On March 28, a recently formed group of mothers and their babies set up shop in the Andy Warhol exhibit of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee to schmooze, snack and snuggle their little bundles.
This group is a result of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s program Shalom Baby.
Shalom Baby was designed to welcome the newest members of our community to the world by providing their families with a welcome bag containing helpful community information and a warm visit from a volunteer or member of the MJF staff.
Randi Schachter and Hannah Sattler (both of whom welcomed children in 2013) developed the idea of starting regular Shalom Baby playdates for all the parents to get together.
“It is important to maintain our Jewish identity, so forming this group is helping to pass on our traditions to the next generation,” said Schachter.
Many of the parents have found their desire to connect with the Jewish community has increased after having children and they want to share this with other parents who feel the same.
There is a strong social connection among this group as well. “It’s a great way to meet and socialize with other Jewish families in our community,” said Schachter who is enjoying reconnecting with some old friends and meeting new ones.
For Alyson Lippman, who recently relocated to Milwaukee, Shalom Baby has connected her with other Jewish mothers in the community, and has provided her with useful information about the community and resources to help smooth her transition to a new place.
The group takes turns meeting at each other’s homes, keeping the playdates intimate and unintimidating.
Shalom Baby is always interested in connecting with new and expectant parents. People interested in receiving a Shalom Baby visit or joining the Shalom Baby group may contact Meghan Katch at meghank@milwaukeejewish.org or 414-390-5733.
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