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 How Many Jews? Some Surprising Figures
by Rabbi David Woznica
One of the themes of the Book of Genesis is family and children. In our current Torah reading we are privy to family conflicts, marital issues, and the complexities of parent-child relationships.
Next month, January 27, 2020, marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. It’s worth looking at the population of world Jewry before and after this horrific period. I think many will be surprised to learn some of the figures.
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Holiday Volunteer Guide — How You Can Give Back During the Holidays
There are so many ways to perform meaningful acts of tikkun olam during this holiday season—together as a family, teaming up with friends, or through individual volunteering. Wise encourages you to bring light to others through acts of loving kindness and by donating to those less fortunate. Check out our Holiday Volunteer Guide for a multitude of inspiring ways to support our initiatives like Homes for Heroes or to help our partners such as LA Family Housing and The People Concern.
VIEW THE GUIDE
For more information contact Jennifer Smith.
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 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.
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Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz Help Comedian Tiffany Haddish Become Bat Mitzvah
Earlier this week, comedian Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, Night School) became Bat Mitzvah with a little help from Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz. Ms. Haddish recently reconnected with her Jewish roots: her father was an Eritrean Jew and as part of her 40th birthday celebratory week, she decided to make this milestone commitment to her heritage. Rabbi Susan Silverman, who has been guiding Ms. Haddish on the way to becoming Bat Mitzvah, made the connection to our Wise clergy members: Rabbi Yoshi and Ms. Haddish both serve on the board of Rabbi Silverman’s Second Nurture organization, which promotes and supports a culture of adoption in the Jewish community. Mazal Tov, Tiffany!
Read more about it in JTA’s coverage of the happy occasion!
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 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.
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 City of Hope Bone Marrow Registry Drive to Support Deborah Carlson
Sunday, December 8 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Wise member Deborah Carlson is a compassionate physician and a mentor to many. She is a partial Ashkenazi Jew with a rare blood cancer in need of a bone marrow transplant to save her life. City of Hope will be on the Wise campus this Sunday to swab potential matches. It takes barely a few minutes and ultimately could save Deborah’s life or the life of someone else in the future. Please consider becoming part of the bone marrow donor registry.
LEARN MORE
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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
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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 clergy office at 310.476.8561.
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This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayeitzei
Friday, December 6
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org
Saturday, December 7
9 a.m. | Torah Study led by Rabbi Josh Knobel | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz
Wednesday, December 11
12 p.m. | Talmud Study | Udko Annex
Friday, December 13
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
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
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
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Kol HaKavod to Wise members Lynn and Les Bider on their upcoming honor at the Anti-Defamation League Annual Gala. The Biders will receive this year’s Humanitarian Award. The gala will be held at the Beverly Hilton. Tickets and sponsorships are still available.
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Kol HaKavod to Wise member Lisa Niver on receiving a National Arts and Entertainment Journalism award earlier this week. Lisa earned 3rd place in the Soft News Feature category for her KTLA segment “Countdown to Gold on KTLA TV for the Oscars with Lisa Niver.” She was also a finalist in two other categories.
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 Pajama Havdalah
Saturday, December 7 | 4 p.m.
This event will be held in Katz Family Pavilion
Come in your Pajamas! Gather together under the stars to bid farewell to Shabbat. Our clergy and song leader will guide you through the experience with story and song, and an opportunity to make your own spice bags and art project. Get your bodies ready for the new week (and bed) with a wonderful visit from Rock Zen Roll Yoga. Recommended for kids up to age 5. Light snacks will be provided.
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Two Extraordinary Stories:
Izzy Ezagui and Daniel Sahalo
in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica
Monday, December 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Izzy Ezagui is the only one-armed special forces sharpshooter in the world. Born in the United States, he emigrated to Israel at age 19 to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. In 2009, he sustained serious injuries in a mortar attack, losing his left arm above the elbow. He had been left-handed. After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Izzy weaned himself off heavy painkillers, got back into shape, and returned to active duty in the IDF. After military service he returned to the United States to pursue an acting career.
Daniel Sahalo was four years old when his family fled the famine and political instability of Ethiopia. For eight weeks they walked toward the border of Sudan. Barefoot and traveling only in the darkness of night, they faced gangs of thieves, starvation, bitter cold, and wild animals. Tragically, Daniel’s 23 year old sister and her toddler daughter did not survive. Ultimately the family was flown to Israel. Daniel enlisted in the prestigious IDF paratroopers 101 combat battalion.
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 Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, December 10 | 5 p.m.
Help our Lunch Bunch care for the stranger by assembling lunches for residents at LA Family Housing’s Irmas Family Campus in North Hollywood.
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 Museums with Mario — The Hammer Museum
Lari Pittman Retrospective
Wednesday, December 11 | 11 a.m.
The first large-scale retrospective of this prolific Los Angeles painter and long-revered teacher is a feast for the eyes.
