.           
 

Homecoming
by Cantorial Intern Sara Anderson

For five years, coming home has become a ritual for me. My trips happen seasonally, and they mark the passing of time. Not unlike the wall in my childhood home where my height and age was marked to show my growth, my trips home hold a mirror up to how far I am into becoming a Cantor. I carefully arrange what I take home with me, both physically and emotionally. I can tell each trip what has changed about myself. I sense what truths I have uncovered, and recognize the elements of myself that I hope will have changed by the next time I travel home.

 

Search for Meaning: Rabbi Yoshi Interviews Documentary Filmmaker Victor Pineda

In advance of the December 17 screening of his film 12 Bends at Wise, Dr. Victor Pineda spoke with Rabbi Yoshi about his incredible story for the latest episode of Search for Meaning. Dr. Pineda travels the world as an activist and advocate for disability rights—he has 12 bends in his body due to a yet-unnamed muscular disorder. In the film and in his discussion with Rabbi Yoshi he speaks about navigating a world that was not built for him or those like him.

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
REGISTER FOR THE SCREENING 

 
 

Wise Represents at #URJBiennial Conference in Chicago

This week, thousands of Reform Jews have assembled in Chicago for the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial—an opportunity for clergy, lay leaders, and professional staff to connect, worship, learn, and engage with each other. On Wednesday evening, Wise Board member AnnDee Levy, vice chair of this year’s conference, helped kick things off at the first plenary session. Also that evening, Wise Board member Frank Ponder was elected to the URJ Board. Kol HaKavod to both AnnDee and Frank! The excitement and Wise pride will continue throughout the week: Rabbi Yoshi will perform with Mah Tovu bandmate Rabbi Ken Chasen on the Jewish Rock Radio stage this Friday and Wise Readers to Leaders has been honored with a poster display as one of the nation’s most innovative tikkun olam and engagement projects.

Watch Wise’s social media for further updates!
     
#urjbiennial #WiseAtBiennial

WATCH BIENNIAL ONLINE

(Photos: Wise President Janine Kolodny (center), Wise Board members Dana Ehrlich (left) and Frank Ponder are all in attendance at the URJ Biennial in Chicago, for which Wise Board member AnnDee Levy is serving as vice chair. Frank has just been elected to join AnnDee on the URJ Board as well. Also at the conference, Wise Readers to Leaders is on display as one of the nation’s most innovative programs).

 
 

Watch Former White House Speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz’s Dialogue with Rabbi Woznica

Earlier this month, former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz sat down with Rabbi David Woznica to discuss her unique journey back to Judaism, described in her book Here All Along. In case you missed it, or would like to rewatch and share, the video from the evening is now available on our web site, on Facebook, and YouTube.

WATCH VIDEO
LEARN ABOUT MORE CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE EVENTS
 
 

Board Nominations Now Open—Help us Make Meaning and Change the World!

We are now accepting nominations to the Stephen Wise Temple Board of Directors for 2020-21. Are you or is someone you know active, interested, and deeply involved in our Stephen Wise Temple and Schools community? Would you like to deepen your connection with Wise by joining our lay leadership team? If so, please submit your name, or your recommendation for our 2020-21 Board of Directors, Congregational Fund Trustees, and Officer positions.

  • Nominating committee requests that all Board nominee recommendations be submitted by email to the chair, Steven J. Fishman, prior to December 30, 2019.
  • You may email your nominations to [email protected].
  • Please include “2020/2021 Nominations” in the subject line of your email to ensure proper delivery.

The Nominating committee will evaluate all submissions based on candidate criteria and available openings. Thank you for being committed and passionate members of our community.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION

 

Light Up Literacy

Wise School is excited to raise funds throughout the month of December to provide Wise Readers to Leaders with school supplies they will use to support their scholars this summer. Money raised will help Wise Readers to Leaders purchase classroom supplies, sporting equipment, books, and more! We invite the entire Wise community to support our beloved annual Light Up Literacy drive.

 

Memorial Plaques—Commemorate Loved Ones in Our Sanctuary

It is a widely observed Jewish tradition to commemorate the passing of a relative or loved one on the walls within a synagogue. All synagogues and many organizations devote an area within or near the sanctuary to memorializing those that have departed on a dedicated memorial wall. If you wish to commemorate a loved one by purchasing a memorial plaque at Wise, you may do so online or by calling our development office at 310.889.2234.

 

Introduction to Judaism
Rabbi Sari Laufer and Wise Clergy
Sundays beginning January 19, 2020 | 10 a.m.

