E-Connect
December 3, 2021--Shabbat Shalom and Happy Hanukkah!
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Shamash: The Hanukkah Lesson of Service
by Rabbi Renee Bauer
There are nine not eight candles on a Hanukkah menorah. There are eight candles for eight days and then a ninth helper candle called the shamash. Technically, according to Jewish law, the light of the menorah is holy. As such, we cannot use the candles to light other candles or to use the light for "mundane" purposes. We use a shamash candle to provide natural light and to light the others, thereby preserving the sanctity of the Chanukah lights. We do not extinguish the shamash after it fills its primary purpose of lighting the other candles so that it is ready to serve again if one of the Hanukkah lights blows out.
The role of the shamash has a lot to teach us about our own lives. A flame that has been extinguished cannot regenerate itself. So too there are times in all our lives when we are like an extinguished flame, feeling dark and alone. We need others to help us rekindle our spirits. And each of us has the ability, at other times in our lives, to act like a shamash. We can serve others who need light through simple actions such as listening, being present, holding a hand or providing a meal.
The shamash is not a candle separate from the menorah but is part of its structure. The one who is helping and those who need help are part of the same community. The shamash is set apart from the other candles, often higher than the rest. It has an essential and honored role because it enables the other candles to remain holy. Its elevated status comes not from its own special strength but from enabling the other candles to shine.
May each of us in these days of Hanukkah find ways to act as a shamash to one who needs light in their lives. Just as each night the menorah shines more light so too can we be the source of increasing light in these dark winter days.
Happy Hanukkah from everyone at Jewish Social Services.
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Meet Stephanie Taylor, our new Refugee Resettlement Case Manager!
Stephanie joined JSS in the fall of 2021, after spending time volunteering at Fort McCoy with the Afghan Refugees who had come to Wisconsin. This experience made her realize that working with refugees was incredibly important to her, and she wanted to get back to her Social Work roots after spending time as a Lactation Consultant and raising her young children. Stephanie earned her B.A. in Women and Gender Studies at Washington University in St. Louis and her Master’s in Social Work at University of Chicago. She also has her M.B.A. from Babson College. Stephanie has worked in a variety of non-profits where she has spent time in programming, development, and direct service. She is very excited to be on the JSS Resettlement team!
Stephanie spends her time parenting her three children, playing soccer, cross-country skiing, running, doing yoga, drinking coffee and eating Madison Sourdough croissants. She also has taken up Zumba in the past couple of years and is very interested in finding new dance classes around town!
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Happy Hanukkah
Jewish Social Services reached out to over 110 people this year with Hanukkah gift bags, which included our annual list of people in residential facilities who also receive loaned electric menorahs to celebrate.
Thank you !!
To all our volunteers and staff who helped organize lists, gift bags, check menorahs, fill bags, and visit and deliver to our fellow community members.
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Just for fun.....Check out this hilarious parody, Hanukkah Hamilton!!! Thank you Merilyn K. for sending it to us.
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JSS is hiring for 5 NEW POSITIONS!
Social Services Case Manager
See the full job posting here
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to the Associate Director Chris Shanahan at shany@jssmadison.org. Please include CM-SS in the subject line. Position open until filled.
Managing Attorney of Immigration Legal Services, Jewish Social Services of Madison
See the full job posting here
Please submit a cover letter and resume to the Associate Director Chris Shanahan at shany@jssmadison.org. Please include ILS Managing Attorney in the subject line. Interviews will begin on 11/29. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
Resettlement Case Aide
See the full job posting here
Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to Jewish Social Services at HR@jssmadison.org. Please include “Resettlement Case Aide” in the subject line.
Resettlement Case Manager, ICM
See the full job posting here
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-ICM Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
Job Developer Case Manager
See the full job posting here
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-Job Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at office@jssmadison.org or you may call us at (608) 442-4081.
