|
|
The Flames of Hanukkah and the Flames that Surround Us
By Rabbi Ron Stern
California is on fire! Our air is filled with smoke and ash, our pools have become black swamps, our cars are all the same color of ash gray. Homes have been destroyed, lives are disrupted by the chaos. The power of fire to destroy and decimate and undo what has been built, grown from the ground, and even to kill is at the forefront of all of our consciousnesses. And then, in the midst of fire’s chaos we light the lights of Hanukkah.
READ MORE |
| |
 Wise to Host Benefit Concert for Camp Newman
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
|
| |
 Member Spotlight: Kudos to Our Dedicated Kids
Our incredible students never cease to amaze and inspire us. The Zakai family were displaced last week due to the local fires. When they were able to return home after five days, Eytan, Ilan, and Liam went to their backyard, picked lemons off their tree to make lemonade and created a mobile “lemonade for literacy” cart to take around their neighborhood. They told all the neighbors about Light Up Literacy, our Wise campaign that helps bring books to kids in Guatemala. The Zakai kids raised over $100 to supply books to our friends in South America. Through this beautiful act of loving kindness, our Wise students showcased the meaning of bringing light into the world. Kol HaKavod and Chag Sameach!
|
| |
| Worship |
 This Week’s Torah Portion: Miketz
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
Shabbanukkah Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Cantor Nathan Lam, and Cantor Emma Lutz
Part Hanukkah. Part Shabbat. All awesome.
5 p.m. | Family-friendly latke nosh with music and dreidel games
6:15 p.m. | Hanukkiyot Lighting and Shabbat Services
Dinner registration is now closed but all are welcome to join us for services and singing.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Parenting Center
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
Enjoy Our #WiseLights on Campus During Hanukkah!
Weeknights during Hanukkah at 4:45 p.m.
Join our clergy and staff on Nahmias Plaza outside the Katz Family Pavilion to light our community Hannukiyah during the festival of lights! Enjoy prayers and meaningful words as we celebrate the season of spreading light and hope.
NEXT WEEK:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22
6:15 p.m. Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Student Rabbi Bryan Zive and Cantor Emma Lutz
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23
Saturday Morning Services and Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
9 a.m. Torah Study
10 a.m. Morning Service followed by potluck lunch
Led by Student Rabbi Bryan Zive and Cantor Emma Lutz
|
| |
Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, December 18 at 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, January 3 at 12 p.m. | Taub Annex
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Center For Tikkun Olam – Give Back Guide |
| |
|
Deadline Extended: Help Us Help 50 Families in Need
Thanks to your amazing support, we’ve raised nearly $5,000 for families in need this holiday season, which has helped us purchase grocery store gift cards as well as other needs for the holidays. But we will still need your help! You can give online until Friday, December 15, to help us spread more light to families in our Los Angeles neighborhoods who need it now more than ever.
Here are the ways you can make an impact:
- Donate funds towards Holiday Kits. Your contribution of $150 supplies a family with needed items, including household goods, holiday decorations and Ralphs/Target gift cards. Help us reach our goal of 50 kits.
- Donate funds towards gift cards. Your contribution of $40 or $80 will go towards the purchase of Ralphs/Target gift cards needed for Holiday Kits.
- Sponsor a meal. Your contribution of $500 pays for a meal served by LA Family Housing during the month of December.
Click here to make your contribution by Friday, December 15
Our gratitude to the following people who contribute to LA Family Housing to make this season brighter for families in need: Brant & Silvia Benun; Neil & Janis Berkman; Michel & Guitty Caroline Bolour; Sunny Caine; Stuart Cirulnick; Edwin Haronian & Sharona Cohen; Scott & Dana Ehrlich; Ron & Michelle Farhadi; Steven & Jodie Fishman; Darryl & Vanessa Frank; Jack & Paula Frost; Karen Furie; Bruce & Susie Goren; Ed & Carol Horowitz; Janice & Robert Kahlenberg; Arthur & Ginny Kahn; Abner & Sharona Kermani; Bill & Katie Kleiman; Edward & Deena Nahmias; Shelly & Donald Levy; Frank Ponder & Helen Randall; Eugenia Rosenthal; Phillip Harnick & Robyn Sokol; Arlene Spiegelman & Justin Van Vlack; Rabbi Ron Stern & Becky Sobelman-Stern; Karl & DeeDee Sussman; David & Isabel Wintroub; Michael & Linda Wachtell; Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback & Jacqueline Hantgan
|
| |
|
 Help Formerly-Homeless Veterans Furnish Their New Homes
Donate Funds for Furniture and Appliances
Homes for Heroes partners with local veterans groups, including the VA, to help furnish new apartments for previously homeless vets. Your donation helps our team purchase furniture and appliances as well as toiletries and “welcome home” basket items. We also gladly accept donations of new items large and small: household appliances, toiletries, and other sundry items to make our veterans feel at home right away. You may bring donations to the Wise administrative office!
