Donors Give Holocaust Scrolls a New Home
03/31/2021 06:01:38 AM
Thanks to two generous Temple Beth El member families, TBE is now the home of two Torah scrolls seized by the Nazis from synagogues throughout Czechoslovakia. The legacies of these scrolls are a reminder of our connection to the Holocaust.
When Aron Ross, father of TBE member Josh Ross, learned about the London-based Memorial Scrolls Trust, which matches these Torah scrolls to synagogues and other organizations, he knew he wanted to honor the memory of his family’s Holocaust victims and pay tribute to the Holocaust experience endured by so many. He began the process of helping TBE acquire a scroll in honor of his grandsons’ b’nai mitzvah (Sammy’s bar mitzvah was in fall 2019, and Jayden’s was in March 2021). Aron spoke movingly to Jayden during his bar mitzvah, telling his grandson that the rescued scroll was “a reminder of your strong, resilient, and powerful roots.”
Ruth and Russ Frank, whose donation helped bring an additional scroll to TBE, found deep meaning in the mission of the Memorial Scrolls Trust. “My parents are Holocaust survivors and knew Rabbi Swarsensky in Berlin. Russ and I hope that these rescued scrolls will be another way for all of us at TBE to not forget the 6 million, which included my grandparents, aunts, and uncles,” Ruth explained.
Generous donations, such as those made by the Frank and Ross families, support the ongoing work of the Trust. These funds allow the Trust to house, preserve, and distribute the scrolls. Donor support also goes toward the Trust’s creation and maintenance of an educational archive to promote and preserve the memory of Czech Jewish life.
Led by Rabbi Biatch, the TBE Memorial Scrolls Task Force (on which Josh Ross and Ruth Frank both serve) had the opportunity to view photos of numerous scrolls and choose those suitable for a new life at TBE. In early March, Rabbi Biatch traveled to New Jersey, where the scrolls were temporarily stored, and brought them back to Madison in time for Jayden Ross’s bar mitzvah.
We hope to plan a ceremony to officially welcome the scrolls to Temple Beth El, where our community will embrace them for safekeeping. We are very grateful to the Ross and Frank families for giving TBE the opportunity to honor these links to what has been lost and symbols of all that has endured.
Goodman Foundation Funding Makes TBE More Inclusive
03/31/2021 05:58:05 AM
We are very grateful to the Goodman Foundation for approving our recent request for funding of $55,000, which allows us to extend our renovation plans and make Temple Beth El even more inclusive for members and guests. Using these funds, we will install a comprehensive assisted-listening device in the sanctuary, social hall, and community court.
Our sanctuary was dedicated by Robert and Irwin Goodman in memory of their parents, Harry and Belle Goodman, “whose beautiful way of life exemplified the teachings of Judaism, to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.” The Goodman Foundation funding that TBE has received this year, and in years past, echoes these values and allows us to make improvements and enhance the Temple experience for all.
While the remodeling of the sanctuary was being planned, it became clear that a new assisted-listening device would benefit many Temple members and guests who are hard of hearing. After studying different models and costs, the hearing loop system appeared to offer the best listening experience. Temple members who were familiar with this system favored this option, which allows most hearing aids to connect to the hearing loop system and does not require additional hardware or listening packs. This element of inclusivity was an essential factor in reaching our decision. Members supported this system for being the “kindest” and least stigmatizing option. The cost of purchasing and installing this comprehensive system, including new carpeting in the social hall to accommodate the installation of loop system wiring, will be covered by the amount received from the Goodman Foundation. The generous financial support we received from Temple members is being used for sanctuary renovations including new seating and sanctuary carpeting.
Along with the assisted-listening system and the carpeting, the funding from the Goodman Foundation will also support the cost of another improvement focused on inclusivity: an ADA-compliant automatic door on the all-gender restroom on the first floor. This renovation will make it possible for those with physical limitations to use that restroom independently.
We look forward to sharing further updates as these changes take place. In the meantime, we express our deep gratitude to the Goodman Foundation for helping Temple Beth El move forward in ways that are the most welcoming to our members and guests, and to the entire Madison Jewish community.
Torah Study at Temple Beth El
03/30/2021 10:07:35 PM
Every Saturday morning some 25 or more members of the TBE congregation gather—rain, shine, snow, or pandemic—to engage with the pivotal document of the Jewish people: the Torah. A team of guides, one each week, leads us through this ancient text containing our history, ritual, legend, and lore.
Our leaders help us to see how these time-honored scriptures can be relevant to today’s world. Each week, a leader selects verses from the weekly Torah portion—the parashah—and enriches it with excerpts from the interpretative writings of past scholars, linguistic distinctions to try to unlock the meaning of obscure biblical words or references, archeological evidence, or references to modern literature, film, music, or art. Connections to the Jewish calendar emerge as we cycle through the five books of the Torah, but they vary from year to year, and from teacher to teacher. There is always something new to think about.
Torah study is an enduring pursuit that we invite you to taste, to continue for a while, to revisit whenever you wish, and perhaps to join the regulars, who will welcome you. The link to register to receive the Zoom link is here.
We thank our Torah study facilitators over the past year:
Rabbi Jonathan Biatch
Cantor Jacob Niemi
Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
Nicole Jahr
Kendra Sager
Steve Olson
Perry Asher
Steve Crade
Rabbi David Kopstein
Black Bottom Cupcakes
03/30/2021 10:43:09 AM
Makes 18-24 cupcakes
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups cold water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper or foil liners.
- To make the filling: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar and egg on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- To make the cupcakes: In a medium bowl, combine the water, oil, vanilla, and balsamic vinegar. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, sugar and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until the batter is smooth (it will be runny).
- Fill the muffin cups three-fourths full. Using a tablespoon, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the batter. Or use a zippered plastic bag as a piping bag to fill the center of each cupcake. You will see the chocolate batter rise as the filling fills the middle. Fill all of the cupcakes.
- Sprinkle the cupcakes with the chocolate chips, dividing them evenly. Put the pans in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cupcakes comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and set them on wire racks. Let the cupcakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then lift them out and set them directly on the racks. Let cool completely and serve.
- Store covered in the refrigerator.
Quarantine Kitchen: Passover Macaroons
03/22/2021 11:11:40 AM
Ingredients:
- 2 2/3 cups coconut
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons matzah meal
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Use a greased, non-stick or parchment-covered baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix together the coconut, sugar, matzah meal and salt.
- Add the egg whites, almond extract and mini chocolate chips.
- Using a teaspoon to form the macaroons, drop them onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Serve.
Volunteer opportunities
03/16/2021 06:41:36 PM
Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.
Nehemiah Court Observer Program
The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development runs an ongoing court observer program to keep watch on how the court system affects individuals from communities of color. Several TBE members currently participate in this program and find it rewarding. Volunteers begin with a three-session training (now provided via YouTube) to familiarize volunteers with the basics of the cases they will be observing. The training covers how to use the Dane County Circuit Court calendar to identify cases to observe, how to follow along with the cases to complete the observation form, and how to submit the form.
