Eyes on Wise 4.18.19

Removing Our Spiritual Chametz
by Cantor Emma Lutz

שִׁבְעַת יָמִים, מַצּוֹת תֹּאכֵלוּ–אַךְ בַּיּוֹם הָרִאשׁוֹן, תַּשְׁבִּיתוּ שְּׂאֹר מִבָּתֵּיכֶם
“For seven days you will eat unleavened bread; the first day you will put away leaven out of your houses.” (Exodus 12:15)

There is comfort in cleanliness. We feel refreshed—perhaps even reborn—when we rid ourselves of the excess grime that piles up from the messiness of life. Even if we might dread the process of purification itself, we almost always feel better once we wipe any slate in clean.
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A Walk Through the Garden
Wise’s Pe’ah Garden has been an educational and spiritual resource for decades — and it keeps growing.

It is an unusually warm December day at Stephen Wise Temple’s Pe’ah Garden, where a group of eager first graders are waiting to participate in their first harvest. Wise School Science Specialist Alexandra Coatney is showing the kids the proper way to harvest lettuce and kale—snap, don’t pull, the leaves. After the demonstration, she divides the students into teams of three or four and gives each one a bag.
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SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER IN THE PE’AH GARDEN

This Week’s Torah Portion: Pesach

Friday, April 19
7:30 a.m. | Feast of the Firstborn | Chapel Study LEARN MORE IN UPCOMING EVENTS
5 p.m. | Shabbat Service | Plotkin Chapel *EARLIER TIME
Led by Cantor Nathan Lam
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org
*Please note there will be no pre-service nosh or childcare this week.

Saturday, April 20
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning and Passover Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam
At this special holiday service, we will welcome over 20 of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students to help lead us in worship. It will be a wonderful morning to celebrate the chag together!

Registration for the Passover Second Night Seder will end on Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. After 10 a.m. please contact Arlene Spiegelman via email or phone (310.889.2272) to check for availability.

Next Week

Friday, April 26
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Service | Plotkin Chapel 
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz

Saturday, April 27
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning and Passover Yizkor Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Emma Lutz

Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, April 24 | 12 p.m. | Udko Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, May 13 | 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room

Spring Break Campus Improvements: New Patio Area Under Construction

Adjacent to our Pe’ah Garden, exciting new improvements are coming! This week while our Wise School students are on break, our operations team is hard at work revamping many areas of campus including this beautiful new patio area. As we posted on our Instagram feed, the crew even got some help from a certain specialist. We can’t wait for everyone to see it and enjoy this new outdoor community space!
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Feast of the Firstborn
Friday, April 19 | 7:30 a.m.

Gather for prayer, study, and celebration alongside the firstborn children in our community. Since antiquity, firstborn children in Jewish families have fasted from sunrise to sunset on the day prior to the first Passover Seder. The fast, first recorded in the Babylonian Talmud, represents an expression of gratitude for being spared from the tenth plague upon Egypt. In modern times, few Jews observe the fast, as most firstborn children instead choose to attend an obligatory feast. This practice, also from Talmudic times, teaches that Jews must break a fast in order to celebrate certain significant joys for the community, including the conclusion of study of a tractate of Talmud.
REGISTER HERE

Camp Wise presents
Spring Break Sports Camp 2019!
Week 2 | April 22-25

Can’t wait for summer? Looking for a great way to spend Spring Break? Are your kids currently in Kindergarten through Grade 6? We are proud to announce our first Spring Break Sports Camp at Camp Wise LA! Run by our Camp Wise Team, this program will get your kids on their feet in a setting and with friends and counselors that they already know and love! Though this program is more focused on sports, “campers” will still get a chance to revisit some of their favorite Camp Wise traditions, such as Maccabi Day and morning circle, and have options to do other activities such as Arts & Crafts, Dancing, and more! Deadline to register is April 12.
Email [email protected] or visit our Camp Wise website for more information.

Wise Readers to Leaders Annual Celebration
Sunday, April 28 | 4:30 p.m. 

Join Wise Readers to Leaders for our Annual Celebration, a night filled with an exciting silent auction, a wine and cheese reception, a screening of our documentary, and a presentation of our JLL Awards. 
RSVP HERE

Wise Women presents
Mahj and More
Wednesday, May 1 | 1 p.m.

