Seeking Shabbat
By Cantor Emma Lutz
A quote from Leslie Weatherhead, excerpted from one of my favorite siddurim (prayer books), Gates of Prayer:
“I have always found prayer difficult. So often it seems like a fruitless game of hide-and-seek where we seek and God hides…Yet I cannot leave prayer alone for long. My need drives me to God. And I have a feeling that God has God’s own reasons for hiding God’s self, and that finally all my seeking will prove infinitely worthwhile. And I am not sure what I mean by ‘finding.’ Some days [Sabbaths] my very seeking seems a kind of ‘finding.’ And of course, if ‘finding’ means the end of ‘seeking,’ it were better to go on seeking.”
READ MORE
 

Wildcats Wow Wise in Dynamite Debut of Completed Katz
At long last, our Wise Wildcats made their basketball debut in our brand new Katz Family Pavilion. Facing a strong Mirman Mustangs team, coach Ryan Hosler’s 4th grade boys blue team were set to begin the season with a true test. The first half was tightly contested with eight lead changes and a halftime score of 11-10. Neither team backed down as the match continued into the third quarter resulting in only a single basket separating the two determined 4th grade powerhouses.
READ MORE
 

Member Spotlight: Deena and Ed Nahmias
This month, we turn our Member Spotlight on Deena and Ed Nahmias, two of the incredible members being honored at the Wise Gala on Saturday, February 3rd. Members for over 20 years with a long history of connection and committment to Wise, Deena and Ed have most recently been instrumental in the construction of Katz Family Pavilion and the new Nahmais Plaza that have transformed our campus.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME PART OF THE WISE COMMUNITY?
We joined Wise in 1996. We had just moved to Los Angeles from New Jersey. We had been very active in our Reform temple in Livingston, NJ and we were strangers to LA – as a result we were looking for a connection to a Jewish community.
READ MORE
 
 
Worship
 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Vaera

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Nathan Lam

7:30 p.m. Re:Shabbat
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
Discover a new Shabbat experience! This casual, musical gathering will bring us together to sing, worship, and enjoy great food and wine in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
RSVP HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz
 

1:30 p.m. Shabbat Shesh Besh (Backgammon)
Join Rabbi Yoshi and friends for a leisurely Shabbat afternoon of backgammon.
RSVP HERE

NEXT WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Emma Lutz

Soulful Shabbat
6:30 p.m. | Dinner
8 p.m. | Services
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi Sari Laufer, and Cantor Nathan Lam
REGISTER FOR DINNER BY JANUARY 16

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Cantor Emma Lutz and Rabbinic Intern Bryan Zive
 
Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, January 17 at 12 p.m. | Taub Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, January 22 at 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
Center for Jewish Life presents:
The Writings of Elie Wiesel
with Rabbi David Woznica
Tuesdays, January 16, 23
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Elie Wiesel survived Auschwitz and became a witness for the six million who perished.  He was a leading international Jewish and beloved to the Jewish people. Through his books, his teaching and his speeches he reached tens of millions around the world. We will read and analyze three speeches of one of the most important Jews in modern history.
REGISTER HERE
 

Rosh Hodesh Women’s Gathering
Wednesday, January 17 at 8:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
Celebrate Rosh Hodesh with the women of Stephen Wise Temple. This beautiful experience for women by women is filled with learning, poetry, song ,community, and friendship.
RSVP HERE
 

Center for Jewish Life presents:
BimBam: Watch Something Jewish
A Special Evening for Parents with Young Children
With Sarah Lefton
January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
The founder of BimBam will share with you an exciting series of Jewish videos and animated series that will elevate your children’s free time and help you bring more Judaism into your home together. You will delight in Shaboom! with Gabi and Rafael in their playhouse in the clouds. You’ll discover Parenting Resources which will help you teach Jewish values and rituals. You can learn the Torah portion of the week with your children in an exciting and animated form. And most important you will leave with a great resource that can shape you and your child’s Judaism for years to come.
REGISTER HERE
 
