The Union for Reform Judaism’s Religious Action Center (RAC) is working to enact national standards for voting, to ensure that everyone can vote and every vote is counted. As Reform Jews, our tradition teaches us that we want a transparent process we can trust, where all Americans have equal freedom to vote. For these reasons, the Reform Movement’s top federal legislative priorities include the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

The For the People Act (HR 1/S 1) is a sweeping package to realize the promise of our democracy, get big money out of politics, ensure our freedom to vote, and guarantee that congressional districts are drawn to give fair representation for all. You can read more about it here.  

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, named in honor of the late civil rights icon and longtime congressman, aims to combat racial discrimination by restoring and strengthening the protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act is a signature achievement of the civil rights movement that has been significantly weakened by Supreme Court decisions, clearing the path for the regressive and discriminatory laws that we are seeing in state legislatures today. You can read more about it here. 

Although the For the People Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act faced minimal opposition in the House of Representatives, they face resistance in the U.S. Senate. For this reason, the RAC coordinated a national campaign of direct outreach to Senate offices through virtual lobby visits during July and August. TBE member Betsy Abramson served as the RAC’s Wisconsin lobby meeting coordinator for the first meeting in Wisconsin, with Senator Tammy Baldwin. 

On July 26, Reform Jews from eight of the nine congregations across Wisconsin participated in a Zoom call with Samuel Martin, a member of Senator Tammy Baldwin’s staff. We were joined by representatives of other Jewish congregations and organizations, interfaith supporters, disability rights groups, and voting rights and aging organizations—100 people in all—asking Senator Baldwin to make these bills a top priority. Our speakers included Barbara Beckert of Disability Rights Wisconsin and Disability Vote Coalition, a member of Temple Shalom in Milwaukee, who gave her front-line perspective based on assisting voters over the last few elections; Rabbi Bonnie Margulis of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice and the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Coalition, summarized the impact of the bills and talked about how the filibuster is preventing debate and resolution. Rabbi Benjamin Altschuler of Mt. Sinai Congregation in Wausau, spoke about the Jewish teachings that underlie our long-standing commitment to securing everyone’s right to vote.

David Wolfson, social justice activist and member of Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee, asked about Senator Baldwin’s views on the bills and the possibilities for reforming the filibuster. Mr. Martin responded that Senator Baldwin is a strong supporter who has been working with her colleagues to get the bills passed, and she will continue talks with any senators who are on the fence. Various alternatives for reforming the filibuster are under discussion, and all options are on the table for getting it passed. Betsy Abramson thanked Senator Baldwin and Mr. Martin for their commitment to working for these bills.
 
Kai Yael Gardner-Mishlove, director of the Milwaukee Jewish Community Relations Council, closed the meeting by saying that protection of the disenfranchised and the vulnerable is important to assure a vibrant and egalitarian society. For that reason the Jewish community opposes laws that have the effect of restricting the right to vote, and she emphasized that we are in this fight for the long haul. After the meeting with Senator Baldwin’s office, we discussed setting up a similar meeting with Senator Johnson in the near future.

Our work on voting rights will carry on both nationally and in Wisconsin, and both the Racial Justice Action Team and Civic Engagement Action team will be part of this effort. If you’d like to join us in working on these critical issues, please contact Betsy Abramson at 608-332-7867 or betsyabramson@gmail.com.

Want to know more?

• To learn more about the history of the filibuster and how this tradition impacts the passage of these two bills, see the URJ’s resolution on reforming the filibuster to promote debate without endangering other rights. For an argument that the filibuster should simply be abandoned, see this perspective from the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Coalition.
• A recent report details the problems that Wisconsin residents have faced accessing the vote in past elections and the additional problems they may face in the future if certain proposals go through. See “Voting Rights Are Human Rights: In Our Own Voices,” a report from the Disability Vote Coalition.

On Tuesday night, November 16, the Environment and Climate Change Action Team and the Men’s Book Club will join together for a discussion of We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast. In this book, acclaimed author Jonathan Safran Foer explores the central global dilemma of our time in a surprising, deeply personal, and urgent new way. 

Some people reject the fact, overwhelmingly supported by scientists, that our planet is warming because of human activity. But do those of us who accept the reality of human-caused climate change truly believe it? If we did, surely we would be roused to act on what we know. Will future generations distinguish between those who didn’t believe in the science of global warming and those who said they accepted the science but failed to change their lives in response?

The task of saving the planet will involve a great reckoning with ourselves and with our all-too-human reluctance to sacrifice immediate comfort for the sake of the future. The author maintains that we have turned our planet into a farm for growing animal products, and the consequences are catastrophic. Only collective action will save our home and way of life. And it all starts with what we eat—and don’t eat—for breakfast.

