Eyes on Wise 10.11.18

The Center for Jewish Life
Read with Caution: This May Whet Your Appetite for Learning
By Rabbi David Woznica
Tomorrow morning we mail our 2018-2019 (5779) Center for Jewish Life brochure. It contains descriptions of dialogues, lectures, classes, and seminars that we hope will stimulate your thoughts and touch your soul.
There are opportunities to engage with an Israeli Navy SEAL, hear from a former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, learn from one of the most prolific and influential Jewish authors of a generation, and enjoy a young novelist who has written a moving book of historical fiction.
READ MORE

Patty Tanner Wins Prestigious Jewish Educator Award
Wise School is proud to announce that Patty Tanner, 6th grade teacher, is the well-deserved recipient of this year’s 2018 Jewish Educator Award by the Milken Family Foundation. The Milken Educator Awards, hailed by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching,” not only aim to reward great teachers, but to celebrate, elevate, and activate those innovators in the classroom who are guiding America’s next generation of leaders. Mrs. Tanner is among 4 honorees throughout all the day schools in Los Angeles. “I am so proud of Patty Tanner and the amazing work she does day in and day out. As a classroom teacher, math coordinator and active member of our Wise community, Patty embodies the true definition of making great happen,” stated Tami Weiser, Head of School.

Patty joins fellow Wise School educators who have received a Milken Award including Metuka Benjamin, Jan Navah, Debbie Norwood, Malka Clement, Mary Itri, and Pamela Kleinman.

The Big Fill: Wise and Save the Syrian Children Team Up to Provide Aid and Support
As part of our 20 ways to change the world in honor of Rabbi Ron Stern’s 20th year at Wise, help us on our second annual drive to provide essential life-saving and sustaining supplies to victims of the violence in Syria. Last year, thanks to our amazing partners from Save the Syrian Children (an organization founded by Wise members Tamar and Phillip Koosed), our shipment made it safely to Syria where refugee children received items of comfort and also a strong message of love and support. You can make a difference today by bringing gently-used clothing and toys to our giant shipping container (located in the Early Childhood Center parking lot). You can also purchase items directly from an Amazon Wish List and have them delivered to our offices.
LEARN MORE
SHOP THE AMAZON WISH LIST

This Week’s Torah Portion: Noah

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
8 p.m. Soulful Shabbat Service | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Emma Lutz
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

NEXT WEEK:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
6:15 Shabbat Service | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service

Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, October 17 at 12 p.m. | Udko Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, October 22 at 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room

Melton School Offers Limited Spots for Courses on Arab/Israeli Conflict and Mysticism
Wise’s award-winning Melton School is proud to open registration for adult education classes to those who have never enrolled in a Melton course before. Two classes may be of particular interest: Beyond Borders: History of the Arab/Israeli Conflict and Introduction to Mysticism. There are no prerequisites for these courses and very limited spots are still available!
Contact Rabbi Karen Strok to learn more and register.

Open Gym Returns with New Fall Dates
Stephen Wise Temple members and staff are invited to play pick-up basketball in our beautiful new Katz Family Pavilion athletics facility. Bring your A-game and up to two friends to show off your hoops skills. Open gym is completely free.
Only persons 18 and over are eligible. Please wear appropriate gym clothing. Waivers must be signed upon entry.
Tuesdays: 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/4, NO 12/11, 12/18, and NO 12/25
Thursdays: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, NO 11/15, NO 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20, and 12/27
LEARN MORE
SIGN UP HERE

Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, October 16 at 5 p.m. | Sanctuary Building
Help our Lunch Bunch care for the stranger by assembling lunches for residents at LA Family Housing’s valley shelter. Delivery of the lunches will take place on the morning of Wednesday, October 17. Your help is greatly appreciated, especially in the summer months when school is not in session and many are traveling. To RSVP for Tuesday’s food preparation, or if you have questions, email Diane Kabat or call 818.981.5485.

The Joy of Challah 
Sunday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Join “Wise Women” from across our community as we kick off the world-wide Challah Bake week. Over bubbly and light brunch—we will mix, knead, braid, bond and learn. You will go home with a challah all ready to bake and freeze for Shabbat, and with connections to the “Wise Women” you have known for years, or only met that day! This event is open to members AND guests, so bring your mom, sister, cousin, and BFF!
RSVP HERE

Bet Tzedek Training for Lawyers and Legal Professionals
Sunday, October 21 at 10 a.m. | Wise Campus
Help families and children in danger of deportation and family separation. Bet Tzedek is training legal professionals to volunteer at document-drafting clinics for those undocumented parents interested in having documents such as a Caregiver’s Affidavit drafted on their behalf. These clinics are being held at various community locations throughout Los Angeles County and are supplemented by regularly held clinics at Bet Tzedek’s offices. Wise will offer a brief training at Wise for the legal professional community to assist Bet Tzedek at the clinics.
Those who are eligible will receive MCLE credit.
RSVP HERE
CONTACT RABBI RON STERN to learn more.