Following training, volunteers observe the courts' handling of criminal cases and housing eviction cases. Currently this observation can be done from home, since court procedures are being livestreamed during the pandemic. Volunteers can observe as many cases as desired, with a modest minimum time commitment per month. To date, volunteers across Dane County have observed over 1,000 cases, and data is continuously being entered and analyzed. Volunteers have found the experience to be highly enlightening, and it has led to recommendations for changes in procedures. For more information, contact TBE court observer volunteer Lynn Silverman.
Jewish Social Services
JSS needs volunteers for no-contact delivery of groceries and other essentials, phone contact, and other tasks and projects.The need is particularly high for one or two volunteers to help with tech support. For further info, please contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083.
JSS is launching its new refugee mentorship program, Aljirani Madison, and is now seeking volunteers! From the Swahili jirani and Arabic aljar—both meaning “neighbor”—Aljirani Madison is a six-month volunteering program that partners community volunteers with a local refugee individual or family to provide a warm welcome, companionship, and practical help. See here for a full description of the program. For further information, contact Sam Van Akkeren. Please note: partnerships will meet digitally for the foreseeable future.
Meals for Catholic Multicultural Center
The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) meal program provides grab-and-go meals from the CMC parking lot. Our volunteers drop off food every other Wednesday to meet the growing need. We cook for 80+ people by sharing recipes and dividing up the work. If you are interested in preparing food at home for delivery to the CMC, please use this signup link. Contact Sue Levy you have any questions.
Healing House Meals
Healing House serves individuals without homes as they recuperate from surgery, illness, or childbirth. TBE cooks meals for the residents and staff on a quarterly basis. Our next week will be May 23–29, 2021. If you are interested in preparing food at home for delivery to Healing House, please use this signup link. Contact Cathy Rotter if you have questions or would like to be on the volunteer mailing list.
Porchlight Wish List and Volunteer Opportunities
The Porchlight Men’s Emergency Shelter has made the move from the Warner Park Recreation Center to First Street. Porchlight is always in need of ground coffee (like Folgers), hotel size toiletries, deodorant, and toothbrushes. Items can be dropped off at 306 N. Brooks Street and they will deliver to the shelter. See here for items needed, or contact Pam Robbins for more information.
Food Boxes for Madison School Families
The Thoreau Weekend Food Bag Program is part of the wider Madison West High Area Collaborative, delivering 250 boxes of food each week to Madison school children from the 14 elementary schools in the West High area. On Tuesday mornings, volunteers are needed to unload shelf-stable food and stock the pantry. On Friday mornings, volunteers pack large boxes of food and household goods for that day’s delivery. Masks and social distancing are maintained. This would make a great b’nai mitzvah project for a young person able to work in company with others.
There are also no-contact volunteer opportunities for drivers on Friday mornings to pick up supplies and deliver food boxes to family’s doorsteps throughout the west side of Madison. People with larger vehicles and those who are comfortable carrying moderately heavy boxes are encouraged. Volunteers can sign up on the United Way’s website. At present no other registrations or background checks are necessary. Contact Vic Levy if you have any questions.
Racial Justice “Big Read” Is a Big Hit
03/16/2021 06:38:16 PM
On February 2, more than 40 members of Temple Beth El joined in what we hope is the first of many “Racial Justice Big Reads.” The group gathered to reflect on Isabel Wilkerson’s extraordinary book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent. The book grew out of the author’s research into three major caste systems in India, Nazi Germany, and America.
We began by watching a 7-minute video of Trevor Noah interviewing the author, which you can watch on YouTube. After the video, we split into Zoom chat rooms of seven or eight people with five group facilitators: Charles Cohen, Mary Fulton, David Seligman, Beth Kaplan, and Jim Youngerman. Group members shared their own reactions to the book and then responded to questions prepared by the book’s publisher. We discussed the different metaphors Wilkerson uses to explain the caste system imposed on African Americans, and explored the distinctions the author draws between “caste” and “race.”
Wilkerson offers an interesting take on the “construction of whiteness,” describing the way immigrants have gone from being Irish or Polish to “white”—a political designation that only had meaning after those groups came to America and were contrasted with those who were “not white,” revealing a lot about the validity of racial designations and the structure of caste.
One of the topics provoking the most discussion was Wilkerson’s research into how the Nazis systematically created a caste system. She learned that the Nazis actually sent teams to study America’s segregation practices and Jim Crow laws and used those as a basis for creating the Nuremberg laws. These shameful facts underscore the breadth and depth of the American caste system.
Each group ended by discussing what steps we can take, as individuals and as a Temple community, toward dismantling the caste system. As Wilkerson quoted: “Evil asks little of the dominant caste other than to sit back and do nothing.”
Stand Up Against Voter Suppression
03/16/2021 06:35:24 PM
As American Jews, we have always held the right to vote as a sacred obligation. We have fought alongside the African American community to ensure that everyone has equal access to the ballot box. In 2020, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism made voter engagement a major national campaign. Temple Beth El jumped into this work with enthusiasm. This work paid off as we saw the greatest voter turnout nationwide in US history.
This turnout was a great victory for democracy. Sadly, that victory is now at risk, as anti-democratic forces in our state houses are doing all they can to restrict people’s ability to vote. Over 250 anti-voter bills have been introduced in 43 states in the last two months. Thirteen such bills are currently being proposed in our state legislature that will create steep barriers to exercising the right to vote.
Some of the more egregious elements in these bills include:
- Forbidding the Wisconsin Election Commission from sending out absentee ballot applications to every voter, as they did for the November election.
- Forbidding more than one dropbox in every community, regardless of the size of the community, and requiring the dropbox to be attached to the building where the city clerk’s office is located.
- Forbidding employees in nursing homes from helping residents to vote, and requiring that the family of residents must be notified whenever special voting deputies come to the facility to register voters.
- No longer allowing elderly, disabled, and indefinitely confined voters to request an absentee ballot for all upcoming elections; they would instead have to make the request and provide ID for each and every election. Anyone indefinitely confined would need to affirm their status under oath, and if they are under 65, the sworn statement would have to be signed by their health care provider. Further, anyone who identified as indefinitely confined between March 12, 2020 and November 3, 2020 would lose that status and have to reapply.
These are just a few of the many anti-democratic, anti-voter bills being proposed. Sadly, polls show that few people are aware of these measures, not just in Wisconsin but nation-wide. The best way to counter these extreme voter suppression efforts is to shine a spotlight on them. The more people become aware, the more there will be a public outcry.
Please help spread the word and raise your voices with your senators and Assembly members and tell them you are counting on them to protect our democracy and people’s right to vote!
For more information on these bills, visit the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. To find your legislator, you can:
- Call the toll-free legislative hotline at 1-800-362-9472 (608-266-9960 in Madison).
- Use the state Senate email directory or the Assembly email directory.
Also, don’t forget to vote on April 6! The Wisconsin spring election is coming up for nonpartisan officers such as school board members, alders, and judges; this year the state superintendent of schools is also up for election. Check out what’s on your ballot on the state MyVote website.
In Madison, voters will see a four-part referendum on the structure of city government. You will be asked about pay for alders, the size of the Common Council, term length for alders, and whether alders should be subject to term limits. You can read more and see an informative interview here.
