Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Temple Beth El Blog

Rabbi Bonnie Margulis Wins Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Award

12/07/2020 11:08:10 PM

Dec7

We are proud to announce that TBE member Rabbi Bonnie Margulis is the 2020 winner of the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award. This award recognizes a Madison resident who shares Jeff Erlanger’s passion for public policy, civility, and human rights, who conducts their daily life with these values, and who has made a significant impact on the Madison community.

Rabbi Bonnie was nominated in recognition of her work as a visionary faith leader who has tirelessly engaged in important social justice work. Rabbi Bonnie is a member of the TBE Social Action Committee, Racial Justice Action Team, and Immigrant Rights Action Team. In nominating her, TBE member Erica Serlin wrote: “I have known Rabbi Bonnie in a wide range of contexts and capacities, and she is unfailingly inclusive and collaborative, respectful of diverse opinions, and encouraging of everyone’s contributions. She also works harder than anyone I know and brings passion, knowledge, wisdom, and humility to every endeavor.”

Rabbi Bonnie is the founder and executive director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice (WFVJ), a state-wide interfaith organization working toward social and economic justice on the local, state, and federal levels, formed in 2011 to “raise the progressive religious voice in support of low-income and underserved populations.” Under her leadership, WFVJ has been instrumental in organizing the Dignity at Work Coalition (advocating for policies such as a living wage, paid sick leave, and affordable childcare), the Dane Sanctuary Coalition (assisting vulnerable immigrant and refugee communities), and the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign (promoting nonpartisan civic engagement education and voter outreach).

The success of these organizations is a testament to Rabbi Bonnie’s vision and tireless dedication. As Erica’s nomination states: “Rabbi Bonnie is available almost any time night or day to provide a respectful and empathic listening ear as well as terrific resources and suggestions—all with genuine interest and no apparent ego involvement. Her desire to help create a more just society is always apparent, but plans and projects emerge organically from whatever group she works with or leads rather than from a unilateral agenda. It would be hard to imagine a nominee more qualified to receive an award honoring Jeff Erlanger’s legacy of commitment to a lifetime of public service, social justice, constructive and impactful advocacy, and a celebration of diversity.”

Both Rabbi Bonnie and Erica are able to designate a nonprofit charity to receive $250, and both have chosen WFVJ as a way to continue this work. The award honors TBE member Jeffrey Clay Erlanger, who was an individual of integrity, passion, intelligence and civility. Jeff understood that thoughtful and caring people could have very different views on how to best address our community's many complex issues and problems. Jeff spent a significant part of his life committed to public service, focusing on constructive advocacy and civil debate, fairness, openness, and effective representation. He embraced the similarities that unite us. 

May 1, 2025 3 Iyar 5785