Center for Jewish Life presents
Museums with Mario: The Broad
Tuesday, October 23 at 11 a.m.
Discover and appreciate the vast cultural offerings that Los Angeles affords us. Smaller, more traditional museums and larger encyclopedic institutions are on the line-up for the 2018-19 season. Artist-in-Residence Mario M. Muller escorts intimate groups to these pillars of aesthetics while offering historical context, fascinating anecdotes, and personal reflections that will leave your eyes thirsting for more. Fees and parking apply. Registration is limited!
REGISTER HERE 

Center for Jewish Life presents
Kabbalah: An Elevated Path with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Tuesdays: October 30, November 6, 27 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Kabbalah is associated with a range of Jewish mysticism. Interestingly, the word “kabbalah” means “that which is received.” In our study we will open ourselves to a higher level of consciousness so that we can look at the world differently—to see God where we may not have seen God before. Ultimately, we study Kabbalah to make ourselves better: kinder, deeper, more aware of our soul. We take this path not only to elevate our thoughts but also in the hope that kabbalah will impact our daily behavior. Join this mystical, yet surprisingly practical, journey toward an elevated and kinder life.
REGISTER HERE 

Jews United for Democracy and Justice, Community Advocates, and Stephen Wise Temple present
Elections 2018 and the Crisis of American Conservatism
with Max Boot and Patt Morrison
Introductory remarks by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Monday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. | Stephen Wise Temple
Historian and best-selling author Max Boot will join Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winner Patt Morrison for this discussion of American Conservatism on the eve of the midterm elections. This special evening is seventh in the Community Conversation series funded by Wise’s partners Jews United for Democracy and Justice and Community Advocates. Admission is free but RSVP is required.
RSVP HERE

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion presents
Symposium 2
November 11-12 | Stephen Wise Temple
Join esteemed clergy and scholars from all around the world, including members of our own clergy team, for HUC-JIR’s Symposium 2, an engaging exploration of ideas and attitudes. Nowadays, there is “my news” and “your news,” “your truth” and “my truth,” and consensus about facts is increasingly elusive. Even the university, once the place where young minds pursued “veritas,” is more likely today to teach its students the postmodern prioritization of subjectivity over objectivity, discourse over reality, perspective over universal truth. Against this backdrop, HUC-JIR Symposium 2 will explore the various ways in which contemporary Jews grapple with the concept of the truth.
Wise Member discount available.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

An Israeli Navy SEAL (“M”) in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
The Journey of an Elite IDF Naval Commando from Military Excellence to Civilian Leadership
Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 7:30 p.m.
Join us for the extraordinary story of an American who left his university to join the Israel Defense Forces and ultimately became part of one of the most elite units in the IDF, the Israeli Navy SEALs. 

Each year, 20,000 young men try out and 40 or fewer are ultimately selected to serve in Shayetet-13, the Israeli Navy SEALs. Known as “men of silence,” these elite naval commandos fight the war between the wars, undertaking covert missions beyond Israel’s borders. They train for six months longer than other IDF units and commit at least 20 more months of total service. This rare American-born Israeli Navy SEAL joins Rabbi Woznica to discuss his personal journey, serving in this elite and storied unit, its strict moral calculus, and how he uses the skills he learned on active duty in his daily civilian life. 

$15: Stephen Wise Temple Members
$20: General Public

This program presented in partnership with American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs (AFINS).
REGISTER NOW

Bet Tzedek Family Preparedness Training
Sunday, November 18 at 11:30 a.m. | Wise Campus
Help families and children in danger of deportation and family separation without any legal background necessary. Many of our congregants have called to ask what they can do to respond to the recent and intensive efforts to deport undocumented individuals. While we cannot physically block the deportation proceedings against those who are undocumented, children often remain behind when their parents are removed from the United States. Thousands of children are at risk of being left without anyone with the legal authority to enroll the child in school or authorize medical treatment if their undocumented parents are removed from the country. Together with Bet Tzedek we are offering a brief training at Wise to the non-legal community so that anyone can assist Bet Tzedek at clinics that are held throughout the city. This meeting is specifically designed for volunteers to assist families by serving as translators, greeters, and supporters at the clinic.
RSVP HERE
CONTACT RABBI RON STERN to learn more

ETTA presents
Don’t Fall Off the Cliff: Creating Bright and Sustainable Futures for Adults with Special Needs
Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. | Beverly Hills Library (444 N. Rexford Dr.)
Speakers Claudia Wenger, MS, and Josh Taff, Director of Intake at ETTA, will lead an informative discussion about preparing for life after high school for those with special needs. Topics will include transitional IEP, employment and educational opportunities, financial planning, rights, and more. Admission is free but RSVP is required.
RSVP HERE or call 424.249.3300.