All are welcome to join as we discuss what we found helpful and reflect on whether what the author proposes can drive change in us and/or our communities. Please register here. This event will run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. It may be in person or virtual, to be determined. 

The High Holy Day Food Drive is a long-standing holiday tradition at Temple Beth El. The food drive continues to be as important as ever, with many people in our community dependent on food banks and meal programs to feed their families. Since this year some of us will worship in person and others will attend services virtually, look for the traditional food drive envelope in your August Bulletin. You can also donate online on the Temple website (choose “High Holy Day Food Drive” as payment type). 

Last year, Temple members generously donated over $15,000 to the High Holy Day Food Drive. The Social Action Committee allocated most of the money to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, the region's largest and most cost-effective food bank. The remainder of the money went for direct food assistance provided through our community partners at the Catholic Multicultural Center, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Centro Hispano, Porchlight, and Food for Thought. 

Because of our sizable donation to Second Harvest in the Share Your Holidays drive, TBE was named a “silver level” sponsor, the only nonprofit organization to give at this level. Since a $10 donation to Second Harvest can provide up to 25 meals, TBE members effectively provided over 30,000 meals to help people through the darkest days of the pandemic.

(from Second Harvest https://www.secondharvestmadison.org/hungers-impact/hunger-stats)

Sadly, the pandemic is not at an end, and the economic recovery has been uneven and incomplete. Even though a majority of the households served by Second Harvest have a member who works at least 30 hours per week, they still struggle to balance paying for healthy food with other basic needs like rent, transportation, and medical care. One in six children in Southwest Wisconsin live in a household without enough food. For older people, high blood pressure and diabetes can result from not having enough healthy food. 

Our goal for 2021 is to match last year’s generous level of giving to help our neighbors move forward and put this terrible time behind us. Please donate what you can by returning the donation envelope enclosed in the August Bulletin or by donating online (choose “High Holy Day Food Drive” as payment type). 

Wisconsin State Assembly Invocation, June 29, 2021 – 1:00 pm session 

(inspired by the words of Rabbi Robert Kahn of blessed memory, found on page 261 of Mishkan T’filah) 

Good afternoon. 

This is a day when we consider. . .and search. . .and seek the ideal in our work and our lives. 

So, let us consider: 

Each day when we rise, each of us turns to our own individual Source of Blessing to find inspiration. Today, as we prepare to engage in the business of the people of Wisconsin, we proceed along two pathways: we surely wish to elevate ourselves, and we strive to improve our state and her citizens. 

So, let us search: 

• Let us search for strength, so that we may control our passions and impulses. 

• Let us search for humility, so that we may assess properly our weaknesses and our true skills. 

• Let us search for courage, so that we may achieve compromise when some seek extremes, and dare to set forth in bold, individual directions when necessary. 

• Let us search for patience, so that we may fairly evaluate ourselves, but always give back to ourselves the benefit of the doubt. 

• And let us search for wisdom, so that we may rise above minor disputes and disagreements. 

When we accomplish these internal goals, then we may be able to achieve something marvelous for our state. 

Therefore, let us seek the ideal: 

In the words of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah (58:6-7), we are here on earth to ‘unlock fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of lawlessness; to release the oppressed; to break off every burden; to share bread with the hungry, to give the poor a home; to clothe the naked when we see them, and to never neglect our own flesh and blood.’ 

Isaiah reminds us that when we ‘offer compassion to the hungry and satisfy the famished, then our light will shine in darkness, and our gloom shall be like noonday.’ 

May all of us come to share these visions of the future, and work together to achieve them. 

And we say, Amen. 

The executive staff is thankful for new laptops that we purchased thanks to the generosity of Jeff Levy. The laptops allow executive staff to work from home or the office without using their personal devices. With in-person meetings in the building, the flexibility of laptops allows executive staff to continue to use the same note-taking and document systems for meetings that they used while working remotely. Thank you to Jeff Levy for this generous donation, which provides our executive staff with a much-needed technology upgrade. 

Joe and Jeanne (z''l) Silverberg became Temple Beth El members 68 years ago! Joe’s parents were founding members of TBE. Joe and Jeanne, before her passing, have been active members of TBE and our Sisterhood and Men’s Club, dedicating countless volunteer hours as well as financial support over their long membership. Both Joe and Jeanne joined our Dorot Society, naming TBE as a beneficiary of their IRAs. They made the choice to give to TBE through their IRAs, knowing that the financial institution holding the IRA would pay it out upon a person’s passing. TBE is grateful for the generous donation we received shortly after Jeanne’s passing. Joe says that giving to Temple was important to Jeanne because she appreciated all that Temple Beth El does and wanted to make sure TBE will be here for her great-grandchildren. We are grateful for everything the Silverbergs have brought to TBE, for Joe’s continuing involvement, and for their ongoing legacy.