An Evening with Robert Shapiro
Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m.
Legendary attorney and addiction treatment advocate Robert Shapiro will speak at Stephen Wise Temple on January 25, addressing issues of individuals and families struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback will moderate this special evening that is sure to be informative, engaging, and impactful. Co-sponsored by Beit T’Shuvah and Panish Shea & Boyle LLP,this will be a special and unique opportunity to hear from and speak with a leading advocate and expert on this important topic. This will be a free event open to all.
LEARN MORE
RSVP HERE
 
 
URJ Camp Newman Benefit Concert
Saturday, January 20
2 p.m.
Bringing together diverse voices all deeply connected with URJ Camp Newman of San Rafael, Wise will host a benefit concert on Saturday, January 20 to help raise awareness for the beloved community affected by fires in Northern California. For many years songleaders, musicians, and composers have been an essential part of Camp Newman’s identity. At this special event we will celebrate their songs and voices, joining together in our favorites from years past and the present. There will be no cost to attend but we ask all attendees to make a generous donation to Camp Newman.
LEARN MORE
REGISTER AND DONATE HERE
 
Community Calendar
 

West Coast Jewish Theatre presents:
The Sunshine Boys: A Staged Reading
With Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam
Sunday, January 21 at 3 p.m. | Stephen Wise Temple
This beloved Neil Simon classic tells the story of a faded vaudeville duo thrust together for a reunion show years after a falling-out. A tender comedy about friendship and show business, The Sunshine Boys will come to life in this special staged reading featuring Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam. Tickets: $25
Call 323.821.2449 for tickets
 

Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health and Cedars-Sinai present
Jewish Wisdom and Wellness: A Festival of Learning
April 15 — April 29
Learn about health and wellness at this annual community-wide series of events, lectures, workshops, and experiential classes hosted by community organizations and synagogues throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Jewish Wisdom & Wellness is intentionally multidenominational and interdisciplinary, and programs will be offered across the streams of Jewish life.
LEARN MORE 
 

Post-Hanukkah Sale at the Temple Gift Shop!
Visit the Temple Gift Shop for our post-Hanukkah sale! Stock up now on Hanukkah items for next year. All Hanukkah items 25% off! Do you have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah coming up? Tallits for these special occasions are all 25% off.
 
Lifecycle • Yahrzeits
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:

Dr. Henrietta Albert, Bella Adler, Rochelle Blank, Bernard Ellenson, Jerry Esten, Victoria Halimi, Harold Jay Rosen, Bradley Sonnenberg, Marilyn Wenzel

We observe the yahrzeits of:

Miriam Abrams, Henry M. Alexander*, Michelle Rae Antignas*, Ronny Assia*, LeRoy K. Bardin*, Ruth Berman*, Rosslyn O. Boasberg*, Judith Susan Bradley*, Robert Aaron Epstein*, David Feiles*, Joseph Feldman, Malka Freedman*, Barbara Lynn Gruen*, Jean Haas, Rachel Hammer*, Lawrence S. Hill*, David Michael Igdaloff*, Dave Kahn*, Dorothy Jablonowitz*, Sam G. Kaplan*, Betty Klein*, Harold Kramer*, Marvin Lee, Max Leon Levy*, Lidia Machlin, Irving Olf*, Celia Panzer*, Matilda Pregulman*, Abraham Rashkov*, Dr. Todd Seth Ravins*, Herman Rosen, Hyman Rosenzweig*, Rose Fay Rosin*, Dorothy Sharpe*, Dr. Joseph David Weisberg*, Ethel Yurman*, Edith B. Zola*

*Designated on our memorial walls
 
Lifecycle • Condolences
We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy to those among us who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Glenn and Cindy Sherman on the loss of Glenn’s mother Marilyn Horwits.
 
