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

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

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

Cantor Jacob Niemi, Temple Beth El – Madison, WI

Cantor Jacob Niemi has served on the clergy team at Temple Beth El in Madison since the summer of 2019. He earned a BA in Sacred Music with a minor in Hebrew language from Florida State University in 2013. He continued his cantorial studies at the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, earning a master’s degree in Sacred Music in 2017 and ordination as a cantor in 2018. Cantor Niemi is also a prolific songwriter, with several melodies composed for Jewish sacred texts (especially liturgy), as well as songs with his own original text.

“What is ‘Traditional’ Jewish Music?: Exploring the Intersections of Music and Memory in Jewish Life”

What makes a melody “traditional”? In this interactive and music-filled session, Cantor Niemi explores how Jewish music evolves across generations – and how the songs we carry become powerful vessels of memory, identity, and belonging. Through storytelling, live musical examples, and our own reflections, we will discover how melodies from the synagogue, summer camp, and beyond come to feel timeless. Together, we will consider what we have inherited, as well as how we help shape the traditions of the future.

Lunch: Seasonal Fruit Plate, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins choice of entrée: Baked Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc or Vegetable Phyllo with Marinara and Crème Fraiche, Au Gratin Potatoes, Asparagus, and Baby Carrots
Dessert: Assorted Cookies and Bars

Join JSS for our annual Rosh Hashanah celebration at Capitol Lakes, led by Rabbi Renee Bauer. She will be joined by JSS staff and volunteers. Reach out to Paul Borowsky for additional details and information.

A free and open Rosh Hashana program at Oakwood Village retirement home, led by Rabbi Renee Bauer alongside JSS staff and volunteers. Join us for light refreshments, a short service, and a bit of torah. All are welcome.

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: Brisket, (Veg Option: Pesto risotto with tofu), sweet potato mash, garden vegetable medley, fruit salad & dessert
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Jon Pollack: “Histories of Change and Continuity in Adolescent Transitions”