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Making Time for Psalm 27
by Cantor Emma Lutz
The daily reading of Psalm 27 is a custom throughout Jewish communities before, during, and after the celebration of the new year. Our sages encouraged a routine reading of this rich, conversant psalm for a total of fifty days: twenty nine days during the month of Elul (our current month leading up to Rosh Hashanah), through the ten Days of Awe and four days following, and into the subsequent weeklong festival of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah.
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Wise Clergy Drop Funky Shanah Tovah
New music video celebrates melodies both traditional and modern
The Wise clergy, musicians, and singers have a special message to share with you this High Holy Days season:
Have a joyous, meaningful Shanah Tovah!
Inspired by melodies both traditional and new, we offer this joyful, celebratory song that’s sure to get your feet moving, your head bobbing, and your fingers snapping. Just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the song and accompanying video by Daniel Brea/Brea Films includes your favorite Wise faces and voices—we know you’ll love it!
Watch now and share it online:
 
May you and your loved ones all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of light, love, blessing, meaning, tradition, and creativity!
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This Week’s Torah Portion: Ki Tavo
Friday, September 20
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services with Special Guest, Amir Kashfi from IsraAID | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Nathan Lam
Learn more in upcoming events!
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org
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
Wednesday, September 25
12 p.m. | Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback | Udko Annex
Friday, September 27
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Emma Lutz
Saturday, September 28
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
9:30 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Nathan Lam
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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.
If you’ve ordered tickets prior to Sept. 17, they will arrive by mail. If you ordered after that date, your tickets will be held at will call.
Visit our High Holy Days web site to find:
- Family Services and Programming
- Service Schedules
- Venue Information
- Tickets for Members and Guests
- and more!
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 Ridesharing for the High Holy Days: Wise Offers Lyft Discount Codes
During the High Holy Days, we encourage members to rideshare for easy drop-off and pick-up at any of our venues! With designated rideshare spots at all locations, it’s easy to use Lyft or your app of choice. We are now offering discount codes (while supplies last) for those who register online, ahead of time. Sign up before supplies run out and you will receive $5 off for Rosh Hashanah and $5 for Yom Kippur.
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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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Yom Kippur Study Sessions at Skirball Cultural Center
On Yom Kippur afternoon, Skirball Cultural Center attendees may choose from two unique afternoon learning opportunities that are key to understanding the Wise community: visitors to Skirball Cultural Center will be able to engage in a lively discussion with Dr. Ian Russ about the life of Rabbi Stephen Wise or enjoy a walk through the machzor artwork design process with Wise’s Artist in Residence Mario M. Muller.
Remember, if you have not selected your venue yet, we cannot send your tickets! Visit WiseLA.org/HighHolyDays to learn more.
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Yizkor Book of Remembrance submissions are now closed
Though our Yizkor Book submissions are now closed, you may still submit to the addendum that will be inserted into copies of the book on Yom Kippur. We will accept these until October 3.
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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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 New Podcast Alert!
Legendary songwriter Artie Butler wrote or arranged some of your absolute favorite hits from the past six decades of rock n’ roll… and lucky for us, he sat down with his close friend Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback to talk about his thrilling career and how he almost became a chazzan! Check out the latest Search for Meaning with Rabbi Yoshi and remember to subscribe at WiseLA.org/SearchforMeaning.
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 Shabbat Services with Special Guest, Amir Kashfi from IsraAID
Friday, September 20 | 6:15 p.m.
Amir Kashfi is a recent graduate from UCLA where he earned dual degrees in Human Biology and Public Affairs. He volunteered in IsraAID’s Berlin office in 2018 where he conducted outreach and community building initiatives with vulnerable refugee populations, and serves as an IsraAID Ambassador. He is also involved with a number of other nonprofits including AIPAC, Hillel, and the Iranian American Jewish Federation.
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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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 WTY 8th-12th Grade Kick-Off Event
Sunday, September 22 | 6 p.m.
Wise teens! Help us kick-off the first WTY 8th – 12th grade night of the year with a ropes course-inspired teambuilding adventure! Dinner will be provided.
After you register be sure to follow WTY on Instagram by clicking the icon below!
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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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 Tashlich at the Beach
Sunday, October 6 | 3 p.m.
Tower 24 – Santa Monica Beach
Bring a blanket to the beach for an uplifting gathering of song and inspiration as we prepare for the coming of the new year. Hear the sound of the shofar resonating against the crashing waves as we cast our misdeeds into the sea. This beautifully symbolic ritual is a cherished tradition for all ages!
How to get there: meet us at Tower 24, south of the pier! We recommend parking in the Crescent Bay Park parking lot.
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Celebrate the harvest with us as we gather together in sacred community!
