Calendar

• Start: Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Sunset (civil twilight ~6:45–6:50 PM in Madison)
• End: Nightfall (sunset on Saturday, May 23, 2026)
• Duration: Two days, from May 21 to May 23, 2026

If you want the most precise time for your exact location in Wisconsin, you can check a local sunrise/sunset calculator for Madison or Milwaukee on May 21, 2026, to confirm the exact civil twilight moment. This will give you the exact moment Shavuot begins in your area.

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

A Juneteenth Seder is a celebratory ritual meal, usually convened by Black Jews, combining Jewish Passover traditions with Juneteenth Day, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. It features a specialized haggadah (script) to recount stories of liberation, honor ancestors, and engage in racial justice dialogue. Please email us at office@shamayim.org to join the waitlist.

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

Rabbi Renée Bauer joined a group of over 600 clergy from around the country in Minneapolis in the aftermath of the shooting of Renee Good. She will share her experience of participating in this powerful interfaith response to the immigration crackdown in the twin cities this winter. Open to the public.