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Make a difference by volunteering with Lubavitch of Wisconsin. Explore opportunities to give back, support community programs, and engage in meaningful acts of kindness based in Jewish values. Volunteer Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Lubavitch of Wisconsin and helping us achieve our mission of serving every Jew in the state of Wisconsin with love and concern. Please fill out the form below and someone will be in touch to find the volunteer opportunity that's right for you. I'd like to volunteer First & last name Email Phone number Areas of interest * Required Kids/Youth Teens/Young Adults Senior Citizens Women's Circle Mitzvah Campaign Events Other Volunteer Tasks * Pickup/dropoff Manual labor Technology Event setup/tear down Tutoring Hosting guests Deliveries Any additional backround or areas of expertise you'd like to share? Send Thanks for submitting! We’ll get back to you shortly.

Celebrate Purim with Lubavitch of Wisconsin. Discover Megillah reading times, events, and resources to help you celebrate, connect spiritually, and observe the holiday of Purim meaningfully with your community. Purim In Wisconsin with Chabad Lubavitch March 13-14, 2025 The festival of Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews in a single day. It is celebrated with Megillah readings, gifts of food, charity to the poor, feasting, and merriment. In addition to the miracle of Jewish survival despite the efforts of our enemies, Purim celebrates G‑d’s intimate involvement in every aspect of this world. Even though there were no overt miracles recorded in the Megillah—indeed, His name is not even mentioned once—G‑d was actively “pulling the strings” to care for His nation. Find a Megillah reading or event at your local Chabad! FULL LIST OF EVENTS Cedarburg Jewish Discovery Center Chabad of the Bay Area Chabad of Bayside / The Shul Chabad of the East Side / The Shul East Chabad of Glendale & River Hills Chabad of Kenosha Chabad of Madison Chabad of Mequon Chabad of Waukesha & Brookfield Chabad of Wauwatosa Purim Resources What is Purim Purim Study Purim Stories Purim Recipes Engage your kids in the holiday. Learn More

We offer extensive in-person and virtual classes, resources, lectures, texts, and more to deepen Jewish knowledge & identity. From group classes to one-on-one sessions, from mysticism to Jewish Law, from deep dives to overviews – there's something for everyone regardless of level or background. Draw from the well of Torah study to invigorate & stimulate your mind and spirit. Adult Education Draw from the well of Torah study to invigorate & stimulate your mind and spirit. We offer extensive in-person and virtual classes, resources, lectures, texts, and more to deepen Jewish knowledge & identity. From group classes to one-on-one sessions, from mysticism to Jewish Law, from deep dives to overviews – there's something for everyone regardless of level or background. Kabbalah & Mysticism Law and Ethics General Judaic Studies Biblical Studies Culture & Language Jewish Learning Institute Serving learning centers in over 1,800 communities and on the internet, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is the world's preeminent provider of Jewish learning. Drawing on research-based instructional design and cutting-edge approaches to adult learning, JLI's innovative presentation of traditional Judaism is designed to be both intellectually rigorous and highly accessible. Fall 2024 | 6 Lessons Nov. 11 - Dec. 16 Nurturing Relationships Jewish Wisdom for Building Deeper, Richer Connection in All Your Relationships Thanks for attending! Winter 2025 | 6 Lessons Feb. 3 - March 10 Decoding the Talmud Inside the Story, Substance, and Significance of the Book That Defines Judaism Thanks for attending! Spring 2025 | 4 Lessons May 5 - 26 Colorful Profiles Short Stories of Extraordinary and Unexpected Characters from Jewish History Register Now! To find a class that fits your interests and schedule, contact your local Chabad! Cedarburg Jewish Discovery Center Chabad of the Bay Area Chabad of Bayside / The Shul Chabad of the East Side / The Shul East Chabad of Glendale & River Hills Chabad of Kenosha Chabad of Madison Chabad of Mequon Chabad of Waukesha & Brookfield Chabad of Wauwatosa