UCLA Nazarian Center for Israel Studies presents
I’m a Civil War – Film Screening and Director Q&A
Wednesday, October 17 at 6:15 p.m. | UCLA Campus
The “poet of independence” Haim Gouri (1923-2018) was a prominent member of Israel’s founding generation and one of the nation’s most important poets, authors, and intellectual thinkers. The documentary film I’m a Civil War follows Gouri’s journey as a poet against the backdrop of – and through his involvement in – critical moments in the history of Israel
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Walk4FriendshipLA
Sunday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. | Shalhevet High School (910 S. Fairfax Ave)
This annual 2k walk raises vital funds and community awareness for Friendship Circle of Los Angeles — a nonprofit organization for that brings joy, cheer, and respite to children with special needs and their families. Walk4FriendshipLA begins with an inspirational opening ceremony followed by a 2k walk. Upon reaching the finish line, walkers enjoy a post-walk celebration with entertainment, activities, food, and much more!
REGISTER HERE

Jewish Center for Justice presents
Discussion on Jewish Communal Issues
with Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom
Sunday, October 28 at 11:30 a.m. | Valley Beth Shalom (15739 Ventura Blvd.)
Join us for a conversation with California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. Jewish Center for Justice Executive Director Rabbi Joel Simonds and Valley Beth Shalom Senior Rabbi Ed Feinstein will lead this event which will include remarks by Lt. Gov. Newsom as well as an opportunity for Q&A.
RSVP HERE

UCLA Nazarian Center for Israel Studies presents
Translation as a Bridge? Literary Encounters between Israeli & American Jewish Cultures
Monday, October 29 at 12:15 p.m. | UCLA Campus
How do the Hebrew translation and reception of literary works by Jewish-American writers, and the English translation of works by Israeli authors, reflect competing Jewish identities in Israel and the US? New Center Postdoctoral Fellow Omri Asscher will explore how each Jewish cultural center has responded to the challenge – and potential inspiration – represented by the other.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Kol HaKavod to Wise Board Member Jeremy Rosen on his nomination by the President of the United States to serve as District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Jeremy is a partner at Horvitz & Levy LLP specializing in First Amendment cases, with expertise in both the Speech and Religion Clauses.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Cornell University and a J.D. and L.L.M., magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law, where he served on the Duke Law Journal. Please join our community in congratulating Jeremy on this very high honor.

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:

Farangis Ghadooshahy, John Goldsmith, Cliff Goldstein, Harvey Reisman, Sidney Robinson, Dr. Jeffrey Rosenberg, Edward Rosenson, Lila Rumack

We observe the yahrzeits of:

Morris I. Aronoff, Peter Aronson*, Madeline Bergman, Madeline L. Bergman*, Fred Buchbinder*, Joseph Cherry*, Diana Cohen*, Edward Colman*, Evelyn Cooper, Joseph Cooper, Frieda Dornberg*, Joseph Dubman*, Rose Shouman Gantz, Yetta Ginsburg*, Hyman J. Glick*, Sophie Hamburger*, Vera Kossman*, Erwin Loeb, Albert Matz*, David Meyers*, Harry Morris*, Rose Perll*, Harry C. Reizner, Anne Rogow*, Arthur V. Schneider*, Hilda B. Schwarz *, Dr. Ivan Shalit*, Abraham Silver*, Sondra Singer, Julie Ethel Stone*, Samuel Tugentman, Rose Versman*, Sarah Wachtell, Ethel Winston*

*Designated on our memorial walls

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.

Farhad “Frank” and Shideh Ghadooshahy on the loss of Frank’s mother Farangis Ghadooshahy.

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!

Jonathan Barenboim and Melissa Panzer on the birth of their son Rio Sebastian Barenboim.

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

Leila and Raphael Javaheri on their daughter Nour Javaheri becoming Bat Mitzvah.

Ramona and Ramin Simantob on their daughter Alexa Simantob becoming Bat Mitzvah.

We honor our loved ones, our family simchas, 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 YOSHI ZWEIBACK DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Sidney Robinson, by Marcie and Cliff Goldstein

RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Sidney Robinson, by Marcie and Cliff Goldstein

RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Rabbi Woznica for officiating at our son and grandson Danny’s Bar Mitzvah, by the Schwadron Family

RABBI JOSH KNOBEL DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Evelyn and Joseph Cooper, by David and Nancy Meshulam

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:    
Cantor Lam for officiating at our son and grandson Danny’s Bar Mitzvah, by the Schwadron Family

IN MEMORY OF:
Edward Colman, by Arnold and Ruth Colman

MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND EARLY CHILDHOOD
IN MEMORY OF:
Sondra Singer, by Kenneth and Fern DuBow

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Rabbi Ron Stern’s 20^th Anniversary, by Arlene Spiegelman and Justin Van Vlack

IN MEMORY OF:
Erwin Loeb, by Caroline Russ
Sidney Robinson, by Rob and Lori Goodman

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF:
Patty Tanner being awarded a 2018 Jewish Educator Award by the Milken Family Foundation, by Dana, Scott and Josh Ehrlich

GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN HONOR OF:
Jeff & Linda Resnick and Frank & Helen Ponder for hosting Sukkot in their homes, by Richard and Susie Friedman

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Harry C. Reizner, by Joel and Tammy Steinman
Sarah Wachtell, by Michael Wachtell and Linda Berman Wachtell
Madeline Bergman, by Michael Wachtell and Linda Berman Wachtell
Vera Kossman, by Annie and Ted Haas
Mollie Barron, by Arnold and Barbara Barron 

We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:

Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone

Gift Shop Volunteers:
Terrie Baumann
Rochelle Fox
Lori Rubin
Carol Sookman

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