Giving A Voice To Our Silent Heroes
By Rabbi Ron Stern
In the familiar story of Isaac’s near-sacrifice at the hands of Abraham, beyond the act itself, the most striking consequence is that Isaac says nothing. He willingly walks with his father, submits to being tied on the altar, and after his life is spared we hear not a word from him. We are left to wonder how this trauma at the hands of his father’s zealotry has lastingly impacted the son.

READ MORE
 

 
 

A Day to Remember: Dedicating our Newest Campus Centerpiece and Changing the World through Mitzvot
Sunday, November 5 marked a momentous occasion in our campus and community history as well as a banner day for all Wise members. In the morning we celebrated the dedication of our brand-new Katz Family Pavilion and Shalom Garden with music and with words of gratitude and inspiration for the future. In the afternoon we rolled up our sleeves and performed great works of tikkun olam on Mitzvah Day, working together to help children in need in Syria, those in need of healing through our blood drive and bone marrow registry, those in need of shelter and support through our clothing and food drives, and so much more. Kol HaKavod to all of our volunteers, all of our support staff and faculty, and everyone who had a hand in making this past Sunday such a truly memorable day.
WATCH THE DEDICATION CEREMONY
VIEW OUR DEDICATION CEREMONY GALLERY
VIEW OUR MITZVAH DAY GALLERY
LEARN ABOUT DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR KATZ FAMILY PAVILION AND SHALOM GARDEN
LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTER FOR TIKKUN OLAM

 

 

Worship

 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Hayei Sarah

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
5:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Nosh

6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by
Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Nathan Lam

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
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 David Woznica and Cantor Emma Lutz

Shabbat on the Road

10 a.m. | Temescal Canyon Park

Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel
Spend a beautiful Shabbat morning with Rabbi Knobel and the Wise community as we hike, celebrate simchas, and discuss Torah. Pets and friends are welcome!

LEARN MORE

Next Week:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services Plotkin Chapel | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Sarah Gurian

6:30 p.m. Soulful Shabbat Dinner | Register for Dinner

8 p.m. Soulful Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi David Woznica, Cantor Nathan Lam, and Cantor Emma Lutz
There will be no nosh this evening.

 

Learning Opportunities with Clergy

 

Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, November 13 at 9 a.m. Temple Conference Room
 

Women’s Rosh Chodesh Service with Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Emma Lutz

Wednesday, November 15 at 8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary

Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, November 15 at 12 p.m. Taub Annex

 

 

 

 

Wise Bulletin Board

Now Accepting Nominations to the Temple Board for 2018-19!
Are you or someone you know very involved in our Temple community? Would you like to deepen your connection with the Temple by joining our leadership team? If so, we’re calling on all of our members to submit recommendations for the 2018-2019 Board of Directors, Congregational Fund Trustees, and Officer positions. The Nominating Committee requests that all Board nominee recommendations be submitted in writing to Glenn Sonnenberg, Nominating Committee Chairperson, by November 30.Please include in the subject line of your email: 2018/-2019 nominations to ensure proper delivery.

 

Participate in Shoes that Fit 2017!
It’s that time of year! Become a “Shoe Buddy” for Shoes that Fit 2017 benefiting the 5th graders at 93rd St. Elementary School. Each year Stephen Wise Temple and Wise School gifts over 200 pair of shoes – one each for every 5th grader at 93rd St. Elementary. For many of these children, this is the first pair of NEW shoes they’ve ever worn as many have old, worn out hand me downs from older siblings and donations. Become a “Shoe Buddy” to 1, 2 or more kids and give the gift that keeps on giving. Contact Lori Tyberg at [email protected] to receive the name, gender and shoe size of a well deserving child. We will be collecting the shoes through Thanksgiving.

 

College Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Parents Lunch 11/30 & Dinner with Clergy in Boston 12/7
We are sending college kids a gift for Hanukkah with a note from our clergy. If you haven’t already sent us their information and you would like your child to receive a gift, please email us: their name, email, cell phone, university/college (or alma mater if they’ve recently graduated), and year of graduation. Also, we’d love your help and company in packing the gifts over lunch with Rabbi Stern on 11/30 at 12:30-2:00pm at member Susan Berger’s home in Encino. Address available on RSVP. Finally, if you have a child (or recent grad!) living in Boston, let us know. Rabbi Yoshi, Rabbi Stern, and other members of our team are headed there for the URJ Biennial and they’d love to connect.
Please email Lucy Harel, Director of Membership: [email protected]

Dafna Presnell Memorial Service
Sunday, December 17 at 11:30 a.m. 
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dafna Presnell, the Director of our Early Childhood Center for more than three decades, as well as the founding principal of our Day School. Dafna touched the lives of countless children, as well as their parents, through her passionate love of every child, her insight and sensitivity in guiding parents through their most challenging moments and, most importantly, through her deeply human and humane presence. She was the early childhood educator par excellence, whose warmth infused the very heart of Stephen Wise Temple in its formative years and over the course of our growth. Donations in tribute to the legacy of her work may be made to our Early Childhood Center or Parenting Center.