Celebrate Lag BaOmer with Lubavitch of Wisconsin. Learn about Lag BaOmer and celebrate with us at our annual Lag BaOmer picnic and carnival! Lag BaOmer In Wisconsin with Chabad Lubavitch May 16, 2025 Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who lived in the second century of the Common Era, was the first to publicly teach the mystical dimension of the Torah known as the Kabbalah, and is the author of the classic text of Kabbalah, the Zohar. On the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon instructed his disciples to mark the date as “the day of my joy.” The chassidic masters explain that the final day of a righteous person’s earthly life marks the point at which all their deeds, teachings and work achieve their culminating perfection and the zenith of their impact upon our lives. So each Lag BaOmer, we celebrate Rabbi Shimon’s life and the revelation of the esoteric soul of Torah. Lag BaOmer also commemorates another joyous event. The Talmud relates that in the weeks between the Jewish holidays of Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged among the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva (teacher of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai), “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” These weeks are therefore observed as a period of mourning, with various joyous activities proscribed by law and custom. On Lag BaOmer the deaths ceased. Thus, Lag BaOmer also carries the theme of loving and respecting one’s fellow (ahavat Yisrael). Join Us for a Lag BaOmer Carnival & Picnic FREE entry! Rain or shine! Friday, May 16th 2:30-3:30PM for schools 3:30-4:30PM for community 6401 N. Santa Monica Blvd. Behind the JB, BHA & MJDS Campuses Inflatables | Entertainment | Games | Carnival Snacks ...And More! RSVP NOW Find a Lag BaOmer event at your local Chabad Cedarburg Jewish Discovery Center Chabad of the Bay Area Chabad of Bayside / The Shul Chabad of the East Side / The Shul East Chabad of Glendale & River Hills Chabad of Kenosha Chabad of Madison Chabad of Mequon Chabad of Waukesha & Brookfield Chabad of Wauwatosa Lag BaOmer Resources Lag BaOmer History What is Lag BaOmer Lag BaOmer Insights Lag BaOmer Stories Engage your kids in the holiday. Join Our Lag BaOmer Celebration

ARK charity boxes give every person the opportunity to make the world a better place through Acts of Random Kindness. We can generate change in ourselves and in our community with the simple act of consistent giving. Keep it handy, use it daily, and together we'll achieve Acts of Routine Kindness. We believe acts of random kindness can become acts of routine kindness – so we bought a billboard to spread the word. The ARK Giving Project in Wisconsin is inspired by and a result of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's call to inspire humanity to greater moral and ethical heights through positive and consistent action. Request An ARK Get an ARK charity box. Fill it up. Share the contents with a charity or someone in need. Develop a habit of giving. Why it Works People are more influenced by the things they do than by the knowledge they are taught. Compassion and kindness are strengthened by consistency. Giving small amounts of charity every day causes one to become a giver. Childhood is the prime time to cultivate compassion and kindness. Children also influence adults to do the same. This creates a stronger culture of giving in society. ARK charity boxes give every person the opportunity to make the world a better place through Acts of Random Kindness. We can generate change in ourselves and in our community with the simple act of consistent giving. Keep it handy, use it daily, and together we'll achieve Acts of Routine Kindness. Request An ARK

The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, a division of Lubavitch of Wisconsin, provides support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with all varying abilities in our community. Friendship Circle encourages an inclusive community where all individuals are valued regardless of their background or the challenges they face. Through highlighting achievements, not limitations, we create a world of acceptance and inclusion. Friendship Circle of Wisconsin 8649 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, a division of Lubavitch of Wisconsin, provides support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with all varying abilities in our community. Friendship Circle encourages an inclusive community where all individuals are valued regardless of their background or the challenges they face. Through highlighting achievements, not limitations, we create a world of acceptance and inclusion. Learn More Employment Training Program This program offers adults with disabilities an opportunity to develop the essential skills needed to gain employment. Most importantly, this program builds self-esteem and increases their independence through meaningful work. Learn More UMatter Through interactive and educational events, UMatter helps teens and adults shatter the stigmas surrounding mental-health challenges and create an atmosphere of inclusion in their communities. We cultivate an environment of safety while emphasizing the strength in seeking help. Learn More Friends@Home A unique opportunity for children with disabilities and their volunteers to play, learn and have fun in an environment that is comfortable for the child. It's a step toward building a lasting relationship between two friends who may not have met otherwise! Learn More Cafe & Bakery The café employs graduates of the Employee Training Program and serves as a welcoming place for anyone to gather, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee paired with a delicious baked good from the Friendship Bakery. 100% of proceeds support our mission of including children and adults with special needs. Learn More