Looking to volunteer? Need a b’nai mitzvah project? Here are ways to help people in our community.

Jewish Social Services Refugee Support and Other Opportunities

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, 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 CMC, please use this signup link. Contact Sue Levy you have any questions.

Porchlight Wish List

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 cleaning and household supplies, hotel-size toiletries, and groceries. Items can be dropped off at 306 N. Brooks Street and will be delivered to the shelter. See here for items needed, or contact Pam Robbins for more information.

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 online) to become familiar 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.

To read more about the program, see here. Or watch this 20-minute interview of TBE court observer volunteer Lynn Silverman.

This first year of Temple’s Racial Justice Action Team has been both extraordinary and urgent, as local and national events have called on Reform Jews for a strong response and full engagement.

In 2017 Temple signed on to the Urgency of Now Campaign of URJ’s Religious Action Center (the RAC), with a plan to focus on racial justice in the criminal justice system. The combined events of the past year—the murder of George Floyd by police, the rise in white supremacy and voter suppression efforts, increased racial disparities in economics, COVID deaths, mental health, and other areas—have broadened the RAC’s focus and ours.

TBE members have had many opportunities to participate in racial justice work despite the pandemic:

• After George Floyd’s murder, Temple joined other Jewish organizations in Madison by participating in a peaceful march and rally downtown.
• Temple staff and members of the Social Action Committee organized two well-attended listening sessions in July to discuss the Jewish imperative to address the racial aspects of policing.
• We organized a series of events beginning on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend instead of the usual Temple retreat. This included a Shabbat service honoring the legacy of Dr. King, a family music program on music of the civil rights movement, and discussion of a sermon on rethinking race within the Jewish community.
• In February we organized an all-Temple read and discussion of Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.
• Social Action Committee members Erica Serlin and Lynn Silverman led two cohorts of “Seven Guided Conversations About Race,” with organizational help from action team co-chair Lindsay Mindlin.
• With the Civic Engagement Action Team, we registered people to vote and took action against voter suppression. More than 50 TBE members participated in the RAC’s postcard writing campaign encouraging traditionally marginalized communities to register and vote.
• We deepened our involvement with the Nehemiah Center for Urban leadership Development by recruiting individuals to serve as court observers in the Dane County courts and helping supply food for young students. Several members, including Rabbi Biatch, have participated in the Nehemiah “Justified Anger” Black History course.
• Every week we provide a Racial Justice Action of the Week in TBE’s Weekly Happenings email to help us educate, affiliate, donate, and advocate.
• Finally, this summer, we were awarded a generous grant from Jewish Federation of Madison, enabling us to partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County to provide seven summer internships for students with TBE members’ places of employment.

Many TBE members recently participated in the April 28 online kickoff of the RAC’s bold Racial Justice Campaign. This campaign will mobilize Reform congregations across North America to campaign for federal bills such as the For the People Act (H.R. 1/S. 1) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4), as well as statewide efforts to fight voter suppression bills pending in the Wisconsin legislature, address police reform, and make our own congregations more welcoming to Jews of color.

It’s been an important year, and there’s more to come. Stay tuned. Get involved. Contact betsyabramson@gmail.comfor more information.

There are many Jewish teachings that remind us to be good stewards of our planet. Of these, the most well-known is perhaps tikkun olam: the perfection/repair of the world is in our hands. But the Torah also prohibits wasteful consumption, the extinction of species, and causing undue pain to nonhuman creatures. And it includes numerous laws which tell us that environmental justice is a Jewish value. 

At TBE, we are restarting our efforts to engage the congregation in following our Torah teachings related to the environment. We recently formed the Environment and Climate Change Action Team. Our mission is focused both internally and externally:

To fulfill the Jewish imperative to tikkun olam by encouraging environmental stewardship within the congregation and to inspire, educate, and mobilize our congregation to protect our planet from the negative impacts of climate change and to practice environmental consciousness. 

For this story I would like to highlight accomplishments within the congregation in the past 10 years. I spoke with Dan Esser, member of the House Committee since 1999, and recent recipient of a TBE lifetime achievement award for volunteering. Dan was recruited to the committee after building our sukkah with the Men’s Club, and never left. He currently serves on eight committees—four building-related and four leadership-related, including the Executive Committee and the Making the Building Safer task force. When I remarked that he contributes so much to the congregation, he said, “I get way more than I put in.”

