What’s Inside
Latest News & Upcoming Events
– Time to Renew Your Temple Membership!
– An Unforgettable Israel Journey You Won’t Want to Miss!
– An Evening of Study, Discussion, and Prayer as a Community this Tisha B’Av
– A Special Summer Musical Event with Artist in Residence, Cantor Natalie Young
– A Perfect Volunteer Opportunity for Families
– The NOVA Music Festival Exhibition
– An Adult Learning Opportunity
– An Opportunity to Make a Civic Impact with Get Out The Vote
Worship and Study
– August 9: Shabbat Services with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi David Woznica, and Cantorial Intern Lauren Blasband-Roth
– August 10: Spirit of Shabbat with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Clergy Corner
– Sermon from August 2 Shabbat – “Can We Rejoice at the Downfall of Our Enemies?”
– Join Our Antisemitism Initiative
– Listen to the Latest Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi Podcast
– Israeli Hostage Family in LA Pushes for Ceasefire and Hostage Release
– Legendary Olympic Swimmer Mark Spitz in Dialogue with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
– Rabbi Sari Laufer Featured as Special Guest Commentator for URJ
Latest News & Upcoming Events
This year we are celebrating the inspirational accomplishments of Stephen Wise Temple over the last 60 years and we are looking forward to seeing what will come in the next 60 years. If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do so today!
If you have any questions, please contact our Membership department at [email protected], or call us at 310.889.2230.
School families: Your renewal was processed with school registration, so you’re all set!
Experience Israel With Wise: A Trip Like No Other
December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025
Join us for an unforgettable experience: our Intergenerational Wise Family Adventure in Israel!
There has never been a more important time to embark on this meaningful journey; to come together as a people and learn, laugh, cry, heal, love, and above all, return home.
On your Israel journey with Wise you will:
Feel the warmth of Hannukah surrounded by glowing hanukkiyot in the city of Modiin ⋅ Discover outdoor adventure and beautiful stargazing in the Negev ⋅ Unearth the history of our people by exploring Masada, museums, and an archeological dig ⋅ Savor the flavors of Israel with guided culinary experiences ⋅ Dive deep into Jewish history and culture through parallel adult and youth programming ⋅ And so, so much more!
Create unforgettable memories for the whole family as you immerse yourself in Israel like never before!
Please be advised – space is limited and we encourage you to secure your spot on our trip as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Make a Civic Impact with Get Out The Vote
Partner with Wise and Get Out the Vote on Sunday, Aug 25, at 11 a.m. The strength of our democracy depends upon the vote of all of our citizens. Together with the Reform Movement’s Every Voice Every Vote campaign, we’ll be hosting a Get Out The Vote (GOTV) party as we gather to write postcards and letters encouraging people to register and vote. Low-voting communities around the country will be reached with this initiative. If you can’t make it to the project day, no worries! You can order postcards directly from GOTV and learn more about additional Every Voice Every Vote initiatives here. Additionally, Faiths United to Save Democracy is a voter advocacy resource and their page has important resources for voter support.
Please join us on Friday, August, 16 and Saturday, August, 17 for a spiritual and uplifting weekend filled with music, love, and Jewish joy. Cantor Emma and Dr. Tali Tadmor will be joined by Guest Artist in Residence, Cantor Natalie Young, for a musical Shabbat and Havdalah like you’ve never seen or heard before!
The weekend begins with a beautiful, song-filled Shabbat service on Friday, August 16, at 6:15 p.m. featuring Wise musical favorites, Natalie’s original compositions, and an incredible, one of a kind, musical sermon. Following services, celebrate the warmth of Shabbat and unwind after a busy week with a special l’chayyim – the perfect way to enjoy a festive summer evening with your loved ones!
Join us the following night, Saturday, August 17, at 6:30 p.m. for a special Havdalah Kumsitz (sing-along!) around a fire, complete with s’mores and all of your favorite campfire songs – guaranteed end-of-summer fun for the whole family!
