This Friday night, on Homecoming Shabbat, we kick off our 60th anniversary celebration. Each day this week, a member of our clergy shares some personal Stephen Wise Temple Moments.
As we celebrate 60 years since our temple’s founding, I begin with a memory created by our founding rabbi. Driving the inclined road up to the temple with Rabbi Zeldin, I asked him, “When you created the temple, could you have imagined it could have become anything like this?” His reply, “David, I pinch myself every time I drive up.” So should we.
Through our Center for Jewish Life, there have been many Stephen Wise Temple Moments. One that is especially memorable is the evening with Elie Wiesel. Our sanctuary was overflowing, with extra chairs everywhere. As he entered from the main doors, some 1,500 congregants stood, eyes fixed on this extraordinary man, as they erupted in applause. He looked around, acknowledged the crowd with his warm smile and thoughtful eyes, and modestly took his seat. He was moved. I will not forget that moment. The dialogue that followed gave us a glimpse into one of the most prominent and beloved Jews of our generation.
My earliest Stephen Wise Temple Moment takes me back to my first visit. I was meeting with Rabbi Herscher to discuss working at the temple. I vividly recall my first impression and reflect on it often. The congregants, students, and employees with whom I spoke all radiated joy and a deep pride in being part of this place.
The most recent temple moment occurred just three months ago. The day after the attack on Israel, with the Jewish community in shock, Rabbi Zweiback quickly reached out to other Jewish leaders in Los Angeles. Within 36 hours, our temple hosted a gathering. Our sanctuary filled to capacity with Jews from across the city, with thousands of others watching online.
As we enter the 60th year of the temple (and I my 21st), I look forward to enjoying many more Stephen Wise Temple Moments and, with my talented colleagues, creating such moments alongside you, our congregants, who have helped to shape a congregation so many of us treasure.
— Rabbi David Woznica