Coming events, December 2019 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Coming events, December 2019

Sunday, Dec. 1

Film: ‘Working Women’

“Working Woman” (Isha Ovedet) (Israel) (2018) Free film class. Reflecting issues in the #MeToo era, this drama looks at the struggles of an Israeli woman with 3 children, a husband whose new business is financially insecure, and a boss who appreciates and promotes her – but begins making inappropriate advances. In Hebrew with subtitles. 1 hr. 33 min. Suitable for ages 16 to adult. Co-sponsored by the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, plus SHOFAR and the Israel Center, both of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Talkback following the film: Tziporah Altman-Shafer. Dec. 1, 4 p.m. At the JCC, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. Contact: Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.

Monday, Dec. 2

Jewish jokes

Dr. Simon Bronner, dean of the College of General Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Waukesha, will talk about the Internet age and Jewish jokes at Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, 830 W. Moreland Blvd., beginning at 7 p.m. Dec.2. He will have a visual presentation that speaks to going from the oral joke tradition toward our digital age and culture. What does the explosion of Jewish jokes tell us about the Internet and our modern culture? The program is free and open to the public. Call 262-547-7180 for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

Agency speed dating

Find your match and fall in love with a Milwaukee Jewish organization that is helping take care of the needs of the Jewish people and build a vibrant Jewish community! Here’s what you can expect at Agency Speed Dating: 1. Inquisitive and curious adults (21+), and insightful and inspiring conversations with Jewish leaders in our community. 2. Gain a better understanding of the inner workings of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and affiliated agencies. 3. Enjoy light appetizers and beer/wine. Free. Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Milwaukee Jewish Day School, 6401 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Event by Young Leadership Division of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. RSVP. MilwaukeeJewish.org/YLD. Young Leadership Director Lauren Berger: 414-390-5702 or LaurenB@MilwaukeeJewish.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Drinking water discussion

The UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association presents Master Chats, an evening with bestselling author Seth M. Siegel in a conversation with WUWM’s Environmental Reporter Susan Bence, who together will explore how our drinking water got contaminated, what it may be doing to us, and what we must do to make it safe. If you thought America’s drinking water problems started and ended in Flint and Milwaukee, think again. From big cities and suburbs to the rural heartland, chemicals linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity, birth defects and lowered IQ routinely spill from our taps. Siegel shares shocking stories about contaminated water, the everyday heroes that have pushed for change, and what we must do to reverse years of neglect and inaction. Siegel is also the author of “Let There Be Water: Israel’s Solution for a Water-Starved World.” This event is free. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. More information and registration can be found at Uwm.edu/Alumni/Events.

Film Class: ‘Ask Dr. Ruth’

Free film class, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. “Ask Dr. Ruth” (United States) (2019)  A Holocaust survivor from the Kindertransport, feisty Dr. Ruth Westheimer shares much about her life and personal history that led to her becoming one of the foremost and forthright sex therapists of our day. The film follows this dynamo as she – in her typical uninhibited manner – talks about her family, her life and her accomplishments. Note: Includes mature subject matter. 1 hr. 40 min.  Suitable for adult audiences. Part of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center film series on Jewish Innovation. Talkback following the film: Dr. Amy Shapiro

A modern rabbi’s approach

“A Modern Rabbi’s Approach to the Bible.” This ongoing event is next on Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m., Congregation Sinai at 8223 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point. Rabbi Jay Brickman is a trained Jungian, a philosopher, and a practitioner of Tai Chi. 414-352-2970.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Girls Challah Bake

Chabad’s Young Jewish Professionals holds a “Girls Challah Bake.”  Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. 3133 N. Hackett Ave. It’s challah time! Join the ladies of Young Jewish Professionals Milwaukee as they knead, braid, and connect. Learn a new twist on this age-old tradition. You will go home with your own handmade challah. Small bites and sips.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Houdini the celebrity

“Houdini and the Cult of Celebrity.” Dec. 5, 7-8:30 p.m. Fame has always been shaped by new technologies and changing conceptions of the self. Houdini was the last of the steam-age celebrities, whose fame grew from many of the same developments – transcontinental railroads, teeming cities and an industrialized press – that transformed American life in the industrial age. Yet even as he thrilled crowds, the kind of stardom Houdini enjoyed, was rooted in highly publicized live performances, which was eclipsed by new forms of mass-mediated celebrity: the screen idol, the pop star, the television personality, and the viral sensation.  Join Rick Popp, associate professor and director of graduate studies in the Department of Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies at UWM, to explore how the notion of celebrity has evolved between Harry Houdini’s time and today. Museum members $5. Nonmembers $7. Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, is at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.

Women’s equality, wine tasting

Israeli wine tasting with women’s equality event featuring Dr. Yael Hasson, a researcher from Haifa University. Dec. 5, 7-8:30 p.m. Private home.  Sponsored by Israel Center of Milwaukee Jewish Federation and the National Council of Jewish Women. Contact AllisonH@MilwaukeeJewish.org or 414-390-5724. MilwaukeeJewish.org/Yael.

