Jewish Social Services of Madison

07/28/2026

We appreciate our rabbis in difficult times. Read the "Letter | Statement on the killing of Corey Ruiz," published in the Cap Times this past Friday. JSS Rabbi Renée Bauer is one of the signers, It begins. "Dear Editor: We write as Jewish clergy of Madison to express our outrage and grief that another Black man was shot dead on our streets. As we bear witness to the death of Corey Ruiz at the hands of police, we cannot remain silent. As Jewish tradition teaches, 'Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed' (Leviticus 19:16)." Read the whole statement...

Dear Editor: We write as Jewish clergy of Madison to express our outrage and grief that another Black man was shot dead on our streets. As we bear witness to

07/24/2026

Jewish Social Services of Madison is heartbroken about the shooting death of Corey Ruiz. Moments like these can bring fear, grief, uncertainty, and trauma, especially for those who have experienced violence, displacement, or loss in the past. JSS remains committed to supporting our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and care without regard to race, religion, or income. We encourage everyone to check in on one another and seek support as needed. JSS social workers and rabbi are available at (608) 442-4081 if you want to talk . The resources below can help you and the children in your life find resilience as our city faces this latest tragedy. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/resilient/index.htm
https://dpi.wi.gov/news/dpi-connected/taking-care-and-providing-resources-after-school-shooting

07/03/2026

FoodShare benefits are ending soon for refugees in Wisconsin—and for many other non-U.S. citizens. Zabi Sahibzada, JSS' Director of Resettlement, spoke with Elly Laliberte of News 3 Now / Channel 3000 earlier this week. Zabi talked about how difficult losing FoodShare benefits will be for those we serve and many more. The policy change and rollout is complex and shifting. JSS keeps up with all the changes so we can best support our refugee community and clients.

07/02/2026

JNews is here with the latest from and for our community. There's still a few spots left for Jonathan Pollack's Levy Series lecture this coming Wednesday, 10:30 am. His talk will be on "Jewish Athletes and Coaches at the University of Wisconsin, 1896–1918: Ways to be Jewish on Campus." Register today to secure your spot, details inside.

https://conta.cc/3RcRPnG

Email from Jewish Social Services News & Happenings from Our Community JNews from JSS Statement on Recent Supreme Court Decisions The photo above shows refugees from N**i Germany aboard the St. Louis

06/30/2026

Jewish Social Services of Madison is deeply saddened by the recent Supreme Court decisions affecting Temporary Protected Status and asylum protections. Following the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, these decisions further narrow pathways to safety for people fleeing war, persecution, and humanitarian crises while creating uncertainty for individuals and families who have built their lives in the United States.

Our roots trace back to 1940, when our community came together to help Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust find safe haven in Madison. More than 80 years later, we continue to welcome refugees and immigrants and help them build safe, stable, and self-sufficient lives.

While refugee resettlement has been paused nationwide, the mission of Jewish Social Services of Madison has not. We continue to serve refugees who have already been welcomed into our community, and we remain steadfast in supporting individuals and families facing uncertainty about their immigration status or humanitarian protections. We recognize the fear these changes can bring, and we remain committed to walking alongside our neighbors with compassion, practical support, and dignity.

Jewish values, as always, guide our work. We are inspired by the enduring call to welcome the stranger, offer refuge to those in need, and affirm the inherent dignity of every human being. We strive to create communities where every person seeking safety, stability, and hope is treated with compassion and respect.

Photo: Refugees from N**i Germany aboard the St. Louis in 1939. They were refused entry and turned away by both Cuba and the United States.

06/17/2026

This issue of JNews features the Juneteenth Jewish Community Seder, taking place this Friday, June 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm, at First Unitarian Society.

Former JSS board member Stormy-Kito Justice z''l was a Black Jewish trans leader in Wisconsin and the U.S. who had a dream to bring the Juneteenth Seder tradition to our state.

A Juneteenth Seder is a celebratory ritual meal, usually convened by Black Jews, combining Jewish Passover traditions with Juneteenth Day, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. It features a specialized haggadah (script) to recount stories of liberation, honor ancestors, and engage in racial justice dialogue.

Join Shaarei Shamayim, Beth Israel Center, Jewish Social Services, and Edot Midwest for the seder.

Registration is full but there is a waiting list you can join by emailing [email protected].

Email from Jewish Social Services News and Happenings From Our Community JNews from JSS JSS celebrates Juneteenth at Jewish Community Seder Friday, June 19, 2026 • 4 Tammuz 5786 6 pm - 8 pm First Uni

06/05/2026

At Jewish Social Services of Madison, we believe in the power of community care. Executive Director Monica Nolan recently shared our mission during a sermon at Temple Beth El, emphasizing the importance of connection and support for those facing challenges. Join us in our efforts to empower individuals through dignified assistance and hope. Together, we can create a stronger community.

https://conta.cc/4vRfjO3

Email from Jewish Social Services News and Happenings From Our Community JNews from JSS Showing Up for One Another Executive Director Monica Nolan Speaks at Temple Beth El Last month, Jewish Social Se

03/27/2026

Celebrate passover with us next month at Capitol Lakes! We've had some wonderful seders over the years and are excited to host this event for the community once again. Please join us on April 7th at 11:30am in the Seasons dining room. Contact Paul for more info and registration at (608) 442-4083 or [email protected].

03/25/2026

Another great article about JSS, this time from Wisconsin Examiner. They did a great job outlining the many challenges faced by refugees in Wisconsin today, including the loss of important documents that allows them to work and pay their bills, as well as stress and anxiety around changes to immigration law and deportations. With a budget shortfall due to loss of government funding and grant support, our staff has shrunk while the need from our clients has increased, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to the community and supporting the vulnerable in Dane County. Thanks to Zabi as always for doing an excellent job representing our agency and the work we do!

03/19/2026

Rabbi Renee Bauer will present at this workshop next Monday, entitled "Belonging in a Changing World: Supporting Our Most Vulnerable”. Part of a series organized by the National Jewish Healing Conference, the event is open to anyone interested in Jewish healing for a small registration fee, and scholarships are widely available. You can register on their website: https://jewish-healing-center.org/registration/