Wise members and guests are invited to join other Wise Women for our monthly open play day: Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge or any other game you’d like! Groups or single players and all levels (beginners to experts) are welcome and encouraged! If you have a Mah Jongg set, please bring it along. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. This is a free event, we kindly ask for your RSVP.
RSVP HERE
*Save the date for upcoming Mahj & More sessions with newly added summer dates: June 5, July 10 & August 7 (all sessions at 1pm in Udko Annex)*

College Student Summer Gift Packing
Thursday, May 2 | 10 a.m.

Wise parents are invited to get together for coffee and cake to pack summer gifts for their college kids. The event is kindly hosted by Nira Gabayan. Her address in Brentwood will be provided on RSVP.
REGISTER HERE

Also if you have NOT already provided your college student’s current mailing address and would like them to receive a package, add your child’s address here.

Mitzvah May Tot Shabbat and Baby Playdate 
Friday, May 3
Baby Playdate | 4:30 p.m. | (12 months and younger)
Tot Shabbat | 5:15 p.m. 

Gather together with our community for a festive service! Our Clergy and song leaders lead our music- and story-filled service that introduces the youngest members of our community to the joy of Shabbat. Parents and grandparents will love it too!  Special for parents with newborns, we’ll have a baby playdate for an hour leading up to Tot Shabbat.
Kick off Mitzvah May with a Tot Shabbat featuring special mitzvah-themed projects, a light family friendly dinner and, of course, a story-filled service led by our clergy and songleaders that introduces the youngest members of our community to the joy of Shabbat. Parents and grandparents will love it too! Recommended for kids up to age 5.
REGISTER HERE FOR TOT SHABBAT
REGISTER FOR BABY PLAYDATE

Wise Guys presents
Torah Trek with Rabbi Ron Stern
Saturday, May 4 | 9 a.m. | Topanga State Park

Join us on May 4th for a “Torah Trek” in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park. We’ll do some hiking and stop at our usual place for a little wisdom from Jewish tradition. We’ll meet at 9 a.m in the parking lot at the main entrance to Topanga State Park at Tripet Ranch off Entrada Road. The hike will take about two hours. There’s a parking fee, payable by credit card.
REGISTER HERE

Mitzvah Day
Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m.

Each year on Mitzvah Day we commit to an entire year of changing the world. This year, we’re doing things a little differently. Mitzvah Day has become Mitzvah MAY! Celebrate the culmination of all the ways in which our Wise community has participated in acts of loving kindness and sought to make a difference in our local and broader communities. Join us on Sunday, May 5 at Wise for a wide variety of projects to participate in–there is something for everyone!
RSVP HERE
LEARN MORE ABOUT MITZVAH MAY

1^st Annual 6^th Grade vs. Faculty Charitable Sports Tournament
Sunday, May 5 | 1 p.m.

Join us at the conclusion of Mitzvah Day for our 1^st Annual 6^th Grade vs. Faculty Charitable Sports Tournament! Watch as 6^th graders take on their teachers and our staff in a fierce game of basketball—all in the name of raising enough funds to be able to purchase a wheelchair (or two!) for the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled, this year’s 6^th Grade chesed organization. Entry to the game is $5 per child or $20 per family – with 100% of proceeds going straight to the ISCD. You can purchase tickets by clicking the link below.
PURCHASE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT TICKETS

Rosh Hodesh Women’s Gathering
Wednesday, May 8 | 8:30 a.m. | Sanctuary

Join us to celebrate Rosh Hodesh, a beautiful experience for women by women filled with Torah, poetry, song, love, community, and friendship. Please feel free to bring a friend and include their name in your RSVP.
RSVP HERE

Soulful Shabbat
Friday, May 10
Services | 6:15 p.m. *SPECIAL TIME
Dinner | 7:30 p.m.

