Jewish Social Services established the Levy Summer Series in 2013 with the generous support of Jeffrey C. Levy. We continue this partnership to bring you this year’s six-part program series.
It is an opportunity to lifelong learners to interact with scholars, artists, and community leaders over a broad range of topics of interest. Meeting in June, July and August, the series is held at Nakoma Country Club, 4145 Country Club Road in Madison and consists of six high-quality programs, followed by an elegant lunch at a reasonable cost. Scholarships are available. We look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s Levy Summer Series!
All events run from 10:30am to 1:30pm and contain a presentation followed by a seated lunch, as in previous years.
Jeffrey C. Levy
Madison businessman Jeffrey C. Levy is co-owner of Phillips Distributing. Jeff is a member of Temple Beth El and Beth Israel Center. He serves and collaborates with several foundations including United Way, Meriter-Unity Point, and University of Wisconsin – Madison. Jeff and his family have been committed supporters of Jewish Social Services for many years. With his generous support, Jewish Social Services welcomes you all to our eleventh year of Levy Summer Series programming.
Levy Series 2025
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 $25 per person. You can print out the registration form here: Levy Registration Form
Wednesday, June 4
Rob Golub – “Sustaining Journalism and Serving Jewish Wisconsin“
What are the major challenges that confront journalists? Rob will explain approaches sometimes referred to as “community journalism” and “community engagement”. He will also share experiences from his journalism career and all about the training programs he leads, which have been a launching pad for some great American journalists.
Lunch: Nakoma Golf Greens and Veggie Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Broiled Whitefish with Caper Piccata Sauce or Vegan Sweet Potato Curry, Barley Pilaf, French Beans and Baby Carrots. Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Sundae
Wednesday, June 18
Mark L. Louden – “Yiddish and Pennsylvania Dutch”
A small number of languages associated with highly traditional Jewish and Christian groups are resisting the pressure of linguistic assimilation and are thriving. The two most widely spoken of these exceptional languages are, coincidentally, historically related to one another: Yiddish and Pennsylvania Dutch. In this presentation we will explore the success of Yiddish and Pennsylvania Dutch, which is connected to the demographic health of their main speaker populations, the Hasidim and the Amish.
Menu: Caesar Salad, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Pesto Crusted Sea Bass or Roasted Vegetable Napoleon, White and Wild Rice Blend, Steamed Asparagus Dessert: Tiramisu
Tuesday, July 1
Rachel Baum – “How Jewish Wisdom Can Help Us Grow Older, Better“
The Jewish tradition is filled with practical wisdom that can help us age with more hope, resilience, and good humor. In this conversation, Holocaust scholar and certified life coach Rachel Baum shares three wise voices from different time periods of Jewish life. How can these voices be put to use today in giving us inspiration in creating a life of intention and joy? What are some essential tools for overcoming obstacles in this pursuit?
Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Atlantic Salmon stuffed with Shiitake Mushrooms and Spinach, Wild Mushroom Cream Sauce or Tofu Poke Bowl with Veggies, Ginger Soy Sauce, and Sesame Seeds Honey Glazed Carrots, Dauphinoise Potatoes Dessert: Mango Sorbet with Pirouline Cookie
Tuesday, July 22
Rabbi Judy Greenberg – “New Beginnings: Contemporary Re-Readings of the Genesis Narratives“
The creation stories in Genesis are foundational to our narrative as Jews in the world. They have been mined for meaning throughout the generations, each generation uncovering new layers that speak to their moment. Contemporary voices continue this practice. How can these stories inform our relationship to the messy, ever-changing world that we inhabit?
Lunch: Vegetable Barley Soup, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Baked Tilapia With Cucumber and Red Pepper Relish or Portabella Fettucine, Roasted Red Potatoes, Vegetable Medley. Dessert: Turtle Sundae
Wednesday, August 6
Sandra Fox – “The Jews of Summer: Summer Camp and Jewish Culture in Postwar America”
In the decades directly following the Holocaust, Jewish leaders anxiously debated how to preserve and produce what they considered authentic Jewish culture, fearful that upward mobility and suburbanization threatened the integrity of Jewish life in America. In their searches for solutions, postwar Jews came to see residential summer camps as panaceas to their communal ills, constructing their programs with an eye towards collective transformation.
Lunch: Caprese Salad, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Pan-fried Walleye with Panko Breadcrumb or Sun-dried Tomato and Asparagus Quiche in Puff Pastry, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Stir Fry Vegetables. Dessert: Door County Cherry Pie á la Mode
Wednesday, August 20
Liza Wiemer – “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.
Lunch: Seasonal Fruit Plate, assorted Artisan Rolls and Mini Muffins. Choice of entree: Mahi-Mahi with Toasted Kale Buerre Blanc or Stuffed Portabella Mushroom, Au Gratin Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables. Dessert: Assorted Cookies and Bars
You can view the full 2025 Levy Series brochure below:
