Stewards of Our World
By Rabbi Ron Stern
Up until the establishment of kibbutzim in the land of Israel the words Jew and farmer seemed incongruous in a sentence; unless describing what a Jew is not! However, the return to the land not only resulted in Jewish farmers but also a fierce commitment to preserving the precious land of Israel so that its natural beauty exists for all generations.
READ MORE

 
 
Worship
 
This Week’s Torah Portion: Shemot

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Nathan Lam

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz

Tot Shabbat
10 a.m. in Zeldin-Hershenson Hall
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer
REGISTER HERE

NEXT WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Nathan Lam

7:30 p.m. Re:Shabbat
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
Discover a new Shabbat experience! This casual, musical gathering will bring us together to sing, worship, and enjoy great food and wine in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
RSVP HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz

 
Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, January 8 at 9 a.m. Temple Conference Room
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, January 10 at 12 p.m. Taub Annex
 
January Classes Beginning Next Week
 
Center for Jewish Life presents:
Classical (Siddur) Hebrew, Beginning 2
10 Mondays: January 8 – March 26 (No class on 1/15, 2/19)
7 – 9 p.m. at Stephen Wise Temple
Instructor: Alisa Lottati, American Jewish University
This class is for students who completed Beginning 1 or can read at a beginners level. The class focuses on improving reading skills and understanding the prayers.
REGISTER HERE
 
Center for Jewish Life presents:
The Writings of Elie Wiesel
with Rabbi David Woznica
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Elie Wiesel survived Auschwitz and became a witness for the six million who perished.  He was a leading international Jewish and beloved to the Jewish people. Through his books, his teaching and his speeches he reached tens of millions around the world. We will read and analyze three speeches of one of the most important Jews in modern history.
REGISTER HERE
 
Center for Jewish Life presents:
A Jewish Journey Through Painting

with Jan Navah
5 Wednesdays January 10 – February 7, 2018
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. | Tyberg Innovation Lab
Hiddur Mitzvah is the Jewish idea of bringing beauty to a mitzvah. Explore your artistic talents as you learn the basics of painting and paint a Jewish ritual object (Kiddush cup, candle sticks, mezuzah, tallit, hanukiah, etc.) You will be painting oil on canvas. If you wish, you may bring in one of your personal ritual objects as the subject. This class is for those who have never picked up a brush as well as those with some experience. If you have ever wanted to explore your artistic talents, this is your chance.
REGISTER HERE
 
Upcoming Events
 

Wonder Screening and Q&A with Adam Frank of Lionsgate
Saturday, January 6 at 2 p.m.
Wonder is the family-friendly hit of the year and we are excited to screen this terrific film that celebrates Jewish values such as tolerance and love for one another. Wise member Adam Frank, representing Lionsgate (the studio that developed, marketed, and distributed the film), will join us for a special Q&A session with our students after the movie. Join us for popcorn, snacks, and a fun afternoon during which we’ll learn how this beloved story made it from the page to the screen.
This free event is recommended for kids in first grade and older, though the film is suitable for all ages.
RSVP HERE

 

Volunteers Needed for LA Family Housing Opening Party
Sunday, January 7
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
It’s a monumental time in LA Family Housing history with the opening of a new Permanent Supportive Housing building on the North Hollywood Campus! Residents will be moving into this new 50 unit PSH building Tuesday, January 9th and we are asking for support in the final steps before the big day! We are seeking 35 volunteers to join the “fiesta” this Sunday, January 7, to help prepare the apartments doing such duties as making beds, hanging curtains, assembling furniture, etc so that residents have an extra special move-in celebration. We are also seeking group leaders for the day to arrive at 9 a.m. If you are interested, please email our Director of Programming, Jennifer Smith. We hope you can join us for this extra special moment in LAFH history!

