An Apple in Your Pocket
By Jim Mackman
"It is not your responsibility to finish the work of perfecting the world, but you are not free to desist from it either."
Rabbi Tarfon, Pirke Avot 2:21
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Many of us remember when most Jewish homes had a blue and white tin box, (the “pushke”), for depositing of tzedakah, (justice), coins. From early childhood, Jewish children learned that they had the responsibility to care for people in need. Today, the opportunities to teach the next generation about tzedakah are greater than ever. |
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“Are you ready to go?” I asked my grandfather seeing that he still had other tasks on his mind. “Soon,” he replied while searching thru his dresser drawers. Grandpa seemed to be looking for something important. I distracted him by asking about all the fascinating tchotchkes he had in his dresser drawer. Grandpa patiently answered my questions and showed me each tchotchke that I showed interest in. Every so often he placed a tchotchke into his pocket rather than returning it to his dresser drawer. Soon, a variety of items had made their way into his pocket including several coins, some military patches, a couple of small pocketknives, a variety of hard candy and some baseball cards. “What’s that stuff for?” I asked. “I’m just putting an apple in my pocket” he responded. “Grandpa, you don’t have an apple in your pocket. You have all that other stuff” I told him. “You’re right boychik! We better get some apples.” said grandpa. He took me to the kitchen and opened his icebox and pulled out two apples. “Here you go. One for your pocket and one for mine.” |
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Thursday, December 10, from 3 – 4 pm: Advanced Reactors: What they are and why we need them to save our Planet
People tend to fear what they don’t understand, and accept negative generalizations from the oil industry. What are the options needed in addition to solar and wind power to cut our carbon emissions in time to prevent or at least ameliorate serious climate effects.
Richard Steeves is an Emeritus Professor at UW-Madison School of Medicine & Public Health, Department of Human Oncology. Richard has served on the International Crane Foundation Board of Directors for 12 years. During his busy “retirement years” Richard has given numerous talks and classes focusing on carbon-free energy for electricity and transportation, including ideas and insights on the health of nations and our oceans. He enjoys the view from above and his favorite hobbies include flying seaplanes and aircraft-building.
Meeting ID: 840 0694 9640
Passcode: 635708
By phone: (312) 626-6799
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Sleep! It Does a Body Good…
FINAL PARENTS' PANEL on 12/16 at 1:30 PM. Join us for a talk about Sleep! Learn from certified sleep consultant, Maya Garbuz, will talk about the sleep’s importance and how to support healthy sleep habits. COVID-19 has made everything even more challenging and sleep is impacted by stress and change. Learn how even now, we can have a good night’s sleep. Maya will focus on younger children but all are welcome. Please note that we will also have Q&A at the end.
Maya Garbuz is a JSS case manager who has worked with families and young children for over 14 years as a nanny, teacher, parent coach, and social worker. She believes that anyone can achieve a good night's sleep with some guidance and support. As every family is unique, Maya’s approach to teaching healthy sleep habits is very individualized. She helps families set goals and decide on the methods they want to use, for teaching children healthy sleep habits. For more information on Maya and her sleep consultation services visit, madisonsleepconsultant.com.
If you have questions prior to the program please send them to Caren at caren@jssmadison.org. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Thank you for your interest. Look forward to seeing you December 16th at 1:30pm via zoom. The program will be recorded and posted on the JSS and JFM website for viewing.
Thank you to JFM for generously supporting this program.
December 16th at 1:30pm via Zoom
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Did you miss the first two in our family support series regarding COVID-19 – Where do we go from here? ? Check out the links here:
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Join JSS on Mondays for Schmoozing at 11am and
Yoga From A Chair at 11:30am
With Betsy Haimson
Meeting ID: 406 575 567
Join by phone: (312) 626-6799, 406 575 567#
For questions about Zoom programs, call Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083.
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Jewish Tradition and Torah Study with Rabbi Renee Bauer
Thursday, December 17, from 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Meeting ID: 862 1810 7308
By phone: (312) 626-6799
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Refugee Mentorship Program
Volunteer Opportunity
JSS is launching its new refugee mentorship program, Aljirani Madison, and is now seeking volunteers! From the Swahili “jirani - neighbor” and Arabic “aljar - neighbor”, Aljirani Madison is a 6-month long volunteering program that partners community volunteers with a local refugee individual or family to provide a warm welcome, companionship, and practical help. For a full description of the program please click the "Program details" link below. Please note: partnerships will meet digitally for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19.
For questions, contact Sam Van Akkeren at (608) 563-9674 or sam@jssmadison.org.
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Chanukah Menorahs and goodie bags!
Celebrate the Festival of Lights by bringing some light to older adults in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. You can help by financial contribution or acting as back-up for no-contact delivery of goodie bags and electric menorahs before the 1st night and pick up the menorah at the end of the holiday. The first candle is December 10th. As we will not be visiting in person this year, we will be greatly expanding our list and sending out Chanukah goodie bags as well as menorahs. Contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Consider bringing some cheer during these isolated times.
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GOOD NEWS!
Transportation Program for Older Adults: Significantly subsidized private rides
JSS is excited to announce that we received a grant from Bader Philanthropies of Milwaukee to allow JSS to provide additional transportation support to older adults throughout Dane County, specifically focusing on those with fewer resources. When JSS cannot find a volunteer driver, trips to and from medical appointments, grocery stores and similar necessities will be made available for $8.00, round trip, with fee waivers available. We will use CarePool and taxis to provide this service throughout Dane County.
For transportation assistance, please contact us at 608-442-4081 or office@jssmadison.org. We will connect you with one of our social workers who will be happy to help you access this service. We thank Bader Philanthropies for their interest in our community.
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Wish List
*Gift cards for Hanukkah goodie bags (Woodmans, Walmart, Target, Walgreens NOT from Trader Joes or Whole Foods)
*Financial donations for Hanukkah gift bags-each bag costs $5
Mailing address:
Jewish Social Services
6434 Enterprise Ln Madison, WI 53719
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On behalf of the JSS staff, past and present, it is our sad duty to inform you of the death on November 30, of Renata Laxova, beloved mother of Anita Laxova and Daniela Lax (Linda Snyder), and cherished grandmother of Zander Steichen.
Renata was a long-time volunteer of Jewish Social Services. The connection she made as a friendly visitor was absolutely incredible and we are so grateful to her. Renata was a survivor of the Holocaust. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tibor Lax. She was 89.
Renata died in Arizona and will be buried in Madison. If you would like to make a tribute donation, please click here.
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To reach our office, call (608) 442-4081.
*Please leave a message, we check the voicemail frequently
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Do you have a car you would like to get rid of???
Donate your car to JSS! The proceeds go directly to our programs.
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Community Engagement Forum with Senator Russ Feingold
Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Senator Feingold will share what he has been doing since leaving the Senate in 2011 and provide his insight as a former member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations into the challenges that lie ahead in U.S. foreign relations in the next presidential administration.
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Action Alert: PROTECT THE CITIZENSHIP PROCESS
TAKE ACTION NOW!
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Adamah and UW Hillel are offering Latkes, Sufganiyot, Olive Oil Cakes, Chocolate Babka Muffins, and their signature Graham Cracker Crust Sweet Noodle Kugel this year for Chanukah!
If you follow this link, you'll find the Chanukah Pre-Order items at the bottom of the page. Currently, these items are listed as pick-up only, but to make sure folks have access to their delicious holiday treats, they'd be more than happy to arrange deliveries too! A la carte Latkes and Sufganiyot will be offered beginning on December 1st.
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JSS is proud to be a beneficiary agency of: |
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