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Donations Item Wish List
Our Social Services Case Management Team is looking for the following items for current clients:
Female:
Winter coat, XXL
Winter boots, size 10
Warm pants, size XL
Male:
Winter coat 3XL
Winter boots size 12
Long warm socks, size 12
Sweaters, size 3XL
Hats, mittens for both male and female
Please contact Maya Garbuz at maya@jssmadison.org or (608) 442-4085 if you have any of these items. Thank you!
Thank you!
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Have a car you no longer use? Consider donating it to JSS! The proceeds go directly to our programs.
Donating a car to JSS could mean hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars in support of our programs. Our vehicle donation program provides free pick-up and supports you through the entire donation process.
To learn more or to get started, call CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) at 877-537-5277 or simply submit a secure online donation form. The CARS Vehicle Donation Support team is available seven days a week.
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We are running low on funds for this NECESSARY program.
Watch for our next E-Connect to hear more about some of the people that YOUR gifts have helped.
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Join us for Shabbat – All are welcome!
Capitol Lakes in the Grand Hall
333 West Main St (first Fridays)
Friday, December 3rd, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Oakwood Village West in the Chapel Annex
6205 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705 (third Fridays)
Friday, December 17th, 3:00-4:00 pm
Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for keeping our community safe!
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TO JOIN ZOOM PROGRAMS: Watch out for an email, or go to www.jssmadison.org/calendar and choose a program by date. Click on the event title to open up a new window that will have details and a Zoom link for that program. On Monday mornings, we send out an email notice with the link for Yoga From A Chair. If you are not on that email list, but wish to be – please let us know.
Recordings of past Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
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Yoga update
Yoga from a Chair will be on a hiatus for the month of December due to our upcoming Lechayim Lunches, detailed below. You can join us at these lunches for in-person yoga with Estelle Katz. Please check back for updates on when virtual Yoga from a Chair will return.
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IT IS BACK!!!
Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus
Find changes, updates and new information about JSS programs on our website, www.jssmadison.org.
Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus.
Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue.
If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email: paul@jssmadison.org by Wednesday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $4.00 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $9.07 for those younger than 60 years old.
Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals!
Monday, December 6
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Chicken Schnitzel (Veggie option - Corn Schnitzel), Ptitim (Israeli couscous), Mediterranean roasted vegetables, fruit
12:30 pm: Candle lighting and Happy Hanukkah!
Monday, December 13
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Smoked BBQ brisket (Veggie option: Glazed smoked tofu), vegan scalloped potatoes, corn on the cob, fruit
Monday, December 20
11:00 am -11:30 am: Yoga from a chair with Estelle Katz
11:00 am -11:30 am: Complimentary Blood pressure check with nurse, Lori Edelstein
11:30 am -12:30 pm: Braised Balsamic chicken (Veggie option: Balsamic braised tofu), garlic whipped potato, roasted vegetable medley, fruit
If you would like further information about programs and transportation, contact Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083, paul@jssmadison.org.
Recordings of Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
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Upcoming Jewish Federation of Madison Events
8 Candles: A Hannukah Celebration
Sunday, December 5th, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Road PD, Verona, WI 53593
See information and registration details here
Cafe Ivrit: Adult Hebrew Conversation Group
Tuesday, Starting October 12, 7:00pm (register for location)
Join Hanna and Oz, our Community Shlichim, for a drink and Hebrew conversation at this fun and interactive group for adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s taking place every other week until December 21st.
See information and registration details here
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A tribute gift is a meaningful way to convey sympathy to the bereaved, memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion or honor a person’s life and accomplishments.
Your gift to Jewish Social Services made in honor or memory of this special person ensures a legacy that extends far into the future.
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As more of us are vaccinated and COVID restrictions ease and protocols evolve, we want to thank our volunteers that could do so for staying active, often via telephone, internet and expanded holiday gift giving and deliveries.