RSVP HERE
 

 

Seeking Auction Items for the Wise Gala

Make our Wise Gala Auction a huge success by contacting businesses and friends and asking for 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). Thank you in advance for helping to make our online auction a success! For questions or item ideas contact [email protected].

 

 

Center for Jewish Life

 

TONIGHT!

Los Angeles Jewish Songwriters Corner

Conversations about creativity and innovation in Jewish life

Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback in conversation with Craig Taubman

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. Craig Taubman’s recordings have become an integral part of the Jewish community.  His musical catalog includes over 50 recordings from Jewish Lullabies to  Friday Night Live. In addition, he produced Jewels of Elul, an annual collection of short stories for the High Holidays and is involved with the Pico Union Project.

REGISTER HERE

 

Hollywood’s Spies: The Undercover Surveillance of Nazis in Los Angeles
Dr. Laura Rosenzweig
Monday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Hollywood’s Spies tells the long-hidden story of American Jewish Resistance to Nazism during the 1930’s and the role that Jewish Hollywood prayed in combatting this threat to democracy.  Between 1934 and 1941, Louis B. Mayer, Jack Warner and the other Jewish executives of Hollywood secretly paid private investigators to infiltrate Nazi groups operating in Los Angeles.  For seven years, Hollywood’s spies infiltrated the German-American Bund and its nativist, Naz—influenced allies, reporting on seditious plots and collusion with the German government.  After eighty years, the story is told.
REGISTER HERE

 

 

The Marciano Art Foundation
Thursday, December 7
1–3 p.m.
Enjoy this collection of modern and contemporary art located in the former Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. The foundation, which just opened this year, is displaying some of their 1,500-piece collection for the very first time. The building, recently renovated, was designed by renowned California artist and architect Millard Sheets.
REGISTER HERE

 

Upcoming Events

 

Chaya Inspired: A Challah and Yoga Experience
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

 

Shabbat on the Road

Saturday, November 11 at 10 a.m. | Temescal Canyon Park

Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel
Spend a beautiful Shabbat morning with Rabbi Knobel and the Wise community as we hike, celebrate simchas, and discuss Torah. Pets and friends are welcome!

 

Wise Jams
Wednesday, November 15 at 8 p.m.
Jam with Rabbi Yoshi, the Maestro, and the Stephen Wise Temple musicians and singers! Are you an ace on the bass? Get your kicks on the sticks? Bring your axe, your sax, your vox, and your chops. We’ll supply the mics, amps, sheet music, and a rockin’ good time!

WATCH VIDEO
REGISTER HERE

 

Wise Holiday Boutique
Thursday, November 16
8 .am. – 4:30 p.m.
Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, and bring your friends and family for an all-day shopping event that can’t be missed! Proceeds benefit the Wise School and Stephen Wise Temple Community.
LEARN MORE

 

 

Community Calendar

West Coast Jewish Theatre presents
New York Water by Sam Bobrick and directed by Howard Teichman

Playing now through December 17 | Pico Playhouse
Linda and Albert are a New York couple who have just met and feel they have been held back by the city. Follow them as they try to make a go of it in Davenport, Iowa, Los Angeles and then, no longer together, wind up meeting back in New York. This madcap journey of love stars Ross Benjamin and Bridget Flanery.
PURCHASE TICKETS 

 
 

Iranian American Jewish Federation, Sinai Temple, and Nessah Synagogue present
Ben Gurion, Epilogue
Thursday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Saban Theatre
The Israeli Film Academy presented Ben Gurion, Epilogue with the Best Documentary Award and now you can see it here in Los Angeles. Attend a special pre-screening reception at 6:30 p.m. and a Q&A with writer/director Yariv Mozer.
PURCHASE TICKETS

 