Learn how Lubavitch of Wisconsin started, how we grow, and what we do as the umbrella organization – including programs, management, finance, and communications. Plus, learn more about our structure in the Frequently Asked Questions section. How We Begin The Rebbe (today, Chabad Headquarters) appoints an envoy, a Shliach, to represent Lubavitch in each state or region throughout the world. In 1968 the Rebbe appointed Rabbi Yisroel and B. Devorah Shmotkin as the Shluchim to the state of Wisconsin. They founded the organization that would become Lubavitch of Wisconsin (LWI) – a dynamic organization committed to meeting the needs of each and every Jew across the state. To achieve this reach, additional Shluchim would be appointed to serve particular areas within the larger regional framework. More About the Movement How We Grow Learn More What We Do LWI Umbrella Activities Programs External Identify needs and hire staff for new Chabad houses, institutions, and programs. Deliver state and city-wide events and programs, including Jewish awareness, mitzvah, and holiday campaigns and events, m ikvah, Women’s Circle, Senior Connections, Gitel Bas Moshe fund, and Chabad Cares Internal Convene Shluchim – Meetings, Torah study, seminars, annual convention, and get-togethers Management Ensure adherence to the Rebbe's mission and vision. Certify that organization-wide governance and programs and initiatives align with Chabad-Lubavitch's mission and values. Provide management / resources for its divisions’ legal, accounting, database, and property management needs. Finance External Fundraise for organization-wide needs/initiatives Develop/manage endowment fund Internal We provide: Accounting office - A/R and A/P Funding for new Shluchim & institutions Budgeting / fundraising resources Emergency Shluchim assistance Holiday and Simcha Assistance Gitel Bas Moshe Assistance Fund Capital Campaign / Special Program Assistance Communications External We provide: General Lubavitch marketing Media relations Celebration Magazine Shabbat Candle lighting Other Misc publications Internal Internal communications Frequently Asked Questions What is the governance structure of LWI? Lubavitch of Wisconsin (LWI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a governance structure similar to many other religious nonprofit entities. LWI operates under the oversight of an independent Board of Directors, which ensures financial accountability and provides strategic guidance. The board plays the role in bridging the organization's vision with its practical execution, helping to ensure long-term sustainability. The board is composed of community leaders, business professionals, and Shluchim, all of whom share a commitment to LWI's mission. As with many religious nonprofit organizations—ranging from places of worship to religious universities—the chief executive of LWI is appointed by a central religious authority, in this case, the Rebbe, OBM, and today through the office of Lubavitch Headquarters in New York. This appointed individual, known as the Regional Shliach, serves as both the president and executive director. While the board provides essential oversight and strategic input, the responsibility for setting the organization's overall strategic vision, direction, and goals lies with the chief executive, ensuring alignment across all divisions with the guiding principles of the organization. What is the relationship between LWI and headquarters in New York? From a governance and practical perspective, Lubavitch of WI operates independently, managing its own finances, operations, and programs. Chabad headquarters in New York provides a broad framework for the mission and values that guide Chabad's global activities, but it does not involve itself in the direct governance of regional centers. Each regional center is funded exclusively through local and user contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. No financial obligations or dues are required from the regional or local Chabad centers to Chabad headquarters in NY. One hundred percent of funds procured remain local unless a donor explicitly designates them for another purpose. Chabad headquarters will often provide training and educational programs to Shluchim and Shluchos, and supply