Providing for spiritual and physical needs of the Jewish people from generation to generation is central to the Jewish experience and to the work of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.
Our Israel Center builds Jewish identity by helping Jews of all ages connect with the people, culture and history of Israel. Our shlichim (cultural emissaries from Israel) can help individuals and families find programs—and funding—for meaningful Israel experiences.
The Federation strengthens Jewish identify by preserving and sharing our history through Jewish Museum Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle—which is published and distributed at no cost to nearly 8,000 households across Wisconsin— disseminates information about our community and creates a sense of pride in, and an infusion of enthusiasm for, Jewish life.
The Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation sustains Jewish life through the creation of endowments and legacy gifts, which create financial security for generations to come.
The thread of Jewish continuity can be fragile for young adults. The Federation funds programs that target this age group to ensure positive, accessible and affordable Jewish experiences.
Hillel Milwaukee and Hillel Foundation at UW-Madison both provide comfortable opportunities for Jewish college students to socialize, learn and experience Judaism on their own terms.
Israel experiences can also strengthen Jewish identity in young adults. The Federation facilitates these experiences through our relationship with the Jewish Agency for Israel. Masa enables young Jewish adults to spend 5-12 months in Israel as part of a study, volunteer, or internship program with other young Jews from around the world.
The Federation’s Weinstein Fellowship is an intensive leadership training program for young adults who have graduated from college and are starting to build careers and families. Weinstein graduates take leadership roles not just at the Federation but also at synagogues and Jewish organizations throughout our community.
BBYO-Wisconsin Region delivers fun, meaningful and affordable experiences to Jewish teens that inspire a lasting connection to the Jewish people. This is especially important for post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah teens, as they may not have other opportunities for Jewish engagement during high school.
Beginning at age 18, Jewish teens are eligible to visit Israel for free through Birthright Israel. Jewish Agency for Israel, which receives funding from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, provides 10-day educational Israel experiences to thousands of Jews.
By funding Jewish education, the Federation helps children build a strong Jewish identity beginning in preschool and continuing through eighth grade.
Our Shin-shinim, or young cultural emissaries, enhance children’s Jewish identity by making personal connections with Israel. The shin-shinim touch the lives of more than 800 children each year through their work at synagogues, Jewish schools and community partners like the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center.