Visit our sukkot on campus for these events or at any time during the festival to simply enjoy nature with friends and family.
Sukkot Festival Services
Monday, October 14 | 10 a.m.
Morning Sukkot Minyan
Thursday, October 17 | 7:45 a.m.
Sukkot Shabbat Services
Friday, October 18 | 6:15 p.m.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Sunday, October 20 | 4 p.m.
Celebrate the gift of Torah with your Wise community! Our celebration will include a brief service, Hakafot (marching of the Torahs), a guided tour of the Torah, Torah Reading, refreshments, and of course lot and lots of Hora dancing with our clergy and musicians.
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 Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, October 15 | 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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 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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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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 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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 Mount Sinai presents
Kever Avot Memorial Service
Sunday, October 6
10 a.m. | Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills
1 p.m. | Mount Sinai Simi Valley
Kever Avot, the tradition of visiting the graves of our parents and loved ones between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, evokes a wealth of emotions and memories. In these moments, many of us yearn to feel connected with a community. We invite you to join with us as we pray together, support one another, and honor the memory of those who have passed.
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 Israeli American Council presents
Sukkot Festival
Sunday, October 13 | 10 a.m.
The Israeli American Council Sukkot Festival is a free family event for the community with kosher food, kid friendly entertainment and tons of kid activities.
*Registration required
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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
We observe the yahrzeits of:
Michael Abramson, Lillian Ruth Adler*, Nathan Alpert*, Albert L. Appel*, David Bass, Eva Bass, Mollie Berman, Jonas Bienenfeld*, Barbara Brockman*, Mike Daitch, Annie Dubman*, Hans Erlanger*, Jennie Federgreen*, Joyce Freed *, Irving Geldin*, Sadie Goldberg*, Hymie Goldsher, Stanley Norman Gore*, Jean Greenbaum*, Minnie Greenberg*, Carol Greenberg*, Lillian Katz, Bernard J. Kurtin*, Louis Lamberg*, Sally Leventhal*, Rubin Levin*, Sidney A. Robinson, Albert Rosen*, Henry Rosenberg*, Robert Joel Sackler*, Sam Shapiro*, Hannah Sharpe*, Herbert Shultz*, Sarah Leah Stein*
*Designated on our memorial walls
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Ramin and Nira Gabayan on their child Ethan Gabayan becoming Bar Mitzvah
Victor and Mariya Svilik on their child Eliana Svilik 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
Ed and Carol Horowitz’s wedding anniversary, by Jacqueline Hantgan and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, by Michael and Sherry Newman
Rabbi Yoshi for officiating as their daughter, Alexandra, became a Bat Mitzvah, by Alexis Bircoll Martin and Greg Martin
RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Woznica for the beautiful Shiva Service for our mother Shelly Berman, by Jodi Schwartz and Family
RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Mollie Berman, by Linda Linden and Family
RABBI SARI LAUFER DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Sari Laufer for officiating at Barry Gordon’s funeral services, by Olivia and Phil Gordon
RABBI JOSH KNOBEL DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Camille Leah Shenassa’s Bat Mitzvah, by Behnam and Sharona Shenassa
CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Nathan Lam for officiating as their daughter, Alexandra, became a Bat Mitzvah and for his beautiful and meaningful Adoration and Sim Shalom, by Alexis Bircoll Martin and Greg Martin
IN MEMORY OF
Jonas Bienenfeld and Sadie Goldberg, by Robert Bienenfeld
Irving Geldin, by Lorraine and Harris Zeidler
CANTOR EMMA LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Camille Leah Shenassa’s Bat Mitzvah, by Behnam and Sharona Shenassa
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
IN HONOR OF
Steven and Jodie Fishman, by Mike and Jodi Mooney
CAMP WISE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Michael Abramson, by The Abramson Family
HOMES FOR HEROES
IN HONOR OF
Karl Sussman’s birthday, by Shelly and Don Levy
LAM MUSIC AND MEDIA CENTER
IN MEMORY OF
My beloved father, Sidney Robinson and aunt, Lois Zimmerman Zuspan, by Marcie, Cliff, Jonathan and Jenna Goldstein
MAX HESS LIBRARY FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Max Hess, with love from all The Dolphins, by Ronald and Amy Ossip
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Herbert Pearlson, by Nina Leung and Bryan Leung
IN HONOR OF
Sussan and Michael Shore with many thanks, by Shirley Ashkenas
WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN MEMORY OF
Jeff Rosenberg, by Mishy and Jason Balaban
WISE WOMEN FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz for officiating at Noah Gordon’s Bar Mitzvah, by Olivia and Phil Gordon
YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Davis Bass, by The Bass Family
Daniel Ben Haim Sabeti, by Ashraf Sabeti
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Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom
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