Put Social Justice on Your Seder Table: A Social Justice Passover Resources Roundup
03/16/2021 06:09:52 PM
Every year we retell the story of Passover at our seder tables, saying we were once slaves in Egypt, but now we are free. This year, when we relive the story of our own liberation, we can also think of the millions of people around the world who are still enslaved by poverty, violence, discrimination, and many other afflictions. They are women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ people fighting for rights and equality, indigenous people protecting their land and struggling to survive the ravages of climate change, activists speaking out against injustice, and so many more. At this year’s seder, we can challenge ourselves to take a more active and meaningful role in hastening their freedom.
The exodus story and the holiday of Passover are perfect occasions for bringing our social justice values to our celebrations. The Union for Reform Judaism provides many Passover resources.
We also invite you to use the following resources to enrich your celebration of Passover. Most are free a few are available for purchase.
Jump to the section that interests you:
- BBYO Passover Seder Supplement
Created by BBYO, a pluralistic teen movement, this one page reinterprets parts of the seder plate as symbols for standing up against bullying and injustice, showing respect, and committing to community.
- Hillel International’s “How Do We Free One Another”
This seder supplement, focusing on ending sexual assault, was produced in partnership with the It’s On Us campaign. - Passover, #MeToo, and a Mirror on Your Seder Plate
Thirty years ago, feminists added Miriam and the midwives to our seders. But now, to address the #metoo movement and our societal need for deep reckoning around gender, sexuality, and power, it is time to take a step further by adding mirrors to our seder plates.
- Four Questions About Anti-Semitism To be inserted in the Haggadah and recited in unison after reciting the Ten Plagues.
- Jewish Foundation for the Righteous Haggadah Supplement
Each year since 1999, this organization has released a seder supplement that tells the story of a non-Jew who saved Jews during the Holocaust. The 2021 supplement and all the past ones can be downloaded here. - CCAR Passover Haggadah Supplement: Prayers, Poems, Songs, and Meditations in Response to October 7
Haggadah supplement focused on the war in Israel
- The Four Children and COVID-19
As we grapple with a global pandemic, the struggle to find freedom from illness weighs heavily on our hearts and minds. How do we engage with our children when they ask about this crisis? Jewish facilitator Jordan Namerow shares thoughtful questions to spur timely conversations. - Hope Amidst the Tears: A reflection on karpas during the time of COVID-19
- Passover Prayer in the Age of Coronavirus
- Haggadah Insert: Four Questions for Making a Difference from a Distance
In this time of global pandemic, our lives have been disrupted in significant ways, and we find ourselves asking questions we may not otherwise have ever thought to ask. - A Prayer of Hope During This Pandemic by Rabbi Naomi Levy
- A Special Prayer for Healing at Our Passover Tables
- Honoring this Moment COVID-19 Haggadah Supplement
- Approaching Our Second COVID Seder
Environment and Climate Change
- Ice Block on the Seder Table for Climate Change frm Adamah
The ice block represents the rapidly melting ice caps and sheets throughout the world caused by human activity. As the ice block shvitzes on our Seder table, we are reminded that time is running out for action. It becomes a physical prompt to ask questions, much like the other Seder table objects prompt questions. - Earth Justice Seder
A Passover Haggadah for environmental justice. - The Promise of the Land Passover Haggadah
An ecologically oriented Haggadah. - Passover: Dipping Parsley into Water of Tears: The Earth Cries Out to Us
An environmental reading written by Rabbi Warren Stone for the karpas, dipping a green veggie in salt water. - Plastover: An Exodus from Plastic Waste
Every Passover, Jews around the world give up leavened bread—chametz. It’s a sacrifice we make willingly, to recall our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom. But what if we could make another kind of sacrifice—one that would have an immediate impact on the world? What if we chose to mindfully free ourselves from the plague of plastic waste? - Green Your Passover A three-part series from Repair the World. Part 1: Preparing for the Holiday; Part 2: The Seders; Part 3: Cleaning Up
- The Four Children of Climate Change
Guide for discussions about our Jewish obligation to “till and tend” the earth and varying beliefs on climate change.
- Food Justice Seder Additions
Four Questions and Four Children through the lens of food justice. - Ha Lachma Anya: Food and Justice Haggadah Supplement
The Uri L’Tzedek Food and Justice Haggadah Supplement features essays, insights, and action to unite food, social justice, and ethical consumption. - Sustainable Passover Resources from Hazon
Supplements, recipes, ideas, and more. - A Haggadah for a Socially Responsible Chocolate Seder
On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao. - Vegan Passover Tips and Recipes from Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy
To recognize the forms of oppression that still exist toward animals, workers in the food system, and the environment today, it fits to eat vegan during this holiday. Read on for tips and recipes that will guide you toward a fulfilling, plant-powered Passover. Also check out their Passover Guide.
General or Multiple-Topic Justice Related
- Agents of Hope bring the power of the Jewish mother to your Seder!
- Beyond the Four Questions: A Discussion Guide for Passover - (URJ)
35 questions that will help spur lively discussion and reflection among young and old alike at your seder. - Passover Social Action Guide from the Religious Action Center (RAC)
- 8 Modern Additions to the Seder Plate
Each represents another way to bring social justice issues to your seder experience. - American Jewish World Service Passover Resources
Includes seder resources, family activities, text studies, commentaries by well-known people, and more. - A Fifth Cup for Justice
- Ve’ahavta’s Creating Tables of Justice Seder Supplement
Incorporates emerging ideas on freedom and a guide to social activism including the four social activists (instead of the four sons), an alternative seder plate, a fifth question, and readings such as "Maror: The Bitter Reality of Human Trafficking." - The 10 Plagues: Suffering and Affliction
As we read the 10 plagues, we spill drops of wine from our cups, mourning the suffering the Egyptians endured so that we could be free. This year, as these drops spread across our plates, let us turn our hearts toward the millions of people around the world suffering today’s plagues of hatred, prejudice, baseless violence, and war. - Ten Plagues of Inequality
On Passover, we remember the ten plagues that were put upon the Egyptian people. Thousands of years later, modern-day plagues of inequality should ignite contemporary responses to combat these injustices. - This Passover, Think of the Modern Plagues
- The Seder Plate (RAC)
Learn about items to add to your seder plate that will help spark discussion on social justice issues. - Putting Social Justice on the Table
PJTC Haggadah supplement in order to amplify and deepen the Jewish connections to social justice and to underscore their application to the world we live in today. - A Modern Dayenu
This song, found in the seder, thanks God for the myriad miracles that took place at the time of the Exodus. "Dayenu" can also allow us to express our gratitude for all that has taken place in recent times. When we celebrate the successes of the past, we remember the ongoing need to help those who are oppressed in other communities. - Four Cups of Wine: Social Justice Readings for Your Seder
- A Haggadah for Justice
This Haggadah includes pieces from various sources on a variety of social justice issues. - René Cassin, the Jewish voice for human rights: Women's Seder
This seder celebrates the women of the exodus, their untold stories, and the individuals who inspire us today. - Social Justice Haggadah Companion
- Resisting Tyrants Since Pharaoh: A Seder Supplement
A short text and discussion prompts for your seder, as you retell the story of our slavery in Egypt. - A justice guide for each night of Passover
- Bring Moving Traditions to Your Passover Seder Table
Multiple activities and seder supplements around a few issues from the #metoo movement and women's rights to our own well-being. - Gateways Haggadah
Designed for children with special needs; with an updated companion guide. - Passover resources for a more accessible seder
- Areyvut Questions for Seder and Beyond
300 hundred questions organized by topic to spur discussion at your seder and throughout the year.