Whether you are curious about or considering Judaism, or still looking to answer that question you’ve had since your days in religious school, Introduction to Judaism is a place to voice your questions, learn multiple perspectives, and discover what is most meaningful to you in liberal Judaism.
Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Taught by Rabbi Sari Laufer, students will have a chance to learn from members of the Stephen Wise Temple clergy and other guest teachers while exploring holidays, lifecycle celebrations, prayer, theology, sacred texts, and much more.
Questions are encouraged and only curiosity is required.
 
 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayishlach

Friday, December 13
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Sermon Topic: What a Jew Should Know About Christmas and Modern Day Christianity
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Emma Lutz
8 p.m. | Soulful Shabbat | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Nathan Lam
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org

Saturday, December 14
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Nathan Lam

Wednesday, December 18
12 p.m. | Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi | Udko Annex

Friday, December 20
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantorial Intern Sara Anderson

Saturday, December 21
9 a.m. | Torah Study led by Rabbi Sari Laufer | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantorial Intern Sara Anderson
 
 

Kol HaKavod to Wise members Lynn and Les Bider on being honored by the Anti-Defamation League at the ADL’s Annual Gala on Monday night, December 9. The Biders received this year’s Humanitarian Award at the event held at the Beverly Hilton.
 
 

 

Soulful Shabbat 
Friday, December 13
Friday, January 17
6:30 p.m. | Dinner
8 p.m. | Shabbat Service

Our unique musical service is one of Wise’s most popular traditions that creates a spiritual evening featuring the rhythms and melodies our members have come to love.

 

WTY Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 15 | 6 p.m. | Katz Family Pavilion 

Join Wise Temple Youth for a night filled with latkes and laughter! All Wise Temple Youth grades 8-12 are invited. 

 

Screening and Filmmaker Q&A: 12 Bends by Victor Pineda
Tuesday, December 17 
Nosh: 6:30 p.m.
Screening: 7 p.m.

In an epic personal journey, Victor Pineda, change maker, filmmaker, and world traveler pushes his physical limits and discovers the keys to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Victor has 12 bends in his body, but that is not his problem. He is unsatisfied with his decisions and embarks on a dangerous journey to India to gain new perspectives. Through three “blessings” he confronts his greatest fears and discovers that intimacy/loneliness, mortality and rebirth are all a part of life. Join Rabbi Yoshi for a special screening and Q&A with Victor.


WATCH THE TRAILER

 

Wise Women presents
Mahj & More
1-5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17

Members and guests are invited to join other Wise Women every month for open play Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge, or any other game you’d like. Groups or single players and all levels (beginners to experts) welcome and encouraged! If you have a Mah Jongg set, please bring it along. Snacks and light refreshments will be served.

This is a free event for members and guests, RSVPs are kindly requested. Please note game lessons will not be provided.

 

Cantors Assembly Trip to Italy with Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Lam
Info Session: Wednesday, December 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Trip Intinerary: Rome | Florence | Venice: June  22 – July 2, 2020

Following his incredible concert at the Great Synagogue of Rome, Cantor Nathan Lam and the Cantors Assembly are proud to announce a musical journey through Italy in the spring of 2020. Join Rabbi Yoshi, Cantor Lam, and the many voices of the Cantors Assembly for a magical excursion to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

 

Wise Women Rosh Hodesh and Hanukkah Gathering
Thursday, December 19 | 9 a.m.

In partnership with Sharsheret: A Jewish Breast Cancer organization, Rabbi Sari and Cantor Emma invite you to join Wise Women to celebrate Rosh Hodesh Kislev. We’ll enjoy a morning of song, spirituality, and Tikkun Olam.

 

Shabbanukkah
Friday, December 27 | 6:15 p.m.

When Shabbat and Hanukkah combine, the festival of lights earns some bonus illumination (not to mention a snazzy portmanteau). Gather with your Wise community for our beloved annual celebration including all of your Hanukkah favorites. Remember to bring your own hanukkiyah so that we can kindle our candles in unity.

 

YAD Hanukkah Celebration
For Wise 20s and 30s
Friday, December 27 
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Stephen Wise Temple
7:30 p.m. | Public School 818 | 15300 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks

Join us for Shabbanukkah services at 6:15 p.m. followed by drinks, food, and shmoozing at PS818 down the street. We hope you can join us for services and happy hour, but if you can make it to only one or the other, totally fine, too!

 

Forty Years After: The Los Angeles Persian Jewish Community
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Dr. Saba Soomekh
Sexuality  |  Wednesday, January 8, 2020  |  7:30 p.m.
Culture |  Wednesday, February 19, 2020  |  7:30 p.m.

The impact of the revolution in Iran in 1979 goes well beyond the Middle East and few communities in the United States have felt that impact more than Los Angeles. The Jewish community has been forever changed by the immigration of tens of thousands of Persian Jews over the past four decades. The influence has been mutual—both communities have been transformed in exciting ways because of these larger forces.