resources such as educational materials, publicity materials, and technology. Were a center to, G-d forbid, face significant challenges or disputes, headquarters may step in to provide mediation, conflict resolution, and, if necessary, temporary financial assistance. This involvement is designed to uphold the integrity and continuity of the Chabad mission while respecting the autonomy of each center. The financial independence of each center is a cornerstone of the Chabad Lubavitch network, allowing regional centers to tailor their operations and outreach efforts to the specific needs of their local communities while still being aligned with the global mission of Chabad Lubavitch. What is the governance structure between Lubavitch of Wisconsin and its divisions? Each division is organized as a stand-alone corporation within the strategic aims, guidelines and purview set by LWI, and are legally bound as divisions of Lubavitch of WI. Each division is led by a Shliach who is appointed by the Regional Shliach and is responsible for the management and operations of their respective centers or programs. Each division has its own board of directors responsible for overseeing financial and legal compliance, monitoring programming, and providing community insight. They also help maintain transparency and accountability at the local level. Divisions operate with the autonomy that allows them to address the unique needs of their communities and their areas of concern effectively. They are required to align their operations, programs, and initiatives with the broader strategic goals and mission of LWI. This balance allows local needs to be met while providing a cohesive and unified direction at the regional organizational level. Regular communication and reporting channels between LWI and its divisions facilitate transparency, accountability, and mutual support. This includes periodic reporting on program outcomes, financial performance, and other key metrics that inform both operational adjustments and strategic planning. Where does the money come from and what does it go to? Virtually 100% of funds come from within Wisconsin and individuals and granting organizations who have been affected by our programming. 100% of funds are expended locally, unless otherwise designated or restricted by donors or foundations. What is the financial relationship between LWI and its divisions? LWI provides initial startup funding and resources to its programs and divisions. Each division is expected to develop financial self-sufficiency and independence – generating their own funding by developing a donor base of constituents. This is meant to ensure greater sustainability while providing for flexibility and the autonomy to tailor programs to their community's particular needs. Each division is solely responsible for its own financial obligations and legal compliance. Divisions manage their day-to-day budgeting, fundraising, and operations and are required to be compliant with all legal requirements and ethical standards. To maintain transparency and accountability, divisions provide budgets and financials for review by LWI. Funds are expected to be used effectively and in alignment with the organization's mission and values. LWI does not assume legal responsibility for the division’s financial obligations and legal compliance. In addition to LWI's initial funding, it will at times make grants to its divisions to help cover costs associated with launching new programs or expanding existing services. This support is tailored to the specific needs of each division. LWI provides resource sharing opportunities to optimize efficiency and cost savings. These can include shared administrative, accounting, and marketing services, joint purchasing agreements, or collaborative fundraising efforts. LWI also invests in the capacity building of its divisions. This involves training leaders, sharing best practices, and providing access to tools and technologies that enhance their operational effectiveness and their ability to serve their communities. What does "financial self-sufficiency" look like for a division/program? "Financial self-sufficiency" for a division/program refers to its ability to sustain its operations, including salaries, overhead, program expenses, and any other necessary expenditures through its own revenue streams. These can include fees for services, donations, grants, and fundraising activities. In addition, it means that the division/program exhibits the ability to plan, manage, and adjust its budget effectively, ensuring that expenditures are aligned with revenues. Beyond simply covering current operational costs, a financially independent program has the capacity to invest in its growth and development. This can include expanding existing services, developing new