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 Remembering Debbie Freidman
by Cantor Emma Lutz
Composer and musician Debbie Friedman brought a new voice to the Reform movement starting in the 1970’s, lighting up Jewish spaces with her creative and powerful musical interpretations of our ancient texts. Debbie was funny, intense, cared deeply about Hebrew, and devoted her life to engaging American Jews in song. Indeed, her influence on the Reform musical canon of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century was so great that the cantorial school at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York (my alma mater) was re-named the Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music after her passing in January 2011.
READ MORE
LISTEN TO DEBBIE FRIEDMAN’S MUSIC ON SPOTIFY |
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WISE SCHOOL GALA CELEBRATES AN EVENING “UNDER THE TEL AVIV SKY”
What an incredible evening under the Tel Aviv sky! The Wise School Gala was a smash success – a wonderful evening to celebrate our special Wise community and show our gratitude to some amazing honorees. With deepest gratitude we wish to our hardworking staff, administrators, and clergy for making it such a memorable night.
To see more photos check out our Facebook page! |
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 How Do You Want to Change the World?
You have the ability to make a difference! But how do you want to do it? Tell us your preferences and we’ll keep you updated about all of the exciting ways to join with Wise and other partner groups to effect real change in the world. Tell us if you want to support environmental causes; volunteer to house and feed the homeless; support organizations in Israel doing life-changing work; or become a mentor to a young person in need. Select what you want to learn more about: you’ll be the first to know the latest news about tikkun olam causes that inspire you the most.
CLICK HERE TO CHANGE THE WORLD |
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| Worship |
| This Week’s Torah Portion: Teruma
 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. | Soulful Shabbat Dinner REGISTER HERE
8 p.m. | Soulful Shabbat | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Sanctuary
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Sanctuary
Led by Student Rabbi Zive and Raymond Zachary
NEXT WEEK
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi David Woznica, Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Nathan Lam
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Plotkin Chapel
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz |
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Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, February 13 | 12 p.m. | Udko Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, February 18 | 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room |
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| Featured Event |
Wise Years
Thursday, February 14
10 a.m. | Registrations Begins | Plotkin Foyer
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins | Plotkin Chapel
Rabbi Aaron Lerner will discuss Jewish life on the UCLA campus. Helen Dennis, a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging, employment, and “the new retirement,” will teach about successful aging. Film: The Art of the Shine, a PBS documentary about the lives of men and women who shine shoes.
REGISTER HERE |
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| Upcoming Events |
 Soulful Shabbat
Friday, February 8 | March 8 | April 12
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.
REGISTER FOR DINNER |
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Center for Tikkun Olam presents
Housing the Homeless: A Series
Monday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m.
March: TBA
How is LA housing the homeless in your neighborhood? With over 50,000 homeless citizens on the streets of Los Angeles the voters of our city and county have made the decision to get a significant number of them safely housed in the next several years. Money has been allocated and plans are underway throughout the city to develop a variety of housing alternatives. Every city council district is committed to providing units. How will these decisions effect you? Wise will host a special series to answer questions that you might have about the housing options being considered. RSVP required
LEARN MORE AND RSVP |
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Center for Jewish Life presents
Raising Your Voice: Learning to Chant Torah
with Cantor Emma Lutz
Wednesdays: February 13, 20, 27 | 7–8:30 p.m.
After a brief history of cantillation (the systems of chanting from our Torah and other sacred texts), we will learn the basic tropes (symbols) for chanting Torah. This class does not require any prior knowledge of Hebrew reading or any singing experience. Together, we will explore and experience firsthand how music and chanting deepen our experience of reading our sacred texts.
REGISTER HERE |
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 Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, February 19 | 5:15 p.m.
Help our Lunch Bunch care for the stranger by assembling lunches for residents at LA Family Housing’s Valley Shelter.
RSVP HERE
If you have questions, email Diane Kabat or call 818.981.5485 |
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 Center for Jewish Life presents
The Empire and the Five Kings: America’s Abdication and the Fate of the World
with Bernard-Henri Lévy
Thursday, February 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Bernard-Henri Lévy asserts that the United States was once the hope of the world. Nations looked to America to stand up for the values that created the Western world, and to oppose autocracy and repression.
This evening, Lévy shares his thesis that America is retreating from its traditional leadership role. In its place come former empires eager to exercise power and influence— Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, and the Sunni Arab world—which are taking steps to undermine the liberal values that have been a hallmark of Western civilization.
Lévy reveals the stakes as America retreats, a process that did not begin with Donald Trump’s presidency and is not likely to end with him.
The resolution will require the West to find a new way forward if its principles and values are to survive.
Bernard-Henri Lévy is a philosopher, activist, filmmaker and author of over thirty books including The Genius of Judaism, American Vertigo, Barbarism with a Human Face, and Who Killed Daniel Pearl? Lévy has served on diplomatic missions for the French government.
