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
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
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Yoga from a chair with Betsy Haimson
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Complimentary Blood pressure check with nurse, Lori Edelstein
12:00 pm-1:00 pm: Braised brisket, garlic mashed potato, market vegetables, mixed green salad, cake (Veggie option: BBQ Jackfruit)
1:00 pm-2:00 pm: “Game Day,” interactive group activities
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Yoga from a chair with Betsy Haimson
12:00 pm-1:00 pm: Coconut curry chicken, safron rice, market salad, market vegetable, cookie (Veggie option: Coconut curry tofu)
1:00 pm-2:00 pm: Mad City Jug Band: unique and eclectic Americana music
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Yoga from a chair with Betsy Haimson
12:00 pm-1:00 pm: Braised balsamic chicken, roasted potato, market vegetables, cake (Veggie option: Balsamic jackfruit)
1:00 pm-2:00 pm: Mark Stransky – Original piano music in variety of styles on themes inspired by people and nature
11:30 am-12:00 pm: Yoga from a chair with Betsy Haimson
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Complimentary Blood pressure check with nurse, Lori Edelstein
12:00 pm-1:00 pm: Hickory smoked bbq chicken, tszimmes, couscous, fruit, rugalach (veggie option: Hickory smoked bbq seitan)
1:00 pm-2:00 pm: Retro Swing Band
Topic: Madison to the Dominican Republic as a Peace Corps Volunteer: 1960’s
Details to follow.
Topic: Safe Haven: Jewish Refugees of WWII
Details to follow.
Explore Jewish Wisdom for Contemporary Life with a Modern Jewish Sage
Rabbi Eric Weiss of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center in San Francisco
Rabbi Weiss is a Jewish leader of national stature. As author, educator, clinical pastoral education supervisor, and media personality, he seeks to apply of the power of Jewish traditions and wisdom to the modern experience of being human. Rabbi Weiss teaches us how to seek answers to the “big” questions that arise when we (or those we love) face life’s biggest challenges and changes.
Rabbi Weiss enables those who seek to embrace every aspect of being alive—even the most difficult—as a chance to grow in wisdom, and to connect with your Jewish heritage in a new way. You are sure to find his warmth and sensitivity both inspiring and comforting.
$12.00 fee* includes full vegetarian buffet brunch and a copy of Rabbi Weiss’s book Mishkan R’fuah: Where Healing Resides (CCAR Press 2013)
*All are welcome. Fee reductions and transportation are available. Call 608-442-4060 or email christina@jssmadison.org)
Sponsored by Tim and Kathy Mazur
Topic: Country Music with Bill & Bobbie Malone
Details to follow.