Soulful Shabbat is a one-of-a-kind musical service, one of Wise’s most popular traditions. Join our clergy and our Soulful Shabbat musicians and singers for a spiritual evening featuring the rhythms and melodies our members have come to love.
REGISTER FOR DINNER

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and Stephen Wise Temple present
Israel Story Live
Thursday, May 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Katz Family Pavilion

In honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, join us for a thrilling musical and visual performance of the popular Israeli podcast “Israel Story.” This live tour has traveled all over the country performing “The Wall: A Look at the Barriers That Separate Us and Those That Bring Us Together,” a uniquely poetic dive into real stories that illustrate Israel’s diversity and interactions between its various communities.
REGISTER HERE

The Rise of Global Anti-Semitism: How We Can Respond
with Elan Carr, Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combating anti-Semitism, in Dialogue with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Sunday, May 19 | 7 p.m.

Elan S. Carr serves as the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. As Special Envoy, he advises the Secretary of State and is responsible for directing U.S. policies and projects aimed at countering anti-Semitism throughout the world. Special Envoy Carr served on the National Council of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), he was a voting member of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and he was a board member of Operation Gratitude. In the course of his work in the Jewish community, he has been a recognized leader in the fight against anti-Semitism on U.S. college campuses and around the world. Please join us for a very important and special discussion between Special Envoy Carr and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback.
RSVP HERE

Stephen Wise Temple, Israel Policy Forum, and Anti-Defamation League present
Across the Generational Divide: Examining the Past, Present and Future of Israel Engagement
Tuesday, May 21 | 7 p.m.

This program, part of the nationwide “Across the Divide” series, is designed to showcase a constructive dialogue about Israel across the generational, political, and denominational divides within the American Jewish community. The panel, moderated by Rob Eshman (former Editor in Chief, the Jewish Journal), will feature Batya Ungar-Sargon (Opinion editor, Forward), Yair Rosenberg (Senior Writer, Tablet Magazine), and Tabby Rafael (Co-Founder, 30 Years After). Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback will offer additional remarks.
REGISTER HERE

Housing the Homeless:
Dinner with Tommy Newman, Director of Public Affairs for the United Way
Friday, May 24 | 7:30 p.m.

Join Tommy Newman, Director of Public Affairs for the United Way’s “Everyone In” campaign for a Shabbat dinner to discuss the United Way’s role as the coordinator of L.A.’s comprehensive response to homelessness. These initiatives include prevention strategies, support for subsidized housing, construction of affordable housing, bridge and permanent supportive housing, and management of services for the homeless. This is the most important step that moves L.A. towards a coordinated and comprehensive approach to dealing with housing for the homeless in the community.
RSVP HERE

Wise Guys presents…Conversations
Man Up, Defining Jewish Masculinity for the 21st Century
Thursday, May 30 | 7:30 p.m.

Join Rabbi Josh Knobel for this pivotal entry in a series of conversations designed for modern Jews. “Man Up” will explore how Jewish men can turn the tide against a culture of sexual harassment and assault that has left far too many women in our world at risk of abuse and exploitation. Discover how to acknowledge and combat misogyny without compromising your manhood, how to be woke without mansplaining, and how to raise empowered, feminist, Jewish men for the 21^st century.
People of all genders are invited to enrich this meaningful conversation.
REGISTER HERE

Wise Jams
Thursday, June 20 | 8 p.m.

Please join us for a night of music at Wise Jams with Rabbi Yoshi, David Kates, and fellow musicians from the Wise community. Are you an ace on the bass? Get your kicks on the sticks? Bring your axe, your sax, your vox, and your chops. We’ll supply the mics, amps, sheet music, and a rockin’ good time!
RSVP HERE

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern to Lead Adult March of the Living Trip

In April 2020, join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern on the most iconic and unforgettable walk through the darkest time in Jewish history by participating in the Adult March of the Living. The group will visit some of the deeply significant locales in Poland including Krakow and Warsaw as well as the concentration camps in the vicinity. Encounter the amazing resurgence of Jewish life in Poland. Finally, the group will join thousands of high school students from across the globe who make an epic trek of freedom into Auschwitz concentration camp. Afterwards there, will be an optional add-on visit to Israel highlighting those experiences rarely open to basic tours: cultural experiences, regional tours, and complex political insights.
SIGNUP TO LEARN MORE

Kol HaKavod to Wise member Sandy Sigal, who will be honored by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles’ Real Estate and Construction Division at their upcoming dinner on Wednesday, May 8.
Learn more about this event at the Federation’s web site. 