 
 
The Legacies of King and Heschel: An Evening of Tribute Through Fellowship
Thursday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Stand together in fellowship with members of faith communities from across our city as we celebrate the birthdays and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, partners and friends in the fight for civil rights. Be inspired and uplifted by the voices of our choirs and words from our faith partners as we reflect on the enduring legacies of King and Heschel. Connect with friends from all over Los Angeles as we share our stories and learn about our challenges in the world today.
RSVP HERE
 

Wise Years
Thursday, January 11
9:30 a.m. | Registration
10 a.m. | Program begins

Our speaker, Dr. Joel D. Hyatt, will discuss the opioid prescribing epidemic and how it is affecting countless people across the nation. Learn the amazing health and wellness value of practicing mindfulness from Diana Winston of UCLA. Join us after our buffet lunch for games or for a screening of the new film Slipaway and a discussion with writers/directors Julia Butler and Daniel Mentz and lead actress Elaine Partnow. The film is in consideration for four Academy Awards!
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR LUNCH

 

 

Re:Shabbat
Friday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Discover a new Shabbat experience! This casual, musical gathering will bring us together to sing, worship, and enjoy great food and wine in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Decompress from your week. Light dinner and wine will be provided but we also encourage you to bring a favorite bottle to share. RSVP at the link below.

RSVP HERE 

 

Shabbat Shesh Besh (Backgammon)
Saturday, January 13 at 1:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Yoshi and friends for a leisurely Shabbat afternoon of backgammon.

 

Rosh Hodesh Women’s Gathering
Wednesday, January 17 at 8:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
Celebrate Rosh Hodesh with the women of Stephen Wise Temple. This beautiful experience for women by women is filled with learning, poetry, song ,community, and friendship.
RSVP HERE

 

Soulful Shabbat
Friday, January 19
6:30 p.m. | Dinner
8 p.m. | Services
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

 

Center for Jewish Life presents:
BimBam: Watch Something Jewish
A Special Evening for Parents with Young Children

With Sarah Lefton
January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
The founder of BimBam will share with you an exciting series of Jewish videos and animated series that will elevate your children’s free time and help you bring more Judaism into your home together. You will delight in Shaboom! with Gabi and Rafael in their playhouse in the clouds. You’ll discover Parenting Resources which will help you teach Jewish values and rituals. You can learn the Torah portion of the week with your children in an exciting and animated form. And most important you will leave with a great resource that can shape you and your child’s Judaism for years to come.

REGISTER HERE

 
An Evening with Robert Shapiro
Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m.
Legendary attorney and addiction treatment advocate Robert Shapiro will speak at Stephen Wise Temple on January 25, addressing issues of individuals and families struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback will moderate this special evening that is sure to be informative, engaging, and impactful. Co-sponsored by Beit T’Shuvah and Panish Shea & Boyle LLP,this will be a special and unique opportunity to hear from and speak with a leading advocate and expert on this important topic. This will be a free event open to all.

LEARN MORE
RSVP HERE
 
Please join us for the Wise School and Stephen Wise Temple Gala on February 3, 2018 at 7pm located in the Katz Family Pavilion. This event celebrates 40 years of Jewish Education with an elegant affair, Black Tie Optional attire. We will be honoring Lori & Robert Goodman, the Katz Family, Ronald Katz, Dana & Todd Katz, and Kathy & Randall Katz, Deena & Edward Nahmias, Wendy & Ken Ruby, and Lori & Leandro Tyberg.
RSVP HERE
 
URJ Camp Newman Benefit Concert
Saturday, January 20
2 p.m.
Bringing together diverse voices all deeply connected with URJ Camp Newman of San Rafael, Wise will host a benefit concert on Saturday, January 20 to help raise awareness for the beloved community affected by fires in Northern California. For many years songleaders, musicians, and composers have been an essential part of Camp Newman’s identity. At this special event we will celebrate their songs and voices, joining together in our favorites from years past and the present. 
There will be no cost to attend but we ask all attendees to make a generous donation to Camp Newman.
LEARN MORE
REGISTER AND DONATE HERE
 
Community Calendar
 

The Yale Spizzwinks at Stephen Wise Temple
Sunday, January 7 at 7:00 pm
The Yale Spizzwinks are America’s first and oldest underclassman a cappella group. Since 1914, they’ve entertained audiences around the world with their unique blend of sweet harmony and tongue-in-cheek humor. Fun for the whole family! Dessert reception after.

