Kosher and Jewish Life in Madison

Madison is the capital of the State of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. As of July 1, 2013, Madison had an estimated population of 143,344. Madison is located in the center of Dane County in south-central Wisconsin, 77 miles (114 km) west of Milwaukee and 111 miles (196 km) northwest of Chicago. Winter temperatures can be well below freezing, with moderate to occasionally heavy snowfall and temperatures reaching 0 °F (−18 °C) on 17 nights annually; high temperatures in summer average in the lower 80s °F (17–18 °C), reaching 90 °F (31 °C) on an average 11 days per year,[13] often accompanied by high humidity levels. In 1996 Money magazine identified Madison as the best place to live in the United States. During the winter months, sports enthusiasts enjoy ice-boating, ice skating, ice hockey, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowkiting.[43] During the rest of the year, outdoor recreation includes sailing on the local lakes, bicycling, and hiking. Madison's vibrant music scene covers a wide spectrum of musical culture. In the summer Madison hosts many music festivals, including the Waterfront Festival.