Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Press Release

Nominations Open for Herb Kohl Service Award

Annual honor recognizes outstanding leadership and service

By - Feb 3rd, 2026 12:14 pm

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin – Nominations are now open for the Herb Kohl Service Award, an annual honor recognizing outstanding leadership and service to the Jewish community.

Named for one of Wisconsin’s most distinguished leaders, the award honors individuals who have made exceptional lifetime contributions to Wisconsin through philanthropy, business, and community leadership. Nominees may be leaders, volunteers, or professionals whose work has created meaningful, positive change. They need not be Jewish but must be Wisconsin residents who serve the Jewish community.

Rooted in the Jewish values of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam, Kohl’s life was defined by humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to community. His enduring support for Jewish causes and civic life continues to inspire this award and its recipients.

Herb Kohl Philanthropies is honored to partner with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation in presenting this award that celebrates Senator Kohl’s extraordinary life and legacy,” said JoAnne Anton, President and CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies. “Herb believed deeply in the power of community, education, and public service—and in always putting people first. This recognition not only reflects the values he lived by but also inspires the next generation to carry them forward. We’re proud to join MJF in honoring a life so meaningfully lived.”

In the award’s inaugural year in 2025, Sheldon Lubar, Stephen Marcus, and Allan “Bud” Selig were honored. The awardees were friends with the late senator from a young age and exemplify the values of working, leading, and giving back to the community.

“A constant throughout Herb Kohl’s life—spanning many chapters—was his unwavering support for Jewish causes and community,” said Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. “May his enduring legacy and this award inspire others to follow his example, fostering and uplifting Jewish life in the Milwaukee community and beyond.”

Further information and nomination forms are available at MilwaukeeJewish.org/HerbKohlAward and must be submitted by March 13. The award will be presented at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation Economic Forum on June 2, 2026.

 

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Inaugural Herb Kohl Service Award Winners Announced

Sheldon Lubar, Stephen Marcus, Allan ‘Bud’ Selig to be honored at Economic Forum on June 11

Leave a Reply

You must be an Urban Milwaukee member to leave a comment. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Learn more.

Join now and cancel anytime.

If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment.

Have questions? Need to report an error? Contact Us