One Tiny Step at a Time
“Knowing everyone was in the same stage of parenting made it a comfortable and easy environment to connect with other families.”
The joyful noise of toddlers and the gentle hum of conversation among parents signal the heartbeat of Mazel Tots Milwaukee Playgroup – a growing series of Jewish community programs for families with children birth to 2. Rooted in tradition and powered by partnership, Mazel Tots is where Jewish journeys begin, and where families move from strength to strength, together.
Thanks to the Implementing Partners Engagement Grant through the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, the J was given the unique opportunity to explore new paths of connection for families raising Jewish children. In partnership with Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, Congregation Shalom, Congregation Sinai, and the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, we built something warm and welcoming: a place where Jewish and multi-faith families can gather, connect, and explore their Jewish identity through meaningful relationships.
Over the past year, a core group of 30 families, including 20 who are not JCC members, came together to laugh, play, and connect. Mazel Tots is more than just joy and togetherness. Through the creation of these shared experiences, Mazel Tots became a welcoming entry point, creating a space where friendships blossomed, parents found camaraderie, and families began to see themselves as part of a larger community.
“We got involved in Mazel Tots because we were looking for a way to connect to our community as new parents, and honestly, to find other families in the same stage of life. What we found was so much more,” Mazel Tots parent Jessica Nelson shared. “This program gave us the space to just show up and be present, without the stress of a big outing. Knowing everyone was in the same stage of parenting made it a comfortable and easy environment to connect with other families.”
With plans already in place to continue Mazel Tots next year, this program has now become a lasting part of the JCC’s community engagement efforts. By uniting leading Jewish organizations across Milwaukee, this program expands the circle of support and belonging for families at the very start of their journey. With each Mazel Tots gathering, our community takes one more step to ensuring that our youngest families are supported, connected, and inspired through joyful and intentional Jewish experiences.
Because in Jewish life and parenting, we grow stronger together.
