Museum Moments

Dan Haumschild and Sam Goldberg address the meaning and importance of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat appointed to Lithuania at the start of WWII who helped over 4000 European Jews escape Nazi persecution. His commitment to pursuing justice and freedom in the midst of radical violence is an inspiration to all of us. As Sam and Dan point out, Sugihara simply took the next step before him, even when the whole path was unclear, he knew that doing something was better than doing nothing. Let us all endow that within ourselves.

Learn more here:
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/chiune-sempo-sugihara
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/oral-history/lucille-szepsenwol-camhi-describes-obtaining-japanese-transit-visas-from-chiune-sugihara-in-kovno?parent=en%2F7066

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In this Museum Moment, JMM Education Director Dan Haumschild and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center's Director of Education Sam Goldberg address the meaning and importance of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat appointed to Lithuania at the start of WWII who helped over 4000 European Jews escape Nazi persecution. His commitment to pursuing justice and freedom in the midst of radical violence is an inspiration to all of us. As Sam and Dan point out, Sugihara simply took the next step before him, even when the whole path was unclear, he knew that doing something was better than doing nothing. Let us all endow that within ourselves.

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Jewish Family Services has been helping and serving the greater Milwaukee area for 155 years. In this Museum Moment we examine this organization's rich history and some of the individuals and programs that helped shape it.

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Esther Leah Ritz spent over 50 years in Milwaukee as a fulltime professional volunteer and became a nationally renowned community leader. Learn more about her story and impact on Milwaukee's Jewish community, the greater community, and beyond!

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Late last month, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle celebrated its 100th anniversary. In this Museum Moment, we explore the life of one of its co-founders, Irving Rhodes, and his dedication to Israel.

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The Nuremberg Trials marked the first time the international community attempted to bring war criminals to justice. At the time of the trials, the word genocide had not even been coined yet to address the horror of the Holocaust. The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center's Education Director Samantha Goldberg explores the history of the trials and executions and the ongoing impact.

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In 2022, we will mark the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women rabbis in the US. In preparing for this anniversary, we will be speaking with Rabbi Dena Feingold, the first Wisconsin woman to be ordained about her rabbinic journey and the role women in the rabbinate play in contemporary Jewish life.

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In honor of Memorial Day, JMM will explore the story of Jewish soldiers in the Civil War with local history buff, Dr. Rich Kane. Join us for this interview to understand the challenges and triumphs of Jews during this period.

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Erich Lichtblau-Leskly's artwork in "To Paint is to Live" is an example of political cartooning, using techniques like visual exaggeration and transformation to push viewers to consider a situation. For this Museum Moment, we will explore the history of political cartoons and focus on one titan in the industry: Herblock.

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Esther Leah Ritz spent over 50 years in Milwaukee as a fulltime professional volunteer and became a nationally renowned community leader. Learn more about her story and impact on Milwaukee's Jewish community, the greater community, and beyond!

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In 2022, we will mark the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women rabbis in the US. In preparing for this anniversary, we will be speaking with Rabbi Dena Feingold, the first Wisconsin woman to be ordained about her rabbinic journey and the role women in the rabbinate play in contemporary Jewish life.

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Get to know Golda Meir's rebellious youth and how she channeled this energy into education and political action.

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Dan Haumschild, Director of Education, speaks with Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women's Archive (JWA) about the 100th anniversary of Bat Mitzvah. Join the national commemoration event and find out more through links below.
National Commemoration on March 17th at 7:00 EST - Register here:
https://saj.nyc/event/100th-anniversary-of-the-bat-mitzvah-commemoration/

More information and resources related to the 100th anniversary:
https://jwa.org/batmitzvah100

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Esther Leah Ritz spent over 50 years in Milwaukee as a fulltime professional volunteer and became a nationally renowned community leader. Learn more about her story and impact on Milwaukee's Jewish community, the greater community, and beyond!

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Mah Jongg is an ancient game that was imported to the US in the 1920s. Jewish women adapted the game and it is now played by millions of people. We will explore the history and mystique within the game.

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In honor of the World Series, and our hope that the Brewers will be there next year, this Museum Moment explores the story of Wendy Selig-Prieb, Major League Baseball's first female president and chairman of a team. Education Director Ellie Gettinger looks into her history and legacy in Milwaukee.

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In 2022, we will mark the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women rabbis in the US. In preparing for this anniversary, we will be speaking with Rabbi Dena Feingold, the first Wisconsin woman to be ordained about her rabbinic journey and the role women in the rabbinate play in contemporary Jewish life.

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March 8 is International Women's Day and March is Women's History Month. For this Museum Moment, we are celebrating the women who are part of HIPPY, a family-based preschool education program that was started by women and continues to connect women throughout Milwaukee to important resources for their kids.

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Jewish Family Services has been helping and serving the greater Milwaukee area for 155 years. In this Museum Moment we examine this organization's rich history and some of the individuals and programs that helped shape it.

