Weiss-McQuide assists Whitefish Bay musical
Nancy Weiss-McQuide, a local theater, dance and Yiddish educator, spoke to students at the Whitefish Bay High School Theater about their upcoming “Fiddler on the Roof” spring production.
Yiddish undergirds the way people speak and the humor, she said. “It all stems from Yiddish,” she said. “Even though it’s literally not spoken, it’s integral to the musical.”
Weiss-McQuide tweaked a Yiddish program, for the musical, and did it for the young cast on Feb. 11.
The performance dates are March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m., Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults. $10 for seniors and students. Buy tickets at https://WFBHSTheater.com.
NexDine takes on Ovation dining
Ovation Communities, the Jewish-based senior living organization in Milwaukee, is transitioning the management of its dining services to NexDine Hospitality.
“This decision is intended to, first and foremost, result in the elevation of the dining experience for all our residents at Jewish Home and Chai Point,” said Michael Sattell, Ovation Communities president and CEO. “We selected NexDine Hospitality as our new dining services partner because of their similar mission-based approach and commitment to quality and service excellence. In addition to from scratch cooking, NexDine Hospitality is known for integrating cutting-edge technology in order to elevate the dining experience.”
Based in Massachusetts, NexDine Hospitality is an industry leader specializing in food and dining management services for senior communities across the country, according to a news release.
“As generational shifts in senior living gain momentum, residents increasingly seek communities that demonstrate a commitment to wellness through a variety of programs and opportunities,” said Wayne King, NexDine Hospitality executive vice president of senior living operations. “We are looking forward to implementing a dining program specifically tailored to meet the kosher needs and requirements of Ovation’s residents.”
All of Ovation’s existing dining services employees will transition to work with NexDine.
“We’re grateful for our team’s continued dedication and hard work,” Sattell said. “Each of our employees is an integral part of the dining experience at Ovation, and the relationships they’ve built with our residents over the years are invaluable.”
Cemetery accepting books for burial
Greenwood Cemetery has designated an area of its grounds for the burial of sifrei kodesh, holy books, and other sacred items.
Jewish law does not allow the destruction of God’s name. Thus, Torahs, holy books and some religious objects that are worn out or unusable are typically buried.
Greenwood Cemetery is setting aside graves at the cemetery for this purpose, said John Pereles, president of Greenwood Cemetery in Milwaukee, in a statement. “The only cost to congregations and other organizations will be for the opening and closing of the graves, prorated to each congregation or organization based on the amount of material being buried. Greenwood’s plan is to schedule such a burial periodically,” he said. “The first burial will take place on Sunday, May 22, at 2 p.m. with a special ceremony. We invite all Jewish organizations in Wisconsin, in particular, the greater Milwaukee area, to participate.”
Greenwood Cemetery is a non-traditional Jewish burial ground with a focus on green burials. Greenwood Cemetery can be reached at 414-645-1390.
Second gentleman meets with leaders
On Jan. 24, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visited Milwaukee to meet with leaders in the Jewish community.
Emhoff spoke to four Jewish community leaders, including Joan Lubar, Milwaukee Jewish Federation board chair.
“Really what we talked about primarily is the rise of antisemitism here in Wisconsin, it’s risen over 400% since 2016,” Lubar told CBS 58 News Milwaukee.
Lubar said they discussed antisemitic conspiracy theories surrounding Covid-19 and mask mandates, as well as the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas.
Emhoff discussed the Biden administration’s goal to expedite the confirmation of Debra Lipstadt, the nominee for special envoy to track and combat antisemitism.
Emhoff also met with leaders in the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center to discuss how federal COVID-19 relief grants helped them during the pandemic, according to media reports.
–Sofia Rubinson
Jewish Democrats endorse Kornblum
Wisconsin Jewish Democrats endorsed Judge Lori Kornblum in her race to retain her seat on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District 2.
Before taking the bench, Kornblum was a prosecutor focused on protecting children and victims of sexual assault crimes, according to a news release. In her private practice, she represented children, people with disabilities and seniors. She has been an educator since 2008, teaching in the paralegal department at Milwaukee Area Technical College and as an adjunct law professor at Marquette and Northeastern.
“The issues Wisconsin Jewish Democrats care deeply about—voting rights, fair maps, the rise in hate crimes and antisemitism — are often decided by the judges we elect,” said co-chairs Marvin Tick, Debbie Zemel, Linda Frank and Richard Schwalb, in the release. “Judge Kornblum has shown, throughout her life and work, that she shares our values. She will uphold the Constitution, protect the rule of law and pursue justice. She is the clear, best choice in this race.”
Kornblum lives in Mequon and has three adult children.
Kornblum will be on the ballot on Tuesday, April 5 in a 12-county area including Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties.
–Sofia Rubinson
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