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.
Aug
15
Fri
A Friday erev Shabbat service, with special guest speaker Paul Grossberg. You may know Paul as the pianist who accompanies our Shabbat songs, but he’s also a retired psychologist, and Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics at UW-Madison! He will discuss the connections between Shabbat, Jewish values, and health. We will also light candles, eat Challah, say Kiddush, and sing songs as per usual.
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.
Aug
20
Wed
“What is Happening in Our Schools? Anti-Semitic Assignments and Empowering Students to Speak Up”
A chance meeting at a bookstore in upstate New York propelled author Liza Wiemer to write The Assignment, which explores how two brave teens found the courage to speak up against antisemitism and hatred. Join us for a powerful presentation about the real-life assignment, the behind-the-scenes details, the fascinating World War II research, including the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Center in Oswego, New York, and the impact on students across the globe.
Liza Wiemer’s second novel, The Assignment, was published by Delacorte Press and has received 12 honors, including being named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book. To date, The Assignment has also been translated to Russian, Polish, Italian, and Korean and has been optioned for film. In addition, Liza has had two adult nonfiction books published and several short stories included in the New York Times bestselling Small Miracles series. Since August 2020, she has presented over 650 talks and workshops across the globe. Her debut picture book, Out and About: A Tale of Giving, was published in August 2023. Every month, she writes a children’s book review column for the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle. Liza received the honor of being named one of “The Top 100 People Positively Influencing Jewish Life, 2021” by the Algemeiner. A graduate of UW-Madison, Liza has two married sons and lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, Jim.
10:30-10:50 – Check-in
11:00-12:30 – Program
12:30-1:30 – Lunch
Lunch: Seasonal Fruit Plate, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entrée: Mahi-Mahi with Toasted Kale Buerre Blanc or Stuffed Portabella Mushroom, Au Gratin Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables. Dessert: Assorted Cookies and Bars
Register by phone at 608-442-4081, or via mail / in-person at Jewish Social Services, 6300 Enterprise Lane, #309, Madison, WI 53719. You can print out the registration form here: Levy Registration Form
Sep
22
Mon
Join us to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at Capitol Lakes Retirement Home. This annual event will feature special musical guests Ben Sidran and Francie Phelps, as well JSS Rabbi Renee Bauer. Rabbie Bauer will give a welcome message and blow the shofar.
Sep
26
Fri
Come join us for a special Rosh Hashanah celebration at Oakwood Village with Rabbi Renee Bauer and additional JSS staff and volunteers. Family and friends welcome! Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required for this service. We will meet in the Nakoma/Westmoreland Room.
We are also excited to feature Madison area violinist and educator Tina Westphal Thompson for this event. She holds a music degree from UW Madison and plays classical violin and bluegrass fiddle. Her current music projects include fiddler for Annie and the Oakies and violinist for the Yahara String Quartet. She teaches violin from her home on Madison’s east side.
Oct
9
Thu
Please join us for our annual Sukkot celebration with the Jewish Federation of Madison! Each year, we construct a community Sukkah in the parking lot of their main office. This event will feature staff from both organizations, festive snacks and refreshments, and a lulav and etrog available for shaking. Everyone is welcome to join us at this free event. We hope to see you there.
Oct
17
Fri
As we begin reading the Torah again, we re-encounter the story of creation. This week at Oakwood we will discuss the two different stories that appear in the Book of Genesis and how to make meaning of them together.
The event will feature refreshments + Shabbat candle lighting. No RSVP is needed and all are welcome. Facilitated by Rabbi Renée Bauer, with assistance from additional JSS staff and volunteers. The service takes place in the Westmoreland Room behind the front desk of the main entrance.
Nov
21
Fri
Jewish tradition has many spiritual tools for increasing our presence in our daily life and cultivating an attitude of gratefulness. In preparation of the Thanksgiving holiday, Rabbi Renée Bauer will share Jewish practices that help us to find and express gratitude in our daily lives.
Please join us, We will also light candles and enjoy light refreshments. As per usual, we will meet in the Nakoma/Westmoreland Room. No RSVP is needed, and all are welcome.
Dec
18
Thu
Join JSS social workers Maya Garbuz and Kate Shenker for our monthly Memory Cafe! A meeting place for designed for people experiencing memory issues, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Socialize, find support and build community without the stigma associate with dementia.
This month, we will be hosting a special Memory Cafe centered around Hanukkah. We will bring menorahs and light them together, and will enjoy homemade potato latkes and apple sauce. We hope you can join us!
Come join us for a Hanukkah party at Capitol Lakes! Our Rabbi, Renee Bauer, will lead a service and we will light the menorah, play dreidel, and sing songs. Family and friends welcome. Stay tuned for a special musical guest as well…
Dec
19
Fri
Join Jewish Social Services as we celebrate the sixth night of Hanukkah at Oakwood Village West! Rabbi Renée Bauer will lead us in lighting the menorah. Family and friends are welcome, and light refreshments will be provided.