Like our physical space, Virtual JMM is dedicated to sharing the history and culture of the Jewish people as it has been experienced and expressed in Wisconsin since the 1840s. Here we tap into our permanent archival collection to tell stories in a unique, engaging way and offer insights about the community that are hard to access within our four walls.

Rather than walking the exhibits, this digital platform provides visitors with an opportunity to revel in the material culture preserved in our archive. Here visitors are invited to learn about the Jewish community through stories of individuals who serve as its representatives.

Themes

Our museum is broadly arranged by theme, and this digital rendering is no different. Begin your exploration of Virtual JMM by selecting a theme.

Each theme page will connect you to people whose lives showcase this thematic aspect of the Jewish experience. Through ‘show and tell’ narratives, our community members will provide a glimpse into their stories and give each visitor a chance to deeply explore some of the artifacts, pictures, and documents that life produces.

The concept of tikkun olam is visible in the work of many Jewish individuals, organizations and institutions that have emerged in Wisconsin since the first settlers arrived here in the 1840s.

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Education is a strong value at the heart of the Jewish community and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the vibrancy and strength of Jews as a people.

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From mass atrocity and oppressive laws to casual acts of racism, anti-Jewish sentiment has influenced the Jewish experience throughout history.

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Seeking respite from oppression and the opportunity to live in peaceful community with others, many modern Jews have attempted to assimilate while maintaining a sense of autonomy.

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Relying on the strength of community and sometimes desperate ingenuity, Jews in both the old world and America have managed to not only survive but to thrive.

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Jewish creativity is imbued with longing, sadness, and loss; but it also expresses something deeply joyful and hopeful about a group of people who have survived despite thousands of years of persecution.

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Throughout history, Jews have gone to great lengths to keep Judaism alive, often in the face of great intolerance.

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"Surviving in a new home depends on finding a way to live."