Make a Difference with Your Whole Family
Join us at Our Big Kitchen LA on Sunday, August 11 at 1 p.m. to help prepare a Kosher meal for those in need throughout Los Angeles. Together we will learn about OBKLA’s amazing operation before getting our hands dirty (with gloves of course!) as we prep food for distribution. There is a per-person charge of $36 which covers the cost of the food we’ll be preparing and helps to sustain OBKLA. Grandparents – Bring your grandkids to this great multigenerational project!
Josh Kadden, CEO, Nova Exhibition
Josh Kadden, the CEO of the Nova Exhibition, will be our guest speaker for Shabbat Services on Friday, August 23.
Melton School for Adult Jewish Learning
Beyond Borders: Israeli Literature as a Window to a Diverse and Vibrant Society
Encounter Israeli society through the works of Israel’s leading writers and voices from outside the mainstream, discovering perspectives that are original, frank, contemporary, and heartfelt, all while we enjoy the beauty of the artists’ work. Rabbi Shana Chandler Leon will guide us on a journey to gain insights into the Israeli national psyche. Tuesday evenings this fall, 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom.
Worship and Study
This schedule is subject to change. Visit our website for a complete calendar of events.
Torah Portion: D’varim
Friday, August 9
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat services with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi David Woznica, and Cantorial Intern Lauren Blasband-Roth | Casden Chapel | In-Person or Watch Online
Saturday, August 10
8:45 a.m. | Spirit of Shabbat with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback | Chapel Study | In-Person and Online | Register
Clergy Corner
Shabbat Sermon
In light of last week’s assassinations of terrorist leaders from Iran and Lebanon, Rabbi Yoshi’s latest sermon – drawing on thought-provoking midrash, traditional themes of Torah, and teachings from World War II Warsaw – guides us as we consider the question: “Can we rejoice at the downfall of our enemies?”
Experience the full sermon and learn even more with our clergy on our YouTube channel.
Join Wise in Fighting Antisemitism
In this current climate, Wise is not only committed to supporting our college students, but also to being a voice, collectively speaking up and out for our people more broadly. In addition to our new partnerships with The Lawfare Project and The Brandeis Center, we are asking all of our members to help us strengthen our network by filling out this questionnaire.
In doing so, you will enable us to learn more about the connections and relationships our congregation has so that we might appropriately leverage our influence for the sake of current students, as well as future generations. With your assistance, we will be able to respond swiftly and powerfully as a community.
All information will be kept confidential.
Listen to the Latest Search for Meaning Podcast with Hallel Abramowitz-Silverman
Rabbi Yoshi sits down with Hallel Abromowitz-Silverman, an Israeli activist and advocate. She first gained the attention of the public with her work with Women of the Wall that ended up with a widely reported case at the Israel Supreme Court in 2013. She talks about her service in the IDF focused on combatting online hate directed toward Israel.
Israeli hostage family pushes for ceasefire and hostage release from LA
Rabbi Yoshi recently sat down to interview Yehuda Cohen, a desperate father who is doing everything he can to get his son Nimrod out of Hamas’ captivity. Their moving conversation will be featured on an upcoming episode of the Search for Meaning podcast. Learn more about the Cohen family here.
Search for Meaning with Mark Spitz
As you enjoy the 2024 Olympic Games, be sure to listen to a perfect companion piece: Rabbi Yoshi’s conversation with legendary Olympic Swimmer Mark Spitz. Spitz, a 7 time gold medalist and proud member of the Stephen Wise Temple Family, took home gold during the 1972 games in Munich. From his childhood to his swimming career and his present work in documenting Holocaust stories, Spitz discusses his heritage and its impact on everything he has accomplished.