 

West Coast Jewish Theatre presents:
The Sunshine Boys: A Staged Reading
With Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam
Sunday, January 21 at 3 p.m. | Stephen Wise Temple
This beloved Neil Simon classic tells the story of a faded vaudeville duo thrust together for a reunion show years after a falling-out. A tender comedy about friendship and show business, The Sunshine Boys will come to life in this special staged reading featuring Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam. Tickets: $25
Call 323.821.2449 for tickets

 

Post-Hanukkah Sale at the Temple Gift Shop!
Visit the Temple Gift Shop for our post-Hanukkah sale! Stock up now on Hanukkah items for next year. All Hanukkah items 25% off! Do you have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah coming up? Tallits for these special occasions are all 25% off.

 
Lifecycle • Yahrzeits
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:

Dr. Henrietta Albert, Bella Adler, Rochelle Blank, Bernard Ellenson, Jerry Esten, Tracey Grunauer, Victoria Halimi, Peppa Kahane, Harold Jay Rosen, Morton “Mort” Rosen, Bradley Sonnenberg, Marilyn Wenzel

We observe the yahrzeits of:

Molly Alpert*, Steven Beiser, Rhoda R. Bergman*, Rose Berr*, Israel Noah Berrin*, Solomon Edward Berrin*, Nathan Bordo, Charles Capel*, Jerry Chase, Ezra Cohen-Sitt, Glenn Howard Cooper*, Maurice Cutler*, Fred Ehrlich*, Frieda Elisco*, Faulkner Epstein*, Sunny Familian*, Ida Feigenbaum*, Harry Fisher*, Irving Franklin*, Sander Freedman*, Morton Friedman, Morris N. Goldstein*, Rose Goldstein, Geri Ontman Graves*, Otto Herskovic*, Mollie Katch, William Kimmel*, Eddie Kirkbride, Joseph Kleiman*, Regina Klein*, Theodore Ira Kowan, Phillip Kramer*, Margaret Lansing*, Aviva H. Lefitz*, Craig Irwin Markus*, Martin Meltzner, Louis Mertzel*, Louis Newmark*, Arthur Pine, Irving Pollack, Irwin Pollack, Cecil Prober*, Mollie Resnick*, Sara Dorothy Robbins*, Esther Samuels, Sara Perlman Schori*, Edwin Jessel Sekler*, Mollie Shore*, Gail Braun Silver, Louis Singer*, Ralph Skoll*, Ruth Sprecher*, Norman Stein*, Jack Stern, Lily Ullman*, Sally Warshawsky*

*Designated on our memorial walls

 
Lifecycle • Condolences
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.

Stacey and Steve Rosenthal on the loss of Stacey’s great aunt Marilyn Wenzel.

Ruth and Allen Orbuch on the loss of Ruth’s brother Harold Jay Rosen.

 
Lifecycle • Mazal Tov
Shehechianu Moment

Do you have a milestone birthday or anniversary approaching? We’d like to celebrate your special day on the bima during Friday evening Shabbat Services! Invite your family, join your Wise community, make it a “shehechianu moment” – a time to give thanks for life, health, and the blessings that enable you to reach this great moment in your life. Let us know by emailing Arlene Spiegelman or calling 310.889.2272 and she’ll make sure to schedule a date that works for you. We’d love to share your celebration!
 

Wishing you a future filled with joy and blessings.

Mazal tov to:

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra.

Elliot and Ellen Shell on the birth of their grandson Parker Shell to proud parents Rebecca and Scott Shell.

Leemore and David Gabay on the birth of their son.

Richard Rosman and Fran Morris-Rosman on the marriage of their son Randal Rosman to Rebecca Goldberg.

Robert and Renee Siragusa on the birth of their grandson Dax Riley Siragusa to proud parents Jamie and Brent Siragusa.

