“Within the Orthodox Jewish subculture, we don’t have the singles culture the rest of the world has … most are reliant on other avenues like fix-ups or matchmakers.” — “Match & Marry” (2007)
On Thursday, July 5, 7 p.m., the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, in conjunction with its current exhibit “Mazel Tov! A Celebration of Jewish Weddings,” will screen the 2007 documentary “Match & Marry.”
This film explores the long-standing tradition of Jewish matchmaking, and examines courtship, the philosophy of marriage, and the roles of men and women in the Orthodox dating system.
During a talkback after the screening, Devorah L. and Rabbi Shamaya Shmotkin of the Shul Center will explore perspectives on matchmaking within Judaism and talk about their own shidduch.
Collaborations with two Wisconsin organizations further enhance the programming JMM offers in July.
In the first of a season-long series of programs, JMM will join with the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre to offer “A Midsummer Night’s Preview.”
MCT artistic director C. Michael Wright and company members and guest artists will present a preview of the plays in the coming year’s series, “Exploring Jewish Voices.” The actors will perform dramatic readings from three plays by Jewish playwrights addressing the theme, “Rebels: Pushing Against the Boundaries.”
JMM has also announced collaboration with the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a series of programs. The series began in June with “Pop Culture in America: A Jewish Invention” presented by Brown University senior lecturer Paul Buhle.
On Tuesday, July 31, the series continues with Henry Sapoznik, executive director of the Mayrent Institute for Yiddish Culture at the Mosse/Weinstein Center.
A five-time Emmy nominee, Sapoznik is an award-winning author, radio and record producer, and performer of traditional Yiddish and American music. He will speak at the JMM about the history and resurgence of interest in Yiddish culture and music.
The JMM’s “Mazel Tov!” exhibit runs through July 31. It will be followed on Aug. 19 with “Exclusionary Measures: Mt. Sinai Hospital and Brynwood Country Club,” which runs through Nov. 25.
During the Great Migration from 1881-1924, approximately 2.5 million Eastern Jewish immigrants arrived in America. Their arrival was met with anti-Semitism, which affected employment, housing, education, and recreation.
Jews nationwide counteracted the blatant exclusion by creating their own institutions, social outlets, and hospitals. “Exclusionary Measures” will explore the legacies of Brynwood Country Club and Mt. Sinai Hospital, which were established by Milwaukee Jews in response to exclusion and segregation, and the roles these issues play in our community today.
“Mt. Sinai and Brynwood have significantly impacted the Jewish and greater communities of Milwaukee, and we felt that it was important to look at the precipitating factors which led to the need for their establishment, as well as their historical and cultural legacies,” said exhibit curator Molly Dubin.
A series of programs with local and regional scholars, educators, and business professionals will explore the diversity of themes addressed in the exhibit.
Jewish Museum Milwaukee will be filming oral history interviews on Thursday, July 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hundreds have shared their history; it’s time to share yours! Call Jay Hyland at 414-390-5759 or e-mail jayh@milwaukeejewish.org to schedule your appointment today.
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