Hadag Nahash with Hanan Ben Ari
Saturday, December 2 at 8:30 p.m. | AJU Gindi Auditorium
Hadag Nahash combines funky hip-hop grooves with flavors of rock, reggae and Middle Eastern music. The best-selling hip-hop artists in Israel, they have shared a stage with superstars like The Black Eyed Peas, Cypress Hill, and Matisyahu. Hadag Nahash features a full electric band, along with turntables and samples backed by their notoriously bold frontman. Feverishly devoted to equality and civil rights, the group is the soundtrack for the Israeli struggle against corruption and racism.
Hadag Nahash will be joined by Israel’s “best new artist” for 2016 – Hanan Ben Ari!
PURCHASE TICKETS

Third Annual Men’s Ski Trip
February 23-25, 2018
Hit the slopes with the guys of Wise! This is an incredible getaway for a limited group of Wise guys including Rabbi Yoshi and Rabbi Stern!  We spend two days enjoying the mountains and snow of Mammoth Mountain, the services of our own personal chef, Shabbat, great camaraderie and some awesome skiing.  Even if you’re not a skier, Mammoth offers great winter activities from snow-mobiling to snow-shoeing and we’ll have access to the spa and gym at the Snowcreek mountain center.   To register and hold your place (as of this notice there are only seven slots left!) click here.  

 

 

Lifecycle • Yahrzeits

We observe the yahrzeits of:

Sanford Binkoff*, Pearl Borenstein*, Gary Clement, Sylvia Cohen, Ann Cooper*, Ramona Micon Delson*, Jerry Demain, Michael Deutsch, Kenneth Donner*, Isadore Federgreen*, Samuel Flatow*, Marcia Fox, Anna Glick*, Jessie Abromson Goldring*, Lolly Horn, George J. Jampolis*, Ruth Joseph, Sylvia Kantor, Louis Klein*, Fefe Taracuik Kopelioff, Joshua Levy, Kenneth Levy, Claire Lipton*, Lottie Lowitz*, Sophie Mann*, Menasche Margalit, Enid Meltzner, Esther Moskovitz, Bertie Nadrich*, Edward I. Reiss*, Selma Rolnick, Marcia Ruben*, Ruth Schiller, Vernon Sherkow, Joseph Silberberg*, Eugene Singer*, William P. Sornoff*, Valiant Rudnick Stull*, Oscar Tabor*, Phillip Weinstein*, M.S. “Sunny” Williams*, Henry Wirtschafter, Lisl Wise

*Designated on our memorial walls

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

Aviad Cohen, Gloria Goldsmith, Gerald Gross, Dafna Presnell, Glenn Rosen, Arthur Siegel

 

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:

 

Sharon and Brian Hersch on the birth of their grandson Graham Jacob Olanoff to proud parents Rachel Hersch and Oliver Olanoff.

Nicole and Scott Halle on the birth of their son Bennett Asher Halle. Mazal Tov to proud grandparents Cheryl and Brad Cohen.

 

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

 

Katrin and Dean Shabbouei on their son Daryn 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.

David and Debra Siegel on the loss of David’s father Arthur Siegel.

Dr. Robert and Marjorie Gross and family on the loss of Robert’s father Gerald Gross.

 

Lifecycle • Tributes

We honor people through charitable giving.

RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN HONOR OF:

Rabbi David Woznica, by Julie and Jason Wallace

 

IN MEMORY OF:

Ethel Simon Cooper, by Owen Simon

Lisl Wise, by Susi Levin and family

 

CANTORS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Sylvia Newmark, by Sandy and Stu Newmark

 

LIFELONG LEARNING ENDOWMENT

IN MEMORY OF:

Eugene Singer, by Patti and Roger Golden

 

METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Dafna Presnell, by Heidi and Albert Praw

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND

IN HONOR OF:

Sharon and Brian Hersch, a Mazel Tov on the birth of your grandson, Graham Jacob Olanoff and to the proud parents Rachel and Oliver Olanoff on the birth of their son, by Lori and Rob Goodman and family

 

SOL AND ESTHER SMITH LIBRARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Menasche Margalit, by Carolynne and Ze’ev Drori

 

DIENER AND KADNER FAMILIES LIBRARY FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Lolly Horn, by Tom Horn

 

YAHRZEIT FUND

IN MEMORY OF:

Esther Zeldin, by Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin

Ann Cooper, by Andy and Sheldon Kahn

Elaine Krupsaw, by Susan and David Friedman

Robert Henry Greenwald, by Phil Greenwald

Belle Stern, by Terri and Charles Stern

Marcia Fox, by Marshall Glick, Marni Glick, and Heather Glick-Atalla

Louis Klein, by Bea Fisher

 

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. 

 

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? 

 

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