Eyes on Wise 4.25.19

Many Partings
by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback

!לְגֹזֵר יַם־סוּף לִגְזָרִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃
[Praise] the One who parted the Sea of Reeds into many partings — God’s steadfast love is eternal!
Psalm 136:13

It’s Passover and so we gather to retell the story of our liberation from Egyptian bondage. The story has been told and retold many times, not just in literature but in art and film as well. One of the earliest retellings is actually found in the Bible itself. In Psalm 136 we praise God for our many blessings and for each one we give thanks for God’s eternal kindness. We give thanks for creation itself, for the precious gift of life. And then, more personally and particularly as Jews, we give thanks to God for our redemption at the shores of the Red Sea, saying: “For the one who parted the Red Sea into many partings!”
READ MORE

An Important Message from Your Stephen Wise Temple Clergy

It is with heavy hearts, even as we continue to celebrate with joy our Festival of Freedom, that we find ourselves once again confronting intolerance and hatred, murder and terror. And just as we demand that the world speak out in horror when Jewish lives are taken so too do we speak out in solidarity and pain over the senseless loss of lives when those of other religions are murdered while peaceably celebrating their faith.
READ MORE

Wise School Robotics Team Wins Award at FIRST Lego League Jr. in Houston!

Kol HaKavod to all our Wise School Robotics Team (the Robo Wildcats) for taking home the Cooperative Model Building Award at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Jr. World Expo in Houston! The criteria for this award included working as a team to create a moon base and putting excellent engineering skills to work. Cooperation is one of the core values for the Wise School robotics program, making this recognition even more meaningful.
LEARN MORE

This Week’s Torah Portion:
Pesach Shabbat Chol ha-Moed

Friday, April 26
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Service | Plotkin Chapel 
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org

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

Next Week

Friday, May 3
5:30 p.m. | Mitzvah May Tot Shabbat | Casden Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Service | Plotkin Chapel 
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz

Saturday, May 4
9 a.m. | Wise Guys Shabbat Hike | Topanga State Park
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Paul Dorman

Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, May 1 | 12 p.m. | Udko Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, May 13 | 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room

RAC-CA Gun Violence Prevention Call-In Week

As members of our congregation, we have a clear, concrete opportunity to prevent gun violence in our state. As a URJ congregation and a partner of the California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-CA), we are participating in a call-in week to ask Governor Newsom to include $39 million in his May revised state budget for the Cal-VIP local programs that tackle gun violence in the cities that experience it most. These programs have been shown to reduce gun violence by as much as 40%. We are inviting our community to commit to making a call to Governor Newsom April 29 – May 3 as part of the RAC-CA Gun Violence Prevention Call-In Week. The RAC-CA web site provides resources including the Governor’s phone number and talking points. This simple act will make a real difference in preventing gun violence in California.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

Kol HaKavod to member Shelly Levy who was recently surprised with a special award from the Veterans Administration for her tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of homeless veterans in Los Angeles. Shelly leads our Homes for Heroes initiative and inspires our entire Wise community with her desire to give back to those who have given so much. Visit our Homes for Heroes site to learn how you can continue to support Shelly in her work to provide homeless veterans with housing, furniture, and amenities. You can even make a direct donation from our Amazon wish list!
LEARN MORE AND DONATE

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)*

Wise Clergy at the Movies
Thursday, May 2 | 8 p.m. | Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Sari Laufer
Sunday, May 5 | 2:30 p.m. | Rabbi David Woznica
Monday, May 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Rabbi Ron Stern
Tuesday, May 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Cantor Emma Lutz
Wednesday, May 8 | 7:30 p.m.| Cantor Nathan Lam

Celebrate Jewish film with your Wise clergy! Save the dates for the following evenings a Wise group will attend the Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival.
LEARN MORE
Call 213.368.1661 (x127) for group ticket rates! Mention Stephen Wise Temple when placing your order.

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
Friday, May 3 | 5:15 p.m. 