Rabbi Sari Laufer is Union for Reform Judaism’s Special Guest Commentator
Throughout the year, The Union for Reform Judaism invites special guest commentators to write a series of weekly d’var Torah teachings, which are then featured as the primary commentary for that week’s parsha. Wise is thrilled to share that for this year’s reading of Deuteronomy, the accompanying d’varim will be written by our very own Rabbi Sari Laufer. Look forward to learning every week with Rabbi Sari as she shares her thoughtful, meaningful, and beautiful insights with our national URJ community. Rabbi Sari’s d’varim can be found every week on URJ’s website.
Local Happenings
If you or a community member you know have recently been recognized or honored, or if you have an event you wish to publicize to our community or that could involve our community, please contact us at [email protected].
In Memoriam
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Kaddish List:
Shirley Ashkenas, Marjorie Hess, Carole Markoff, Frank Pinkus, Barbara Seidman
Yahrzeit List:
Adolph Also, Edith Barg, Harry Baron*, Laurence Bruce Baumann, Shirley Berkus*, Ida Bilenky*, Warren Lee Blanck*, Manuel A. Borinstein*, Max Brown, Irving Camhi, Ruth Davis, Louis D. Delevie, Israel Delug, Lena Eagle, Faye Feiles*, Barbara Fisher, Charlotte Friedman, Rodney Friedman, Dorothy Gagerman*, Paul Glick, Florence Glick*, Oscar Goldstein, Jerry J. Handler*, Gerald Hundert, Shirley Jacobs, Andrew Kahn, Rose Karno, Moe Karp*, Grace Katz, Gertrude Kierman*, Joseph King, June Klein, Paul Klein, Jack Koren, Sayde Shadur Kushman*, Jacob Kuznitsky*, Lenore Lederman*, Sybelle Lepp*, Ruth Litoff*, Lloyd K. Lloyd, Abe Lustig*, Elias Meshulam, Lenni Moldin*, Sam Nelson*, Abraham Peck, Ethel Perer, Clara Rashkov*, Adele Rhodes*, Charles Rubnitz, Khanombashi Sadigh, Martin Schiff, Henry Schwarz*, Michael Segall, Harold J. Shields*, Lila Bocjk Silberberg*, Donald Silverman, Jeff Silverstein, Nat Stoller*, Lydia Tecker, Jack Tillman, Sade Venick*, Sarah Weinstein*, Dorothy Weston, Harry Aaron Wienir*, Philip Yallowitz
Simchas
NEW BIRTHS
MAZAL TOV TO
Camilla Marcus Moak and Joshua Marcus Moak, on the birth of their daughter, Bowie Redd Marcus Moak, and to proud grandparents, Barbara and Joel Marcus
Tributes
We honor our loved ones, our family simchas, and our communal losses through charitable giving. To give in honor or in memory of a cherished family member or dear friend, please visit wisela.org/giving.
RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi David Woznica, by Susan and Bill Ehrlich
RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Ron Stern for officiating at the service for my beloved Frank Pinkus, by Sylvia Ward
CANTOR EMMA LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Emma Lutz for officiating at the service for my beloved Frank Pinkus, by Sylvia Ward
AARON MILKEN CENTER
IN HONOR OF
Barbara and Joel Marcus, on the birth of their granddaughter, Bowie Redd Marcus Moak, and to proud parents, Camilla Marcus Moak and Joshua Marcus Moak, by Lori and Rob Goodman and Family
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN MEMORY OF
Carole Markoff, by Gayle and Lee Rodgers
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Frank Pinkus, by Susan and Jon Berger
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Laurence Bruce Baumann, Terrie and Richard Baumann
Ruth Davis, by Carol and Howard Rosen
Charlotte Friedman, by Nancy Norris
Sam Gellman, Esther Rosen, Robert (Bob) Gellman, and Max Rosen, by Linda and Alan Rosen
Jerry Handler, by Ardythe E. Jasper
Andrew Kahn, by Ellen and Barry Dorfman and Family
Lloyd K. Lloyd, by the Ken Lloyd Family