Parking: $7 for three hours with validation
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 Wise Years
Thursday, December 12 | Plotkin Chapel
10 a.m. | Registration Begins
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins
Dream a World Education’s Founder and Executive Director, Bunny Hull, and the first Social Action Director for Stephen Wise Temple who serves as the Foundation’s Board President, Diane Kabat, will discuss the work of Dream a World Education and showcase their Emmy nominated documentary short film, The Ripple Effect, which examines the struggle to keep arts alive for inner city children and reveals the power of arts education to educate the heart and impact schools and communities and the lives of those living in poverty.
Sandy Banks, Senior Fellow at the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy, will share how she came to realize that her profession had shaped her in ways that could not be undone: a look at the blessings and burdens of the writing life.
Film: Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People, tells the story of Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911), a penniless immigrant who arrived in the U.S. during the Civil War.
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 Soulful Shabbat
Friday, December 13
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.
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 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.
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 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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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!
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 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.
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 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!
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Z3 and Stephen Wise Temple present
Israel and America 2020: Spanning the Divide to Find Common Ground
Sunday, January 26, 2020 | 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.
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 Wise Guys Men’s Ski Trip to Mammoth
Friday, March 6-8, 2020
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).
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 Connect Israel presents
An Evening with Alon Ben David
Tuesday, December 10 | 7 p.m. | Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica
The invitation of internationally-esteemed journalist Alon Ben David is a culmination of insights, inspiration, and introspection of the Connect Israel trip participants, who met with him on a recent trip to Israel. Ben David’s unique ability to create meaningful and measurable impact by articulating the geopolitical issues in the Middle East today, while leaving the politics of the left and right at the door, is almost unparalleled. This evening promises to be a rare opportunity for thought leaders in Los Angeles to widen their perspective on the most pressing issues Israel faces today.
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We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Bob Bronson, Dr. Timothy “Tim” Curlewis, Erika Esther Glousman, David J. Pasternak
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Emma Alexander*, Beverly Berlinger*, Steffi Bloch, Sandra D. Bloom*, Mamie Bovill*, Abraham Braverman*, Rose Cohen*, Sylvia Feiles*, Nina Fisher, Saul “Pat” Freedman*, Irene Furlong, Mary Garfinkel*, Nellie Geldin*, Samuel Glassman*, Frances Glick, Mike Glick*, Harriet Hersch Glickman*, Margaret Gordon, Muriel Gordon*, Sylvia Gram*, Mortimer S. Green, Robert Greenwald*, Isidor Gross*, Theresa Grosse*, Martin Handlin*, Dr. Brian Hill*, Dorothy Jacobs*, Peppa Kahane, Judith Kerzin, Gertrude Klein*, Maurice Kogen*, Leonard Langer*, Sol Lipschitz*, Magdolna Lorant, Lilyan Marylander*, Samuel Neuhoff*, Doris Olden, Lou Olden, Abe Orbuch*, Sylvia K. Ovitz*, Damon Michael Ribakoff*, Harry Robinson*, Robi Z. Robitshek*, Morton G. Rosen, Lillian S. Rubin, Richard Alan Ruderman*, Jack Scapa*, Bertha S. Singer*, Sarah Sloan*, Lee Sporina, Sidney Stern*, Galen Stoller*, Minnie Storch*, Joan Witzman*
*Designated on our memorial walls
We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy:
Irv Ginsburg’s family on his loss
Silvia Jacobs on the loss of her husband Gary Jacobs
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Tiffany Haddish on becoming Bat Mitzvah
Cheri and Frederick Karubian on their child Tess Karubian becoming Bat Mitzvah
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.
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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 Paula Bronson
RABBI ELI HERSCHER DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Eli Herscher, by Abe and Susan Sassoon
RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Peppa Kahane, by Janet and Stephen Kahane
CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Irene Furlong, by Marla and Michael Kantor
CANTOR EMMA LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Emma Lutz, for officiating our wedding, by Wendy Cohen and Nagesh Dhapola
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN MEMORY OF
Frances Glick, by Marshall Glick, Marni Glick and Heather Glick-Atalla
HOMES FOR HEROES FUND
IN HONOR OF
Daisy Tesler’s conversion, by Phil and Shirley Sniderman
IN MEMORY OF
Dr. Timothy Curlewis, by The Entous Family
METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Morton G. Rosen, by The Zwillinger Family
Lee Sporina, by Joyce Glantz
WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF
Eliana Harel, becoming Bat Mitzvah, by Dana and Scott Ehrlich
WISE READERS TO LEADERS
IN HONOR OF
Daisy Tesler’s conversion, congratulations, by Ed and Carol Horowitz
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Sylvia Gram, by Louis and Shirley Gram
Nellie Geldin, by Lorraine and Harris Zeidler
Nina Fisher, by Isabel Wintroub
Doris Olden and Lou Olden, by The Caplan Family Elinor, Howard, Andrea, Matthew and Terri, Alvin and Marian Olden
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Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom
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