$15: Stephen Wise Temple Members
$20: General Public
REGISTER HERE |
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 Wise Women presents
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER
Tuesday, February 26 | 3:00 p.m. (LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!)
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the first-ever retrospective about the famed associate justice and American cultural icon. It offers a visually rich, entertaining, yet rigorous look at RBG’s life and work. Woven throughout the exhibition are excerpts of briefs and other writings by RBG, including some of her most famously searing dissents. In addition, the exhibition also brings to light how her childhood, teachers and professors led her to pursue the law and be so committed to the nation’s highest ideals.
Join Wise Women for lunch, followed by a private group tour at the Skirball Cultural Center.
Cost: $36 for Wise Members, includes lunch, admission and group tour.
This event is for Wise Members only. Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds once registered.
REGISTER HERE |
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 Wise Guys’ Night Out with Rabbi Josh
Tuesday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m. | The Local Peasant, Sherman Oaks
Wise Guys is a community of men that endeavors to make meaning and change the world by sharing moments of fun, camaraderie, learning, spirituality, music, and tikkun olam together. Join Rabbi Josh for an evening on the town complete with great food, great drinks, and even better conversations with fellow Wise Guys. Guys Night Out is open to Wise Guys only
REGISTER HERE |
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 Wise Jams
Wednesday, February 27 | 8 p.m.
Jam with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, the Maestro David Kates, and other musicians and singers in our community! 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!
RSVP HERE |
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 Center for Jewish Life presents
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin in Dialogue
with Rabbi David Woznica
Thursday, February 28 | 7:30 p.m.
This evening we probe the mind of one of the most influential authors of Jewish books of our time. We will explore Rabbi Telushkin’s thoughts on a wide range of issue including Israel, God, the role Judaism can play in shaping our interpersonal and familial relationships, Jewish humor and what it teaches about the Jewish People, and the use of words in private and public discourse.
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin was named by Talk Magazine as one of the 50 best speakers in the United States. He has authored 18 books, among them Jewish Literacy and A Code of Jewish Ethics, which won the National Jewish Book Award as the Jewish book of the year. His book Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History, was a New York Times bestseller. His latest book, Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, was published in January 2019.
$15: Stephen Wise Temple Members
$20: General Public
REGISTER HERE |
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 Tot Shabbat and Baby Playdate
Saturday, March 2
9 a.m. | Baby Playdate (12 months and younger)
10 a.m. | Tot Shabbat Service
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! Special for parents with newborns, we’ll have a baby playdate for an hour leading up to Tot Shabbat.
REGISTER FOR BABY PLAYDATE
REGISTER HERE FOR TOT SHABBAT |
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 Jewish Women’s Theatre presents
Chutzpah & Salsa
Tuesday, March 5
6 p.m. | Pre-show reception
7 p.m. | Performance
Jewish Women’s Theatre’s Chutzpah & Salsa presents a cultural collage on stage: personal and mostly true stories of Jewish immigration to South and Latin America from Europe, Syria, and other lands that were not “Jewish-friendly.” These stories, written by Latino Jews, reveal funny, poignant, and pivotal moments in their lives as they share what it means to have a Latino heart and a Jewish soul. Powerhouse writers of these stories include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario, Fulbright Scholar Ivonne Saed, MacArthur Fellow and poet Ruth Behar, and Award-winning author Barbara Mujica.
Our gratitude to Susan and Mel Plutsky for their generous sponsorship of our pre-show reception.
BUY TICKETS |
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 Center for Jewish Life presents
Museums with Mario
The Getty
Tuesday March 12 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
With a collection this important you start with a single picture in pastel seen through the eyes of a practicing artist. We will focus on Manet and his use of black.
Cost:
$15: Stephen Wise Temple Members
$20: General Public
Parking $15 per car
REGISTER HERE |
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 Wise Women presents
Mahj and More
Wednesday, March 13 | 1 p.m.
Wise members and guests are invited to join other Wise Women for open play: Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge, or any other game you’d like on the first Wednesday of each month. Groups or single players and all levels (beginners to experts) are welcome and encouraged! If you have a Mah Jongg set, please bring it along. Snacks and light refreshments served. This is a free event. RSVP required.
RSVP HERE |
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 Center for Jewish Life presents
How to Read the Bible: A Class for the 21st Century
with Rabbi Ron Stern and Rabbi Josh Knobel
Thursdays: March 14, 21, April 4 | 7:30–9 p.m.
We will explore sections of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) through the lens of modern scholarship. Using the latest insights into the origins and historical context of the Bible, we will discover how understanding the texts in their cultural milieu, along with the added perspective of archeological research, allows us to gain even richer appreciation of the motives and wisdom of our ancestors. This unusual and cutting-edge reading of the Bible will lead to a deeper relationship with the texts and an awareness of how these texts speak to us in ways never considered by scholars from our ancient past.
