell is an African-American classically-trained vocalist and composer. Raised in a Christian family, Russell is now Jewish, married to Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, and a world-class Yiddish singer. His work explores the connections between his identities, drawing on themes of hope, spirituality, exile and redemption. For more information contact The Sam and Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 414-229-6121. AnthonyRussellBass.com. April 11, 7 p.m., Anodyne Coffee – Walker’s Point, 224 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee. See also April 12 and 13.
Thursday, April 12
Film class: ‘Radical Evil’
“Radical Evil” (Das Radikal Bose) (2013) 7 p.m. How do ordinary men become evil? Academy Award winning director Stefan Ruzowitzky takes a close-up look at the Einsatzgruppen – ordinary men who were responsible for murdering over two million Jews with rifles and bullets in Eastern Europe during World War II. This fascinating documentary alternates between presenting the men’s own words from diaries – and a variety of psychological theories and classic experiments that explore how regular men became killers. In German and English with subtitles. 1 hour, 36 minutes. Ages 14 to adult. Talkback following the film: Rabbi Noah Chertkof and Dr. Steven Moffic. Co-sponsored by the JCC, HERC and Congregation Shalom. Class is free and will be shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. For more information, contact Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.
Stitching Histories exhibit opening
After traveling to venues across the country, this acclaimed original exhibit returns to Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. Stitching Histories From the Holocaust tells the story of Hedwig Strnad and her husband Paul through the letters to their Milwaukee cousin and the dress designs they sent in the hopes of getting visas. They were ultimately killed in the Holocaust, but her dress designs survived. The centerpiece of this exhibit is eight dresses created by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater Costume Shop. These dresses provide visitors with a tangible connection to the loss of talent in the Holocaust. Accompanying the Strnad narrative are two more family stories of immigration. Enjoy Milwaukee’s own chanteuse and accordionist, Robin Pluer, composer and guitarist Chris Hanson and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra violinist Glen Ashe for an evening of poignant music reminiscent of the World War II period, including resistance songs and ballads. Sample European-inspired cuisine and sip a champagne cocktail or a cold beer. Exhibit opening preview April 12, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Members $15, non-members $20. RSVP by Monday, April 9. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Anthony Russell at Ovation
“The Sidor Bilarsky Songbook.” Anthony Russell performs with piano accompaniment. Ovation Jewish Home, 1414 N. Prospect Ave. April 12, 7 p.m. For more information contact The Sam and Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 414-229-6121 and see April 11, “Yiddish …”
Friday, April 13
Anthony Russell at CEEBJ
“Written in Breath.” Anthony Russell performs before Shabbat services. Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, 2020 W. Brown Deer Road, River Hills. 414-228-7545. April 13, 6 p.m. For more information contact The Sam and Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 414-229-6121 and see April 11, “Yiddish …”
Sunday, April 15
Yom HaShoah commemoration
The community Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration will be at 3 p.m. on April 15 at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Keynote speaker: Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein. Event co-chairs: Rachel Baum and Bonnie Klein-Tasman. Held in partnership with the JCC and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. See page 24 for more information.
History of bicycling at Menorah
Temple Menorah is hosting a program on the history of bicycling. The speaker will be bringing a penny-farthing, an Eagle, and possibly other examples of bicycles from the past. Light snacks will be served. Free. Open to all. April 15, 10 a.m. at Temple Menorah, 9363 N. 76th St. RSVP to Temple Menorah at 414-355-1120 by April 12.
Emanu-El of Waukesha observance
Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha will be holding an intergenerational Yom Hashoah observance open to the public. The Yom Hashoah program will begin at 10 a.m. on April 15. As part of the observance, CEEW congregant Peter Shelley will talk about how in the spring of 1940, his family lived in Brussels, Belgium. For those who are familiar with the German invasion westward to France (depicted in the movie “Dunkirk”), Shelley will share the human toll on his family – including the family’s escape, its safe sanctuary, safety in the United States and lifelong impacts. The morning will begin with an introduction by Cantor Deborah Martin, CEEW’s spiritual leader, followed by Shelley’s presentation from 10:15-11 a.m. There will be a candle lighting and memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. Anyone – CEEW member or non-member – who comes from a family that was affected by the Holocaust, or who were themselves a victim of the Holocaust, are invited to light a candle in memorial of those who died during the Holocaust or afterward. Contact Cantor Martin (SpiritualLeader@WaukeshaTemple.org or 262 547-7180) if you would like to light a candle that day.
