An Invitation to Learn

By Rabbi David Woznica

In the words of Rabbi Tarfon, “If you’ve studied much Torah, your reward will be abundant.” (Pirke Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, Ch. 2:21) Rabbi Tarfon’s words are quoted on the inside cover of our newly printed brochure publicizing this year’s Center for Jewish Life programs. Your copy should arrive at your home in the coming weeks.

READ MORE

 

 

 

A Bird’s Eye View

With just a few weeks to go until our Katz Family Pavilion and Shalom Garden Dedication Ceremony, now is the perfect time to take a look at our campus in transition! Check out these dramatic aerial views of our long-term construction (Katz) AND our short-term construction (Sukkah cameo!)

We’ll see you at the dedication on Sunday, November 5, followed by Mitzvah Day!

VIEW PICTURES

 

Worship

 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Bereishit

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

 

10 a.m. Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Services

Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi David Woznica,

and Cantor Emma Lutz
Commemorate the end of Sukkot and remember loved ones with meaning and kavod.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

 

8 a.m. Wise School Simchat Torah Celebration

Our entire community is invited to mark the end of our Torah cycle (and the start of a new one) during this joyful celebration with our students.

WATCH ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK

 

5:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Nosh

 

6:15 p.m. Simchat Torah Celebration and Shabbat Services

Led by Rabbi David Woznica, Rabbi Ron Stern, Rabbi Josh Knobel,

and Cantor Emma Lutz
Close out our festival week with beautiful music and worship.

 

 

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study

9 a.m. Torah Study

10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Rabbi Joshua Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz

 

9 a.m. Shabbat on the Road

Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Rabbi Sari Laufer
Encino Hills Road and Mulholland Drive

Spend a beautiful Shabbat morning with Rabbi Stern and the Wise community as we hike, celebrate simchas, and discuss Torah.
LEARN MORE

 

Next Week: Soulful Shabbat Returns on October 20!

REGISTER FOR DINNER

 

 

Learning Opportunities with Clergy

 

Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, October 16 at 9 a.m. Temple Conference Room

 

Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, October 18 at 12 p.m. Taub Annex

 

 

 

 

In Other News…

 

Seeking Auction Items for the Wise Gala

We are gearing up for our Wise Gala on Saturday, February 3, 2018 and need your help to identify companies to participate in our auction by donating goods, services, and gift cards. You can help make our Wise Gala Auction a huge success by contacting businesses who are interested in participating with a tax-deductible auction item donation. Examples include once-in-a-lifetime unique experiences, hotels and vacation homes, concert and sports tickets, restaurants, and much more! You can get involved too by offering your vacation home for use (e.g. Aspen, Paris, Tuscany). Every donation is completely tax deductible. Donors will be acknowledged in our catalogue and in promotional materials. Thank you in advance for helping to make our online auction a success! For questions or item ideas contact [email protected].

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Prayer Vigil for America’s Future

Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

Stephen Wise Temple will be the proud hosts and leader of a Westside interfaith vigil In support of the American values of tolerance, pluralism, and security for immigrants. Join Wise clergy and clergy from our friends and partner congregations of many faiths to celebrate the deep respect we have for each other and the respect we have for multiple paths to God, spirituality, and meaning. This special evening will honor our belief that the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” is core to our faiths, as our traditions call us to: “do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.”

 

 

Wise Years

Thursday, October 19

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Save the Syrian Children with Tamar and Phil Koosed. These inspirational members will discuss their incredible work to provide medical supplies to doctors in war-torn Syria in order to save wounded children. Soar to new heights with NASA pilot, Manny Antimisiaris, using advanced technology to unlock the secrets of the universe. We will also have a film screening of Denial. Rachel Weisz stars in the true story of Deborah Lipstadt’s legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving. Faced with a libel lawsuit in Britain, Lipstadt and her attorney (Tom Wilkinson) had the burden of proving that the Holocaust actually happened. It is a riveting legal fight with stunning consequences.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR LUNCH

 

 

Soulful Shabbat
Friday, October 20
Dinner: 6:30 p.m. | Services: 8 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. In the past we have celebrated Israeli music, sounds of Americana, jazz, gospel, and many other musical styles that enliven and invigorate our prayer experience.

REGISTER FOR DINNER

 

 

A Jewish Journey Through Painting
with Jan Navah

5 Mondays October 23-November 20
7-8:30 p.m. | Tyberg Art Studio

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 and learn about Jewish ritual objects, this is your chance.