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In this Museum Moment, we explore the history of the New Home Club, founded by a group of Jewish refugees from Western Europe, and highlight some of its many contributions to the Milwaukee community and Israel since its inception in 1937.

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In this Museum Moment, we look at Nathan Pereles and his contributions to the building of Milwaukee's Jewish community. We also explore his accomplished children and look at his connection to Lizzie Kander.

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Esther Leah Ritz spent over 50 years in Milwaukee as a fulltime professional volunteer and became a nationally renowned community leader. Learn more about her story and impact on Milwaukee's Jewish community, the greater community, and beyond!

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Late last month, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle celebrated its 100th anniversary. In this Museum Moment, we explore the life of one of its co-founders, Irving Rhodes, and his dedication to Israel.

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The name Mirisch is associated with some all-time hit and award-winning movies produced by brothers Walter, Harold, and Marvin. These include “Some Like it Hot,” “The Apartment,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” the “Pink Panther” series, and the first film iteration of the now reviving musical “West Side Story.” But the Mirisch brothers, including the oldest brother, Irving, got their movie business start in Milwaukee in another important aspect of the movie-going experience: candy!

Our Museum Moment guest today is David Mirisch, Irving’s son and nephew of the producer Mirisch brothers, including Walter, now 100 years old, and recently profiled in "On Wisconsin," the alumni magazine, as a thriving alum of the class of 1942. David Mirisch spent his youth in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, graduated from Shorewood High School and then Ripon College. Like the rest of the family, he made his way to a Hollywood career—as a press agent, but he’s now a movie star, too, in a new documentary titled “The Man Behind the Golden Stars.”

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The story of Bernard and Sarah Heller's journey to Milwaukee in 1848 is one of the touchpoints of our permanent exhibit, highlighting the German speaking wave of immigration. In this Museum Moment, we explore the Heller's immigration experience through the words of their son Louis.

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Scrap Yard: Innovators of Recycling is sponsored by Alter Trading, a company with its fifth generation of family members involved in the business. In this Museum Moment, we trace the family connections between Alter, Afram Brothers, Sadoff-Rudoy, and Waukesha Iron & Metal.

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Jewish Museum Milwaukee is hosting "Scrap Yard: Innovators of Recycling." In this Museum Moment, we explore some of the stories of Milwaukee scrappers.

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Kristallnacht took place from November 9 -10, 1938, as Jewish businesses and synagogues were ransacked by paramilitary forces and civilians. We will talk about the history of this day with the Executive Director of the Nathan & Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center with a focus on the role of law enforcement, fire brigades, and everyday citizens on Kristallnacht.

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The Nuremberg Trials marked the first time the international community attempted to bring war criminals to justice. At the time of the trials, the word genocide had not even been coined yet to address the horror of the Holocaust. We will be joined by the @Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center Education Director Samantha Goldberg to explore the history of the trials and executions and the ongoing impact.

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In 1943, 437 Danish Jews were sent to Theresienstadt. The Danish government started applying pressure to know more about where these Danish citizens were sent. In response, the SS created an elaborate facade to make Theresienstadt seem like a spa retreat. This Museum Moment will explore this deception and the artwork that Erich Lichtblau-Leskly created about this visit.

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Over 1500 Torahs were saved during the Holocaust from Bohemia and Moravia. These scrolls are part of a heroic story that ties together museums and preservation, philanthropy, and the global Jewish community. As we commemorate Yom HaShoah, the Day of Remembrance for the Holocaust, this story connects the experience of the Holocaust to five Milwaukee synagogues. Join us to learn more about The Memorial Scrolls Trust. Congregation Shalom Milwaukee Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid Congregation Emanu-El of Waukesha Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun Congregation Sinai - Milwaukee

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Dan Haumschild and Sam Goldberg address the meaning and importance of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat appointed to Lithuania at the start of WWII who helped over 4000 European Jews escape Nazi persecution. His commitment to pursuing justice and freedom in the midst of radical violence is an inspiration to all of us. As Sam and Dan point out, Sugihara simply took the next step before him, even when the whole path was unclear, he knew that doing something was better than doing nothing. Let us all endow that within ourselves.

Learn more here:
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/chiune-sempo-sugihara
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/oral-history/lucille-szepsenwol-camhi-describes-obtaining-japanese-transit-visas-from-chiune-sugihara-in-kovno?parent=en%2F7066

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Kristallnacht took place from November 9 -10, 1938, as Jewish businesses and synagogues were ransacked by paramilitary forces and civilians. We will talk about the history of this day with the Executive Director of the Nathan & Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center with a focus on the role of law enforcement, fire brigades, and everyday citizens on Kristallnacht.

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JMM wraps up its exploration of the Nazi Olympics in discussion with Samantha Abramson, the Executive Director of the Nathan & Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center. We explore the stories of the athletes who competed and those who did not, while highlighting the ways in which the Nazi Party deceived the world, covering up their antisemitic agenda leading up to and during the games.

