The best place to stay up to date on all events and programming at JSS! This calendar is always up to date and includes all the information you need to get involved.
Jun
26
Wed
Charles Cohen
Professor Emeritus, Department of History, E. Gordon Fox Professor of American Institutions Founding Director for the Lubar Institute for the Study of Abrahamic Religions – UW Madison
“Jews and Muslims in Christian America”
The United States has been defined in various ways as a “Christian nation”; if so, how do Jews and Muslims—whose understandings of such things as sacred space, sacred time, food, and the religious meaning of the state, can be quite different from those of Christians—fit into American society?
Professor Emeritus, Charles Cohen will discuss this in his talk entitled, Jews and Muslims in Christian America. Professor Cohen is the E. Gordon Fox Professor of American Institutions. He teaches at UW Madison in the Departments of History and Religious Studies. Professor Cohen was Founding Director the Lubar Institute for the Study of the Abrahamic Religions, whose mission is to create better understandings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam by encouraging ongoing discussion of these traditions and their interrelationships.. His book, “Abrahamic Religions: A Very Short Introduction,” will be published in late 2019 by Oxford University press.
Lunch: Nakoma Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Artisan Rolls and Butter, Grilled Salmon with Mango Pineapple Salsa, Wild Rice and Asparagus or Vegetable Napoleon. Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Sundae with Fresh Berries
Jul
10
Wed
Carousel Bayrd
Attorney & Partner, Herrick and Kasdorf Supervisor, Dane County Board
“Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice: Reforming the System”
Over the last 13 years, Carousel has authored legislation addressing criminal reform, racial justice, immigrant’s rights, women’s rights, and mental health services. She also hosts “A Public Affair,” an in-depth current affairs talk radio show every Tuesday on WORT. Previously, Carousel was the founding coordinator of YWCA Madison’s Municipal Restorative Justice Initiative, the first of its kind in the nation to remove youth from the criminal justice system. Carousel’s family were long-time members at the Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel of Los Angeles. She grew up in both Los Angeles and New York. Carousel’s talk will cover various facets of the criminal justice system – from policing to the courts to incarceration. She will offer details about alternatives to incarceration that are already working in Wisconsin, including the very successful Restorative Justice Initiative in Madison that is keeping youth out of the criminal justice system, and Dane County’s innovative study on bail reform. Carousel will also respond to the question: How we can make changes in every area and address the root causes of racism within the system? She will end with suggestions on how community members can get involved and help move reform in Wisconsin.
Lunch: Tomato Basil Soup, Artisan Rolls and Butter, Baked Cod with Lemon Brown Butter, Wild Rice with Spinach and Mushroom or Vegetable Phyllo with Marinara and Crème Fraiche.
Dessert: Door Country Cherry Pie a La Mode
Jul
24
Wed
Larry Kohn
Education Director of Temple Beth El from 1979-2014
“And the Fine Blade Gleamed with the Fury of Live Coals: Twentieth Century Poets Confront the Akedah”*
The Torah’s story of the sacrificial binding of Isaac (Akedah) has been addressed by a number of Twentieth Century American, Yiddish and Israeli poets. The Akedah (Genesis 22) will be read in English translation along with a sample of Rabbinic and contemporary Torah commentary. This will be followed by a reading and discussion of poems in English or English translation written by Anthony Hecht, Marge Piercy, H. Leivick, Hayim Gouri, Amir Gilboa and Yehuda Amichai.
As Education Director of Temple Beth El, Larry Kohn facilitated the temple’s Shabbat morning Torah study for the last two decades of his tenure. Beginning in 1976 a dozen of Larry’s poems under his given name, Lawrence, have appeared in small press publications including Green’s Magazine, Response: A Contemporary Jewish Review, The Journal of Reform Judaism and Neo-Victorian/Cochlear edited by Esther Cameron in Madison.
* Title quote from: “Isaac” in The Darkness and the Light by Anthony Hecht, Alfred A. Knopf, New York: 2002
Lunch: Quinoa and Spinach Salad (with Chickpea, Tomato, Egg, Feta, Artichoke, Olives, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Artisan Rolls with Butter, Baked Tilapia, Cucumber-Red Pepper Relish, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Green Beans or Vegetable Quiche. Dessert: Tiramisu
Aug
6
Tue
Marion Usher
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry – George Washington School of Medicine and Behavioral Sciences – Washington, D.C.
“One Couple Two Faiths: Stories of Love and Religion: A Program Addressing Interfaith Couples and Families”
Dr. Marion Usher joins us to discuss her new book, “One Couple Two Faiths: Stories of Love and Religion,” a guide to interfaith relationships. Through her workshop, “Love and Religion; A Workshop for Jews and Their Partners,” Dr. Usher has worked with over 700 interfaith couples in the past 25 years. Her workshop is conducted on an on-going basis in 10 cities across the country. Her DVD and manual illustrating her workshop model premiered at the Washington DCJCC Film Festival in 2009 and can be seen on her website: www.JewishInterfaithCouples.com.
