Dear Friends,
We are delighted to offer you the opportunity to engage with distinguished speakers and thoughtful leaders on issues of vital importance to the Jewish community and beyond. This year our lecture and dialogue series include topics such as international intrigue, international diplomacy, Torah study, theology, and more.
You will also find ongoing study opportunities with your clergy and courses in our Melton Adult School, all designed to deepen your knowledge, observance and joy of Judaism.
As the Center for Jewish Life proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, we are grateful to our speakers who travel from near and far, as well as to our congregants, for their continued desire and dedication to learning and inquiry.
We look forward, as always, to having you join us.
Sincerely,
Rabbi David Woznica
Isaiah Zeldin Rabbinic Chair
Learn about upcoming Center for Jewish Life and Stephen Wise Temple events: join our email list for the lastest news!
Lectures and Dialogue
It Takes Two to Torah
An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate their Way through the Five Books of Moses
Rabbi Dov Linzer and Abigail Pogrebin
Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Over a two-year period, an Orthodox rabbi and Reform Journalist talked through the Five Books of Moses with candor, humor, emotion, personal revelation and scholarship.
Rabbi Linzer is a renowned expert in Torah, whose values run egalitarian, but who has clear parameters abut what is correct and comfortable when it comes to Jewish law. Ms. Pogrebin is the relatable “every Jew in America” – immersed in Jewish life, but less through observance and prayer; more though study, reporting, synagogu e, and community.
By choosing selected moments in the Torah, they will engage in study – each explaining how they understand, interpret and apply these Torah teachings from their respective perspectives.
Rabbi Dov Linzer is the President and Rabbinic Head of YCT Rabbinical School of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. Abigail Pogrebin is the author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew, and Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish.
Stephen Wise Temple Members: $15
General Public: $25
Presented in cooperation with 
The Real Drama at the Table: What Really Happens in International Negotiations
Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Diplomat and negotiator Stuart E. Eizenstat covers every major contemporary agreement, from the treaty to end the Vietnam War to the Kyoto Protocols and the Iranian Nuclear Accord. His book is The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreement That Changed the World. The book has been praised by Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Tony Blair, Ehud Olmert and many other world leaders.
What led up to these negotiations? What Drama took place “at the table”? What strategies and tactics were successful, and which were unsuccessful? Ambassador Eizenstat interviewed over 60 key figures including former presidents, secretaries of state and major political figures around the world.
We explore what really happens in international negotiations, both in public as well as behind the scenes, as we investigate some of the greatest diplomatic negotiations of the last 50 years.
Stuart E. Eizenstat was U.S. Ambassador to the European Union, President Clinton’s Deputy Secretary of Treasury and was the leader of the U.S. delegation which concluded by adopting the Kyoto Protocol. He received the Courage and Conscience Award from the Government of Israel and devoted much effort to Holocaust Restitution. He is an international lawyer in Washington, DC.
Stephen Wise Temple Members: $15
General Public: $25
Presented in cooperation with
Tikkun Ha’am: Repairing Our People: Israel and the Crisis of Liberal Judaism
Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin
Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Salkin challenges us to rethink contemporary Jewish identity, Israel, spirituality and popular culture. It is his view that October 7, 2023 was not only one of the most tragic days in modern Jewish history; it represented a profound moral and spiritual challenge to liberal Jewish denominations in America.
Rabbi Salkin notes, “we have the opportunity – and the obligation – to reclaim a Jewish vocabulary of sanctity, activism, and the desire to stand apart from today’s world.” His book is a cry from the heart.
An engaging and passionate speaker, Rabbi Salkin demonstrates how Judaism has a stake in our world’s contemporary political, religious, and cultural battles.
Rabbi Jefffrey Salkin’s work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and many other publications.
Stephen Wise Temple Members: $15
General Public: $25
Presented in cooperation with
Seeking the Hiding God: A Personal Theological Essay
Dr. Arnold Eisen and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback in Conversation
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Eisen is a foremost authority on American Judaism. He is chancellor emeritus of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America having served as chancellor from 2007 to 2020. The Jewish Theological Seminary ordains Conservative rabbis and is the seat of Conservative Jewish thought in the United States. As chancellor, Dr. Eisen was, as he continues to be, among the primary representatives of Conservative Judaism in the world. He continues as a full-time faculty member of the JTS faculty.
Prior to coming to JTS, he served on the faculties of Stanford, Tel Aviv and Columbia Universities. A forward thinker on the modern transformation of Jewish religious belief and practice, Dr. Eisen has just written Seeking the Hiding God, a compendium of frank discussions of faith, commandment and community that he has had with hundreds of audiences.
Rabbi Zweiback and Dr. Eisen engage in a wide ranging conversation from theology to the future of Judaism in America.
Study with Your Clergy
There is no charge for these classes.
With great subjects, inspiring teachers, and committed learners, our classes make for truly meaningful experiences. You are invited to deepen your Jewish knowledge and practice in classes. Longtime students and newcomers alike are invited to join these classes at any time.