Wednesday, April 18
Yom HaZikaron commemoration
The community Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Day of Remembrance commemoration will be at 6 p.m. on April 18 at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Yom HaZikaron honors veterans and fallen military personnel of the Israel Defense Forces, other Israeli security services and victims of terror. Guest speakers: three generations of the Ben-Yitzhak family. Event co-chairs: Joan Kazan and Bobbi Rector. Held in partnership with the JCC and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. See page 9 for more information.
Thursday, April 19
Double film class
“Life & Hummus” and “The Sturgeon Queens,” 7 p.m., April 19. “Life & Hummus” (40 minutes) is a lighthearted documentary that follows a Jewish American filmmaker searching for the best hummus throughout Israel. He interviews both Arabs and Israelis, frequenting numerous restaurants in the region, discovering the history and import of hummus to those who love it. (Note: This is not the same film that was screened at the Jewish Film Festival in Milwaukee this year). “The Sturgeon Queens” (52 minutes) looks at Russ and Daughters, a lox and herring emporium on New York’s Lower East Side, that has survived four generations of a Jewish immigrant family. Includes interviews with prominent enthusiasts of the store including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morley Safer – as well as two of the original daughters for whom the store was named. Class is free and will be shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. For more information, contact Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.
Friday, April 20
Share Shabbat
Young Leadership Division of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is offering a chance to experience a home-hosted, intimate Shabbat dinner with 6-10 friends, old and new. At 5:30 p.m., April 20, join them at HoM Wood Fired Grill at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale for happy hour (one drink included) and get the name and address of your Shabbat dinner host. At 6:45 p.m., head over to your host’s home for a warm and friendly Shabbat meal and experience. Free. Kosher options. RSVP required. Find a link to register yourself and a guest at JewishChronicle.org.
Sunday, April 22
Yom HaAtzmaut celebration
Wisconsin’s largest celebration of Israel will take place from 3-6:30 p.m. on April 22 at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Brought to the community by the JCC and Milwaukee Jewish Federation. The celebration will include a ceremony, a solidarity walk for Israel and activities for all ages. Co-chairs: Ari Domnitz and Laura Graupe. See page 5 for more information.
Craft workshop with Levy
Create your own fashion-forward, hand-printed silk scarf with Project Runway alumni, Miranda Levy. She will teach you the craft of creating repeating patterns with wood blocks using traditional Indian patterns. In 2013 Levy was selected as a contestant on the Lifetime television production, Project Runway, season 12. April 22, 1-4 p.m. Jewish Museum Milwaukee. All supplies included. Members $32, non-members $42. RSVP only event – no walk-ins. RSVP by Thursday, April 15. Offered in connection with Stitching Histories From the Holocaust, an exhibit on display at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, at 1360 N. Prospect Ave., April 8 – Sept. 16. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Monday, April 23
Archival reconstruction
In an attempt to escape from Nazi persecution in Germany, the family of Edie (Oelsner) Shafer fled to Japanese-occupied Shanghai in 1939, the only place they could go without a visa. The family ultimately ended up in the United States, but not before facing nine years of legal obstacles to immigration. Ben Nestor and Mike Pulido will discuss how archival materials helped them reconstruct this journey. Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. Monday, April 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Kosher box lunches available for a fee (register in advance). Feel free to bring your own. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Sunday, April 29
Freedom Seder
“African American Jewish Freedom Seder.” April 29, 4-6 p.m. Members of Milwaukee’s black and Jewish communities will share a Freedom Passover Seder to explore common ground and the universal pursuit of freedom. In what has become a bridging tradition in cities across the nation, intergroup Seders bring together African Americans and Jews to share this ritual meal to discuss and celebrate the shared values of justice and liberation both culture groups find in the Exodus story. In breaking bread together (or matzo in this case) and engaging in meaningful dialogue, a strengthening of communal understanding and respect can be fostered and celebrated. RSVP only. All Saints Catholic Church, 4051 N. 25th St., Milwaukee. Adults $10. Students $5. Organized by Jewish Museum Milwaukee of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Film class: ‘The Wedding Plan’
“The Wedding Plan” (Laavor et Hakir) (2016), 1 p.m., April 29. Winner of three Israeli Academy Awards (including Best Actress), this drama follows Noa, a 32-year-old modern Orthodox young woman, who refuses to cancel the wedding after her groom bows out. She books the hall, buys the dress, and goes on blind date after blind date, having faith that the right groom will appear. Rated PG-13. In Hebrew with subtitles. Instructor: Dana Margolis. Co-sponsored by JCC and Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Class is free and will be shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. For more information, contact Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.
