What’s Nu? April 2023 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

What’s Nu? April 2023

Attorney General Josh Kaul spoke

Attorney General Josh Kaul spoke on Feb. 17 at a “Repro Shabbat” event at Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, River Hills.

The talk was part of a nationwide National Council of Jewish Women effort to focus on reproductive freedom. The local NCJW chapter has about 250 members.

Kaul said he travels the state talking to people in his role as attorney general. He added that he’s heard a lot about the U.S. Supreme Court decision returning abortion to state control, which resulted in the reinstatement of an old Wisconsin statute that restricts abortion.

“There is incredibly strong feeling about the Dobbs decision and the repeal of access to safe and legal abortion,” Kaul said. “I’m extremely optimistic that in the long run, we are going to see a change made ….”

attorney general josh kaul

From left to right in photo: Barbara Appel, Barbara Levin, Kaul, Reenie Kavalar, Barbara Glazer, Andrea Konz, Alisa Wasserman, Sharon Grinker.

Jewish Museum Milwaukee wins Unity Award

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee is one of the six recipients of Milwaukee Magazine’s Unity Award.

The Unity Award is given to people and organizations whose mission is focused on cultivating an inclusive community. It focuses on marginalized groups and how these people and organizations manage to overcome challenges to bring positive and significant changes to the Milwaukee area. This is the third year the award has been presented.

“Jewish Museum Milwaukee is honored to be recognized among the other accomplished awardees who work tirelessly and passionately to make a difference in the lives of Milwaukeeans toward a more just community,” said Patti Sherman-Cisler, executive director of the museum. “The museum is proud of its commitment to building bridges between diverse groups with shared histories and to explore contemporary topics through the lens of Jewish history, culture and values in order to inspire others as they pursue justice.”

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee, founded in 2008, is dedicated to presenting Jewish history and celebrating both Jewish culture and heritage. Its mission is to create a space that holds meaningful conversations on oppression and tolerance. The museum’s values include remembrance, justice, honor, community and learning.

-Belle Nahoom

Summer camp enrollment rebounds

Nationwide Jewish summer camp enrollment has grown to 96% of pre-pandemic levels, according to a report from The Foundation for Jewish Camp.

The Foundation for Jewish Camp recently released its State of Jewish Camp report detailing staffing and financial trends of 2022 and what to expect in 2023.

According to the report, in addition to enrollment nearly reaching the prior level, it increased 13% from 2022. Staff retention is 20% below pre-pandemic levels. In response, 75% of Jewish summer camps increased their staff salaries, according to the report.

Camp tuition increased by 4% in 2022 and is expected to continue to increase in 2023. The increase is between 6-8%. More financial aid was requested and distributed in 2022 than ever before.

“This report really tells the story of the buoyancy of the field through trend data on camper enrollment, staffing, operations, finances, and the current needs of Jewish day and overnight camps throughout North America,” said Jeremy Fingerman, the CEO of Foundation for Jewish camp. “In summer 2022, camp professionals continued to juggle lingering COVID-19-related health protocols and an increased need for community-wide mental health support with the desire to return to business as usual.”

-Belle Nahoom

North Shore to choose state senator

Jodi Habush Sinykin, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 8, is running against Rep. Dan Knodl for the office. The General Election is April 4, 2023.

Jodi Habush Sinykin is an attorney. Having grown up in Fox Point, she lives in Whitefish Bay. In 2011, Jewish Family Services granted her a JFS Families in Philanthropy award.

Knodl serves in the assembly and is seeking the state Senate seat as a Republican. He is a Germantown resident. Knodl is a businessman who was most recently the owner and operator of Reef Point Resort on Pike Lake.

The winner of the race will serve in the seat previously held by retired State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills). The district includes much of the Milwaukee North Shore, from Whitefish Bay to Grafton, also extending beyond that to the north and west to include Germantown and other areas.

Attorney Benjamin Wagner appointed

Attorney Benjamin Wagner has been appointed co-chair of the Judicial Selection Advisory Committee by Gov. Tony Evers.

Wagner, with Habush Habush & Rottier, will serve as part of a 15-member committee, comprising attorneys from across the state and profession, responsible for interviewing and recommending candidates to the governor for consideration when he fills judicial vacancies.