Archives: Events

2026 Levy Series: Rabbi Paula Winnig

Register by phone at 608-442-4081, or via mail / in-person at Jewish Social Services, 6300 Enterprise Lane, #309, Madison, WI 53719. The program costs $30 per person. You can print out the registration form here: Levy Registration Form

Rabbi Paula Winnig, Union of Reform Judaism’s Director of Congregational Consulting and Transition Services: “Revolutionary changes is Jewish life:  How the changing roles of women in Judaism has changed the world”

A proud “badger by birth,” and UW-Madison Alum, Rabbi Winnig grew up at Mt. Sinai Congregation in Wausau, Wisconsin. She was ordained 40 years ago at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, beginning a rabbinic journey that has taken her to congregations across North America as well as Guatemala and New Zealand before returning to Wisconsin in 2017. In addition to her 26 years in congregational life, Rabbi Winnig earned an MBA and has led a variety of Jewish organizations. She’s also a proud mother and savta (grandmother). When she is not working, you may find her biking, traveling, cooking, or creating beautiful fiber art. She also loves kayaking on the beautiful lakes surrounding Madison.

“Revolutionary Changes in Jewish Life: How the Changing Roles of Women in Judaism has Changed the World”

Rabbi Winnig will discuss how organizations such as synagogue sisterhoods and the ordination of women rabbis and cantors have opened the door to revolutionary changes in Jewish practice, theology, and influence in the world.

Lunch: Caesar Salad, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Pan-Fried Walleye with Panko Breadcrumbs or Sun-Dried Tomato and Asparagus Quiche in Puff Pastry, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Stir Fry Vegetables
Dessert: Door County Cherry Pie a la Mode

2026 Levy Series: Jordan Rosenblum

Register by phone at 608-442-4081, or via mail / in-person at Jewish Social Services, 6300 Enterprise Lane, #309, Madison, WI 53719. The program costs $30 per person. You can print out the registration form here: Levy Registration Form

Jordan Rosenblum, Belzer Professor of Classical Judaism and Director of Religious Studies at UW-Madison

His most recent book, Forbidden: A 3,000-Year History of Jews and the Pig (New York University Press, 2024), won a 2024 National Jewish Book Award. According to The Wall Street Journal, “ ‘Forbidden’ is an engaging and surprisingly cheerful study of that odd couple of the religious imagination, the Jew and the pig.” In addition, he is the author of Rabbinic Drinking: What Beverages Teach Us About Rabbinic Literature (University of California Press, 2020); The Jewish Dietary Laws in the Ancient World (Cambridge University Press, 2016); and Food and Identity in Early Rabbinic Judaism (Cambridge University Press, 2010). He is also the co-editor of four volumes, including Feasting and Fasting: The History and Ethics of Jewish Food (New York University Press, 2019); and Animals and the Law in Antiquity (Brown Judaic Studies, 2021).

“Forbidden: A 3,000-Year History of Jews and the Pig”
Jews do not eat pig. This (not always true) observation has been made by both Jews and non-Jews for 3,000 years. Over time, the pig becomes a popular metaphor for Jewish/non-Jewish identity. This talk explores this historical development. Starting in the Hebrew Bible, where the pig is tabooed (but not necessarily singled out more than other food prohibitions), we see the emergence of the pig as a symbol of Jewish identity in the Second Temple period and beyond. From the pages of the Talmud to the pages of The Forward, we follow the pig as it forages through Jewish history.

Lunch: Nakoma Golf Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Atlantic Salmon stuffed with Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach, Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce or Vegan Sweet Potato Curry (mild), Barley Pilaf, French Beans, and Baby Carrots
Dessert: Tiramisu

Shabbat Service at Oakwood

A Friday erev Shabbat service led by Rabbi Renee Bauer, with assistance from additional JSS staff and volunteers. Join us as we light candles, eat Challah, say Kiddush, and sing songs around the table, every third Friday of the month. This month, we are hosting a special Shabbat learning about passover customs from around the world. We hope you can join us!

The service takes place in the Westmoreland Room behind the front desk of the main entrance. No tickets or registration required – please message Paul Borowsky for any questions. 

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program usually runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Roasted chicken w/ lemon-rosemary, (Veg option: tofu w/ lemon-rosemary risotto), rice pilaf, fried corn w/ sautéed onions & peppers, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lorrie Klemons: Age Wisely for All Ages

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program for this week runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Traditional brisket, (Veg option: Quinoa stuffed peppers), roasted potatoes, roasted root vegetables, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Barry Klemons: From Soaps to Decks: Journey of ABC Cameraman 

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program usually runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:00 am -12:00 am: Blood pressure screening with Lori Edelstein
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Roast chicken w/ harissa, (Veg option: Sweet black bean meatballs), mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetable medley, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Chuck Henrikson – Spring Birding

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program for this week runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Deli meats, bread, lettuce, tomato, pickles, egg salad, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert & fruit salad
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Mad City Ukes

Two woodwind instruments, an oboe and a bassoon, resting on the floor.

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program for this week runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Roasted chicken w/ lemon-rosemary, (Veg option: seared tofu w/ risotto), turmeric rice, roasted mixed veggies, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Double Double Reeders

Three men posing with musical instruments in an indoor setting.

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus (cancelled)

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old.

Please note this event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. 

Lechayim Lunchtime Plus

Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue. Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!

If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $5 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $13.56 for those younger than 60 years old. The program for this week runs as follows:

11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Betsy
11:30 am -12:15 pm: Smoked brisket, (Veg option: pesto risotto w/ tofu), roasted potatoes, fried corn w/ sauteed onions & peppers, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Monica Nolan, JSS Executive Director