Friday, Dec. 6

Pop-Up Shabbat

Enjoy a vegetarian Shabbat meal, a unique service, and a special Shabbat experience for young Jewish professionals in Milwaukee. Dec. 6, 7-10 p.m. Damascus Gate at 807 W. Historic Mitchell St. Join the Young Leadership Division of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, Congregation Shalom, Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, Congregation Sinai, Young Jewish Adults of Milwaukee and Hillel Milwaukee for a Pop-Up Shabbat. Tickets include an adult beverage (21+ only). Advance tickets are $18/person, or $30/pair (couple/friends). Reserve by Dec. 2. Tickets are $20/person at the door if space allows. Anna Goldstein, 414-390-5733.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Gala charity auction

Temple Menorah welcomes all for a fun-filled evening of fabulous items for auction including gift baskets, jewelry, home decor, gift certificates and many more. Doors open at 7 p.m., light snacks and beverages will be available. All auction items and the gift certificates list will be available for previewing. Bidding begins at 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 7-11 p.m. 9363 N. 76th St. $8.

414-355-1120.

JCC Family Fun Night

Join the JCC for a family fun night. Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. 414-964-4444.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Film class: ‘Redemption’

“Redemption” (Geula)  (Israel)  (2018) Special for the Chanukah season: A story of redemption.  This touching Israeli drama centers around Menachem, the former lead of a successful rock band, who years ago left his secular life to become religious. Now a widower with a 6-year-old daughter diagnosed with cancer, he attempts to reform his original band to help fund the expensive treatments she needs to survive. In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 44 min.  Suitable for ages 12 to adult.  Co-sponsored by the JCC and the Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Talkback following the film: Uria Roth. Free. Dec. 8, 4 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Open to the entire community. Contact: Laurie Herman at LHerman@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-967-8212.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Gallery night

Gallery night with Chabad of the East Side, see page 34.

Monday, Dec. 9

‘J-Pride Hangout’

Join J-Pride for a pre-Chanukah Hangout at “one of the newest and coolest spots in town – Hangout MKE.” Come play games like XL Foosball, Giant Wall Scrabble, Life Sized Operation, Shuffleboard and SoccerPool. Family-friendly games are available, all are welcome. Dec. 9, 5-7 p.m.  Free. RSVP required.  Light appetizers will be provided, drinks (specialty coffee, tea, or adult beverages) are on you. RSVP to Anna Goldstein, 414-390-5733, by Dec. 6.

‘On Division’ author

Goldie Goldbloom, author of “On Division,” in conversation with CJ Hribal. Goldbloom will still be in conversation with Marquette Professor CJ Hribal about her latest work, a deeply affecting novel of one woman’s life at a moment of change and a rare glimpse into Brooklyn’s Chasidim. Rescheduled from prior date. Co-sponsored by the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and the UWM Sam and Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies. Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Held at Boswell Book Company, 2559 N Downer Ave., Milwaukee. 414-332-1181.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Learn with Rabbi Kalmar

Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Wes Kalmar. Ninth year of studying the early prophets and continuing the journey in the book of Samuel II with Rabbi Wes Kalmar of Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah congregation.  This year’s class is titled “David and Batsheva.”

12:15 p.m. at the reading room in the JCC across from the Ferrante’s Cafe (you can make it a lunch and learn). Dec. 10 (and other dates). Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center at 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. ASKT: 414-228-9296.

Thursday, Dec. 12

Film: ‘Dimona Twist’

Free film class:  “Dimona Twist”  (Israel) (2016) Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Documentary highlights largely unknown stories of women who arrived by ship in Israel in the 1950s-1960s and were sent to the newly established town of Dimona – in the middle of the desert. Seven of these women – originally from North Africa and Poland – candidly share what their lives were like as immigrants. In Hebrew with subtitles.  1 hr. 1 min.  Suitable for ages 13 to adult. Co-sponsored by the Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Talkback following the film: Uria or Moria Roth

Dec. 12

Houdini author

See story, page 3.

Dec. 14

Toy sort with Shalom

Toy sort at Kapco’s Kids2Kids Christmas. Dec. 14, 9 a.m-4 p.m. The “Guys” of Congregation Shalom invite you and your family to help make Christmas dreams come true for children in Milwaukee. Join them at Kapco in Grafton to help load delivery trucks with toys. This volunteer opportunity is open to families and children of all ages; what a great way to share the values of tzedakah, tikkun olam and shalom. The public event begins at 9 a.m. and families can arrive any time for complimentary food, beverages, petting zoo, model train and more. Space is limited. Congregation Shalom, 414-352-9288.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Chorale concert

Chanukah concert at Ovation Chai Point. Dec. 17, 7 p.m. 1400 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee. Concert will run approximately 1 hour. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Enid Bootzin Berkovits at 414-416-0580 or MilwJewishCommunityChorale@Gmail.com. MilwaukeeJewishCommunityChorale.org.