She will share her observations of the changes occurring in our Jewish community and the work that still needs to be accomplished in becoming an inclusive community. Dr. Usher consults with synagogues, and JCC’s helping them to develop creative programming for interfaith couples and families. At George Washington University, she helped develop the Family Therapy training program for residents in psychiatry. Her articles have appeared in The Jewish Week, Sh’ma, The Washington Post, The Washingtonian, InterfaithFamily.com, and On Faith.
Lunch: Fresh Fruit Plate, Artisan Rolls and Butter, Sea Bass with Toasted Kale Beurre Blanc, Cous Cous with Butternut Squash or Goat Cheese and Spinach Strudel, Dessert: Cookie and Bar Platter
Aug
20
Tue
Stuart Levitan
Author and Journalist
“Madison in the Sixties – Jews in the News”
Madison historian Stu Levitan will discuss the influence of Jewish students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin, anti-Semitism, and the local progress for civil rights, in a talk adapted from his new book Madison in the Sixties (Wisconsin Historical Society Press).
Stu Levitan is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist, a former Dane County Supervisor, and long-time leader of several city land use commissions. Descendent of several generations of Orthodox Lithuanian Rabbis, Stu graduated from the UW Law School, and retired in 2015 after 27 years as a state labor mediator/arbitrator. Stu is also vice president of the board of listener-sponsored community radio WORT-FM, and hosts Access: City Hall on the Madison City Channel.
Lunch: Caprese Salad, Artisan Rolls and Butter, Red Snapper with Tomato Caper Beurre Blanc, Green Beans and Barley Pilaf with Steamed Carrots and Asparagus or Angel Hair Pasta Tossed with Asparagus, Basil, Garlic in Plum Tomato Sauce and Cheese, Dessert: Rainbow Sherbet with Pirouline Cookie
Jun
13
Tue
Join us for the Levy Summer Series! Presented in partnership with Jeffrey C. Levy, each event will feature an engaging scholar, artist, or community leader speaking over a broad range of topics of interest. The presentation will be followed by an elegant lunch. This is a ticketed event. Scholarships are available. Check back for details on how to register!
“Another Promised Land? A Texan Perspective on Southern Jewish History”
Professor Joshua Furman
Associate Director of the Program in Jewish Studies at Rice University in Houston, where he also serves as curator of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives.
Schedule:
10:30-11am: check-in
11:00-12:30pm: presentation
12:30-1:30pm: lunch
Cream of asparagus soup, dinner rolls & mini muffinsChoice of entree: Atlantic Salmon stuffed with Shiitake mushrooms & spinach, wild mushroom cream sauce or Tofu Poke Bowl with veggies, ginger soy sauce, and sesame seeds, honey glazed carrots, Dauphinoise potatoes.
“There are Jews in Texas?” Nearly forty years ago, the documentary film West of Hester Street attempted to shed light on the history of Jews in Texas by narrating the story of the Galveston Movement, a project that brought almost 10,000 Jews to the United States via the port on Galveston Island in the years before World War I.
Today, Texas Jewish history and the larger history of Jews and Jewish communities across the southern United States are enjoying a 21st-century renaissance, as evidenced by the work of the Institute for Southern Jewish Life in Mississippi, the formation of the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives at Rice University in 2018, and the opening of the new Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans. Nevertheless, outside of Texas and the Deep South, Jews who have made this region their home remain something of an obscure curiosity.
Jun
27
Tue
Join us for the Levy Summer Series! Presented in partnership with Jeffrey C. Levy, each event will feature an engaging scholar, artist, or community leader speaking over a broad range of topics of interest. The presentation will be followed by an elegant lunch. This is a ticketed event. Scholarships are available. Check back for details on how to register!
“The Dead Sea Scrolls”
Rabbi David Kopstein
Rabbi David comes from a long line of rabbis tracing back to eleventh century Spain. Although officially retired from congregational work, he is frequently called into service as a cruise rabbi aboard Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn Lines. He and his wife, Patti, a clinical psychologist, live in West Madison.
Schedule:
10:30-11am: check-in
11:00-12:30pm: presentation
12:30-1:30pm: lunch
Seasonal fruit plate, dinner rolls & mini muffins
Choice of entrée: Pecan-crusted walleye or Vegetable Napoleon, sour cream and chive whipped potatoes, roasted root vegetables
Dessert: Door County cherry pie a la mode
The Dead Sea Scrolls’ discovery reads like the opening scene of an Indiana Jones thriller. Were it not for some dramatic twists and turns, the Scrolls might have gone from their limestone-cave hiding places directly into the hands of private collectors.