Now that there are expanded ways to safely interact, requests for volunteers as friendly visitors, shopping partners, and other tasks are coming in quickly. We will be having volunteers help with Shabbats and hopefully more in-person events beginning this summer. Also, we are receiving more families for refugee resettlement. JSS has a van that can be used for larger families. If you are comfortable picking up and driving the van or have a larger vehicle yourself, we are always looking to have a good size pool of drivers. Some of you are already engaged in some of these roles – thank you again.
For those of you who would like get more specifics about these and other emerging volunteer opportunities, or know someone who may be a good fit for our programs – please contact me via email or phone number below.
We understand that as we move forward volunteers and those we help will have varying degrees of comfort level and needs regarding any in-person visiting or transportation help. We will work together with you and clients to respect that and keep us all safe. Look forward to hearing from you.
For questions about volunteering, please Contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org.
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Volunteers needed to help newcomers ride the bus
JSS is seeking volunteers to help newcomers learn to ride the bus. Newcomers are very much dependent on public transportation when they first arrive, to go to appointments and get to work. If you’re willing to ride the bus and know how to use the maps function on your smart phone, you will be able to help us teach our new neighbors how to navigate their new home.
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New semester starting--Adult learners need your help with English language and literacy
Thanks to Jewish Federation of Madison through the Cheryl Rosen Weston Fund – Jewish Social Services is partnering with the Literacy Network to offer training and volunteer opportunities this fall working with adult learners in English as a Second Language, GED preparation and/or general literacy skills.
It will involve an initial training session, gaining familiarity with lesson plans and materials prepared by Literacy Network staff, and weekly meetings with an adult learner. The fall session begins in September and runs through mid-December. Until further notice, all meetings will continue to be online.
Thanks for those of you who responded already – we still are recruiting. To get further info about this opportunity, please contact JSS volunteer coordinator, Paul Borowsky, 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Check for further descriptions, specific training dates, applications, and other details on the Literacy Network website: https://www.litnetwork.org/
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PROGRAM EXTENDED!!! Thank You Bader Philanthropies.
Transportation Program for Older Adults:
Significantly subsidized private rides
JSS is excited to have received a grant from Bader Philanthropies of Milwaukee to allow JSS to provide additional transportation support to ALL 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 a maximum of $8.00, round trip, with fee waivers available.
If you know anyone who may benefit from this program, please let us know. We have it for our community. 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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Please see this excerpt from a Q&A with Resettlement Director, Becca Schwartz.
You can see the full interview in our Winter Connections Newsletter, which will be published shortly!
What is happening with the Afghani refugees at Fort McCoy?
Many thousands of people were evacuated from Afghanistan since the U.S. troop withdrawal began. They are now waiting to be processed and then resettled elsewhere.
What challenges does JSS face in resettling Afghans here?
JSS is responsible for Dane County resettlements, and we have been asked to resettle about 75 people (in addition to 75 from other countries); we are increasing our staff to meet this challenge. Unfortunately, we are having to deny larger families the opportunity to resettle here, because it is very difficult to find affordable and appropriate single-family homes for rent in the local market.
How can the community continue to support Afghani refugees?
The outpouring of donations and offers of help has been so moving and heartening. Unrestricted cash donations allow us to help all refugees as needed. We are finding that donations of items can be tricky, as we have limited storage space and limited volunteer capacity to move and sort donated items. Also, certain household items must be NEW according to U.S. law, so we cannot accept used bedding, and so forth. Please help us focus on our most pressing work and do not bring or drop off unsolicited items at JSS. You can learn more about how to help Dane County’s newest residents at www.opendoorsforrefugees.org.
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Download or read online our paper Connections newsletter. It has different stories and photos than you see in our electronic newsletter.
To reach our office, call (608) 442-4081*
*Please leave a message. We check the voicemail frequently, even when the building is closed.
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Recordings of our Zoom presentations and programs are available to view on JSS' YouTube channel.
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JSS is proud to be a beneficiary agency of: |
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