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In God’s Eyes
by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
The Jewish month of Elul is a time of preparation for the New Year. We feel the change of the seasons, we hear the sound of the Shofar, we know that the Day of Judgment is soon upon us.
As we ready ourselves for the Days of Awe, we are especially excited this year at Stephen Wise Temple to share with you our new High Holy Day prayerbook (machzor).
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Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi: New Episode
In his podcast, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with thinkers and doers, movers and shakers, friends and soon-to-be-friends, to discuss what inspires them and how they find meaning in their everyday lives. This week, he speaks with noted scholar Rabbi Joseph Telushkin about spirituality and the power of ritual. Tune in or download to hear Rabbi Yoshi’s inspiring chats with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel; Emmy-nominated showrunner Stacy Rukeyser; Save the Syrian Children founders Tamar and Philip Koosed; and many more fascinating folks.
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Remembering 9/11
On Wednesday, September 11, with campus flags at half-mast, we remembered the lives lost and the heroes who stepped forward to help those in desperate need, putting their own lives at risk. As we recall the shock and horror of that fateful morning in 2001, we also recommit ourselves to bringing more kindness, more ahavah (love), more shalom, and more hope into our world—so that those we lost may not have perished in vain. Zichronam Livrachah, may their memories be always for a blessing.
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This Week’s Torah Portion: Ki Teitzei
Friday, September 13
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi David Woznica, and Cantor Emma Lutz
Rabbi Woznica’s sermon topic: A Jewish Road to Repentance on this month of Elul
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org
Saturday, September 14
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
9:30 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz
Wednesday, September 18
12 p.m. | Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback | Udko Annex
Friday, September 20
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Nathan Lam
Saturday, September 21
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 Paul Dorman
7 p.m. | Selichot Learning Sessions
8:30 p.m. | Selichot Havdalah Service | Plotkin Chapel
Learn more in upcoming events!
Monday, September 23
9 a.m. | Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern | Conference Room
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Download Our Rosh Hashanah Family Seder
The Rosh Hashanah Seder is an ancient custom, first mentioned in the Talmud. It is especially prominent in the Sephardi/Mizrachi world but is increasingly observed in Ashkenazi homes as well. Your Wise clergy have prepared an online seder to guide your festivities at the dawn of the Days of Awe, adapted from A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah by Lisa Baydush. Download your copy at WiseLA.org/HighHolyDays!
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High Holy Days with Wise: September 29–October 9
Tickets for renewed members and the general public are now available to select or purchase online.
Wise members: haven’t renewed yet? We cannot send your tickets until you do! Renew online or call us at 310.476.8561.
Visit our High Holy Days web site to find:
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 Help Elan Shademan: Bone Marrow Donor Match Needed
Ten year old Elan Shademan and his family received devastating news 5 months ago. Elan was diagnosed with MDS, a rare severe blood disorder where his only chance for survival is a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. As such, Elan and his family are in a desperate search for a bone marrow match. Elan has had to start chemotherapy to keep his disease under control. Elan is a complicated case as he has other genetic abnormalities including GATA 2, monosomy 7, and MSH6 deficiency further enhancing the dire need for stem cells. Anyone who is 18 to 35 years old can help—particularly those who share Elan’s background. If you have not already been tested, it just takes a cheek swab. Kits are available for purchase for $60 using the link below. Doing so could result in saving Elan’s life or the life of another child in need. Gift Of Life has offered to compare results directly to Elan’s, so your participation could have an immediate impact.
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Yizkor Book of Remembrance: FINAL DAYS TO SUBMIT!
Deadline: September 13
Our Book of Remembrance is a time-honored and meaningful way for members of the Wise community to remember departed loved ones during this year’s High Holy Days and throughout the year. The words of the traditional Yizkor prayer include a pledge to give tzedakah in their memory. For the Jewish People, charitable giving is a way to make memory tangible in the world. We encourage you to make a contribution of $36 per name. This important donation allows us to create a printed version of the book. You will be able to enter your contribution amount below.
Please contact Rachel Goldberg during office hours at 310.889.2243 if you have any questions about your submission.
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 Introducing Sha’ar HaShamayim (Gateway to Heaven), the New Wise Machzor
It’s here! The Wise clergy team could not be more excited to unveil the new High Holy Days machzor entitled Sha’ar HaShamayim (Gateway to Heaven). This new volume intended for meaningful worship is an exemplar of the Wise Way Forward values of creativity, generosity, and inclusivity. Incorporating themes, language, and traditions unique to the Wise community, Sha’ar HaShamayim is a celebration of Wise’s past, present, and future.
