Coming Events, September 2025 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Coming Events, September 2025 

Wednesday, Sept. 4 

Sound of the shofar 
Discover the deeper meaning of the Shofar at Congregation Shalom’s Lunch & Learn. This month’s topic, “The Sound of the Shofar: A Wake-Up Call for the Soul,” explores its symbolic, emotional, and spiritual role in preparing for the High Holy Days. Thoughtful discussion, share insights, and connect with others. Light snacks will be served. Free admission. Sept. 4, noon, Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point. Register at cong-shalom.org/form/Lunch94. Questions: call 414-352-9288. 

Mahj and margarita  
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid Sisterhood invites you to a fun evening of Mahj & Margaritas. New players are welcome, with an introduction to Mahjong available. Registration is required. $36 per person includes beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks. Sept. 4, 7-10 p.m. For more information and to register, email lorie.wertheimer1@gmail.com

Friday, Sept. 5 

Kid’dush Club  
Congregation Shalom and PJ Library welcome Grammy Award-winning artist Joanie Leeds for a joyful evening of music for kids and families. Known for her empowering, high-energy songs, Joanie has performed nationwide and earned top honors for her meaningful music. Families with children ages 5 and under are invited to sing, dance and celebrate. $18 per family. Sept. 5, 5:30 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC – Daniel M. Soref Community Hall, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. RSVP by Aug. 29 at cong-shalom.org/form/KC95. For questions, contact brian@cong-shalom.org or call 414-352-9288. 

Saturday, Sept. 6 

Nosh with Joanie Leeds 
Join Grammy Award-winning artist Joanie Leeds for a morning of music and community. Known for her empowering and high-energy songs for kids and families, Joanie has performed nationwide and earned top honors for her meaningful music. Free. Sept. 6, 9 a.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC – Daniel M. Soref Community Hall, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Contact: Wendy Cohen at cohensing@gmail.com. Register at jccmilwaukee.org/morningconcert. 

Sunday, Sept. 7 

Ability Center Open Gym 
Open Gym provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to play in an inclusive, non-competitive environment. Learn how to play in a “Different Pair of Shoes” by trying adaptive sports. Free and open to all members and the community. Sept. 7. 1-3 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC – Marcus Gym, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Contact: Sarah McCutcheon at smccutcheon@jccmilwaukee.org

Monday, Sept. 8 

Taste with Sivan Kobi 
The Jewish Women’s Circle of Milwaukee, a program of Lubavitch of Wisconsin, presents Taste of the Holidays featuring food influencer Sivan Kobi of Sivan’s Kitchen. This event is dedicated to the memory of Rebbetzin Chava Edelman. Live cooking demonstration, Rosh Hashanah tasting menu, wine sampling, and festive table décor inspiration. General admission: $40 includes tastings and seating. VIP experience: $180 includes all benefits plus an exclusive hands-on cooking session with Sivan before the event and a take-home gift. Sept. 8, 7 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. For more information and to register, email lauren@chabadwi.org

Wednesday, Sept. 10 

Israel (No Sugar) Coffee 
Come enjoy coffee and conversation about the complexity of current events in Israel. This series will happen throughout the year, and you are welcome to join any of these casual chats. Free. Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, 6717 North Green Bay Avenue, Milwaukee. RSVP by contacting Community Shlicha Noa Gerassi at 414-881-2124 or NoaG@milwaukeejewish.org

Friday, Sept. 12 

Present Music – Violins of Hope Concert 
Present Music, Milwaukee’s acclaimed new music ensemble, presents a concert as part of the Violins of Hope Wisconsin project. The program will feature two works by Milwaukee native Yotam Haber, now a renowned composer teaching in Kansas City, Mo. Sept. 12. Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, 813 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee. For more information contact Daniel Petry at dpetry@presentmusic.org or 414-581-4972.  

Sunday, Sept. 14 

JCC Color Run 
Join the J for a colorful 2.6-mile run or walk. Dash through vibrant color stations, enjoy the good vibes, and stay for a hot dog cookout in the Upper Courtyard. $18 kids ages 4-12, $36 ages 13 and up, includes t-shirt. Sept. 14, 10 a.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Contact: Jess Lanke at jlanke@jccmilwaukee.org. Register at jccmilwaukee.org/colorrun. 

Apple picking  
Celebrate the season with apple picking, festive crafts, and sweet snacks at Gierach’s Orchard. A sweet way to prepare for Rosh Hashanah with family and friends. $25 per family. Sept. 14, 1 p.m. Gierach’s Orchard, 9616 W. Bonniwell Rd., Mequon. Contact: Rachel Pressman at rpressman@jccmilwaukee.org. Register at jccmilwaukee.org/applepicking. 

HINEINI kick off 
“HINENI: A Night of Community Pride and Purpose.” Join Milwaukee Jewish Federation for the 2026 Annual Campaign kickoff, featuring storytelling, music, and community. Program features Michael Rapaport, actor, comedian, and Jewish activist; Hilary Miller, policy analyst; Micha Biton, award-winning Israeli musician and October 7th survivor; and Jonah Kaplan, Emmy Award–winning investigative reporter. Sept. 14, 6 p.m. Discovery World, 500 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee. Registration required. Tickets and info: MilwaukeeJewish.org/hineni. 

Violins of Hope 
Chabad Jewish Center of Waukesha and the Wisconsin Philharmonic present Music of the Soul, an uplifting performance featuring the Violins of Hope and Jewish music performed by the Wisconsin Philharmonic String Quartet. Evening of remembering and learning, leaving inspired by hope and resilience. Sept. 14, 6 p.m. Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Dr., Brookfield. For tickets and VIP packages, visit JewishWaukesha.com/violins. 

Monday, Sept. 15 

Milwaukee Hebrew Club 
Are you a fluent or semi-fluent Hebrew speaker looking for a place to engage in discussions on various topics in Hebrew? Join this welcoming community gathering. Free. Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. Location provided upon registration. RSVP by contacting Community Shlicha Noa Gerassi at 414-881-2124. 

Tuesday, Sept. 16 

Raising healthy kids 
“Raising Healthy Kids: An Evening with Doctors and Specialists.” Parents of young children are invited to an evening of insights and conversation with professionals in speech pathology, psychology, pediatrics, ENT, and more. Hosted by JCC Family Programs and Gan Ami Early Childhood Education. Sept. 16, 7:15-8:30 pm. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC – Yeladim Playroom (1C15), 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. $10 Members, $12 Community. Contact: Rachel Pressman at rpressman@jccmilwaukee.org. Register at jccmilwaukee.org/healthykids. 

Sunday, Sept. 28 

Ovation Fall Art Walk  
Meet the featured artists and enjoy docent interaction during this special kickoff event celebrating the newest exhibit. Program features Carlyle Chan (Photography), Mary Murphy (Painting), Melanie Wasserman (Mosaics), and Vladimir “Dima” Kuchnaryov (Painting, of blessed memory). Free. Sept. 28, 1–3 p.m. Ovation Communities, 1414 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202. More info: ovation.org/fall-art-walk

Tuesday, Sept. 30 

New Moon Sound Bath 
Blending the ancient tradition of Rosh Chodesh with the healing power of sound. A time for renewal, reflection, and intention-setting. $25 Members, $30 Community. Sept. 30, 7:15 p.m. Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC – Studio B, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Contact: Reva Fox at rfox@jccmilwaukee.org. Register at jccmilwaukee.org/soundbath.