Shabbat mornings 8:30 a.m.
In Person and Virtual via Zoom
Join us each Saturday morning for provocative discussions, meaningful connections, insightful observations and plenty of hearty laughter as we study Torah the way it was mean to be studied: in a group. Join us in person at Stephen Wise Temple, or join us from home. Either way, you will enjoy the camaraderie and wonderful connections made among enthusiastic leaners.
Favorite Moments in the Torah
with Rabbi David Woznica
Alternate Mondays
October 21
November 4 and 18
December 2 and 16
January 6 and 27
February 10 and 24
March 10 and 24
April 7 and 21
May 12
10:15–11 a.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Among the most consequential questions one can ask is “What is the source of my values? On what basis do I make important decisions?” What does the Torah teach about interpersonal relationships? In this class we look at some of the most consequential teachings in the Torah and other texts, with the focus of how those texts can inform the way we act. Rabbi Woznica leads us in a wide-ranging study with enthusiastic learners.
Wise Guys Book Club
Rabbi Ron Stern and Glenn Sonnenberg
Virtual via Zoom
Have we got some books for you! Join the Wise Guys Book Group for a monthly (or so) review of some of the great books of our times. The discussion is led by Glenn Sonnenberg and Rabbi Ron Stern. January 6th (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
Our next book will be Tablets Shattered by Joshua Leifer.
This controversial book explores the fractured American Jewish present and delves into the collapse of the settled-upon pillars of American Jewish self-definition, including Americanism, Zionism, and liberalism. The book also reflects on the universal quest to understand our divisive world and build enduring communities. You can read more about it here. We present this book to our group as a conversation starter and an opportunity to wrestle with some of the challenges placed before us by this young Jewish author. Neither of us embrace all of the ideas presented by Leifer but we feel it is worthwhile to contemplate the questions he raises and how the Jewish community might prepare for the challenges of the next decades. No doubt the conversation will be lively!
In the Beginning: The Rabbis Talk Genesis
with Rabbi Sari Laufer
Fridays: October 25-December 20
12 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom
Adam and Eve, Noah and his Ark, and our matriarchs and patriarchs. The Book of Genesis is chock-full of blessings and curses, wondering and wandering, and juicy family drama—and the ancient rabbis have a lot to say about it. Take some time for Shabbat preparation and join Rabbi Sari for the stories behind the stories—the sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always meaningful tales from the Midrash and Talmud. No experience is necessary, you need bring only your questions, your curiosity, and your lunch.
(We will meet in person and online on October 25, 2024. Lunch will be provided)
Introduction to Judaism
With Yael Farber
Rabbinic Intern and Stephen Wise Temple Clergy
Whether you are curious about or considering Judaism or still looking to answer that question you’ve had since your days in religious school, Introduction to Judaism is a place to voice your questions, learn multiple perspectives, and discover what is most meaningful to you in liberal Judaism.
Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Guided by our rabbinic intern, Yael Farber, you will have a chance to learn from members of the Stephen Wise clergy and other guest teachers as you explore holidays, lifecycle celebrations, prayer, theology, sacred texts and more. Questions are encouraged, and only curiosity is required. Where applicable, we encourage partners/spouses to take the class together.
Tuesdays, January 21 – May 6
Classes are offered on Zoom with select in-person sessions.
$180 Stephen Wise Temple members
$360 non-members
For more information, or if the cost of the class is a significant financial burden, please contact Yael Farber at [email protected].
The Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
The Stephen Wise Temple Melton School is one of the largest synagogue-based Melton schools in the United States, and we take pride in our distinguished faculty. Every Jew’s experience is unique, shaped by the times, places, and circumstances of their life. Jews are also part of a global community and heirs to an age-old tradition. This community and its traditions can be deep sources of connection and meaning throughout your life’s journey.
For a complete list of class offerings, click here.
To register or to learn more about Melton please contact our Melton School Director Karen Goldenstein at [email protected] or 310.889.2291
MELTON CLASSES ARE PRESENTED ON ZOOM AND HYBRID MODE (BOTH IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM)
Addressing the Challenges of Modernity
How has Judaism addressed hot-button topics like gender roles and intermarriage against the backdrop of 300 years of dramatic religious and social change? Delve into these topics and more in a fascinating 10-session study of the variety of voices that make up contemporary Judaism – where we are today, and how we got here.
10 Tuesdays, Jan. 7 – Mar. 11, 2025 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Led by Rabbi Adam Schaffer
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.
10 Tuesdays, Jan. 7 – Mar. 11, 2025 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Led by Rabbi Shana Chandler Leon
Beyond Borders:
The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Part 1
An ever-timely study of the roots of the conflict between Jews and Arabs over the modern State of Israel. Analyzing newspaper articles, speeches, poems, photographs, and maps, we will re-trace history on a path from 1948-today, examining each war and attempt at peace.
Class will meet in a hybrid mode, allowing you to attend either in person or virtual via Zoom.