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 Wise Women presents
Bestselling Author, Therapist, and Speaker Lori Gottlieb in Conversation with Rabbi Sari Laufer
Sunday, September 15 | 10:30 a.m. | Plotkin Chapel
Join Wise Women for a thought-provoking morning with bestselling author, therapist, and speaker Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone in conversation with Rabbi Sari Laufer. A light breakfast will be served.
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 Selichot
Saturday, September 21
7-7:30 p.m. | Learning Session with Rabbi Woznica
We will reflect on some of the most powerful words in the Machzor. “On Rosh Hashanah it is written. On Yom Kippur it is sealed: How many shall pass away, how many shall be born? Who shall live and who shall die…But repentance, prayer, and charity temper judgement’s severe decree.”
7:30-8 p.m. | Learning Session with Rabbi Laufer and Rabbi Knobel
Probe the quintessential Jewish tale of teshuvah: the Book of Jonah. Learn what it means and what it takes to repent, to forgive, and to be forgiven from this groundbreaking and rebellious tale of a prophet gone astray.
8 p.m. | Dessert Reception
8:30 p.m. | Selichot Havdalah Service
Experience a deeply meaningful and meditative evening of prayer and music with your entire Wise clergy team and our full High Holy Days choir. Featuring readings and commentary from the new Stephen Wise Temple machzor, Selichot is an opportunity to elevate your spiritual preparation for the Days of Awe: a chance to participate in uplifting worship and begin to reflect on your path towards self-improvement.
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 Wise Jams
Tuesday, September 24 | 7:30 p.m.
Jam with fellow 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!
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 Center for Jewish Life presents
Classical Intermediate Hebrew
Mondays: October 28–December 16 | 6:45–9 p.m.
This course is for students who completed Beginning Hebrew 1 and 2 or have sufficient knowledge of Hebrew. Cost: $284 plus $25 book fee.
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 Wise Melton School presents
Modern Ethics: A 21st Century Discussion
Tuesdays: October 29, 2019–March 31, 2020 | 7–8:30 p.m.
This class is devoted to examining how Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary medical ethical issues like human cloning, surrogate motherhood, genetic identity, and other modern issues like social media, war, and artificial intelligence? As part of our award winning Melton School, students can expect a fascinating, in-depth class that will challenge perceptions and encourage deep learning.
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 Tot Shabbat
Saturday, November 2 | 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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 Wise Women presents
The Joy of Challah 2.0
Sunday, November 3 | 10:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand! Women in our community—members and guests—are again invited to enjoy a morning of brunch, bubbly, and different kinds of) braiding, before heading home with your own challah to bake. Bring your mom, sister, cousin, and BFF to our second annual Challah Bake!
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Become An Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Informational Meeting:
Tuesday, November 5 | 7 p.m.
When a Jew reaches the age of 13, she or he becomes a bat or bar mitzvah, literally a “daughter” or “son” of the commandments. Some, however, did not have the opportunity or privilege at 13 to be formally called to the Torah. Becoming a bat or bar mitzvah as an adult gives one the opportunity to seize a special moment in life. Many choose to mark a special anniversary or to honor the memory of a loved one by becoming an adult b’nai mitzvah. Connect with a group of learners by becoming part of our adult b’nai mitzvah program. After the initial informational meeting, studies will begin in spring 2020 and will culminate with a Shabbat service led by the cohort in late 2020.
Please contact Cantor Emma Lutz by email at [email protected] or by phone at 310.889.2270 to learn more.
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 Wise to Host Z3 Conference on Next Generation Zionism
Save the Date: Sunday, January 26, 2020
Both the United States and Israel represent powerful and vibrant centers of Jewish life and are the primary contributors to the continuing development of the Jewish future. The Zionism 3.0 (Z3) movement reflects this reality by redefining Zionism for the next generation. Z3 conversations ask compelling and transformative questions like: What is the future of the relationship between the communities? How will both assert their independence and interdependence? How can we speak with each other in ways that encourage cooperation and recognitions of our differences and alignments? There are incredible challenges and opportunities offered by the creative dynamic of this ongoing relationship.
Wise’s Z3 conference will bring together an eclectic combination of presenters that reflect the uniqueness of Los Angeles. The conference will feature journalists and thought leaders who embody the essence of what it means to be a Zionist Jewish presence in American and Israeli media (online and print). They will have the opportunity to speak about the challenges of navigating that territory and how their Jewish identity influences their professions. A second track will engage Jewish actors, producers, and directors to discuss what it means to represent the Jewish communities of Israel and America and how that is reflected in their work. During the course of this day-long conference, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how we can speak to each other across our ideological divides to create stronger even more vibrant Jewish communities in our respective locales.