initiatives, or enhancing infrastructure and resources to better serve its mission. Even financially independent divisions/programs must still adhere to the overarching mission and strategic goals of the overall organization. While divisions manage their day-to-day budgeting, fundraising, and operations, LWI requires compliance with all legal requirements and ethical standards. To maintain transparency and accountability, divisions provide budgets and financials for review ensuring funds are used effectively and in alignment with the organization's mission and values. In addition to LWI's initial funding, it will at times fund or make grants to divisions to help cover costs associated with launching new programs or expanding existing services. This support is tailored to the specific needs of each division. LWI provides resource sharing opportunities to optimize costs and efficiency. These can include shared administrative, accounting, and marketing services, joint purchasing agreements, or collaborative fundraising efforts. LWI also invests in the capacity building of its divisions. This involves training leaders, sharing best practices, and providing access to tools and technologies that enhance their operational effectiveness and their ability to serve their communities. How does Lubavitch of Wisconsin open new locations? When LWI is contacted about or identifies a community/constituency that calls for increased Jewish engagement, support, or services, we conduct research to understand the unique characteristics of the potential location/area of need. Among the considerations are the potential impact on existing Chabad centers and programs, the same for other communal institutions, and the demographic's ability to support the program over the long term (and if not, what other resources may be leveraged). Upon deciding to proceed, LWI directs its resources, including human capital, technology, programmatic and educational tools and programs, and financial support, to establish a presence that is to become both sustainable and deeply integrated into the community, aiming to enrich Jewish life and education in the area. FAQ

Get involved with the Mitzvah Campaign at Lubavitch of Wisconsin. Learn how you can participate in impactful mitzvahs and community initiatives that bring positive change and strengthen Jewish life including shabbat candles, tefillin, mezuzot, kosher, mikvah, Torah study, tzedakah, a letter in the torah, and more! Mitzvah Campaign Mitzvot is the birthright and privilege of every Jew, and there is no Jew for whom they are foreign. Every day, Lubavitch of Wisconsin provides the means for Jews from every background to fulfill a mitzvah, a moment of Jewish connection. Lighting a Shabbat candle, putting on Tefillin, affixing a mezuzah; each mitzvah is a spark that ignites the soul and fuels the spirit. If you need assistance fulfilling a mitzvah, please contact us by completing the form below. We're here to help! Learn About Mitzvot TEFILLIN MEZUZAH SHABBAT CANDLES How can we help? First & last name Email Choose a mitzvah (select all that apply) * Required Shabbat Candles Tefillin Mezuzot Kosher Mikvah Torah Study Tzedakah Jewish Education Letter in the Torah Jewish Books Other Phone number Any additional backround you'd like to share? Send Thanks for submitting! We’ll get back to you shortly. More About The Mitzvot About Mitzvot Shabbat Candles We light candles every Friday evening and on the eve of Jewish holidays. The candles bring peace into our homes, and add light and warmth to the world. Learn More Tefillin The Torah commands Jewish men to bind tefillin onto their head and upper arm every weekday. Tefillin is an incredibly powerful mitzvah. Learn More Mezuzot A mezuzah mounted on the right side of the doorpost reminds us of our heritage and invites G-d's watchful care over the home. Learn More Kosher The laws of kosher define foods that are fit for consumption for a Jew. This includes which animals are consumed, how food is prepared, and more. Learn More Mikvah The Mikvah is a pool of water used to affect purity. It's used by a woman as part of the niddah cycle before she is reunited with her husband. Learn More Torah Study A Jew is always studying Torah. Daily Torah reflection allows us to connect to G‑d through studying His wisdom. Learn More Tzedakah Literally translated as “justice” or “righteousness,” tzedakah tells us that sharing what we have with others is the honest and just thing to do. Learn More Jewish Education Jewish education sustains our people. Jewish education prepares children to be learned, compassionate, and inspired bearers of our tradition. Learn More Letter in the Torah The Jewish nation is like one Torah scroll. if any letter is missing or incomplete, the whole scroll is invalid for use. Learn More Jewish Books Filling your home with holy books connects you to your heritage and birthright and serves as a source of blessing and Jewish spirit. Learn More Ahavat Yisroel The Torah commands us to "Love your fellow as yourself." Since G‑d loves every one of us, love of one's fellow is a greatest show of love for Him. Learn More Moshiach Two of the most fundamental tenets of the Jewish faith are the belief in the ultimate redemption and that the dead will be resurrected at that time. Learn More

