Calendar

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

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

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

Jonathan Pollack, Writer in Residence at the Mosse/Weinstein Center for Jewish Studies at UW—Madison Jonathan is currently revising and updating his 2019 book, Wisconsin, The New Home of the Jew. At UW, he previously held honorary fellowships in Center for Jewish Studies from 2012-2025, and at UW’s Institute for Research in the Humanities from 2007–2012. Last year, he retired from a 27-year career teaching history at Madison Area Technical College.

“Jewish Athletes and Coaches at the University of Wisconsin, 1896–1918: Ways to be Jewish on Campus”
What was it like to be Jewish at UW-Madison at the turn of the last century? Jewish athletes, coaches, and physical-education professors can illustrate the range of possibilities, from keeping one’s background a secret to participating in the Menorah Society. Jonathan’s talk will highlight the lives of football and baseball coach Phil King, baseball player/coach M. Gordon “Slim” Lewis, trainer Ike Bernstein, field hockey and baseball player Belle Fliegelman, physical- education professor Blanche Trilling, and baseball player Sohnia Sinaiko.

Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Whitefish with Caper Picatta or Stuffed Portabella Mushroom, Bi-Color Baby Carrots, Dauphinoise Potatoes Dessert: Dark Chocolate Ganache Three-Layer Cake

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 Daniel Swartz, Spiritual leader of Temple Hesed, Scranton, PA; Executive Director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) 

Rabbi Swartz helped found the COEJL in 1993. For the past 35 years, he has been engaged in national and international faith-led efforts to promote environmental justice and combat climate change, including working with Pope Francis and helping to convene the global Women Faith Climate Network. Rabbi Swartz has also held leadership positions with Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light, Greater Washington IPL, the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, the Children’s Environmental Health Network, and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

“Climate Justice – Stories of Hope and Action”

Using his own experience with faith-based environmental gatherings from the Vatican to synagogue “green groups,” Rabbi Swartz will help us understand the faith and justice dimensions of the climate crisis. Drawing on generations of Jewish teachings, he will illustrate why it is so important that the Jewish community plays a role in solving this crisis. He will also address actions that each of us can take in our own lives, as well as efforts in which we can join together.

Lunch: Quinoa and Spinach Salad, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Mahi Mahi with Toasted Kale Beurre Blanc or Angel Hair Pasta with Asparagus, Basil, Garlic Plum Tomato Sauce and Cheese, Roasted Red Potatoes, Vegetable Medley
Dessert: Turtle Sundae

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

Samantha Abramson, Executive Director, Holocaust Education Resource Center – Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee native Samantha Abramson holds a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies from the George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with minors in Jewish Studies, Spanish, and English Literature from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Samantha brings two decades of experience in nonprofits and museums, including the new Capital Jewish Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Jewish Heritage North Carolina, and Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Samantha is a graduate of the Wexner Field Fellowship program for Jewish leaders, and was recently named to the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 under 40.

“Bearing Witness Together: Holocaust Education in Wisconsin in 2026”
Did you know that Wisconsin ranks #1 in Holocaust awareness of all 50 U.S. states? Since the unanimous and bipartisan passage of Wisconsin Act 30 by the Wisconsin Legislature in 2021, the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Center has led Holocaust education efforts across our state, partnering with nearly 400 school districts to offer professional development, resources, speakers, and programs. During this conversation, Samantha will share experiences gained and lessons learned on the fifth year of this journey, and explore how the field of Holocaust education continues to evolve to meet the challenges of growing antisemitism and lack of awareness about Jewish identity outside the Holocaust.

Lunch: Grilled Romaine Hearts Salad, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins, choice of entrée: Pesto Crusted Sea Bass or Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Vegetables with Toasted Orzo
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Berries