|
| |
|
Lunch Bunch Gathering Benefitting Valley Shelter
Tuesday, December 19 at 5 p.m. | Sanctuary Building
Become a part of our essential Lunch Bunch as we prepare meals for those in need during this Hanukkah season. Our volunteers not only prepare meals but also assist with delivery (Wednesday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m.), providing aid to the Valley Shelter during one of their busiest times of the year.
Please RSVP to Diane Kabat ([email protected] or 818.981.5485)
|
| |
 |
| |
| Upcoming Events |
| |
 |
| |
|
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
|
| |
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 |
| |
|
 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
|
| |
|
 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:
BimBam: Watch Something Jewish
A Special Evening for Parents with Young Children
With Sarah Lefton
January 23 at 7:30 p.m.
This evening, 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.
|
| |
 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 |
| |
 Wise Family Camp
Friday, January 26 – Sunday, January 28 | Camp Ramah
Unplug, recharge, and connect with us in Ojai. Take a break from the busy-ness of life, and spend quality family time with your own family and your Stephen Wise Temple family. Whether it’s a Friday night song session with Rabbi Yoshi, the ropes course, hiking with Rabbi Stern, a Havdalah dance party, or just the chance to relax with a glass of wine, a good book and good friends – Wise Family Camp is made for YOU. Parents and young children will stay in comfortable rooms and kids in grades 2 through 12 will bunk in cabins with trained and beloved Camp Wise staff.
FINAL CHANCE TO REGISTER |
| |
 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.
REGISTER HERE |
| |
| 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 |
| |
|
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
|
| |
 |
| |
| Lifecycle • Yahrzeits |
|
Due to the fire evacuation last week, we are republishing our Kaddish list from the week of December 8 for those who may not have been able to join us.
December 8
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Aaron Cohen, Richard Alan Fisher, Tracey Grunauer, Peppa Kahane, Huguette Nadjar, Morton “Mort” Rosen
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Emma Alexander*, Phyllis Angrisane*, Mamie Bovill*, Abraham Braverman*, Sadie Breitman, Gertrude M. Caine*, Lewis Fleet Conant*, Benjamin Feldman*, Nina Fisher, Saul “Pat” Freedman*, Nellie Geldin*, Muriel Gordon*, Sylvia Gram*, Mortimer S. Green, Isidor Gross*, Theresa Grosse*, Martin Handlin*, Dr. Brian Hill*, Dorothy Jacobs*, Julius H. Jacobs*, Judith Kerzin, Gertrude Klein*, Ida Latchman*, Earnest Leewong, Ted Levy*, Sol Lipschitz*, Lilyan Marylander*, Sarah Davidson Morris*, Samuel Neuhoff*, Doris Olden, Louis Olden, Abe Orbuch*, Sylvia K. Ovitz*, Jules Robinson*, Robi Z. Robitshek*, Arthur H. Rogan*, Lucille Rosen*, Sara Rosenblatt*, Jack Scapa*, Rose D. Schwartz, Sidney Stern*, Nathan Strommer*, Irving Tuch*, Joan Witzman*
*Designated on our memorial walls
December 15
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Aaron Cohen, Richard Alan Fisher, Tracey Grunauer, Peppa Kahane, Huguette Nadjar, Morton “Mort” Rosen
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Derwood Alpert, Michael Edward Baser*, Henry E. Burke*, Charles C. Cohen*, Irving R. Cohen*, Joan Edelson Danney*, Sandra Ethel de Castro*, Leonard Eisenberg, Irene Faguet*, Howard Fern*, Irene Furlong, Dr. Harold E. Gilman, Bessie Melnick Ginsburg*, Aaron Gordon*, Armand Herskovic*, Caryl Sunshine Hillelson, Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, Monroe Jasper*, Pauline Klein, Norman Kosoff*, Bob Krasnow, Irving B. Kroll*, Joseph Lerner*, Sheldon Levine*, Morton Jacob Rolnick, Melissa Marantz Nealy*, Lillian Pollock*, Faith Louise Rosen*, Robert J. Rothman, Lillian S. Rubin*, Rose Sachnin*, Jaleh Salemniah, Miriam Shain*, Sol Shain*, Ira Lee Solovey*, Renee Sprecher*, Carolyn Starkman*, Marvin G. Swartz*, William W. Tamkin*, Norma Tendler*, Herman Weiner, Julius R. Wolf*, Jerry Yavitz*
*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.
