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Swarsensky Memorial Weekend Shabbat Worship: Can the Interfaith Endeavor Survive Today’s Schisms?

Friday, November 7, 2025 • 16 Cheshvan 5786

6:00 PM - 7:15 PMSanctuary

Please join us for this special Shabbat worship to begin our Swarsensky Memorial Weekend, a time of community learning in honor of the memory of Rabbi Manfred Swarsensky, who served as rabbi of Temple Beth El from 1940 to 1976 after escaping Nazi Germany in 1939.

We will welcome Rabbi Dena Feingold to speak at services. From her upbringing in one of only a few Jewish families in Janesville, WI to her 42 years in the congregational rabbinate and into retirement, Rabbi Dena Feingold has held a keen interest and has been an enthusiastic participant in interfaith work. However, recent events and the growing divides in today's world give many concerns about the future viability of such endeavors. Rabbi Feingold will draw upon her experience and lessons learned from past stories, struggles, and successes to encourage the continued pursuit of this work.

Rabbi Dena A. Feingold (HUC-JIR, Cincinnati, 1982) served as the rabbi of Beth Hillel Temple in Kenosha, Wisconsin from 1985-2024, where she now holds the title of Rabbi Emerita. Born and raised in Janesville, WI, Rabbi Feingold is a graduate of UW-Madison. She became Wisconsin’s first female rabbi when named Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee in 1982. Rabbi Feingold has been an active participant in interfaith work and social justice causes throughout her career. She is married to attorney Brad Backer and has two adult children, Jonathan Backer and Abigail Backer, and two grandchildren.

Please join us for Shabbat worship in person or via livestream through YouTube. We will also have a light nosh before the service, starting at 5:15 pm.

To view this event on livestream, go to YouTube at http://www.tinyurl.com/TBEYTLivestream.

To follow along in Mishkan T'filah, you can obtain a print or electronic copy here.

Find our accessibility measures and visitor guide on our in-person information page.

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September 16, 2025 23 Elul 5785