The Bible is our sacred text because our ancestors have handed its wisdom to us through the centuries and because countless interpreters have shepherded it into our hands. This class returns after a successful debut last year with a look at new texts. Join us as we continue this exciting journey into our past that will radiate wisdom into our lives today.
REGISTER HERE |
 Wise Guys presents
Conversations: .45 Caliber, Why It’s OK for Some Jews to be Armed
Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Josh Knobel for this very first in a series of conversations designed for modern Jewish men. Featuring Los Angeles cardiologist Reed Wilson, Executive Director of MVAT James Colbert, and Fred Kogen, the founder of Bullets and Bagels, Southern California’s premier Jewish shooting club, “.45 Caliber” will explore the lives of Jewish gun owners, as well as the principles of ethical, responsible gun ownership in the 21st Century.
REGISTER HERE |
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 Wise Guys presents
Men’s Ski Trip to Mammoth
Friday, March 29 – 31
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).
REGISTER HERE |
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 Jewish World Watch presents
13th Annual Walk to End Genocide
Sunday, March 31 | 10 a.m. | Pan Pacific Park (google map link)
The Walk to End Genocide is a community event that brings together advocates of all ages and backgrounds in one united voice to say: “We will not stand idly by while genocide and mass atrocities occur.” The Walk helps to raise awareness of ongoing atrocities in Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Funds raised from the Walk allow Jewish World Watch to continue its work to educate, advocate, and support projects in these conflict-affected areas.
Please join the Wise Walks Team!
For questions, contact Team Captain Diane Kabat (Email: [email protected], phone: 818.501.1836)
REGISTER NOW FOR EARLYBIRD RATES |
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Wise Guys presents
Conversations: Man Up
Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Josh Knobel for this pivotal entry in a series of conversations designed for modern Jewish men. “Man Up” will explore how Jewish men can turn the tide against a culture of sexual harassment and assault that has left far too many women in our world at risk of abuse and exploitation. Discover how to acknowledge and combat misogyny without compromising your manhood, how to be woke without mansplaining, and how to raise empowered, feminist, Jewish men for the 21st century.
REGISTER HERE |
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| Community Calendar |
 UCLA’s Y&S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies Presents
The Rise of Ethnic Nationalism
with Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami
Tuesday, February 5 | 6:30 p.m. | UCLA School of Law
Despite rapid globalization over the last few decades, nationalism has re-emerged as a powerful force triggered in recent years by economic insecurity and inequality as well as fears of social and demographic change. In his talk, Prof. Shlomo Ben-Ami, former Israeli Foreign Minister and Co-Founder of the Toledo International Center for Peace, will discuss the global forces that have led to this resurgence of ethnic nationalism, the implications of this growing phenomenon.
LEARN MORE |
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 The Jewish Federation presents
Super Sunday
Sunday, February 10 | 9:30 a.m. | Stephen Wise Temple
The Jewish Federation is calling on you! Sign up now to make a hands-on difference in getting our 2019 Annual Campaign off to a strong start by calling other community members in support of the Federation.
SIGN UP HERE |
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 IsraAID Presents
The Day After The Disaster: The Next Steps of Humanitarian Aid
Thursday, February 21 | 6:30 p.m.
Location in West Los Angeles provided upon RSVP
IHPN is an international program for training professionals in disaster response and deploying them around the world. Members receive expert briefings, emergency-preparedness training, enrichment with field leaders, and priority access to voluntary deployments on IsraAID missions. Right now, the program is actively recruiting for health professionals, mental health experts and engineers.
LEARN MORE |
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Los Angeles Jewish Teen Initiative presents
Starting the Conversation: Talking to Your Teens about Vaping and Marijuana Use
Monday, February 25 at 7 p.m. | Westside JCC
Wednesday, February 27 | 7 p.m. | deToledo High School
What do we as parents need to know about smoking, vaping, “juuling,” edibles, and other trending substances? Join LAJTI for a free workshop to learn the basics and walk away with tools to talk about these trends with your teens and help them make healthy decisions. Facilitated by Linda Gingras, LMFT, CADC II, and Director of Addiction and Prevention Services at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles.
Space is limited, RSVP required.
LEARN MORE AND RSVP |
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Nefesh B’Nefesh presents
2019 Los Angeles Aliyah Fair
Tuesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. | Young Israel of Century City
Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. | Sherman Oaks Courtyard Marriott
This is your chance to have ALL your Aliyah questions answered under one roof! Meet with Israeli professionals, and get step-by-step guidance from the experts. Israeli vendors and service providers will be able to provide answers and guidance about the topics most critical to your Aliyah planning, including employment, insurance, taxes, real estate, financial planning, and much more. This is a great opportunity to meet other Aliyah-minded individuals and is open to all, whether you are planning Aliyah in the near future or further down the line. Light refreshments will be available.
