Sunday, Feb. 2
Waukesha Tu b’shevat
The holiday of Tu b’shevat will be celebrated with a fun, family-oriented activity for parents and their children ages 3 through 8th grade. The activity is open to the public. Learn how Tu b’shevat is Judaism’s Arbor Day and Earth Day all in one. Feb. 2, 10-11:30 a.m. at Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha, 830 W. Moreland Blvd. Questions? Contact Education Director Carrie Barbakoff at EdDirector@WaukeshaTemple.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Kindertransport story
“My Mother’s Story: A Kindertransport Lunch & Learn with Dr. Sue Bernstein.” Feb. 4, noon. Bernstein will share the courageous story of survival of her mother Ruth Wasserman Segal who was born in 1926 in Nuremberg, Germany. She survived the Holocaust by embarking on the Kindertransport from Germany en-route to England on April 18, 1939. Between December 1938 and May 1940, almost 10,000 unaccompanied mostly Jewish children were brought to Britain from Nazi Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland in what became known as the Kindertransport. Join the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, as they explore the Kindertransport throughout the spring of 2020. Exhibit and all programs take place at the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC at 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. HolocaustCenterMilwaukee.org. 414-963-2710.
Multimedia concert
The Peltz Center for Jewish Life will be hosting a multimedia concert, “Songs of the Inspired Soul,” to mark 70 years since the beginning of the leadership of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, of blessed memory. Though he is known more for his written and spoken word, of which there are hundreds of printed volumes, the Rebbe also left a musical legacy of Chassidic melodies. An original production by Yuvla Media, a boutique production company that specializes in Chassidic themes, this concert is a powerful experience in which words and melody mix, so that you hear the music in the story and the story in the music. Feb. 4, 7 p.m., at the Joseph and Rebecca Peltz Center for Jewish Life, 2233 West Mequon Road, Mequon.. Ticket price: $18. Sponsor: $36. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Rabbi Moshe Rapoport at 262-242 2235, ex. 204, or go to ChabadMequon.org/SoulMusic.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
J-Pride at Admirals game
Join J-Pride for Milwaukee Admirals Pride Night at 7 p.m., Feb. 5, when the team faces the Grand Rapids Griffins at UW Panther Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. A $30 Pride Night package includes pregame open skate, happy hour mixer, ticket to the game, Admirals Pride Hat and a donation to WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce. A $20 fundraiser ticket includes a ticket to the game and a donation to the WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce. J-Pride Milwaukee is the LGBTQ outreach and inclusion initiative of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. RSVP at MilwaukeeJewish.org/JPride. Contact Anna Goldstein at AnnaG@MilwaukeeJewish.org or 414-390-5733 for more information.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Debbie Carter Berkson blood drive
The Debbie Carter Berkson blood drive is now in its second annual year. Berkson is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun. She cared deeply about the well-being of others and her positive spirit made a difference in our Jewish community. Berkson dedicated her life to helping others, and the community is invited to join organizers in honoring her legacy through the life-saving gift of blood donation. CEEBJ, Surlow Hall, 2020 W. Brown Deer Road, River Hills. Feb. 9. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit bit.ly/DCBFeb2020 or call 877-232-4376 to make your appointment.
Family event: Jewish National Fund
Jewish National Fund-USA to celebrate Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for trees, in Milwaukee. The family friendly event will feature tree planting, arts and crafts, and a rap concert by Matt Bar and the Bible Raps. Attendees will have an opportunity to contribute to Jewish National Fund’s 2020 campaign. JNF’s Tu BiShvat Community Celebration held Feb. 9 at the Bader Hillel Academy and Milwaukee Jewish Day School, 6401 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, from 12:30-2:30 pm. Registration required by Feb. 4 at Jnf.org/witubishvat. For more information contact Allyson Kolpas, campaign executive, Midwest, at AKolpas@Jnf.org or 414-963-8733.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Holocaust diaries
Jewish Museum Milwaukee event: “Holocaust Diaries: An Intimate View into History.” Feb. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. “Diary of Anne Frank” is one of the best-known books of the Holocaust, but Anne Frank was not alone in keeping a diary. Autobiographical writing was the most common form of writing during the Holocaust, as Jews gave expression to their experiences. Some intentionally left documentary evidence of what was happening to the community, while others focused on personal feelings and experiences. Join Rachel Baum, deputy director of the Sam & Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, to explore the importance of Holocaust diaries, which not only reveal important truths about lived experiences of the Shoah, but often show the efforts of their authors to maintain a sense of identity in the most traumatic of times. Museum members $6. Nonmembers $8. Jewish Museum Milwaukee, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, is at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Israel Bonds and Water Council
Israel Bonds and the Water Council to hold a joint event. The panel will consist of Aviv Ezra, Israeli consulate general to the Midwest; Dean Amhaus, CEO of The Water Council; and local business leaders. Discover how Milwaukee and Israel work to improve water quality, access to plentiful and safe drinking water, and jointly tackle threats to our water supply. Celebrate the Milwaukee and Israel partnership that strives to make the world a better place. No charge to attend. Feb. 18. 6:30 p.m. registration. 7 p.m. program, followed by dessert reception. Dietary laws observed. Held at the Daniel M. Soref Community Hall, Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Book club: Sierakowiak diary
This LOMED Book Club event is to discuss “The Diary of Dawid Sierakowiak: Five Notebooks from the Łódź Ghetto,” the diary of a young man describing the relentless horror of the Łódź Ghetto while repeatedly rallying himself and his family against fear and pessimism. Dawid Sierakowiak’s diary from the Łódź Ghetto was found stacked on a cookstove, ready to be burned for heat. This is a LOMED (Learning Opportunity for Milwaukee Educators) program offered by the Coalition for Jewish Learning and co-sponsored by Jewish Museum Milwaukee and Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center. In connection with The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from the Łódź Ghetto, an exhibit on display at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, Jan. 24 – May 17, 2020. CJL educators free. Museum members free. Nonmembers $5. Feb. 20. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Jewish Museum Milwaukee. The museum, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, is at 1360 N. Prospect Ave. 414-390-5730. JewishMuseumMilwaukee.org.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Israeli voters: what’s on their mind?