Assassination in Jewish law

Part of the Lake Park Synagogue fall learning series. Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m.  3207 N. Hackett Ave. 414-962-5508. Classes explore real topics and challenging questions in an open and accessible way using original sources in both Hebrew and English. Class is on “Assassination in Jewish Law.”

Tzedakah: Sort items

Families get together to sort items for tzedakah on Dec. 17. Contact Sami Stein Avner at Sami@Thi-Milwaukee.org

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Chorale concert

Chanukah concert at Laurel Oaks Senior Community with Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale. Dec. 18, 7 p.m., 1700 W. Bender Road, Glendale. Concert runs approximately 1 hour.

Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Enid Bootzin Berkovits at 414-416-0580. MilwaukeeJewishCommunityChorale.org

Thursday, Dec. 19

Rabbi Mangold lunch, learn

Lunch n’ Learn: “Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah.” Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Associate Rabbi Jenn Mangold leads this month’s Lunch n’ Learn, exploring the history and practice of candle lighting each night during Chanukah. Join her for latkes, sufganiyot, and Chanukah Talmud study. RSVP by Dec. 16. Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point. 414-352-9288.

Monday, Dec. 23

Packers Chanukah Party

Celebrate a Packers Chanukah Party with the Young Leadership Division and Israel Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. The group will light the candles and enjoy sufganiyot at 7 p.m., and the Packers kick-off at 7:20 p.m. Green and gold latkes anyone? Community Shaliach, Uria Roth will host. Private address, RSVP required. For questions contact Anna Goldstein at 414-390-5733. Dec. 23, 6:45 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Volunteer: Intergenerational Playgroup

Intergenerational Playgroup with a give-back project Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m. at Ovation Sarah Chudnow in Mequon, with Tikkun Ha-Ir. Contact Sarah DeNeve at Sarah@Thi-Milwaukee.org.

Volunteer: Cathedral Center

Every year, Tikkun Ha-Ir is responsible for planning, cooking and serving the Christmas Eve meal at the Cathedral Center. Options for cooking and serving available. Contact Sami Stein Avner at Sami@Thi-Milwaukee.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 25

Volunteer: Visit patients

Visit adult patients at Aurora hospitals on Dec. 25, 12 – 3 p.m. Contact Bill Gartenberg from Congregation Shalom at BillGartenberg@Gmail.com.

Volunteer: Serve meal

For serving and cooking a meal at St. Vincent DePaul. Contact Rabbi Michal Woll of Shir Hadash at RabbiMichal@ShirMke.org.

Annual Christmas cinema

Annual Christmas cinema is “Houdini.” Noon-4 p.m. Looking for something fun to do Christmas Day? Visit Jewish Museum Milwaukee to enjoy “Houdini,” the 1953 biopic starring then husband-and-wife Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh as Harry and Bess Houdini. The film’s storyline is a fictionalized account of Houdini’s life. It details his beginnings as a locksmith, up through his international success as a world-renowned escape artist and stage magician. The museum will begin screening the film at 1 p.m. and should end before 3 p.m., giving you enough time to view permanent and special exhibits before or after the film.  Regular museum admission applies. Members free. Offered in connection with Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini, an exhibit on display at the museum through Jan. 5, 2020. Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, is at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.

Thursday, Dec. 26

Drinks and Dreidels

Drinks and Dreidels to be held Dec. 26 from 6-9 p.m. Join Chabad’s Young Jewish Professionals Milwaukee and Young Jewish Adults Milwaukee for Drinks and Dreidels: a premier Chanukah party for young adults. Open bar. Gourmet latke bar. Glam donut bar. Dreidel tournament. Gaming. Menorah lighting. Hangout MKE, 1819 N. Farwell Ave. $12. Young Jewish Professionals of Milwaukee. 414-316-4643.

Sunday, Jan. 12

BBYO for 8th graders

All 8th graders are invited to join BBYO-Wisconsin Region, the teen youth group, for free for an afternoon at the new WhirlyBall facility in Brookfield (busses from/to North Shore) for recruitment kickoff. Jan 12. Wisc@Bbyo.org or call 414 326 2808.

Saturday, Jan. 25

BBYO for new members

Interested in joining BBYO-Wisconsin Region teen youth group? Get on the Mystery Bus Tour Jan. 25, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Wisc@Bbyo.org or call 414 326 2808.

Ongoing Health & Support

Alzheimer’s and dementia

Social engagement opportunities, support options and other information at Alz.org/Sewi/Helping_You.

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, 3109 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 visit AbcdBreastCancerSupport.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, 3109 N. Lake Drive in Milwaukee.

Jewish Family Services

Outpatient mental health services to people dealing with personal 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.

NAMI – mental health

NAMI-Wisconsin resources and connecting points available at NamiGrm.org and NamiWisconsin.org.

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.