Deli dinner in Waukesha
The Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha Sisterhood’s eighth annual Deli Dinner will be held April 29, from 5-7 p.m. The event, which is open to the public and will be held at the synagogue, 830 W. Moreland Blvd., will include a wine pull and a 50/50 raffle.
Dinners, which will consist of corned beef on rye sandwiches, homemade sides and dessert, cost $20 apiece. RSVPs need to be received by April 18. Mail your name(s), contact information and a check made out to the CEEW Sisterhood to: CEEW Sisterhood, c/o Barb Dailey, PO Box 332, Waukesha, WI 53187. Contact Carol O’Neil, 920-699-3682 or Caroljo@Tds.net, for further information.
Rabbi Yissocher Frand speaks
Rabbi Yissocher Frand will speak on the topic, “Hakoras Hatov (or Gratitude) is a Two Way Street.” He is one of the most popular lecturers of our time; no one surpasses his blend of Torah scholarship, humor, passion and sensitivity, according to event organizers. He has authored many books and has spoken all over the world, from Amsterdam to Australia, from Jerusalem to Johannesburg. Contact Torah Academy of Milwaukee 414-352-6789 to reserve your seat. April 29, 7:30 p.m., Rubenstein Pavilion at Ovation Jewish Home, 1400 N. Prospect Ave.
Sunday, May 6
Madison: Yiddish Cabaret
Beth Israel Center in Madison will host a Yiddish Cabaret. May 6, at 7 p.m. It will feature The New Budapest Orpheum Society, an ensemble-in-residence in the Humanities Division at the University of Chicago. This self-styled Jewish Cabaret was founded in 1998, and its eight classically-trained musicians tour widely, having performed at the United States Memorial Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., the European Center for Jewish Music in Hanover, Germany and at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, among others. The group performs songs once heard in popular cafes and nightspots in Vienna, Berlin, Warsaw and Budapest. Its music commemorates the tragedies and triumphs of 20th-century Jewish history, as well. The group has released four CDs. Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound St., Madison, 608-256-7763.
Monday, May 7
Jewish Illegal Immigration
Explore immigration history with Libby Garland at Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. Garland, associate professor of history at Kingsborough Community College, The City University of New York, will discuss her recently published book, “After They Closed the Gates: Jewish Illegal Immigration to the United States, 1921-1965.” In the book, Garland tells of the Jewish migrants and smugglers, showing how such stories contributed to growing national anxieties about illegal immigration. The lecture will be followed immediately by a book signing. May 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Members $6, non-members $10. Offered in connection with Stitching Histories From the Holocaust, an exhibit on display at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, April 8 – Sept. 16.
Ongoing Health & Support
Alcoholics Anonymous
An international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. Meetings are held at multiple times and locations around the city, including 7 p.m. Monday night, Chabad-Lubavitch, 3901 N. Lake Drive, Milwaukee. To find other meeting times and locations, call 414-771-9119, the local office of Alcoholics Anonymous or go to AAMilwaukee.com.
Breast cancer support
Breast cancer patients, their families and friends are matched with professionally trained breast cancer survivors and co-survivors. All connections are personalized and based on similar diagnoses, treatment plans and circumstances. Services are free and begin with a phone conversation. ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis supports both patients and survivors. To receive ABCD support, call 414-977-1780 or email SupportCenter@AbcdMentor.org.
Friendship House Fellowship
A support group for Jewish men and women in recovery from addiction to alcohol or other substances. Requirements for membership are participation in a 12-step program (such as AA or Narcotics Anonymous) and a desire to recover. Meetings are Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at The Shul, 3901 N. Lake Drive in Milwaukee.
Jewish Family Services
Outpatient mental health services to people dealing with personal problems and mental health issues. Contact 414-390-5800. JFS is located at 1300 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee.
Jewish Grief Group
The Jewish Grief Group, under the auspices of Jewish Family Services, is open to all. Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m. It rotates among local synagogues. Call Jewish Family Services, 414-390-5800, to register.
North Shore Al-Anon
North Shore Al-Anon no longer holds weekly meetings, but if interested contact Gerald Melnick at MelnickGerald@gmail.com.
SPARK! memory loss program
SPARK! is a program for people experiencing memory loss and their care partners. Jewish Museum Milwaukee holds SPARK! events at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month in partnership with Ovation Communities. Jewish Museum Milwaukee is a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Loading ...