In the week leading up to the unprecedented third elections, Israel Institute Visiting
Professor Noa Lavie will dissect how the Knesset has failed to form a majority government. Gain insight from voter perspectives, generational trends and Lavie’s expertise of frustrated voters and political logjams in understandable terms. Organized by Israel Center of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Feb. 23, 6 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El B’Ne Jeshurun, 2020 W. Brown Deer Rd. Free. RSVP and more information at MilwaukeeJewish.org/IsraelInMilwaukee or AllisonH@MilwaukeeJewish.org.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Film: Kindertransport
“Into the Arms of Strangers” film and talk-back. Feb. 27, 7 p.m. For nine months prior to the outbreak of World War II, in an unprecedented act of mercy, Great Britain conducted an extraordinary rescue mission known as the Kindertransport. Ten thousand Jewish and other children were transported from their homes in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland and placed into British foster homes and hostels, expecting eventually to be reunited with their parents. The majority of the children never saw their families again. The film tells this unique story through the firsthand accounts of 12 of the children who were rescued, as well as a parent, a foster parent, and two rescuers. Join the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, as they explore the Kindertransport throughout the spring of 2020. Film and all programs take place at the Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC at 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd. in Whitefish Bay. HolocaustCenterMilwaukee.org. 414-963-2710.
Saturday, Feb. 29
Father-daughter dance
JCC Father Daughter Dance. Feb. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Daniel M. Soref Community Hall at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center at 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. More information: JccMilwaukee.org or Rabbi Shari L. Shamah at SShamah@JccMilwaukee.org or 414-964-4444.
‘Wok Hard to Fight MS’
In 1999, Sarah Hwang was diagnosed with MS, Multiple Sclerosis, a progressive and often debilitating disease of the central nervous system. Ever since, Sarah and her family have been fighting for a cure by raising awareness and raising research funds through the National MS Society, for which Sarah serves on the Wisconsin Chapter’s Board. Previously called “Fight MS: Eggroll Style,” this seventh annual pop-up Chinese feast has now been renamed “Wok Hard to Fight MS.” This will be a full Chinese meal, designed by Milton Hwang and prepared by him and kitchen volunteers. In addition to wine, soft drinks and bottled beer, a home brewed Chinese lager style beer called “Wok Hard Buddha Beer” made by “Sinai Brews” will be a highlight at the bar. The event is not a Congregation Sinai event, but it takes place at Congregation Sinai, where the Hwang family are members. Feb. 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. (drop in anytime). Admission to the event is a donation. 100% of donations go to National MS Society. Visit JewishChronicle.org for a link to sign up in advance or for more information. Or email FightMs.EggrollStyle@Gmail.com.
Sunday, March 1
Hamantasch bake
Hamantasch bake and face painting. Roll, shape and fill those three-cornered treats. Choose a delicious filling and decorate your own yummy hamantaschen. March 1, 1 p.m. Peltz Center for Jewish Life at 2233 W. Mequon Road. 262-242-2235.
Monday, March 23
Jewish Heritage Night with the Bucks
Discounted tickets must be purchased by Feb. 22 for Jewish Heritage Night with the Milwaukee Bucks on March 23. Join the Israel Center of Milwaukee Jewish Federation for pre-game Israeli Sports Trivia at 5:30 p.m. at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill, 1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. At 7 p.m. attend Jewish Heritage Night as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Tickets: $45 for 100 Level and $30 for 200 Level. Buy tickets at MilwaukeeJewish.org/Bucks or AllisonH@MilwaukeeJewish.org for more information.