Stephen Wise Temple and Schools will celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday this year with Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut—Israel’s Memorial Day, and Israeli Independence Day. Every year, and maybe this year especially, we proudly celebrate the country’s founding ideals, rejoice in its existence, work to help it fulfill its promise and hope for its bright, peaceful, and inclusive future.

Below, you will find events, resources, and writings to help you celebrate and discuss Israel at 75 and beyond.

Wise Celebrates Israel

Shabbat HaAtzmaut
Friday, April 28 | 6:15 p.m. | Sanctuary | In-Person or Watch Online

We invite you to join our joyous community celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut and Israel, which will feature Israeli music, reflections on Israel at 75 from our clergy, and musical performances from our students. Our service will be followed by rikudei am—festive Israeli dancing led by Orly Star—and, of course, Israeli food.

On Israel: Wise Clergy Honors Israel’s 75th

During the week of April 24, 2023, the Stephen Wise Temple clergy wrote their daily teachings (Daily Kavanot) about the State of Israel, and what it means to them.

Daily Kavanah

Yom HaZikaron: April 24-25

Israel’s Memorial Day celebrates the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel, and those who have since given their lives while on active duty in Israel’s armed forces. It also serves as a day of remembrance for the civilian victims of terrorism.

Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown on Monday, April 24, and lasts through sundown on Tuesday, April 25.

Israeli Consulate Memorial Day Ceremony
Monday, April 24 | 7 p.m. | Wise Campus 

7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

The Memorial Ceremony and Songs for the Fallen is the official ceremony of the State of Israel produced by the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Southwest. The evening included remarks and participation by the diplomatic team, representatives of the Ministry of Defense, and representatives of the bereaved families. Our own Rabbi Sari Laufer participated, as well, offering “El Malei Rachamim.” The evening also included musical performances and participation of the Israeli Scouts. The son of a fallen soldier from the Los Angeles community told his moving story during the ceremony, which was moderated by the director, actor, and singer Mike Burstyn.

8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

After the conclusion of the official ceremony, Israeli singers performed songs dedicated in remembrance of fallen soldiers. Singers included Ron Weinreich on behalf of “Israeli Wounded Veterans- Beit Halochem,” Oded Sabeg on behalf of the “Ambassadors of El Al” program, Sivan Fidelman from the consulate, and Li-at Denker, who also hosted the evening.

Yom HaAtzmaut: April 25-26

Israel’s Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence of the State of Israel in 1948.

Yom HaAtzmaut begins at sundown on Tuesday, April 25, and lasts through sundown on Wednesday, April 26.

Noa in Concert
Saturday, April 29 | 8 p.m. | Temple Israel of Hollywood | Tickets

Israeli singer-songwriter Achinoam Nini, known professionally as Noa, will be performing a live concert at Temple Israel of Hollywood on Saturday, April 29, at 8 p.m. The singer, songwriter, poet, composer, percussionist, speaker, and activist will be joined by pianist Ruslan Sirota. Wise members can visit my.tioh.org/noa and enter the code WiseNoa for a special discount.

Israel at Wise

In these politically turbulent times, our clergy have offered words of hope and comfort. They have also sought out experts in Israeli politics and culture, who have shared their insights, opinions, and experiences, so that our community can better understand the upheaval in Israel. Here are just some of the ways that we have responded to the current political unrest: