Our History
Our History
From the earliest days following the arrival of the first Jewish settlers in Milwaukee, the synagogue has been a high priority.
Gathering first in homes for Shabbat worship, the community grew to include three tiny congregations until 1856 when they joined together to form B’ne Jeshurun. A year later they moved into the first synagogue building on Fourth Street between State and Prairie (now Highland Avenue).
Thirteen years later, 35 families left the congregation to establish a new Congregation Emanu-El, and B’ne Jeshurun remained at its building on 10th and Cedar Street (now Kilbourn Avenue), the site currently occupied by the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Both groups flourished separately for fifty eight years until Emanu-El, in need of larger facilities, broke ground in 1922 for a new build at 2419 East Kenwood Boulevard.
When plans for the new courthouse called for the demolition of B’ne Jeshurun’s synagogue, the wheels were set in motion for the 1927 merger of Milwaukee’s two Reform congregations. Today a bronze plaque on the south face of the courthouse commemorates the former B’ne Jeshurun building. Since 1927 the combined congregations have existed as Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun.
In October 1997 Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun dedicated its new building at 2020 W. Brown Deer Road in River Hills on the Joseph & Vera Zilber Campus. It became our permanent home in 2000. In June 2008 we broke ground for a renovation and expansion of our present building. The renovation was completed in September 2009.
Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun has undergone a profound transformation from its beginnings in 1856. It has become a more diversified religious institution than the founders of the 19th century congregations had ever envisioned. Today Rabbi Jessica K. Barolsky leads our congregation as we continue to speak to our traditions and ever-changing needs.
Sat, July 27 2024
21 Tammuz 5784
Today's CEEBJ News
► Preserve the memory of your loved ones in the Book of Remembrance. Submit your names by Friday, September 6.
► Women of Emanu-El are getting an early start on the new year with these offerings:
► Support Temple Brotherhood and Women of Emanu-El with your yearly membership dues.
► The Family Miniature Golf Outing will be Sunday, August 18. Fun for all age groups. Includes golf, raffle and a goodie bag. Please RSVP by Friday, August 16.
► The CEEBJ Community Picnic will be Sunday, August 25. Lunch will be provided. Bring a dessert to share. Bring a friend who might be interested in joining.
► Enroll your child(ren) for the 2024-25 school year. Take advantage of our early bird rates through August 1.
► Click here to make your 2023-24 Annual Commitment.
Featured Events
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Friday, Aug 2nd 6:45p to 8:00p
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Sunday, Aug 4th 1:00p to 3:00p
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Thursday, Aug 8th 7:00p to 9:00p
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