But now, thanks to digital imaging technology and the pioneering work of Israel Antiquities Authority, these precious texts can be read, translated and studied by all who wish to explore this priceless world heritage. Hear the dramatic story and take a look at surprising revelations about some familiar Biblical personalities.
Jul
12
Wed
Join us for the Levy Summer Series! Presented in partnership with Jeffrey C. Levy, each event will feature an engaging scholar, artist, or community leader speaking over a broad range of topics of interest. The presentation will be followed by an elegant lunch. This is a ticketed event. Scholarships are available.
“Gedanken – Klezmeric Fantasies, Meditations and Improvisations”
Kurt and Annette Bjorling (Duo Controverso)
Annette Bjorling is ”The World’s First and Only Klezmer Harpist.” Beyond merely adapting Jewish tunes to the harp, Annette creates a unique voice that fits naturally within the idiom of Yiddish music. Annette is a member of several performing groups, including the international ensemble Myridián. She was co-director of the Klezmer Orchester (Germany). She has performed and taught at international harp conferences and music festivals in Europe and North America.
Kurt Bjorling, clarinet & basset-horn, is Director of the Chicago Klezmer Ensemble and a member of Brave Old World, Kurt has also toured and recorded with the Klezmatics and violinist Itzhak Perlman. He has taught klezmer music style in Europe and North America, and he has composed symphonic pieces based on klezmer music. In addition to his Yiddish music, he has been active playing jazz, chamber music and various styles of ethnic music, as well as performing music for theater.
Schedule:
10:30-11am: check-in
11:00-12:30pm: presentation
12:30-1:30pm: lunch
Caesar salad, dinner rolls & mini muffins
Choice of entrée: Broiled Tilapia topped with tomato, red onion, basil & Kalamata olive salsa or Pan-fried tofu and vegetables, white and wild rice blend, steamed asparagus.
Dessert: Dark chocolate ganache three-layer cake
The program of klezmer music includes virtuosic mazltovs, celebratory dance tunes, instrumental interpretations of liturgical and Hassidic music and classic Yiddish songs. Based upon their ongoing research and exploration of traditional East European Jewish wedding music, Duo Controverso creates a unique soundscape, presenting a program to entertain, educate and elate listeners.
Aug
9
Wed
Join us for the Levy Summer Series! Presented in partnership with Jeffrey C. Levy, each event will feature an engaging scholar, artist, or community leader speaking over a broad range of topics of interest. The presentation will be followed by an elegant lunch. This is a ticketed event. Scholarships are available.
“Reuniting Families and Recruiting Workers: The Industrial Removal Office in Madison, 1900-1920”
Professor Jonathan Pollack
Chair, History Department, Madison Area Technical College, and Honorary Fellow, Center for Jewish Studies, UW—Madison
Schedule:
10:30-11am: check-in
11:00-12:30pm: presentation
12:30-1:30pm: lunch
Nakoma salad, dinner rolls & mini muffins
Choice of entrée: Baked Cod with Toasted Spinach-Lemon Butter Sauce orVegetable Phyllo topped with marinara and crème fraiche, roasted red potatoes, French beans and baby carrots
Dessert: Turtle sundae
Many members of Madison’s Jewish community have come here to take a particular job. Others followed family members who did the same. In an earlier era, people came from Russia to Madison when earlier-arriving relatives sent money home and paid for their passage. But in the early 20th century, the Industrial Removal Office (IRO) sent people from New York to Madison, reuniting families who lacked money for train fare, and matching Russian Jews with job opportunities in Wisconsin’s capital city.
This talk will describe the IRO’s growth and decline nationally and in the Madison area, as well as the experiences of Jewish Madisonians who worked with this short-lived social-service organization.
Jun
4
Tue
Jun 4 @ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
The Summer Levy Series has become a welcoming of summer, and an occasion to socialize, share a wonderful meal, and feed our minds with a variety of inspiring presentations and discussions. Please join us. The program and menu for this event is below – call 608-442-4081 to register at a cost of $25 per person.
Adam Schrager – “The Principled Politician: A Story of Courage”
One man’s courage offers timeless lessons for us all. In this presentation, Adam Schrager tells the story of Ralph Carr, who was drafted to run for governor of Colorado in 1938, turned down the chance to run as a vice presidential candidate in 1940, and was being discussed as a “future presidential candidate” by newspapers in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Carr became a national figure when, after Pearl Harbor, he defended the constitutional rights of Japanese-Americans and stood against internment. His outspoken and unpopular stance would cost him greatly, both personally and professionally
Adam Schrager is the author of four books, including “The Principled Politician,” which led to Colorado lawmakers naming the state’s new justice center and a state highway after its subject, former Gov. Ralph Carr. Schrager has an undergraduate degree in American History from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University.
Lunch: Nakoma salad, dinner rolls & mini muffins, Pesto Crusted Walleye or Roasted Vegetable Napoleon, jasmine herbed rice, steamed asparagus. Dessert: Tiramisu