For almost two centuries, Emanu-El has been a home for Jewish life in Milwaukee. A place where people come together to celebrate, learn, and make meaning.
Rooted in sacred tradition and inspired by the present, we’re continually building Judaism that feels relevant, compassionate, and alive.
We gather in joy and reflection, in action and rest, in learning and laughter. Here, faith is not about perfection. It’s about connection.
Emanu-El is a Reform Jewish community creating belonging, purpose, and joy. Rooted in tradition, we embrace today and work together to create a better world.
Emanu-El is a larger, younger, more diverse community with a pervasive sense of connection and engagement. We have evolved to both meet the needs of today’s Reform Jews and their families, and provide value through the traditional congregational model. We have meaningful services, impactful learning, an enduring investment in social action, and a strong connection to Israel. We are also committed to curiosity, investigation and innovation to transcend the routine models of Jewish engagement and stay relevant. What differentiates us is how we learn, pray, socialize, and belong together – in our building and in the community.
Here, tradition flourishes and evolves. It’s alive in the voices, questions, and joyfulness of our community.
We are rooted in the sacred stories, rituals, and values that have carried us for generations, yet we embrace the ideas, expressions, and connections that make Judaism vital today.
This is a place for the lifelong members, and the first-timers, for the explorers and the returners.
For young families balancing chaos and meaning. For elders carrying the weight of memory and hope. For those who come with questions, and those who come to listen.
In our sanctuary, ancient melodies meet new harmonies.
In our studies, learning is a dialogue, not a lecture.
In our hearts, belonging is not just being welcomed. It’s being seen.
We gather because we know that faith is stronger when shared – and we are stronger.
We grow because we dare to wrestle with the now.
And we give, because that is what we do, and the world needs what we can only create together.
Where the sacred meets the present.
Where the present becomes sacred.
This is Emanu-El.
Where Sacred Meets Now.
Everything we do begins with five simple principles: the values that shape how we show up for one another and the world.
The Emanu-El Code of Ethics is more than a document; it’s a living reflection of who we are and who we strive to be. Grounded in “meaning without pretense,” this framework guides our daily lives through five core Jewish values:
By living these principles, we ensure Emanu-El remains a place of “connection without conditions” – a respectful, inclusive, and vibrant home where every member of our community can truly thrive.
See the Executive Summary.
See the complete Code of Ethics.
Our Milwaukee story is one of evolving community, dating back to the beginning of our city and state. In the 1800s, three tiny congregations were started in Milwaukee homes. In 1856, they merged, joining together to form B’ne Jeshurun.
Thirteen years later, 35 families left to establish a new Congregation Emanu-El. Both groups flourished separately for six decades. In 1922, Emanu-El broke ground on a new building at 2419 East Kenwood Boulevard.
Soon thereafter, plans for a new courthouse called for the demolition of B’ne Jeshurun’s synagogue, and Milwaukee’s two Reform congregations decided to merge. In 1927, they became Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun.
The synagogue remained on Kenwood Boulevard for over 70 years. In October 1997, we dedicated our 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, which we completed in September 2009. The Kenwood building now houses UWM’s Helen Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts, and retains the stained glass windows designed by Rabbi Joseph L. Baron when the building was constructed.
Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun’s 170-year history speaks to its enduring strength and agility, not just growing but also adapting and evolving throughout the years.Today, Rabbi Jessica K. Barolsky leads our congregation as we continue to maintain our traditions and meet.