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

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

Join us on May 4 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

Wise Years
Thursday, May 9 
10 a.m. | Registrations Begins | Plotkin Foyer
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins | Plotkin Chapel

Rabbi Ron Stern will discuss new ways to engage in dialogue about Israel as an American Jew. Music specialist Dr. Lorry Black and the UCLA Klezmer Music Ensemble will provide a lively and educational presentation to close out our year. Film: In the Fiddler’s House (1995), a documentary in which famed violinist Itzhak Perlman explores the remarkable burst of vitality in contemporary Klezmer music. We will celebrate Yom Haatzmaut with an Israeli lunch.
REGISTER HERE

Family Soulful Shabbat Services Celebrating Yom Haatzmaut
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 ADL 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

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:
Bea Dubman, Kenneth Gelber, Victoria Mehrian, Paula Sanders

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Anne Ackerman*, Birdie Alpert, Irving J. Berkman*, Anna Brown*, Helen Brucker*, Marvin Canin*, Jack Chamie*, Louise Citron, Frances R. Cohen*, Harry Drexler, Benjamin Fair, Ernest (Ernie) Feld*, Byron Funk, Dr. Merle S. Glick*, Anita Goldsher, Stanley Green*, Lola Gross, Rebecca Gutman*, Jack Haskin*, Mollie Jones, Jerome Karno*, Jacob Lieberman*, Herman Miller*, Jeanne Oberstein*, Sarah Rebecca Orbuch*, Hildegard Pinkus*, Betty Robinson*, Nathan Rosenblatt*, Rae F. Sacks*, Samuel Sarnoff*, David Sessin*, Sondra Shames Cohen*, Nat Sherman, Ida Strahl*, Nancy Ladinsky Traber*, Sam Trachtman*, Betty Weinstein*, Julius Winokur, Bernard Zweben, Leon Zylberstajn*

*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.

Stephen Kay and Susan Bloch–Kay on the loss of Paula Sanders, mother of Lyndsay Nevins (Aaron Kay).
Renee and Peter Mehrian on the loss of Peter’s mother Victoria Mehrian.

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 RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Richard and Terrie Baumann
Merle S. Glick, by The Sheerin and Glick Families

RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Byron Funk, by Liat Yardeni–Funk and Mark Funk

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Lola Gross, by Sally and Donald Jones and Family
Mollie Jones, by Sally and Donald Jones and Family

AVI EPHRAIM GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN MEMORY OF:
Benjamin Fair, by Shirley Fair
Benjamin Fair, by Mr. and Mrs. David Drexler

ELSA RUBELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Kenneth Gelber, by Bryan and Eileen Kravetz

HOMES FOR HEROES
IN MEMORY OF:
Birdie Alpert, by The Entous Family

WISE READERS TO LEADERS
IN MEMORY OF:
Nat Sherman, by Susan and Jon Berger

SAM AND BEA DUBMAN SOVA FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Beatrice Dubman, by Arnold, Ruth, and Nancy Colman​​​​​​​
Bea Dubman, by June and Murray Bass
Bea Dubman, by Ken and Wendy Ruby
Bea Dubman, by Rick and Emily Corleto​​​​​​​
Bea Dubman, by Ruth Auerbach, Diane Sanders, and Jan Cerwonka​​​​​​​
Bea Dubman, by Wendy, Barry, Brandon, and Brooke Levin

SMITH LIBRARY DONATION
IN MEMORY OF:
Bea Dubman, by Irene and David Smith

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
An inspiring Mom, Bea Dubman, by Ira and Robin Pianko​​​​​​​
Harry Drexler, by Mr. and Mrs. David Drexler

WISE TIKKUN OLAM LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
IN MEMORY OF:
Jacob Lieberman, by Gloria and Art Waldinger

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Anita Goldsher, by Jeffrey and Sherry Marsh
Anne Ackerman, by Barbara and Richard Ackerman
Julius Winokur, by the Winokur Family
Sondra Shames Cohen, by The Shames Family: Julie, Brad, Samantha and Greg, and The Waterman Family: Rachel, Gabe, Emma, and Charli

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

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