Community-Wide Yom Hashoah Remembrance
Sunday, April 28 | 2 p.m. | Pan Pacific Park

Gather with the entire Los Angeles community for a meaningful day of song, spoken word, and memory.
LEARN MORE

Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies presents
Israeli-American Exchanges: Israel in 3D Community Conference
Sunday, May 5 | 10 a.m. | UCLA Covel Commons

Israel is a nation that has been greatly impacted by America. But the country of 8 million people has also influenced the United States in many ways. At Israeli-American Exchanges, experts and practitioners will explore “cross-border” connections between the two countries in three major areas – Entertainment, Religion and Business & Technology – and how each society has influenced the other.
LEARN MORE

American Jewish University Whizin Center presents
Israeli Folk Dance Classes

Everyone is welcome to participate in AJU’s Israeli Folk Dance classes, from beginners to advanced dancers or people who are just looking to get up and move. AJU offers many Israeli folk dancing classes taught by a master teacher as well as tap and dancercise. They also offer Tai Chi, Yoga, and other classes to help reduce stress and improve flexibility.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Gavin Asherson, Fran Beiser, Bea Dubman, Habib Farahnik, Rahim Yaghoubian

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Anne Ackerman*, Samuel Adler*, Abraham Bader*, Izak Bader*, Joshua Bader*, Rochelle Bader*, Claire Barton, Rosa Belmont*, Melvyn Irving Bemel*, Maxine M. Berkman*, Jerry Berman*, Bob Bilkiss*, Rose Bornstein*, Pearl Caplan Holtz, Shirley Chasin, Louis Clark*, Julia L. Davis, Sylvia Drubo*, Charles Edelsohn, Joseph Friedlander, Ronald Gainor*, David Glatt, Anita Goldsher, Samuel S. Goldman*, Lena Goodwein*, Mustaph Idrissi, Beatrice Karno*, Nathan Kirshenbaum*, Myron Kurtzman*, Harry A. Lavine*, Donald Leff*, Esther Lipen*, Philip Marylander*, Myrtle May, Sidney H. Medof*, Richard Allen Mylon*, Lawrence I. Niemerow*, Sarah Rebecca Orbuch*, Mary Padavano, Jacqueline Pearlson, Anna Plitt*, Leon Preisler*, Gertrude Present*, William Present*, Manuel Leon Ruderman*, Frieda Fogel Schwartz*, Paul Shames*, Eva Sheinhaus*, Herman Sloan*, Shirley Kramer Surlow*, Naomi Weiss*

*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.

Nancy and Alvin Klein on the loss of Nancy’s mother, founding generation member Beatrice Dubman.

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 YOSHI ZWEIBACK DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Rabbi Yoshi’s presentation of Charles Stern at the Knesset B’nai B’rith General Meeting on March 25, 2019, by Stanley Broffman
 

RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Myron Kurtzman, by Selma Kurtzman and Family

RABBI ELI HERSCHER DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Sylvia Ward
Fran Beiser, by Mel and Betty Sembler

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Bob and Roz Weiner
Charles Edelsohn, by his wife, Debby Edelsohn, and son, David Edelsohn

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Justin, Marissa, and Quincy Bass

LIBRARY DONATIONS
IN MEMORY OF:
Fran Beiser, by Sylvia Ward

SAM DUBMAN SOVA FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Beatrice Dubman, by Stuart and Anita Tanenberg
Bea Dubman, by Richard and Susie Friedman

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Jacqueline Pearlson, by Nina and Bryan Leung

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Rick and Janine Kolodny

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Anita Goldsher, by Jeffrey and Sherry Marsh
Claire Barton, by Alan and Ann Barton
Mary Padavano, by the Siragusa Family
Mustaph Idrissi, by Alan, Yasmina, Rachel, and William Joelson
Richard Mylon, by Lillian Mylon

We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:

Lunch Bunch Volunteers:
Tuesday, April 16

Janis Berkman
Norma Cooper
Judy Dancyger
Dianna Davidson
Harry and Ilene Jacobs
Diane Kabat
Sally and Marty Levine
Shelly Levy
Freda Moscowitz
David, Aaron, Eli Podemski
Sheila Rosenberg
Lana Sternberg
Gail Woskow

Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone

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

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