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 Adult March of the Living Trip with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern
April 20 – May 2, 2020
In April 2020, join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern on the most iconic and unforgettable walk through the darkest time in Jewish history by participating in the Adult March of the Living. The group will visit some of the deeply significant locales in Poland including Krakow and Warsaw as well as the concentration camps in the vicinity and will encounter the amazing resurgence of Jewish life in Poland. Finally, the group will join thousands of high school students from across the globe in making an epic trek of freedom out of Auschwitz concentration camp. Afterwards, there will be an optional add-on visit to Israel highlighting those experiences rarely available on standard tours: cultural experiences, regional tours, and complex political conversations.
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 Cantors Assembly Trip to Italy with Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Lam
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.
*Please choose the Super Deluxe category when registering to join this group.
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SAVE THE DATE
American Jewish Committee Los Angeles presents
Ira E. Yellin Community Leadership Award
Sunday, November 24 | 1 p.m. | Stephen Wise Temple
Wise members Julie and Steve Bram will be honored by AJC Los Angeles for their outstanding leadership.
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We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Rochelle “Shelly” Berman, Dione Fenning, Lila Kadner, Dorothy Rosenstein, Robert Schnair
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Isaac Berger*, Eugen Bergher, Liliana Bergher, Sarah Blox, Barry Bordofsky*, Frieda Chase, Charles Robert Cohen*, Bernard Cohen*, Gladys Berres Cole*, Tillie Cytron*, Oscar William Daniels*, Samuel E. Gilbert*, Esther Glick, Roberta Goldberg*, Rudolph Goldman*, Cliff Goldstein, Sol Gordon*, Sam Grant, Max Zachary Hess, Ella Hill, Joan F. Holtzclaw*, Alex Indich, Archie Jacobs*, Howard Kaish*, Roy Kaufman, Herman Klein*, Nathan Levin*, Richard Levy, Harriet Lloyd, Martin Lubarsky*, Samuel Ontman*, William A. Perer M.D. *, Abraham Rabin*, Sylvia Klein Rose*, Ben Roth*, Sylvia Rubin *, Marian Chais, J.D. Shulman*, Miriam Esther Sloven*, Meyer Snookal*, Betty Haberman Summer*, Michael Waldman*, Dinah Wallach*, Morris Weiss*, Augusta Wolfson*
*Designated on our memorial walls
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Ramin and Negar Messian on their child Lauren Messian becoming Bat Mitzvah
Paige Newsam Raminfar and Alex Raminfar on their recent marriage
Lauren Myers and Andrew Schmitz on the birth of their child Willa Schmitz
Ron Zeidler on his child Noa Zeidler 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
Laurie Ackerman’s 45th year as a congregant of Stephen Wise Temple and her 68th birthday, by Laurie Ackerman
IN MEMORY OF
Sam Grant, by Lana Sternberg
RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Woznica, by The Berman Family
Laurie Ackerman’s 45th year as a congregant of Stephen Wise Temple and her 68th birthday, by Laurie Ackerman
IN MEMORY OF
Michael Waldman, by Marvin & Irene Perer
William Perer, by Marvin & Irene Perer
RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Carol Gray’s new grandson Felix, by Freda Moscowitz
Rabbi Stern’s integral part in Courtney and Noah’s wedding, by Ellen & Gary Michel
IN MEMORY OF
Cliff Goldstein, by Leslie Goldstein
Sarah Baumann, by Richard & Terrie Baumann
CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Laurie Ackerman’s 45th year as a congregant of Stephen Wise Temple and her 68th birthday, by Laurie Ackerman
Cantor Lam officiating Sarah & Eric’s Ketubah Signing, by Irene & Yoni Boujo
CANTOR EMMA LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Laurie Ackerman’s 45th year as a congregant of Stephen Wise Temple and her 68th birthday, by Laurie Ackerman
DIENER & KADNER FAMILIES LIBRARY
IN MEMORY OF
Harriet Lloyd, by The Lloyd Family
HOMES FOR HEROES FUND
IN HONOR OF
Shelly Levy, by Freda Moscowitz
LIFELONG LEARNING FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Roy Kaufman, by The Kaufman Family
MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Laurence Baumann, by Richard & Terrie Baumann
Max Zachary Hess, by Michele, Jim, Cameron and Eden
WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Jessica Lebovits Mannon and Ryan Mannon’s son, by Michael & Sussan Shore
IN MEMORY OF
Dionne Fenning, by Les & Lynn Bider
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Esther Glick, by The Glick & Sheerin Family
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Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom
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