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.
Thu, August 28 2025
4 Elul 5785
Today's CEEBJ News
► The High Holy Days and Fall Festivals are just around the corner. Click here for general information, service times, ticket information, and making reservations for childcare and transportion.
► Make your 2025-26 Annual Commitment.
Support Women of Emanu-El as we approach the New Year:
► Purchase 8oz honey gift jars from ORT. Order by August 5 to avoid shipping charges.
► Sign the Shana Tova Card which will be sent out to all members.
► Submit the names of your loved ones for inclusion in the 5786 Book of Remembrance by Friday, Sep. 12.
► Enroll your child for the 2025-26 Religious School year..
► Your 2025-26 Brotherhood dues support the many programs that benefit our congregation along with Jewish and secular communities.
Featured Events
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Thursday ,
AugAugust 28 , 2025
Thursday, Aug 28th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Friday ,
AugAugust 29 , 2025
Friday, Aug 29th 6:00p to 7:15p
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Saturday ,
AugAugust 30 , 2025
Shabbat, Aug 30th 7:00p to 9:00p
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Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 2 , 2025
Tuesday, Sep 2nd 10:00a to 11:30a
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 4 , 2025
Thursday, Sep 4th 7:00p to 8:30p
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025
Friday, Sep 5th 5:30p to 6:15p
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Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun * 2020 West Brown Deer Road, River Hills, WI 53217 * (414)228-7545
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