Israel in Milwaukee
Upcoming Events
Zikaron Basalon – Dugo Edition
Join us for Zikaron Basalon – Dugo Edition, an intimate evening honoring Holocaust survivor David “Dugo” Leitner (1930–2023). Each year on January 18, Dugo marked the day he survived a Death March from Auschwitz by eating falafel, a ritual that became a global symbol of remembrance and hope.
Hosted by MJF’s Israel Center in partnership with the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC), this gathering invites reflection, community connection, and a light falafel tasting. Zikaron Basalon (“Memory in the Living Room”) brings people together to remember the Holocaust through personal stories.
Event Details
Sunday, January 18
Cost
Free to attend
Location
The North Shore of Milwaukee (Location provided three days before event)
Session Times & Guest Speakers
10 AM with Steven Russek
2 PM with Marty Thau
6:30 PM with Tamar Chaet*
*Session intended for NextGen MKE (ages 22-45) community members.
Come together for remembrance, reflection, and inspiration.
Questions?
Please contact Abigail Stein at 414-390-5764.
Fruits of the Land – A Tu B’Shvat Celebration
Celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the birthday of the trees, with our community and Chef Nissimmi!
Join MJF’s Israel Center on Sunday, February 1 for an afternoon of learning, tasting, and hands-on cooking inspired by the fruits of the land.
Together, we’ll explore the meaning and traditions of Tu B’Shvat through text study, guided conversation, small tastings, and a baking activity you can take home to enjoy.
Event Details
Sunday, February 1
4 – 6 PM
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid (CBINT)
6880 N Green Bay Ave
Cost: $18 per ticket
– Includes light bites and refreshments, plus take home a ready-to-bake item.
Event Chair: Rebecca Guralnick
Come savor new flavors, share insights around the table, and connect with community as we honor the season of growth and renewal.
Questions? Please contact Abigail Stein at 414-390-5764.
Milwaukee Hebrew Club
Are you a fluent or semi-fluent Hebrew speaker? Are you looking for a place to engage in discussions on various topics in Hebrew? We welcome you to join us!
Event Details:
Wednesday, February 18 | 7:30 PM
Location available after registration
RSVP by contacting Community Shlicha Noa Gerassi at 414-881-2124
Save the date for these future Milwaukee Hebrew Club meetups!
3/23, 4/15, 5/28, 6/15
Israel (No Sugar) Coffee with the Shlicha
Come enjoy coffee and conversation about the complexity of the current events in Israel. This is a series that will happen throughout the year. Join us for any of these casual chats.
Event Details:
Thursday, February 19 | 3:30 PM
Ovation Communities
1414 N Prospect Ave
RSVP by contacting Community Shlicha Noa Gerassi at 414-881-2124 or NoaG@milwaukeejewish.org.
Past Events
Marking October 7th
Remembrance, Reconciliation, Resilience
October 7, 2023 was a day of profound loss, as Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel—taking lives, tearing families apart, and shaking communities worldwide. Two years later, our sorrow remains—but so does our unbreakable spirit.
This year’s commemoration invited us to honor, support one another, and uplift our spirits. We first gathered as a group to remember, next we explored personal approaches of reconciliation through music, poetry, storytelling, text study, and meditation.
Finally, we gathered as one in the Community Hall—sharing our experiences, finding strength in one another, and affirming the enduring resilience of the Jewish people. It was an afternoon of hope, unity, and reflection.
Co-Chairs: Sue & Allan Carneol, Diane & Eric Zall