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This is part 2 of our series on the Berlin Olympics. In this Museum Moment, we will explore how the Nazi party used the Berlin games to advance the regime's propaganda aims. You will never see the Torch Lighting in the same way.

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In preparation for Mildred Fish Harnack Day on September 16, JMM will continue its exploration of this dynamic lady. In this segment, we will track her story in Germany and her involvement in the resistance to Nazi oppression. Mildred Fish Harnack is the only American executed on direct orders of Adolph Hitler. This is your opportunity to learn her story

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The holiday of Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. For this Museum Moment, we will be exploring the precise process that it takes to create a Torah, a process that has been replicated for thousands of years. Join us at a special time to explore what it takes to write a Torah.

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A not-to-dry exploration of the evolution of this Passover staple. Join us to explore the tradition and commandments of matzah.

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The holiday of Purim centers on the idea that there is more than meets the eye. The underlying story of Esther saving the Jewish people becomes a launching point for costumes and Purim shpiels. We will explore this history with Hazzan Jeremy Stein, cantor at Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid, seen here as he battles Darth Vader for dominance in the Purim festivities at the synagogue.

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This segment explores Jewish engagement with Christmas, from Chinese food to the movies and more. Join us on this special Christmas eve edition of Museum Moments.

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Dan Haumschild, Director of Education, speaks with Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women's Archive (JWA) about the 100th anniversary of Bat Mitzvah. Join the national commemoration event and find out more through links below.
National Commemoration on March 17th at 7:00 EST - Register here:
https://saj.nyc/event/100th-anniversary-of-the-bat-mitzvah-commemoration/

More information and resources related to the 100th anniversary:
https://jwa.org/batmitzvah100

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Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. In honor of the oil, we traditionally eat a lot of fried foods during Chanukah. We talk with chef and caterer Hannah Sattler of Hannah's Kitchen about Ashkenazi traditions and some inspired ways to engage your whole family in Chanukah food prep!

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This Museum Moment considers the Jewish connections to the holiday, including the pilgrims' perception of themselves as "modern-day Israelites" and the ways in which Jewish communities observed the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving

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In this Museum Moment with talk about Sukkot with Jewish Education Community Planner, Tziporah Altman-Shafer focusing on the mitzvot (commandments) of Sukkot, including what it takes to make a sukkah.

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This Rosh Hashanah begins a new year and also the Shmita or sabbatical year in which land is supposed to be uncultivated. We sat down with rabbi and farmer Philip Ohriner who with his family started Ma'alot Farms to discuss the commandments and applications of this year in Jewish life.

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In this Museum Moment, we explore the history of the New Home Club, founded by a group of Jewish refugees from Western Europe, and highlight some of its many contributions to the Milwaukee community and Israel since its inception in 1937.

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The story of Bernard and Sarah Heller's journey to Milwaukee in 1848 is one of the touchpoints of our permanent exhibit, highlighting the German speaking wave of immigration. In this Museum Moment, we explore the Heller's immigration experience through the words of their son Louis.

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This Museum Moment explores the history of Yiddish in Milwaukee. We are delighted that Yiddish maven and community balabusta Nancy Weiss-McQuide created this moment, which touches on Milwaukee's immigrant history, the Perhift Players, and the ways in which you can be involved in Yiddishkeit today! Sam & Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies, UWM

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“Yiddish is the Robin Hood of languages. It steals from the linguistically rich to give to the fledgling poor. It shows not the slightest hesitation in taking in house-guests—to whom it gives free room and board regardless of genealogy, faith, or exoticism." (Leo Rosten, Joys of Yiddish) Join us for this Museum Moment to explore how American English was enlivened by Jewish immigrants in the 20th century. We will be exploring this topic with Dr. Miriam Isaacs, an independent scholar in the fields of Yiddish language and culture, heritage languages, and translation.

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Arpin, Wisconsin has never had a huge population (there were 333 people reported in the 2010 census), but in the early 20th Century it probably had the highest percentage of Jewish citizens due to an agricultural settlement that was established there. This Museum Moment focuses on this community, part of our exploration of small-town Jewish lives.

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Bagels came to the US with Eastern European immigrants, many of them Jewish, bringing their culinary traditions with them. In this Museum Moment, we will trace the Polish origins of this dish to its spread across the country (pun totally intended).

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JMM talks with Michael Felberg, director of the George Washington Institute for Freedom of Religion about the famous interchange between Washington and the Jewish community of Newport, RI. This letter indicated for Jews and all members of minority religions that their rights would be protected in this new nation. @George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom

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After World War II, as Holocaust survivors started coming to the United States, they developed their own social networks. In Milwaukee, the New American Club became like a large surrogate family.

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New Method Hebrew School was a beloved institution in Milwaukee for a half-century. In this Museum Moment, we'll get a sense of what was so "new" about Harry Garfinkel's School.

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