Jewish Museum Milwaukee

For Educators

Questions are central to Jewish life. At each Passover Seder, the youngest participant asks the “Four Questions,” which engages everyone in the process of answering “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The Jewish Museum Milwaukee asks and helps the visitor to answer the following questions:

• Who are the Jews? What do Jews believe?
• Why did Jews come to Milwaukee?
• How did they earn a living?
• What are the consequences of Hatred and Intolerance?
• What is the relationship between Milwaukee and Israel?
• How have Jews contributed to Milwaukee and America?

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee offers school group programming that showcases the American Jewish experience. Our tour answers these questions, but also provides a vehicle for your students to come up with questions of their own. Through our docent-led tour, films, interactive displays and exhibit spaces, the Museum provides a forum for discussion about contemporary issues, including immigration, tolerance and civic involvement.

The Museum’s content is directed towards students in grade four and higher. Our exhibits and themes correspond with the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. The staff of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee is happy to help develop a trip that fits your class’s needs. Docents are also available to come to your classroom prior to your trip to the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. For more information, please contact Ellie Gettinger (educator@jewishmuseummilwaukee.org).

Materials and Resources

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee Pre-Trip Materials will help prepare your class for their visit to the Museum. These materials provide background information for the museum.

• Downloadable PDFs
  • 4th-6th Grades
  • 7th-9th Grades
  • High School
• Frequently Asked Questions about Judaism
• Bibliography
• Filmography
• Links to Educational Resources:
  • Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center
  • Coalition for Jewish Learning