Lifecycle • Mazal Tov
Shehechianu Moment

Do you have a milestone birthday or anniversary approaching? We’d like to celebrate your special day on the bima during Friday evening Shabbat Services! Invite your family, join your Wise community, make it a “shehechianu moment” – a time to give thanks for life, health, and the blessings that enable you to reach this great moment in your life. Let us know by emailing Arlene Spiegelman or calling 310.889.2272 and she’ll make sure to schedule a date that works for you. We’d love to share your celebration!
 

Wishing you a future filled with joy and blessings.

Mazal tov to:

Robert and Renee Siragusa on the birth of their grandson Dax Ryan Siragusa to proud parents Jamie and Brent Siragusa.

To our B’nai Mitzvah — may the Torah guide and inspire you every day of your adult life.
Mazal tov to:

 

Niki and Charles Schwarz on their son Shaya becoming Bar Mitzvah.
 
 
Lifecycle • Tributes

We honor people through charitable giving.
 

RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN HONOR OF:

the birth of Dax Ryan Siragusa, by Laurie Ackerman

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra, by Marcia, Barry and Shawn Maiten

Rabbi Ron Stern for officiating at their wedding, by Erica Sheerin and Daniel Davis

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Rochelle Blank, by Betty Lou and Joe Blumberg

Mort Rosen, by the Zwillinger and Rosen Family

Bernie Ellenson, by Ann Ellenson

Irwin Pollack and Irving Pollack, by Seema and Susan Pollack

Jean Haas, by Annie Mae and Ted Haas

Arthur Pine, Morton Friedman, and Jerry Esten, by Margie Markus and Scott Friedman

 

CANTORS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Bernie Ellenson, by Ann Ellenson

 

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT

IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra, by Deena and Ed Nahmias and Sally and Sally Jones

the marriage of Rebecca Goldberg and Randal Rosman, by Deena and Ed Nahmias

 

2107-18 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

IN MEMORY OF:

Bradley Sonnenberg, by Susie and Richard Friedman

 

MELTON SCHOOL FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Bernie Ellenson, by Susie and Richard Friedman

 

TOBY AND SAUL KASSAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Milton D. Klein, M.D. and Toby Kassan, by Ronnie and Michael Kassan

 

WISE READERS TO LEADERS FUND

IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra, by Susan and Jon Berger

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Bradley Sonnenberg, by Michael Zeldin and Terry Gock, Susan and Jon Berger, Corrine and Lenny Sands, Roz and Abner Goldstine, Linda and Steve Brown, Joyce and Paul Krasnow, and The Gal Family

Bernie Ellenson, by The Krojansky Family

 

AFSANEH YOUSEFZADEH MEMORIAL FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Victoria Halimi, by Susan and Jon Berger

 

SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN FUND

by Mark Burgin

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Viola Vari, by Sussan and Michael Shore and family

Gail Braun Silver, by Lee Silver and family

 

CYE SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Marvin Lee, by Andee and Ken Lee

 

MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Joseph Feldman, by Anida Sterman

 

METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra, by Heidi and Albert Praw

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Mort Rosen, by Louise Kroot-Haukla

Bella Adler, by Heidi and Albert Praw

 

YAHRZEIT FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Berna Lee Landsman Rosenthal, by Marvin Rosenthal

Lidia Machlin, by Ada and Ray Pivo

George Aftergood, by Joan and Bill Feldman

Miriam Abrams, by Joan Spiegel and family

Jeanette Snyder, by Norm, Mark, Carole, Rebecca, Madeline, and Adrienne Epstein

 
 
Thank You
We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:

Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone

Gift Shop Volunteers:
Terrie Baumann
Rochelle Fox
Lori Rubin
Carol Sookman
 
A Welcoming Community
Have a great idea? Share it with us by submitting it to our online suggestion box.
SUGGESTIONS

Do you want to reach us? 
CONTACT LIST

Are you having a lifecycle event? Or would you like to be added to this email list? 
LET US KNOW

Would you like to get involved? Check out upcoming Temple and School events. 
VIEW CALENDAR
 
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077