REGISTER HERE

 

 

Classical Hebrew Beginning 1
(Hebrew for Beginners)
Instructor: Alisa Lottati, American Jewish University

9 Mondays: October 23-December 18

7 – 9 p.m. at Stephen Wise Temple.

Would you like to follow along in the prayer-book during services or while hearing the Torah read? This class is for students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew, focuses on reading the siddur (prayerbook).You will delight in how much you will learn in 9 weeks.

REGISTER HERE

 

 

Los Angeles Jewish Songwriters Corner

Conversations about creativity and innovation in Jewish life

Wednesday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback in conversation with Rabbi Ken Chasen

Jewish musicians, from composers to instrumentalists, often see their music as a way to bring joy as well as a way to inspire living a deeper and more meaningful Jewish life. Join Rabbi Zweiback as he speaks with three influential Los Angeles based composers and singers about their music and the lessons they hope to convey. Rabbi Ken Chasen is Senior Rabbi of Leo Baeck Temple. A talented songwriter, composer and singer, Rabbi Chasen plays guitar, piano and bass.

November’s guests will be Julie Silver and Craig Taubman.​

REGISTER HERE

 

 

Monthly Mitzvah Day with Rabbi Ron Stern: Tour de Summer Camps
Sunday, October 29 | Begins at Camp Alonim on the Brandeis-Bardin Campus of AJU

Support Jewish camping by riding or hiking in the Tour De Summer camps with Rabbi Stern. The Jewish Federation’s Tour de Summer Camps is a community cycling and hiking event that will raise significant funds to send more kids to Jewish summer camp, helping them build a lifelong connection to Jewish identity and values. Cyclists and adventurers of all kinds (from beginner to expert level) can take on the challenge of a 18-mile, 36-mile, 62-mile (Metric Century), or 100-mile (Century) ride. Rabbi Stern is doing the 62 mile ride. Join him! Or, join our team and do any of the other rides or the hike to raise money. Either way, make sure to register through the Wise Team: Wise Wheels! 

REGISTER HERE 

 

 

Chaya Inspired: A Challah and Yoga Experience
Upcoming Sessions:
Friday, November 10 at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 11 at 10 a.m.
Learn the artful traditions of making challah, practicing yoga, and setting intention with Chaya Inspired classes. Small groups participate in a 1-hour guided challah making lesson and a 1-hour all-levels yoga class. Everyone leaves with braided challah ready to bake at home, a scrumptious gift bag, and a renewed spirit.
Cost: $55 for Wise members, $65 for general public

REGISTER HERE

 

 

Community Calendar

 

 

Los Angeles Birthright of Israel Benefit

presented by Birthright Israel Foundation

Wednesday, October 18  | Stephen Wise Temple

6 p.m. Reception

7 p.m. Dinner & Program

Join us for dinner and guest speakers Jonathan Lipnicki and Chloe Valdary.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 29

 

 

Middle East Security: Challenges and Opportunities for the US, Israel, and the Broader Region
Sunday, October 29 at 10 a.m. | Sinai Temple
An extraordinary dialogue with leading experts and former officials on an array of issues including Iran’s nuclear program, ISIS and the Syrian Civil War, the prospects for a sustainable two-state solution, Israel’s relations with the wider Arab world, and more. Featuring General John Allen, former Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL and HRH Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Saudi Chief of Intelligence.
REGISTER HERE

 

 

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Gala and Concert

Monday, October 30 at 8 p.m. | Walt Disney Concert Hall

Join American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra for a magnificent musical encounter honoring Zubin Mehta for his decades of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the cultural life of Israel. The program will include Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 and Schubert’s Symphony N. 9 in C major, D. 944 (“The Great”). Post-concert dessert reception with Zubin Mehta (Underwriter, Vice Chairman, Principal Benefactor and Virtuoso.