This series explores the mutual impact of the Persian Jewish community, the broader Los Angeles Jewish community, and the City of Los Angeles.

 

Wise Years
Thursday, January 9 | Plotkin Chapel
10 a.m. | Registration Begins
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins

Join us as Dr. Uri Herscher (former Executive Vice President and Dean of Faculty at the Hebrew Union College and Founder and President of the Skirball Cultural Center) and Rabbi Eli Herscher (Senior Rabbi Emeritus of Stephen Wise Temple) engage in a conversation of how autobiography influenced the lives of two brothers, shaping their visions and values, as well as passions. Their story is a microcosm of the two most important Jewish historical events of the past 2000 years and, at the same time, the most deeply personal of stories, one that ultimately unfolds on the mountaintop that holds Stephen Wise Temple and Skirball.
The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles speaker will ease you into the new voting system that will be introduced to Los Angeles County in March 2020. This timely presentation will provide information you’ll need to know to vote with the new electronic system. We will also learn how the 2020 US Census will be conducted by phone, by mail or on-line. We’ll find out why “on-line” is preferable.
Film: The Cakemaker, tells the story of Thomas, a young German baker and Oren, an Israeli married man are having a secret affair. When Oren dies in a car crash in Israel, Thomas travels to Jerusalem seeking answers regarding his death. 

 

Tot Shabbat
Saturday, January 11
10 a.m. | Wise Woods

Gather together with our community for a festive service! Our Clergy and song leaders lead our music and story-filled service that introduces the youngest members of our community to the joy of Shabbat. Parents and grandparents will love it too!

 

Wise Melton School Community Connections

Wise’s award-winning Melton School is kicking off a special three-part series for parents in our Parenting and Early Childhood Centers. Get to know six Wise rabbis for Torah learning, wine, and cheese through “Community Connections,” a program specially designed for parents of little ones, based on Melton’s Foundations of Jewish Family Living: Jewish Values for Parents to Share with their Children. 

Classes:
Clearing the Path for Others—Master Story: Eve, Adam, and the Serpent
Taught by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Josh Knobel
Tuesday, January 14 | 7 – 9 p.m.
On the Move—Master Story: Lech Lecha, Finding Your Own Path
Taught by Rabbi Ron Stern and Rabbi Sari Laufer
Tuesday, February 11 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Healing Process—Master Story: God Visiting Abraham After Circumcision
Taught by Rabbi David Woznica and Rabbi Karen Strok
Tuesday, March 10 | 7 – 9 p.m.


If you have further questions, please contact Melton Director Rabbi Karen Strok to learn more about the program.

 

“Nine”
Rabbi David Woznica
Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m.
January 14, 21, 28

The Rabbis of the Talmud teach that there are nine commandments, each of which is equal to all the other commandments combined. The list will likely surprise you.  We will study them in our first class.
The Rabbis of the Talmud teach that there are nine requirements that every city should meet in order for Jews to live there. In other words, what is essential in order to create a decent society. The list too, will likely surprise you. We’ll study them in our second class.
After God, the most prominent figure in the Torah is Moses. In our final class, we will explore nine lessons from the life of Moses. In doing so, we will bring this extraordinary figure to life and to our lives.
Over the course of our studies, we will embrace 27 insights into how Judaism can make us better people and how to shape a better world.

 

Museums with Mario — Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
With Pleasure: Pattern and Decoration in American Art 1972–1985
Wednesday, January 15 | 1:30 p.m.

A generous survey of this groundbreaking American art movement, encompassing works in painting, sculpture, collage, ceramics, installation art, and performance documentation, With Pleasure presents color in ambitious scale!

 
 

Z3 and Stephen Wise Temple present
Israel and America 2020: Spanning the Divide to Find Common Ground
Sunday, January 26 | Stephen Wise Temple

Wise’s Z3 Conference is an opportunity for thinkers and doers, movers and shakers to gather together to gain a deeper understanding of how we can speak to each other across our ideological divides when it comes to Israel and its position in today’s world. Our panelists will come from far and wide to participate in lively discussions of Israel’s culture, technology, politics, and media. With many more to be announced, Wise will welcome Gidi Grinstein, founder of The Reut Group; Yehuda Kurtzer and Chaya Gilboa of Shalom Hartman Institute; and Jodi Rudoren of Forward. For a full current lineup visit our web site.

 

Wise Guys Men’s Ski Trip to Mammoth
Friday, March 6-8

Join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern on the Wise Guys men’s trip to Mammoth Mountain. Winter sports, camaraderie, good food, Shabbat! Cost of the trip includes lodging, two catered dinners, snacks, some wine, and self-prepared breakfasts (lift tickets not included). 