Dan shared some of the efforts that have contributed to making our building more efficient while optimizing limited funds:

• In 2014-15 we did a significant remodel to the front of our building. We added the outdoor terrace and converted the curved wall to new energy-efficient doors (three sets). We replaced the six front doors with fiberglass insulated units and added significant number of plantings, which included an irrigation system. 
• For the last three or four years, we have been converting our lights as they age out to LED products and getting energy rebates. We determined that since the bulk of our building is only used 10 hours per week, it was not practical to do preemptive replacements. However, we did convert all the hall lights that have to remain on 24/7 for safety purposes. 
• In 2018-19, we did an architect-let capital needs assessment of our building, which outlined expenses for the next 15-20 years and highlighted ways to reduce energy costs. 
• Our biggest investment was in 2020 HVAC replacement project, which included 9 new rooftop units, each the size of a small car. Our biggest unit is called a weather expert and we received a $1,000 rebate from Focus on Energy. We added for CO2 sensors to precisely monitor the number of people in our most populous spaces. This also qualified for an energy rebate. 

I asked Dan for suggestions for members of the congregation who want to support implementing the recommendations of the capital needs assessment, such as adding solar panels to the roof. He replied that there are plans to start a capital campaign soon and encouraged us to give generously. This investment will pay off in reducing our carbon footprint and our energy bills, both highly effective ways to fulfill our Jewish imperative of tikkun olam.

We welcome all who want to join us in supporting ongoing efforts and finding new ways to engage our community to repair the world. Our vision is to achieve greater sensitivity to the earth among members, empower all to act locally and think globally, and to impact individuals, TBE, and the communities where we live. Contact Marta Karlov at mokarlov2@gmail.com or Aleeza Hoffert at engage@tbemadison.org for more information.

Temple Beth El and other Reform Jewish communities in the diaspora have gathered together to forge methods of bringing our communities and those in Israel closer together, forming the Israel Leadership Network for this purpose.

Those of us at Temple Beth El involved in the network include Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, Director of Lifelong Learning Nicole A. Jahr, and the co-chairs of the Kesher Israel Committee, Orly Klugman and Joanna Berke. We encourage others to join us!

 Meetings are held every six weeks. Our previous meetings have included listening to educators regarding the disparities and similarities of our movements and discussing plans for moving forward.

 We are aided in this project by our experienced mentor, Sherrill Neff. Our next meeting will bring leaders of congregations of various sizes and experiences together to share strengths and needs for improvement.

Again, these meetings are welcome to all. Please join us! Contact Nicole Jahr, Director of Lifelong Learning at learn@tbemadison.org for details. 

This recipe is adapted from Raddish! 

INGREDIENTS:

Cake:

• 1 ¼ cups flower 
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tap baking soda
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs 
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

Crumb Topping:

• 6 Tbsp butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ tsp kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 8 x 8 baking pan with cooking spray, butter, or parchment paper. 
2. For the cake, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. 
3. Add softened butter and white sugar to a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Crack your eggs in a separate bowl. 
5. Add your eggs, sour cream, and vanilla to butter and sugar mixture. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. 
6. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix with electric mixer until it’s all combined. Add batter to the baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Set aside. (Do not put in oven yet)
7. Now we are preparing the crumb topping. First, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. 
8. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt to the melted butter. Stir with a fork until all combined. 
9. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in the baking pan using your hands.
10. Now you can bake for 35-40 min until a toothpick comes out clean. 
11. Cool 10-15 min before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Makes: 16 servings (depends who serves!  hahahah! We usually get 12 pieces. :) 

Ingredients:

Bread Pudding:

• Cooking Spray
• 8 cups (1-inch) cubed challah
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 (14-oz) can of fat free sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoon bourbon (we leave this out in our family)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 ounces premium white chocolate, chopped
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cups water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Coat an 11 x 7 inch baking sheet with cooking spray, set aside. Place bread in a large bowl, set aside. 
3. Whisk eggs i a large bowl until foamy and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Add sugar, and whisk until combined, about 2 minutes.
4. Add sweetened condensed milk and next 4 ingredients, whisking until think. Stir in all chocolates. Pour egg mixture over bread, making sure it's evenly saturated. Let stand 30 minutes. Spoon bread mixture into pan. Bake 4 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Let stand 15 minutes. 
5. While pudding bakes, make sauce. Combine sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan over medium-high heat; cook stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
6. Continue cooking, without stirring, 15 minutes until golden. Remove from heat. Combine butter and cream cheese in a heat proof bowl. Carefully pour sugar mixture over butter mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk (mixture will be hot and bubbly). Cool slightly; stir in 2 tablespoons of milk. Pour sauce over pudding just before serving.

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.

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard 12-cup muffin pans with paper or foil liners.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Store covered in the refrigerator.