To our B’nai Mitzvah — may the Torah guide and inspire you every day of your adult life.
Mazal tov to:

 

Sharen and Kevin Golshan on their daughter Riley becoming Bat Mitzvah.
 

 
Lifecycle • Tributes

We honor people through charitable giving.
 

RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi David Woznica, we were honored and moved by your services and very kind words at my mom’s funeral, by Steve Kahane

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback in appreciation for leading Shiva services for my mother, Peppa Kahane, by Steve Kahane

Rabbi David Woznica, by Evy and Marty Lutin

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Warren F. Ackerman, by Laurie Ackerman and Carly Ackerman-Canning

Martin Meltzner, by Laurie and Ronald Resch

 

2107-18 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN MEMORY OF:

Rochelle Blank, by William Hellman and Cathy DeRoy

 

WISE READERS TO LEADERS FUND
IN MEMORY OF:

Bradley Sonnenberg, by TruAmerica Multifamily, Lori and Rob Goodman and family, Ellen and Gary Michel, Phillip and Katie Hathouse, Chip Sellers, Elisa and Michael Schenkman, Michael Sfregola, Shira Rosenblatt, James Adler, Mitch Clarfield, Laurie and Ron Bahar, Donna and Paul Nadel, Deena and Ed Nahmias, Diane and Jules Kabat, Jodi Kruger and Jeremy Rosen, Samantha Millman, Elise Karl and Terry Friedman, Donna Black and Harvey Englander, Pamela Kerman, Roneet and Ken Kahan, Judi and Frank Niver, Lisa and Daniel Platt, Irene and Yoni Boujo, Lucy Stutz, Lisa and Joshua Greer, Nancy and Jeffrey Paul, Jeremy Goldstein, Susie and Bruce Goren, Renee Holland and family, Julie and Marc Platt, Lisa Kelton, Debra Epstein, Cynthia and Marc Karlin, Jennifer Petrovich, Beth and John Wilson, Stephanie and Howard Sherwood, The Leon Family, Danny, Sara, Andrew, and Jordyn, Joni and Miles Benickes, Lewis Groner, and Marcie and Cliff Goldstein

 

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF:

Mary Itri and Jeff Starr, by Rabbi Leah Kroll

Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Josh Knobel on the birth of their daughter Shifra, by Janine and Rick Kolodny and Dana and Scott Ehrlich

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Gerald Esten, by Rickie Gole

 

AFSANEH YOUSEFZADEH MEMORIAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF:

Bradley Sonnenberg, by Faramarz Yousefzadeh

 

PRAYER BOOK FUND
by Roman Shain

 

LIFELONG LEARNING ENDOWMENT
IN MEMORY OF:

Jerry Esten, by Pamela and Earl Kluft and Jill and Leonard Fromer

 

METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:

Sidney Ross, by Heidi and Albert Praw

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz officiating at the funeral of Jerry Esten, by Claudia and Bill Brown

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Regina Lieberman Schonfeld, by Gloria and Art Waldinger

 

SOL AND ESTHER SMITH LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:

Bertha Smith, by Carolynne and Ze’ev Drori

 

AVI EFRAIM GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN MEMORY OF:

Mollie Resnick, by Linda and Jeff Resnick and family

 

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:

Jack Stern, by Terri and Charles Stern, Cambra Sklarz, and Courtney Janes

Joseph Kleiman, by Shirley Kleiman

Theodore Ira Kowan, by Laura and Harvey Alpert

Craig Markus, by The Markus and May Families

Cecil Prober, by The Prober Family and Ed Prober

Dr. Todd Ravins, by Gail, Elisa, Steven, and Claudia Ravins

Mollie Katch, Rose Goldstein, Steven Beiser, and Louis Newmark, by Sandy and Stu Newmark

Glenn Howard Cooper, by Sheryl, Morgan, and Sara Cooper

 
Thank You
We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:

Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone

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

 
A Welcoming Community
Have a great idea? Share it with us by submitting it to our online suggestion box.
SUGGESTIONS

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

 
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077