 
 
 

LAFH Lunch Bunch Volunteers
Tuesday, December 11

Janis Berkman
Norma Cooper
Sam Elias
Alex Fixmer
Barbara Friedman
Ilene and Harry Jacobs
Diane Kabat
Candace Konowitch
Freda Moscowitz
Heidi Praw
Sheila Rosenberg
Barbara Sampson
Shirley Sniderman
Tammy Steinman
 
 

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Bob Bronson, Dr. Timothy “Tim” Curlewis, Evelyn Marilyn Miller Feintech, Irv Ginsburg, Erika Esther Glousman, Gary Jacobs, David J. Pasternak

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Phyllis Angrisane*, Michael Edward Baser*, Sophie Bernstein, Henry E. Burke*, Irma S. Burlando, Gertrude N. Caine*, Charles C. Cohen*, Lewis Fleet Conant*, Joan Edelson Danney*, Albert Davis, Armida S. de Castro*, Mauricio F. de Castro*, Sandra Ethel de Castro*, Rose Dorfman, Vicky Eichelbaum, Leonard A. Eisenberg, Irene Faguet*, Bessie Melnick Ginsburg*, Dr. Harold Gilman, Armand Heskovic*, Julius H. Jacobs*, Monroe Jasper*, Paulina Klein, Irving B. Kroll*, Ida Latchman*, Joseph Lerner*, Sheldon Levine*, Ted Levy*, Gertrude Marantz*, Sarah Davidson Morris*, Jack Moscowitz, Lillian Pollock*, Jules Robinson*, Arthur H. Rogan*, Morton Jacob Rolnick, Lucille Rosen*, Faith Louise Rosen*, Sara Rosenblatt*, George Rosenstein, Rose Sachnin*, Miriam Shain*, Sol Shain*, Ira Lee Solovey*, Renee Sprecher*, Marvin G. Swartz*, William W. Tamkin*, Norma Tendler*, Irving Tuch*, Herman Weiner, Julius R. Wolf*

*Designated on our memorial walls

We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy:
Dr. Vivian Feintech (and Allen Greenfield) on the loss of Vivian’s mother Evelyn Marilyn Miller Feintech
 
 

Sally and Benjamin Cohanzad on the birth of their child Lola Cohanzad
Alexa and Michael Fishman on the birth of their child Jay Kobe Fishman and grandparents Jodie and Steve Fishman
Rochelle and Ron Fox on the birth of their first grandchild Ryan Daniel Ehrenpreis and to the proud parents Brooke and Jeff Ehrenpreis and thrilled Aunt Shelby Fox

If you have a birth, wedding, or milestone birthday you would like to share with the Wise community, please email us at [email protected]. 
To schedule a Shabbat blessing or special reception in honor of a simcha, contact Arlene Spiegelman at 310.889.2272.
 
 

We honor our loved ones, our family simchas, and our communal losses through charitable giving. To give in honor or in memory of a cherished family member or dear friend, please visit WiseLA.org/Giving.
 

RABBI YOSHI ZWEIBACK DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, by Beverley Wiener

IN MEMORY OF
Sophie Bernstein, by Freda Moscowitz

RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Albert Davis, by Marvin and Irene Perer

RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Ron Stern, wishing you a speedy recovery, by Sunny Caine

IN MEMORY OF
Sandra E. de Castro, Armida S. de Castro, Irma S. Burlando and Mauricio F. de Castro, by Hugo D. de Castro

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Nathan Lam, by Sylvia Jacobs

IN MEMORY OF
Jack Moscowitz, by Freda Moscowitz
Gary Jacobs, by Steven and Hillary Hartman

ELISA RUBELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Gary Jacobs, by Eileen and Bryan Kravetz

HOMES FOR HEROES FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Dr. David Rosenbaum, by Charles and Isabel Rosenbaum

IN HONOR OF
Daisy Tesler’s conversion, by Sally Hanes

KASSAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Pauline Klein, by Ronnie and Michael Kassan

MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Max Hess, by Ronald and Amy Ossip

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Irving B. Kroll, by Rabbi Leah Kroll
Gary Jacobs, by Michael and Sussan Shore
Dr. Timothy Curlewis, sending our heartfelt condolences, by Jon and Susan Berger

WISE GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF
Ilan and Liam for the wonderful education they are receiving at Wise School, by Savta Leah

WISE READERS TO LEADERS
IN MEMORY OF
Sol Shain and Miriam Shain, by Ed and Carol Horowitz
Evelyn Feintech, by Rabbi Leah Kroll

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Herman Weiner, by Mark and Suzy Spitz
Morris Young, by Barbara Y. Leff
Dr. Harold Gilman, by Bobbi and Peter Feinstein
Getrude Caine, by Sunny Caine
Monroe Jasper, by Ardythe Jasper
 
 

            

MEMBER LOGIN 

CONTACT US

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
 
Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom