This Sunday, March 17, marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, the namesake of our congregation and a pillar of the 20th Century American Jewish Community who helped shape Jewish life as we know it today. Throughout this week’s daily kavannot, we will explore many of his lasting contributions to our history and tradition.
Just as Rabbi Stephen Wise’s diverse educational influences deepened his commitment to the welfare of his fellow human beings, they also strengthened his resolve to use his position without restraint—to fuel social change, as well as advance the cause of the American and global Jewish communities.
In his first position as senior rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, he quickly organized resistance against a wealthy New York socialite’s plan to erect a stable next door to his congregation. He then spoke out in support of an 1898 railway car strike, despite the objections of the congregation’s treasurer, who owned stock in the streetcar company.
In 1905, as he returned to New York from Portland, Wise famously withdrew his application for a position at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan after the temple’s president, Louis Marshall, informed him that he would be forbidden from discussing certain topics, including Zionism. Wise responded to the congregation with an open letter, suggesting, “A free pulpit, worthily filled, must command respect and influence; a pulpit that is not free, howsoever filled, is sure to be without potency and honor…”
Wise’s response ultimately drew national attention, and afterwards, Wise established the Free Synagogue, founded upon the principle of a free pulpit, one that has become a cornerstone of Jewish communal life throughout the world, including our own community.
— Rabbi Josh Knobel