Celebrate Jewish holidays with Lubavitch of Wisconsin. Explore traditions, events, services, and resources for observing Jewish festivals with community and family. Holidays Learn more about the holidays and how we can help make your celebrations even more meaningful. Lag BaOmer May 16, 2025 Lag BaOmer honors the passing of the great sage and kabbalist Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. On the day of his passing, he revealed great secrets of the Torah and requested of his disciples to rejoice. Lag BaOmer also commemorates the end of a plague that raged amongst the disciples of Rabbi Akiva. It is celebrated by outings and bonfires, especially for children. Learn More Shavuos June 1-3, 2025 Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai more than 33 hundred years ago. It is celebrated by reading of the Ten Commandments in synagogue, recalling and re-experiencing this monumental event. We stay up all night to learn Torah, feast on dairy foods, and more. Learn More June 29, 2025 Gimmel Tammuz The anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory. It is an opportunity to pay tribute and reflect on his continued impact as the leader responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry. Coming Soon Rosh Hashanah Sept. 22-24, 2025 Rosh Hashanah commemorates the birthday of the universe, the day G‑d created Adam and Eve - the center of the universe. It celebrates the Jewish and the World New Year. The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar (ram’s horn) on both mornings of the holiday (except on Shabbat). Together with Yom Kippur (which culminates 10 days of repentance), it is referred to as the Yamim Nora'im (Days of Awe, or High Holidays). Learn More October 1-2, 2025 Yom Kippur Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) is the holiest day of the year, when we are closest to G‑d and the essence of our souls. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d.” For nearly 26 hours we abstain from food/drink, do not wash or apply lotions/creams, do not wear leather shoes & abstain from marital relations. We spend the day in prayer and asking for forgiveness. Learn More October 6-13 & 13-15 2025 Sukkos & Simchat Torah Sukkot commemorates G‑d sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. The seven days of Sukkot are celebrated by dwelling in the sukkah, a temporary hut exposed to the weather; making a blessing as we hold the "Four Kinds" – a palm branch (lulav), two willows (aravot), a minimum of three myrtles (hadassim) and one citron (etrog) – and rejoicing. Sukkot is followed by Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. Learn More Chanukah December 14-22, 2025 Chanukah commemorate the miraculous victory of a small group of Jewish people over their Greek oppressors, enabling them the observance of Torah and Mitzvot. In rededicating the Temple in Jerusalem, they found a jar of pure oil for one day of lighting which lasted for eight days. "The Festival of lights" is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers, distribution of "Gelt" and fried foods. Learn More Purim March 2-3, 2026 The festival of Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews in a single day. It is celebrated with Megillah readings, gifts of food, charity to the poor, feasting, and merriment. Learn More April 1-9, 2026 Pesach Passover (Pesach) celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt when we became a nation. On Pesach, we hold a seder where we tell the story of the exodus, eat matzah and bitter herbs, and drink four cups of wine. For the duration of Pesach, we don't eat anything leaven (chametz). Learn More

Lubavitch of Wisconsin has an independent Board of Directors that provides oversight, financial accountability, and strategic guidance – helping to assure sustainability and bridging the organization's vision with its practical execution. The board is comprised of individuals with varied expertise who embrace the overall mission of LWI, including community leaders, business professionals, and religious figures. Board of Directors Richard M. Marcus Chairman of the Board Yisroel Shmotkin President Mendel Shmotkin Executive VP Mark Brickman (OBM) Board Member Jim Deshur Board Member Frank Gimbel Board Member Regina Kret Board Member Roger Siegel Board Member Wendy Wasserman Board Member