Meet Our 2021 Award Recipients

Each year, the Jewish Federation of Madison gives out several awards at our Annual Meeting recognizing outstanding service and leadership within our community. We are proud to introduce you to this year's recipients, who will be recognized at the Annual Meeting on November 30.



RABBI RENÉE BAUER
Andrea J. Stein Jewish Community Professional Award

The Stein family and the Jewish Federation of Madison established the Andrea J. Stein Jewish Community Professional Award in 2014. Andrea was a beloved member of the Jewish Federation of Madison staff and the Madison Jewish community. This honor is awarded annually to a Jewish community professional who promotes Jewish community outreach, engagement, and action that best serves Klal Yisrael.

This year's award recipient, Rabbi Renée Bauer is the director of chaplaincy and outreach at Jewish Social Services. In this role, Rabbi Bauer provides spiritual care, support, and comfort for Jewish individuals and families who are coping with illness, aging, loss, or other life challenges and do not have access to another rabbi. Visiting clients in the community, at continuing care facilities, at in-patient hospice, and in the hospital, she helps to transform suffering through relationships and reflection. Through this important work, Rabbi Bauer creates connections to Jewish life for people who are often not connected to the organized Jewish community and provides continued connections for seniors at care facilities and homebound individuals.

"I am honored to join the circle of dedicated Jewish professionals in Madison to have received this award that is in memory of an extraordinary woman who we lost too soon," said Rabbi Renée Bauer.

Congratulations to Rabbi Renée Bauer on this well-deserved award!



SARAH MINKOFF
Miriam 
Singer Sulman Young Leadership Award

Named in 1975 in memory of Miriam Singer Sulman, a much admired and dynamic young Jewish Federation of Madison leader, this award enables the recipient to attend the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly through an endowment fund established by Miriam's parents, Isadore and Ida Singer, z"l.

Many of the previous recipients of this award have gone on to serve on our board of directors with great distinction, including as president. This year, we recognize Sarah Minkoff, who moved to Madison in 2018. Currently working in marketing for athletics at the University of Wisconsin, Sarah has extensive professional experience in PR, social media, and digital marketing. In her short time in the community, Sarah has made a significant impact in her volunteer work as a member of the Jewish Federation of Madison's board and Young Leadership Committee, MADCAB. Additionally, she is a member of the Federation's Communications Committee, bringing her expertise, fresh approach, and creative ideas.

Said Sarah, "I have really enjoyed becoming more involved with the Federation over the last year and am honored to have been chosen for this recognition. During a time when many have struggled to stay connected with family, friends, hobbies, and passions, I have loved sharing ideas on how to improve connectivity and communication. I am looking forward to continued involvement over the coming years and hope to help our organization connect with new people and groups."

Congratulations to Sarah Minkoff on this well-deserved award!



NAN YOUNGERMAN
Ben Minkoff Volunteer Service Award

Named in memory of former Jewish Federation of Madison president and founder of Camp Shalom, the Ben Minkoff Volunteer Service Award honors an individual with a record of committed service to the Jewish Federation of Madison and the Madison Jewish community stretching over a period of time, doing volunteer work beyond its usual definition. The award recognizes the accomplishment of a one-person task, generally very time-consuming in public relations, program coordination, continuing assistance in a specific area, or through special resources.

Nan Youngerman is this year's awardee. She is a member of the Jewish Federation of Madison board and a past president of Jewish Social Services. A tireless advocate for refugee resettlement, Nan has organized volunteer groups to sew countless colorful fleece winter hats for children to keep them warm. More recently, she raised funds and organized the purchase of fabric and supplies to create a sewing cooperative for newly arrived Afghan refugee women at Fort McCoy. Nan remains an active member of the Jewish Federation of Madison's board of directors, and in that role, serves on our Strategic Planning Design Committee.

Said Nan, "I am grateful for the multitude of riches in my life, including good health, family, and friendships. Sharing my well-being with others is a simple way to acknowledge my good fortune and honor the values of my parents, who set a strong model for giving back to others. I am honored to join the incredible group of Ben Minkoff Volunteer Service Awardees."

Congratulations to Nan Youngerman on this well-deserved award!



81st ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30 pm on Zoom

It was our great honor to recognize Rabbi Renée Bauer, Sarah Minkoff, and Nan Youngerman at this year's Annual Meeting.
See Video Recording >