Andrea and Glenn Sonnenberg on the loss of their son, and Jake and Lauren on the loss of their brother Bradley Sonnenberg.
Joyce Grunauer on the loss of her daughter Tracey Grunauer.
Michele Zwillinger on the loss of her husband Morton 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!
To our B’nai Mitzvah — may the Torah guide and inspire you every day of your adult life.
Mazal tov to:
Nataly and Sean Namvar on their son Nathan becoming Bar Mitzvah
Alison and Glenn Eisen on their daughter Ella becoming Bat Mitzvah
Ilanit and Michael Wasserberg on their son Nathan becoming Bar Mitzvah
|
| |
| Lifecycle • Tributes |
|
We honor people through charitable giving.
RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Rabbi Eli Herscher for always being there for us, by Jennifer Kaufman and Vladimir Valdes
IN MEMORY OF:
Aviad Cohen, by Alison and Eitan Cohen
Dr. Harold E. Gilman, by Bobbi and Peter Feinstein
Warren Ackerman, by Laurie Ackerman and Carly Ackerman-Canning
CANTORS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Irene Furlong, by Marla and Michael Kantor
2017-2018 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN MEMORY OF:
Galen Stoller, by Adele Stoller and family
Nellie Geldin, by Lorraine Zeidler
WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF:
the Bat Mitzvah of Sabrina Gancman, by Tami and Robert Weiser and Joyce and Kevin Anderson
HOMES FOR HEROES
Donation by Shirley and Phil Sniderman
MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Max Hess, by Amy and Ron Ossip
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Sussan and Michael Shore, wishing you a Happy Hannukah, by Sandra and Shirley Siegel
IN MEMORY OF:
Mort Rosen, by Lana Sternberg
Derwood Alpert, by The Fox Family
SHABBAT MORNING MINYAN
Donation by Hooman Nazar
TOBY AND SAUL KASSAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Pauline Klein, by Ronnie and Michael Kassan
METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Rose D. Schwartz, by Rita and Sam Schwartz and family
2017-2018 EARLY CHILDHOOD ANNUAL GIVING
IN MEMORY OF:
Dafna Presnell, by Ofra and Yoram Dor and family
LIFELONG LEARNING ENDOWMENT
IN MEMORY OF:
Bob Krasnow, by Joyce and Paul Krasnow
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Doris and Lou Olden, by Elinor O. Caplan
Ozzie Goren, by Wife, Children and Grandchildren
Robert J. Rothman, by Donna Rothman
Sadie Breitman, by Ruth Getzoff
Benjamin Feldman, by Edythe Lipen
Gertrude Caine, by Sunny Caine
Leonard Eisenberg, by Audrey Eisenberg and Jerome Eisenberg
Caryl Sunshine Hillelson, by Randi Sunshine and family
Jaleh Salemnia, by Homa Chaman
Isidor Gross, by Sylvia and Jessie Gross
Sylvia Gram, by Louis Gram
Nina Fisher, by Isabel Wintroub
Norma Tendler, by Stan Tendler
|
| |
| Thank You |
| We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:
CJL Volunteers:
Susan Firestone
Freda Moscowitz
Barbara Sampson
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
|
|
|
|
|