- JDC Entwine‘s ReOrdered
Dive into the global and interconnected Jewish world through the timeless themes of freedom and storytelling. - Ukraine Conflict
Two supplements from JDC - Bukharian Passover Traditions and Recipes
- A Variety of Passover Resources Celebrating Jewish Diversity from Be’chol Lashon
- Trivia Place Cards
Welcome your guests to their seats with these trivia place cards, created in partnership with Be’chol Lashon, and celebrate Passover rituals from diverse Jewish communities around the world (can be done as a game virtually). - Abayudaya Jews of Uganda Passover Resources
- The Other Side of the River, the Other Side of the Sea: A Human Rights Haggadah
This Haggadah by T'ruah the rabbinic call for human rights helps transform the seder into a conversation about immigration, racism, workers’ rights, and forced labor. Filled with insightful comments and thought-provoking questions, reflections from activists in the field, and full-color artwork done by detained immigrant children and forced labor survivors, the haggadah can serve as the full text of a social justice seder, a section-by-section companion for the traditional haggadah, or a source for the occasional insertion. Songs referenced in the haggadah are available here. - A Tomato on the Seder Plate
Standing with farmworkers to prevent modern-day slavery and expand human rights in the fields.
- Mazon's Fifth Question
This Haggadah insert bring a new reflection about hunger to your seder table. "How will we retell the story of this past year, and all it has wrought?" - Mazon's Hunger Seder Haggadah
Centers the seder experience around hunger. - All of Mazon's Passover resources
- Keshet’s Passover Resources
- Ma Mishtana – A Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Questioning Ally Haggadah
Follows the traditional structure of the Passover seder but contains readings and discussion questions pertaining to LGBT identity and life. - The Four Children of LGBTQ Inclusion
Rabbi Dara Lithwick offers model for teaching about LGBTQ inclusion in an effort to make our seder tables—and our communities—ever more welcoming and free. - Keshet’s LGBTQ: Four Questions Four Allies Haggadah Insert
- JQ International GLBT Haggadah
- PRIDE Freedom Seder Haggadah
- Different from All Other Nights: A Queer Passover Haggadah
This Haggadah comprises songs, blessings, and readings culled from several sources—from the Rabbinic Passover seder to contemporary queer Haggadot produced by LGBTQ organizations and synagogues. It is a seder for all of us.
- Passover and Mental Health Resources from The Blue Dove Foundation
Readings, Haggadot, and activities to add meaning or a different perspective to your Passover. - The Anonymous Haggadah
A synthesis of the Passover ritual and liturgy with the twelve steps of recovery. - At The Well’s Holistic Passover Detox
- A Lemon on the Seder Plate
- All of Israel is Responsible for One Another
A Fifth Question to stimulate conversation about Israel from Joel Chasnoff. - Seder Interrupted: A Post-October 7 Hagaddah Supplement
- Supplement that includes Ways to include October 7 in your Seder
- Bringing Hostages to Your Seder
- New Israel Fund Australia Haggadah Supplement 2024
- Haggadah Supplement for a Post-October 7th Feminist Passover Seder 2024
- Haggadah Insert: The Four People
This insert reimagines the text of the four sons as the four people on different parts of their racial justice journey and is a conversation starter to contextualize what it means to pursue equity in today's world. - The Four Children of Racial Justice
Spark conversation about the importance of racial justice and the Reform Jewish commitment to equality. - Religious Action Center’s “The Story of Modern Day Slavery: A Social Justice Haggadah”and Seder Supplement
These resources infuse the entire seder with a global focus on freedom and justice. - Tzedek Seder: Black Lives Matter
- The African American Seder Plate for Passover by Michael Twitty
- Living Our Commitment: Jewish Voices for Liberation by Jews for Racial Economic Justice
Seder supplement with a Black Lives Matter focus. It's from a few years ago, so we recommend updating some of the references when using this. - Mixed Multitudes: Nobody’s Free ’til Everybody’s Free (A Racial Justice Haggadah)
Created for the 2016 Racial Justice Seder at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in Manhattan, this Haggadah offers a vision for collective liberation blended with Jewish tradition and grounding. - Jewish Resistance at the Seder Table
- Crying Out Against Mass Incarceration Haggadah Supplement
This five-page supplement, created by the Jewish Working Group to End Mass Incarceration, offers readings, rituals, and songs for your seder. Our ancient story of liberation is bound up in the liberation of all people today from the chains of mass incarceration. - Passover Pyramid Cutout
Four Jewish racial justice leaders answer "What makes this night different from all other nights?"
Refugees, Immigrants, Freedom, and Liberation
- There are No Strangers: A Passover Seder Supplement Affirming Our Support for Immigrants and Refugees - Religious Action Center (RAC) 2025
We gather at Passover to retell the foundational story of the Jewish People; a story of an oppressed people fleeing a life of hardship for freedom and safety in a new land.
Thirty-six times, the Torah, Judaism’s holiest text, references that freedom journey as a reminder that we are called not only to have empathy for the ger (stranger, sojourner, refugee, asylee, immigrant, or migrant), but also to take action to ensure that person is cared for in our communities. We are explicitly commanded, “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the feelings of the stranger, having yourselves been strangers in the land of Egypt (Exodus 23:9).” We know the heart of the stranger because we were once strangers, too. The Jewish people’s origin story is heard in the universal story of the refugee, and we are committed to keep this memory alive through welcoming and protecting those who come to our communities. - Sharing the Bread of Libration - Reading from HIAS
Explores the way matzah, called “the bread of our oppression” in the Haggadah, also becomes the “bread of liberation” — and how that transformation can apply to the challenges that forcibly displaced people face today. - Come and Learn: A Modern Immigration Midrash
An immigration-related resource from T’ruah. An alternative to the midrash on “My Father Was A Wandering Aramean” during Magid. - HIAS Passover Resources
The HIAS Haggadah connects our story as displaced people, the Passover story, to today's refugees and the global refugee crisis in an interactive way. They also have other seder supplements to highlight the refugee crisis and action to take. - Immigration Seder Companion
Created by the social justice group Rabbis Organizing Rabbis, this brief insert on immigration reform helps relate the themes of Passover to this crucial and pertinent social justice issue. - Enter the Water
A special resource for recognizing and supporting our immigrant communities in your seder. “Enter the Water” adapts the ritual of hand-washing to encourage ourselves to each do our part to advocate for the dignity and safety of immigrants here in our neighborhoods, across the US, and around the world. - “The Zookeeper’s Wife”–Inspired Haggadah by the International Rescue Committee
A refugee-inspired seder supplement with a twist: The International Rescue Committee’s seder supplement (created with the help of HIAS) is inspired by the movie “The Zookeeper’s Wife.” The film (and the Haggadah) is based on a real-life Holocaust heroine, Antonina Zabinska (played by Jessica Chastain), who together with her husband saved 300 Jews by hiding them at the Warsaw Zoo, which the couple ran. - Jewish World Watch‘s A Second Seder Plate
An interactive Passover companion that brings focus to the issues that affect victims and survivors of genocide. With over 65 million people having fled their homes due to human atrocities, this aims to keep the plight of today's refugees at the forefront of our minds as we retell the biblical Exodus story. - We Were Strangers Too: A Seder Supplement on Immigration
- Seder Supplement on Avadim Hayinu “We Were Slaves” by Repair the World in Partnership with Be’Chol Lashon
Focusing on questions of modern-day liberation. - Four Cups of Wine
These four cups are derived from four expressions of redemption found in Exodus 6:6–7: "I will bring you out;" "I will deliver you;" "I will redeem you;" and "I will take you." Due to the positive, redemptive focus on each phrase, each cup could come to represent current groups that need to be "brought out, delivered, redeemed, or taken out." A short teaching can take place before each cup is blessed. - American Jewish World Service Haggadah
Extends the journey of Passover further into the 21st century and around the globe; leaving us inspired to act in the year ahead. Use the AJWS Global Justice Haggadah to spark meaningful conversations at your seder and connect our shared story of liberation with people fighting for freedom around the world today. - Original Freedom Seder
This Haggadah from 1969 inspired many other social justice Haggadot. - Refugee Seder Supplement
Readings and ritual to bring the voices of African asylum seekers to your seder table. - Jewish World Watch Seder Plate additions
For refugees and victims of mass genocide.
- From Oppression to Liberation: For the Pursuit of Reproductive Justice in this Generation Haggadah Insert
The readings in this resource packet, designed to inspire your commitment to reproductive justice, are designed to be read before you drink each of the four cups of wine.
Refugee Resettlement Update from Jewish Social Services
03/16/2021 06:05:29 PM
Refugee resettlement slowed way down at the end of the last administration. Recently, Jewish Social Services of Madison (JSS) prepared to resettle their first refugee family in six months, but the family's travel was suddenly canceled because the president had not yet signed his Emergency Presidential Determination relating to resettlement. JSS notes that travel cancellation can be extremely harmful as the family would have likely sold all of their possessions and given up their housing in order to prepare for their trip, leaving them without housing and in a precarious situation.
JSS believes it is vital that President Biden sign the revised refugee admissions goal for FY21 as soon as possible. Each day that passes without this signed executive action is another day that hundreds of particularly vulnerable refugees must wait to be resettled. To learn more, JSS has a briefing paper here with information about how to take action. See this month’s volunteer opportunities for information about a new refugee mentorship program through JSS.
Food Drive Funds: Your Gifts Keep on Giving
03/16/2021 06:02:54 PM
TBE saw an especially generous response to the High Holy Day Food Drive at the start of 5781, spurred along by a generous matching grant from an anonymous donor. The Social Action Committee decided on an initial donation of $12,500 to the Second Harvest Foodbank, $500 to the Mount Zion Baptist Church Food Pantry, and $1,000 to the Catholic Multicultural Center Food Pantry.
We have now allocated the remainder of the funds by donating $656 each to Porchlight Men’s Emergency Shelter, for groceries not provided by the county; Centro Hispano, to buy grocery cards for clients in need; and Food for Thought / Thea's Table, providing weekend food for the families of Madison schoolchildren experiencing homelessness or crisis.
A huge thank you to our very generous congregants. Let's hope, pray, and work for a more just time ahead.
Immigration Policy: Opportunities for Positive Change
03/16/2021 05:59:46 PM
On February 21, about 40 people attended a talk by Erin Barbato, director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at UW Law School, about the policy reforms affecting immigrants and refugees under the Biden administration. A replay of this excellent talk is available on YouTube. After the presentation, TBE members and members of Dane Sanctuary Coalition broke into groups to discuss new opportunities to bring about positive change through education and advocacy.
On March 21, you are invited to a follow-up meeting to discuss our next steps and to help guide the direction of the Immigrant Rights Action Team for this coming year. We are excited to have Nicole Jahr joining us to plan possible coordination with youth programming. If you would like to take part in this discussion, please register for the Zoom link or contact Erica Serlin or Aleeza Hoffert.
If you’d like to know more about the work of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition, you can follow them on Facebook. If you have an interest in attending their annual meeting on April 12, please contact Rabbi Bonnie Margulis for more information.
Join Our New Environment and Climate Change Action Team
03/16/2021 05:55:26 PM
The Torah teaches that humankind was created on Earth, in part, to care for and protect God’s creation (Genesis 2:15). The Talmudic concept of bal tashchit (“do not destroy”) was developed by the rabbis as an assertion of God’s holy ownership of the land.
If you are interested in taking an active role in shaping Temple’s actions to combat the causes and effects of environmental degradation and climate change, we invite you to join our team. We will work together to develop a plan in partnership with the community and the congregation. All ages are welcome.
Contact Marta Karlov or Aleeza Hoffert with questions and/or interest. Get in on the ground floor of this important work!
Finally, here is something we can all do right now: Tell Congress to prioritize climate action and environmental justice by following this link.
Social Action Shabbat Welcomes Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes
03/16/2021 05:45:42 PM
We are honored to have Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes join us as our speaker for Social Action Shabbat on Friday, April 9. He will speak about how we can address the many deep divisions in our society: political, racial, economic, geographic, and religious, among others. After years of increasing fragmentation and heated rhetoric, we long for healing form these schism. Lt. Gov. Barnes will offer his thoughts on how we can improve the quality of our civic discourse and move forward on behalf of all Wisconsin residents.
This Shabbat comes the day after we observe Yom Hashoah V'hagvurah, Holocaust and Heroes Remembrance Day. This is an appropriate time for us to consider ways to avoid all fascistic and totalitarian forms of government, while we work toward more democracy and unity.
Lt. Gov. Barnes is the first African American to serve as a lieutenant governor in Wisconsin, and the second African American to ever hold statewide office. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Lt. Gov. Barnes is the son of a public school teacher and a United Auto Workers member, to whom he credits much of his success. He attended Alabama A&M University, worked for various political campaigns, and eventually became an organizer for Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope, a Milwaukee-based interfaith coalition that advocates social justice. He served two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, serving as chair of the legislature’s Black and Latino Caucus and becoming a recognized leader on progressive economic policies and gun-violence prevention legislation.
In his current role, Lt. Gov. Barnes serves as the chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change. He also serves nationally as co-chair of the NewDEAL Climate Change Policy Group, a network of rising state and local elected leaders. The lieutenant governor uses a platform of sustainability and equity to fight for solutions that invest in opportunities and fairness for every child, person, and family in Wisconsin, regardless of zip code.
We hope you will join us in welcoming him on Friday, April 9, at 7:30 pm on Facebook Live.
Quarantine Kitchen:Yvonne Maffei’s Dates With Cream and Chopped Pistachios
03/01/2021 11:19:35 AM
Adapted from the New York Times.
Dates, almonds, and dairy are ancient staples of the Middle East. This recipe combines them into a luxurious dessert, with very little effort from the cook. This dessert makes an elegant addition to a buffet and also works well as a finger food passed on a tray.
Ingredients:
- 12 large medjool dates, cleaned and pitted
- 24 whole almonds (preferably blanched)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons crème fraîche*
- Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon or 1/2 orange (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios
Directions:
Stuff each date with 1-2 whole almonds and lightly pinch closed. (The recipe can be made up to this point up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container.)
When ready to serve, arrange dates cut sides up on a plate or platter. Drizzle on the crème fraîche, making a dollop on each date. Sprinkle on the citrus zest, then the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.
* To make this recipe pareve, you can substitute the following for the crème fraiche: Full-fat coconut cream can be used as a substitute for crème fraîche, but it will add a different flavor. Alternatively, soy sour creams can also be used. A blend of vegan cream cheese with a small amount of soy milk, or another sort of vegan milk, and lemon juice will also make a crème fraîche substitute that is similar in taste to the original
Quarantine Kitchen: Amazing Passover Brownies
03/01/2021 11:14:21 AM
Can easily be made Gluten-free
Ingredients:
See below for frosting ingredients.
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons Matzah Cake Meal (or Gluten-free Matzah Cake Meal)
- 1 cup cocoa
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Beat eggs and add sugar gradually.
- Add melted butter and beat well.
- Stir dry ingredients and add to mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour into greased 9x13 pan.
- Bake 375° for 20-25 minutes.
Frosting:
- Melt 4 Tablespoons butter and 2-4 ounces chocolate chips
- Stir until smooth
- Pour over warm brownies and chill until set.
Sanctuary Renovation Update: Pews Available
02/08/2021 10:07:01 AM
TBE has four 12-foot-long pews from our sanctuary available for a suggested donation of $36 each. A 12-foot trailer is needed for transport. UHaul has some available to rent for a modest fee if you have a vehicle with a hitch. One capable person with the ability to lift 75+ pounds will be needed to help Steven move the pew from the sanctuary. The pews will need to be fastened to the floor to be sat on. We've kept the floor hardware, but you'll likely want to supply your own.
Longer 16- to 18-foot pews are also available but are heavier and more difficult to move.
Please contact Steven Gregorius at facilities@tbemadison.org for more information or to arrange pickup details.
Quarantine Kitchen: Vashtini for Purim
02/01/2021 11:25:25 AM
- Add the following to a shaker and shake:
- 1 oz Vodak
- 1 oz Grenadine
- Ice
- Pour into a martini glass
- Top with 1 oz of Pink Moscato Champaign
- Drop in a cherry.
It is a girl-power, pink drink that is fun and bubbly like the parties Queen Vashti throws at the beginning of the story; and strong like Queen Vashti when she sticks up for her morals and virtues.
COVID-19 Resources
01/31/2021 12:24:19 PM
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the news changes quickly from good news about the vaccine to concern over variants. Below are links that may help you stay up to date on the latest information. For personal health advice concerning COVID-19, please see your physician.
COVID-19 Information
Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Information
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
Public Health Madison & Dane County COVID-19 Dashboard
https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/dashboard
Public Health Madison & Dane County COVID-19 Testing Information
https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/testing
CDC Information about COVID-19 Variants
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html
Public Health Madison & Dane County Current Emergency Order Information
https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/forward-dane/current-order
Vaccine Information
PHMDC Vaccine Phone Line
If someone is 65+, doesn’t have a local healthcare provider, and doesn’t have internet access or email, they can call Public Health Madison & Dane County at 608-242-6328 to get on the list to be matched with a vaccinator for the COVID-19 vaccine. If they are able to sign up online at https://www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine please use that method instead.
We have Spanish speaking staff available at that number and can use the language line as well.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Vaccine Data
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-data.htm
Public Health Madison & Dane County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
https://publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine
CDC COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ Page
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
UnityPoint COVID-19 Vaccine Information
https://www.unitypoint.org/madison/covid-19-vaccine.aspx
UW Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information
https://coronavirus.uwhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/
COVID-19 Vaccine at the VA
https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
SSM Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information
https://www.ssmhealth.com/coronavirus-updates
Thank You for Contributing in Honor of Cantor Niemi’s Installation
01/27/2021 03:29:12 PM
Ilu finu malei shirah kayam—“Even if our mouths were as full of song as the sea”—we couldn’t express enough thanks for those who made such thoughtful contributions to the Music Fund in honor of Cantor Jacob Niemi’s installation. These funds will be used in a variety of ways to enhance the musical life of the TBE community, including assistance with musical programming beyond our normal worship needs, such as concerts and artist-in-residence programs, and support for music in our Religious School and youth programs. Many thanks to all those who have helped to support this sacred work! Together you donated $2,300 for the Music Fund.
Tzedakah Fund: Are You in Need? Can You Provide Assistance?
01/27/2021 03:24:17 PM
As the pandemic continues, so too do the needs of our own TBE community. Rabbi Biatch shared important messages about helping one another in his blog post "When Self-Sacrifice Meets Self-Preservation."
- If you need financial assistance for food, medicine, or other essential items, please reach out to him at rabbi@tbemadison.org.
- You can also find other community resources here.
- If you are in a position to help, please consider donating to the Tzedakah Fund.
Thank you to those who have reached out for help and to those who have helped by donating to the Tzedakah Fund. Temple Beth El’s Tzedakah Fund provides funds for charitable purposes at the rabbi’s discretion. We received almost $1,000 in donations, which Rabbi Biatch is able to use for those in need.
Membership Renewals
01/27/2021 03:18:48 PM
Our new Temple Community Contribution program has been in place for several months and has been successful on many levels. We are especially gratified to observe these benchmarks in our membership renewals for 2021:
- We received 17% more renewals by December 31, 2020, than we did by December 31, 2019.
- Net membership contributions from those who renewed by December 31 increased 15% over the previous year.
- Donations to the three funds listed on the membership renewal cards increased over last year.
- The positive feedback we received about the Temple Community Contribution program included many comments that the program reflects our values and our goals. Longtime member and TBE musician Mike Ross wrote: “TBE’s new Temple Community Contribution program is a welcome change. It is transparent and inclusive. It clearly demonstrates TBE’s need for funding and honors our shared values. My family, for one, responded by increasing our membership contribution, and we hope others will consider doing the same.”
The Temple Community Contribution program, introduced in 2020, encourages TBE members to reflect on our shared values when determining your annual membership contribution. To help guide decisions on giving, we shared clear and accessible information about TBE’s programs and finances, and we remain committed to transparency. If you have any questions about the Temple Community Contribution program or Temple’s finances, please feel free to contact Stefanie Kushner.
Volunteer opportunities
01/25/2021 06:57:09 PM
Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.
New JSS Refugee Mentorship Program
Jewish Social Services is launching its new refugee mentorship program, Aljirani Madison, and is now seeking volunteers! From the Swahili jirani and Arabic aljar—both meaning “neighbor”—Aljirani Madison is a six-month volunteering program that partners community volunteers with a local refugee individual or family to provide a warm welcome, companionship, and practical help. See here for a full description of the program. For further information, contact Sam Van Akkeren. Please note: partnerships will meet digitally for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19.