LEARN MORE (CENTURY CITY)
LEARN MORE (SHERMAN OAKS) |
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| Lifecycle • Yahrzeits |
We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Marion Cohen, Warren Deutsch, Marjorie “Margie” Lipson, Ruth Orbuch, Nemat Shadgoo, Henry Siegel, Linda Sue Sokol, Joy Tanzman, Martin Weil
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Etta Aratow*, Rochelle L. Bardin*, Morry Behar, Anna Blatt*, Belle Bodner*, Jack Chap*, Max Chudnow*, Hyman Cohen*, Miriam Cohen*, Louis Colton*, Abraham Dolgen, Ada Eiferman*, Bertha Fink*, Betty Fodor, Sally Glaser*, Dr. Morris B. Gluck*, Florence Hechtman*, Lucy Herscher*, Goldy Labovitch, Vivian V. Hill*, Andree Hoffman*, Jack Jasper*, Al Kadner*, Mollye Kadner*, Dora Kahn*, Nan Korngute*, Goldy Labovitch, Sam Lakin*, Lewis Lax*, Bernice Lee, Anne R. Leff*, Dr. Raymond F. Lipton*, Frieda Loeb, Evelyn Loder, Gertrude Maier*, Walter Maier*, Hilda Melnick*, Harry Joseph Miller*, David T. Miller*, Helen R. Ontman*, May K. Packtor*, Ervin Riekes*, Mas Rosenberg*, Ethel Rothenberg*, Esther Sacks*, Chloe Sampson*, Anna Schainsinger, Emil Schwartz*, Bernice “Bunny” Shorr*, Abraham Singer*, Alan Vee, Bess Waldman*, Melvyn Walton*, Fred Weiss*, John J. Williams*, Afsaneh Yousefzadeh, Samuel Zacky*, Ted Zidell*, Charles William Zilz, Joseph William Zilz
*Designated on our memorial walls |
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| 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!
Mazal Tov to:
Tamara and David Noriani on their daughter Madison Noriani becoming Bat Mitzvah
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| 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.
Elaine Deutsch on the loss of her husband Warren Deutsch, cousin of Lana Sternberg
Charles and Rene Siegel on the loss of Charles’ brother Henry Siegel |
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| Lifecycle • Tributes |
| 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
ON BEHALF OF:
Madeline Behar, by the Behar Family, for Rabbi Yoshi’s outstanding help at Madeline’s Bat Mitzvah
RABBI WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Bess Waldman, by Irene and Marvin Perer
CANTOR LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF:
Cantor Lam, with appreciation and gratitude, by Dahlia Zakhor
CANTOR LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
ON BEHALF OF:
Madeline Behar, by the Behar Family, for Cantor Emma’s outstanding help at Madeline’s Bat Mitzvah
AFSANEH YOUSEFZADEH MEMORIAL FUND
N MEMORY OF:
Afsaneh Yousefzadeh, by Dalia, Hamid, Nuriel, Eli, and Noah Moghavem
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN HONOR OF:
Corie Koss, by May & Richard Ziman
AVI EFRAIM GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN MEMORY OF:
Jack Chap, by Linda and Jeff Resnick and Family
HOMES FOR HEROES
IN HONOR OF:
Shelly Levy, by Steven Fishman
The Wise Walkers, by Susan Firestone
MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Chloe Sampson, by the Sampson Family
METUKA BENJAMIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Bernice Lee, by Kenneth and Andrea Lee, and her loving family
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Alan Vee, by Candace Konowitch and Family
Frieda Loeb, by Carol Russ and Family
WISE READERS TO LEADERS
IN MEMORY OF:
Betty Fodor, by Sussan and Michael Shore and Family
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF:
Abraham Dolgen, by Susan and Jon Dolgen
Ada Eiferman, by the Dor Family
Anna Schainsinger, by Gloria and Ron Gurvitz and Family
David Miller, by Judy Fischer
Goldy Labovitch, Charles William Zilz, and Joseph William Zilz, by Jackie Sunshine
John J. Williams, by Marilyn and David Williams
Melvyn Walton, by Lynda Robbins
Morry Behar, by Anthony and Dana Behar
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| Thank You |
| We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:
Lunch Bunch
Tammy Steinman (inadvertently omitted 12/20/18)
Center for Jewish Life Volunteers:
Susan Firestone
Freda Moscowitz
Barbara Sampson
Tammy Steinman
Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone
Gift Shop Volunteers:
Terrie Baumann
Rochelle Fox
Lori Rubin
Carol Sookman |
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| 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 |
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Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom
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