PURCHASE TICKETS

 

 

Film Screening and Benefit for Save the Syrian Children
Thursday, November 2 at 7 p.m. | Landmark Theatre, Westside Pavilion

Save the Syrian Children is pleased to invite you to a special screening of the award winning HBO documentary Cries from Syria, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and Academy Award-nominated Director Evgeny Afineevsky. This is an exclusive screening to benefit Save the Syrian Children. Your suggested $50 donation per ticket helps doctors in Syria and our partners in Israel save the lives of innocent children. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
PURCHASE TICKETS

 

 

Lifecycle • Yahrzeits

We observe the yahrzeits of:

 

Peter Aronson*, Sadye Ash, Madeline L. Bergman*, Fred Buchbinder*, Joseph Cherry*, Diane Cohen, Edward Colman*, Evelyn Cooper, Frieda Dornberg*, Jacques Muller-Dreyfus*, Joseph Dubman*, Joseph Friedmann*, Yetta Ginsburg*, Abraham Goodwein*, Sophie Hamburger*, Beatrice Kamen*, Vera Kossman*, Pearl Lerner*, Erwin Loeb, Lorraine Maiten, Albert Matz*, David Meyers*, Harry Morris*, Rose Perll*, Dr. Philip P. Popick*, Harry Reizner, Ann Rogow*, Arthur Schneider*, Hilda B. Schwarz*, Dr. Ivan Shalit*, Abraham Silver*, Julie Ethel Stone*, Ethel Winston*, Morris Zeldin*, Jennie Kael Zucker*

 

*Designated on our memorial walls

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

 

Frieda Chase, Barton J. Feldmar, Allyn Cipinko Fine, Richard Levy, Simon Light, Myrna Magit,

Glenn Rosen, Lillian Rosen, Fred Silton, Marvin Rosenberg, Bernard Weitzman, Meg Zweiback

 

 

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!

 

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

 

Azita and Saeed Hekmat-Niaz on their son Leeron becoming Bar Mitzvah.

 

 

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.

 

Debra and Roger Cowan; James Silton, on the loss of Debra’s and James’ father Fred Siegfried Silton.

 

Debra Magit on the loss of her mother Myrna Charlotte Magit.

 

John Rosen on the loss of his brother Glenn Stuart Rosen.

 

 

Lifecycle • Tributes

We honor people through charitable giving.

 

RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN HONOR OF:

 

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback for officiating the wedding of Allison Tucker-Fisher and Justin Fisher, by William Tucker and Sheryl Burnam

 

Rabbi David Woznica for co-officiating the baby naming ceremony of our granddaughter, Caroline Clifford, by The Rosenson and Clifford Families

 

 

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Evelyn Cooper, by Nancy Meshulam

 

 

CANTORS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Diane Cohen, by Edythe Lipen

 

 

DONNA AND CANTOR NATHAN LAM MUSIC LAB

IN HONOR OF:

 

Co-officiating the baby naming ceremony of our granddaughter, Caroline Clifford, by The Rosenson and Clifford Families

 

 

2017-18 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

IN HONOR OF:

 

Our Wise clergy in appreciation for opening the Ark during the inspiring Yom Kippur Day services, by Gloria & Ron Gurvitz

 

 

CYE SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN HONOR OF:

 

Artist in Residence, by Steve & Sharon Scharkss

 

 

METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Alexander Indich, by Susan Fien

 

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND

IN HONOR OF:

 

Bettina Shore and her Emmy wins, by The Fixmer and Shore Families

 

 

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Erwin Loeb, by Caroline Russ and family

 

Allyn Fink, by Susan Berger

 

 

YAHRZEIT FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

 

Arthur Schneider, by Flora Schneider

 

Harry Reizner, by Tammy & Joel Steinman

 

Sylvia Cohen, by Susie & Bruce Goren

 

Herbert Pearlson, by Nina & Bryan Leung

 

Tillie Handler, by Ardythe Jasper

 

Very Kossman, by Anna Mae & Ted Haas

 

Sadye Ash, by Arlene Newman

 

Sophie Hamburger, by The Siegel Family

 

Dr. Philip P. Popick, by Frank Pinkus

 

 

To make a donation in someone’s honor or in memory of a loved one, please visit wisela.org/giving.

 

 

Temple Gift Shop

Hanukkah is closer than you think! The gift shop has a beautiful line of vintage Hanukkiahs. Stop by to see our new collection, there is something for everybody! Need a tallit? Receive 25% off of all tallit purchases. Do you have two hours free a week? The Gift Shop is looking for volunteers. A great way to meet people and contribute to the Temple. 

 

Thank You

We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:
 
Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone
 
Gift Shop Volunteers:

Terrie Baumann

Emil Cobar

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? 

 

Are you having a lifecycle event? Or would you like to be added to this email list? 
 
Would you like to get involved? Check out upcoming Temple and School events. 

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