Healing House Meals at End of February
Healing House serves individuals without homes as they recuperate from surgery, illness, or childbirth. TBE cooks meals for the residents and staff on a quarterly basis. Our next week will be February 28–March 6, 2021. If you are interested in preparing food at home for delivery to Healing House, please use this signup link. Contact Cathy Rotter if you have questions or would like to be on the volunteer mailing list.
Meals for Catholic Multicultural Center
The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) meal program provides grab-and-go meals from the CMC parking lot. Our volunteers drop off food every other Wednesday to meet the growing need. We cook for 80+ people by sharing recipes and dividing up the work. If you are interested in preparing food at home for delivery to CMC, please use this signup link. Contact Sue Levy you have any questions.
Porchlight Wish List and Volunteer Opportunities
The Porchlight shelter continues to operate at Warner Park Recreation Center. They do nightly COVID-19 screening and monthly COVID-19 testing, and they offer flu shots. As the men’s shelter moves from Warner Park to the city’s former Fleet Services Building on First Street, meals will be continued to be catered. Porchlight is always in need of ground coffee (like Folgers), winter gloves and hats, hotel-size toiletries, deodorant, and toothbrushes. Items can be dropped off at 306 N. Brooks Street for Porchlight to deliver to the shelter. See here for a list of items needed, or contact Pam Robbins for more information.
Emerson Elementary PTO Equity Fund
Emerson Elementary School serves approximately 60% low-income students and families. The school’s Parent Teacher Organization has set up an equity fund to support low-income families with the greatest needs. These funds help with families’ basic needs in difficult financial or emergency situations. Funds typically go toward purchasing grocery, gas, or bus cards, which the school social worker distributes based on awareness of family need. On occasion, funds may be used to help pay for larger, unpreventable emergency expenses related to transitional housing, moving expenses, family death, natural disasters, etc. Last year 29 families received support. For more information, please contact Marcia Vandercook. You can donate directly to the fund here.
Food Boxes for Madison School Families
The Thoreau Weekend Food Bag Program is part of the wider Madison West High Area Collaborative, delivering 250 boxes of food each week to Madison school children from the 14 elementary schools in the West High area. On Tuesday mornings, volunteers are needed to unload shelf-stable food and stock the pantry. On Friday mornings, volunteers pack large boxes of food and household goods for that day’s delivery. Masks and social distancing are maintained. This would make a great b’nai mitzvah project for a young person able to work in company with others.
There are also no-contact volunteer opportunities for drivers on Friday mornings to pick up supplies and deliver food boxes to families’ doorsteps throughout the west side of Madison. People with larger vehicles and those who are comfortable carrying moderately heavy boxes are encouraged. Volunteers can sign up on the United Way’s website. At present no other registrations or background checks are necessary. Contact Vic Levy if you have any questions.
Porchlight Moves to Larger Building
01/25/2021 06:49:05 PM
Since late March when COVID-19 struck, men supported by the Porchlight shelter program have been sleeping at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center on the North Side. Before then, Porchlight guests were sheltered in three church basements downtown, where TBE volunteers provided evening meals for many years. Now the city has opened a new temporary shelter at the city's former Fleet Services Building at 200 N. 1st Street. The new space has a much larger capacity, which will be important as the pandemic drags on. You can read more about it this article from the Wisconsin State Journal.
Meals are currently being provided by the city through a contract with local restaurants. When a permanent location is selected, Potchlight will let us know if our famous chicken rice casserole will still be required. In the meantime, we are using that same recipe in smaller batches to feed families at the Catholic Multicultural Center. Sign up here is you would like to cook it again ( or for the first time)!
Civic Engagement Plans for 2021
01/25/2021 06:46:29 PM
The events of January 6 have shown us in a profound and deeply disturbing way how fragile democracy is and how hard we must fight to protect it. Our prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives in the violent attempt to take over our government. Thankfully, that attempt failed. Let us all pray for a smooth transition to the new administration and for the safety of our elected officials.
The Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign would like to express our thanks and gratitude to our partners at Temple Beth El for all your work and efforts over the past year to get out the vote. Of all the responses we received to our volunteer survey, TBE took the prize for the most volunteers from one congregation and the congregation’s reported total of 1,055.5 hours worked! We appreciate all your ongoing involvement and support.
The work did not stop on Election Day. Our campaign has now pivoted to the vital work of protecting and defending our democratic institutions, to fighting against misinformation and disinformation, and to promoting the fact that this was “the most secure election in American history.” We will continue to speak out against white supremacists and extremists who seek to destroy our democracy.
Despite recent events, we have cause for optimism. After a historic runoff election in Georgia, Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of the church where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King served, will be the first African American senator from Georgia. He is joined by Jon Ossoff, the first Jewish senator from that state. And while the recent violence has been chilling and deeply disturbing, we know that history and demographics are on our side.
Now that we have a new administration, a new Congress, and new people in our state legislature, we must hold them accountable to address the vital issues facing our country, including the pandemic and its economic fallout, immigration, climate change, voter suppression, the need for fair and nonpartisan redistricting, and the need to end the devastating inequities and entrenched racism in our society. Whether you voted for them or not, they are now our representatives in the halls of our local, state, and federal government, and we must ensure that they truly represent us.
Mark your calendars for the elections coming up on February 16 (primary) and April 6. The races include state superintendent of education, alders, county boards, and school boards. These positions have a great impact on our daily lives and are an important opportunity to affect public policy.
We are excited for what 2021 will bring and look forward to continuing the journey with you all.
Immigration and Refugee Policy Changes under Biden: Implications for Action
01/25/2021 06:43:51 PM
During the Trump administration, over 400 changes in immigration and refugee policy were implemented. A few examples include a ban on travel from Muslim countries, family separations at the border, increased ICE enforcement, the rescission of DACA, the requirement for asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting hearings, and the reduction of the refugee admission ceiling from 85,000 in 2016 to 18,000 last year. There was also a tremendous increase in civil immigration detention and countless documented violations against those in detention.
On Sunday, February 21, 7:00–8:30 pm, Professor Erin Barbato, director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the UW Law School, will talk with us about her work providing legal representation to people facing deportation or seeking asylum. She will address the major changes affecting immigrants and refugees implemented during the Trump administration and the policy reforms promised by President Biden.
Following a question-and-answer session, we will brainstorm possible next steps for congregational education and advocacy, including suggestions from the Dane Sanctuary Coalition. With the election behind us, we hope to refocus our attention on immigration and refugee reform. We need your input as we decide how to hold the Biden-Harris administration accountable and how best to support urgently needed changes. We’re looking forward to an informative and inspiring program and hope you’ll join us. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link.
Upcoming Racial Justice Activities
01/25/2021 06:30:23 PM
Seven Guided Conversations About Race: Wherever you are on your racial justice journey, you can benefit from these conversations. Self-assessment and sharing in a safe setting will help you see the world with a racial lens, learn and grow, and engage in conversations about race more effectively. Groups will be held on Tuesday nights (group 1) or Thursday mornings (group 2) during February and March. Group leaders will be Erica Serlin and Lynn Silverman.