10 Wednesdays, Jan. 8 – Mar. 12, 2025 | 10-11:45 a.m.
Hybrid
Led by Benzy Kogen
Israel Current Events
This course is designed to help students engage in dialogue about current events in Israel. Some conversations will be about Israel-specific matters and some conversations will be about how the current events of the world are impacting Israel.
As our source material for this course, we will use the Daily Alert, which is a project of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. It does not have a political agenda, but rather seeks to provide the reader multiple perspectives on currently relevant issues.
Dates and Times TBD
Virtual via Zoom
Led by Rabbi Adam Schaffer
Center for Jewish Life Online Archive
Wise’s Center for Jewish Life has been programming intellectually stimulating evenings with movers, shakers, and thought-leaders for well over a decade. Rabbi David Woznica has brought an impressive and diverse array of speakers together for lectures, dialogues, and panel discussions.
Watch this page for future updates as we share more enlightening programs from our archives.
Ambassador Michael Oren in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
Recorded on Monday, October 31, 2022
Our 2022-2023 slate of Center for Jewish Life events kicked off with a compelling dialogue between Rabbi David Woznica and Michael Oren, the former Israeli Ambassador to the United States.
Ambassador Martin Indyk with Rabbi David Woznica.
Recorded on Monday, April 3, 2023
On the evening of April 3, 2023, Ambassador Martin Indyk, the former United States Ambassador to Israel, joined Rabbi David Woznica and the Stephen Wise Temple Center for Jewish Life for a webinar on Middle East diplomacy, Henry Kissinger, and the current situation in Israel.
Liel Leibovitz in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
Recorded on Monday, January 11, 2021
Author, journalist, and Unorthodox podcast host Liel Leibovitz joins Rabbi David Woznica for a thought-provoking dialogue. Together they cover a wide variety of topics related to contemporary Judaism and Jewish issues, using some of Leibovitz’s well-known Tablet magazine articles as a jumping-off point.
Dr. Deborah Lipstadt in Dialogue
with Rabbi David Woznica
Recorded on July 1, 2020
Celebrated historian (and author of many books) Dr. Deborah Lipstadt joins Rabbi David Woznica for a dialogue on the state of Jewish life, antisemitism, and race relations in the United States. Dr. Lipstadt made international headlines during her libel defense in London against David Irving, who sued her for calling him a Holocaust denier and right wing extremist. A feature film was later made of the trial.
Dr. Lipstadt is Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish History and Holocaust Studies at Emory University in Atlanta.
Jonathan Kaufman in Dialogue
with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Recorded on October 26, 2020
Jonathan Kaufman tells the remarkable story of how two families participated in an economic boom that opened China to the world. His book, The Last Kings of Shanghai, lays bare the moral compromises of these families—and their exceptional foresight and generosity. At the height of World War II, they joined together to rescue and protect 18,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazism. As the United States confronts China’s rise, this book holds a key to understanding the present moment.
Jonathan Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who has reported on China for thirty years. He is Director of the School of Journalism at Northeastern University in Boston.
Yousef Bashir in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
February 18, 2020
“[The Words of My Father] is captivating. Full of youthful exuberance, unlikely adventures, and raw discovery.” — The New Yorker
Yousef Bashir is a Palestinian-American from the Gaza Strip, the son of Khalil Bashir, a highly respected educator. Still suffering the effects of a near catastrophic injury at the hands of an anonymous IDF soldier, Yousef made his way to the United States where he became an accomplished author, a vigorous advocate of Israeli-Palestinian peace, and much sought-after public speaker. Learn his truly remarkable life story as he speaks with Rabbi David Woznica.
Obama White House Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
December 2, 2019
From 2009 to 2017 Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter, first for President Barack Obama and then as the chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. At the age of 36, Sarah took an introductory class on Judaism, attending on a whim. On the road, she found beauty in the rituals, guidance on living an ethical life, a deeper understanding of God—well beyond anything she had learned in Hebrew school. This initiated a multi-year journey meeting with rabbis, attending meditation retreats, sitting at Shabbat tables of Orthodox families, and the reading of many books on Judaism.
Rabbi Harold Kushner in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
February 2, 2016
As part of Stephen Wise Temple Center for Jewish Life’s Forum on Critical Values, Rabbi David Woznica hosts a dialogue with legendary thinker, teacher, and renowned author Rabbi Harold Kushner. This engaging evening yielded timeless answers to thoughtful questions that apply to our daily lives as well as big-picture values introspections.
Elie Wiesel and Governor Mario Cuomo in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
“God: Personal Thoughts” | April 18, 2002
In 2002 Rabbi David Woznica was invited to return to his former organization, the 92nd St. Y in New York City, for this memorable evening. In addition to a filled concert hall, It was broadcast by satellite around the United States. “While these extraordinary men are no longer with us,” reflects Rabbi Woznica, “their insights, candor and depth remain with me to this day.”
The Supreme Court: Crucial Cases of the Past, Present, and Future
Monday, November 4, 2019