Before each group meeting, there will be 10–30 minutes of individual pre-work as a foundation for the week’s conversation. The seven conversations cover topics such as what race is, the privilege of whiteness, racial representation, understanding stereotypes and biases, the N-word, language, and code-switching. Space is limited, so register now. We’ll start a waiting list for those interested once space fills up.
Racial Justice Big Read: For our first TBE Racial Justice Big Read, we’ll be discussing the book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” as part of our ongoing effort to better understand the history of systemic racism and inequality in our country. Written by Pulitzer Prize–winning author Isabel Wilkerson, the book “examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.”
An all-Temple discussion (including the Sisterhood book club and members of the Adult Education Committee) will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 7:00–8:30 pm. The Men’s Club book group will hold a discussion on Thursday, February 18, 7:30–9:00 pm. To join the Men’s Club discussion, please contact Tom Krauskopf at tomxx@aol.com. If you don’t have time to read the book, check here for short videos and articles about it. We hope you’ll register and join us for a stimulating conversation even if you haven’t read it.
Blockstein Lecture: Building a Jewish Midwest Racial Justice Coalition: TBE and Jewish Social Services co-sponsor the annual Liesl M. Blockstein Memorial Lecture, featuring a woman who embodies Liesl’s commitment to social justice and Jewish life. This year’s lecture will be presented on Sunday, February 14, 10:00–11:30 am. You can sign up here.
This year’s lecture features Shahanna McKinney-Baldon, director of Edot Midwest Regional Jewish Diversity Collaborative. A seasoned educator and racial equity thought leader, Shahanna has been involved in Jewish racial justice work that centers Jews of Color and diverse Jewish families for over 25 years. Join us to learn about what this work means in this moment and how we can all play a part in a Midwest Jewish racial justice coalition.
Action of the Week: The Racial Justice Action Team has launched a regular feature in the weekly happenings email, offering suggestions for steps you can take to help bring racial equity to our greater community. The suggestions are built around categories recommended to us by leaders of Madison’s Black-led organizations: (1) educate: listen to a podcast, read an article, find a class; (2) participate: attend a community event, march, volunteer; (3) donate: buy supplies, cook a meal, support a community effort; and (4) advocate: write to representatives, testify, sign petitions.
We know that the idea of addressing racial oppression can be overwhelming. Watch for these weekly action ideas for simple steps to start moving together in the right direction.
Owning Our Racial Equity Work Ahead: Yolanda Savage-Nava, the Union for Reform Judaism's director of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion, called on each of us in the Jewish community to acknowledge that we have work to do, both as a Jewish community and as individuals. She asks us to recognize the diversity and racial inequities with our Jewish community; and both reflect inward and look outward to see what works remains to be done. You can see the URJ video message here.
Are you interested in getting more involved with racial justice activities? Please contact Betsy Abramson or Lindsay Mindlin, co-chairs of the Racial Justice Action Team.
Weekend Reflecting on the Work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
01/25/2021 06:18:09 PM
This year, instead of the annual retreat, Temple Beth El continued its focus on racial justice with a series of weekend events dedicated to the memory and message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Friday night, January 15, the Shabbat service was steeped in history, reflection, and prayer. Cantor Jacob Niemi opened the service with “Take My Hand, Precious Lord,” the beautiful song by Mahalia Jackson sung at Dr. King’s funeral. Les Goldsmith led us in touching songs and prayers including the important message of the old-time favorite “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Rabbi Jonathan Biatch spoke about how Dr. King never gave up hope of achieving equality and unarmed truth and looked to God to ask for strength to continue to lead. His message was that only light can drive out darkness and only love can drive out hate. We were reminded that the majority of Americans are diverse and tolerant, and systemic racism will only be stopped through the tireless efforts and work of good people, a need that calls us to action as a Temple Beth El community.
On Saturday, January 16, 25 congregants listened to a sermon by Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl entitled “We Are Family: Rethinking Race in the Jewish Community.” Many of us were surprised to learn that among American Jews, 12% to 15% are people of color. Although the idea that Jews are a race or a tribe is sometimes a source of Jewish identity, it has also been used as a way of excluding and endangering Jews, from the times of Pharaoh to the events in Charlottesville and beyond. Rabbi Buchdahl challenged us to think of ourselves as a family, to identify our common ground as Jews in a rapidly changing world. After the sermon, we broke into three groups to talk about the different kinds of people who may have a sense of “otherness” at TBE and what we might do to make our synagogue more welcoming to Jews of color.
On Sunday morning, January 17, a family educational program focused on Jewish participation in the civil rights movement and the role of music in building solidarity. Cantor Niemi and TBE song leader Les Goldsmith explored how protest songs crossed racial and religious boundaries to build community. The cantor noted that freedom songs were the soul of the civil rights movement, helping to internalize the values and ideals of racial justice, dissipate fear, and promote social cohesion and unity of purpose. Although meaningful, the songs were intentionally simple and easy to adapt to our own verses and circumstances. Members of the choir sang a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” Erica Serlin led a discussion of our reaction as Jews to a letter from a Jewish freedom fighter and how it feels to be involved in racial justice advocacy.
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the Temple Beth El community engaged in an enormous outpouring of generosity as members contributed to a supply drive organized by Nehemiah on behalf of the Allied Wellness Center. We provided supplies for babies and toddlers, including diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food. We answered a called for personal wellness supplies for teens, including body wash, shampoo, deodorant and lotion. TBE members helped collect, deliver and stock the shelves of the Allied Wellness Center. Members also made monetary gifts of over $2,000, which we used to purchase bus tickets and gas and grocery cards. Allied Wellness Center chaplain Gloria Farr said that these items were desperately needed, and we were thrilled to be able to respond. Nehemiah and the Allied Wellness Center have ongoing needs and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Contacts Betsy Abramson at betsyabramson@gmail.com or 608-332-7867 for more information.
Quarantine Kitchen: Momo (Nepalese Potsticker) & Hot & Spicy Chutney
01/19/2021 11:40:45 AM
Momo Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 Tblsp dark soy sauce
- 3 Tblsp light soy sauce
- ¾ cup cabbage, finely chopped
- ¾ cup onion, finely chopped
- heaping tsp of ginger & garlic paste
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (cayenne powder)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 Tblsp meat masala
- ¼ cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pkgs of gyoza wrappers
Momo Directions:
- Mix all the filling ingredients together in a bowl.
- Put about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture into each wrapper (do not overfill) and form into the potstickers. Place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet until ready to cook.
- Steam for 18 to 20 minutes
- Any uncooked potstickers can be frozen and saved for another meal! Freeze on the baking sheet for about an hour and once frozen solid can be placed in a ziplock freezer bag.
- Serve with Hot & Spicy Chutney
Hot & Spicy Chutney for Momo
Ingredients:
- 3-1/2 Tblsp oil
- 8 Tblsp sesame seeds
- 40 szechuan peppercorns
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 4 Thai green or red chillies
- salt to taste
Directions:
- Add oil to hot pan.
- Add sesame seeds in the pan and let cook until it gets golden in color..
- Add szechuan peppercorns
- Add chopped tomatoes
- Add green chillies, turmeric and salt to taste
- Stir well and let it cook for 2 minutes.
- Then, blend well with an immersion blender.
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