Search for Meaning With Josh Klausner
In this edition of his Search for Meaning podcast, Stephen Wise Temple Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback hosts Josh Klausner, who, in addition to being Rabbi Yoshi's college roommate, is a screenwriter, playwright, and director. Klausner's writing credits include Wanderland (2018), Date Night (2010), and Shrek Forever After (2010). He's also worked as a second unit director on Dumb and Dumber (1994), Kingpin (1996), There's Something About Mary [...]
Stephen Wise Temple Clergy: On National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism
Last week, as America celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month, the White House proclaimed that celebrating the countless contributions of American Jews to our nation's history remained insufficient to honor Jewish American heritage. Rather, the proclamation insisted, the increase in antisemitic activity throughout our country—both online and in the real world—represents a challenge that America would confront head on. Today, the White House made good on its promise, unveiling the first-ever national strategy [...]
Shabbat Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation at Stephen Wise Temple
At Stephen Wise Temple, our summer Shabbat offerings are different than the ones we have from September through June. While Tot Shabbat and Mountaintop Morning Shabbat take a break, Shabbat itself doesn't take a vacation. We invite our whole community—Shabbat regulars and newcomers alike—to enjoy very special Shabbatot in the coming weeks. These services will get you up, out, and on your feet as we take advantage of our beautiful [...]
Wise Surpasses Blood Drive Goal, Signs Up First-Time Donors
Along with donating over $70,000 for our Wise Gala Fund-a-Need on Saturday (which will be matched by a generous donor), the Stephen Wise Temple and Schools community donated in another big way last week at our annual spring blood drive. Wise members, clergy, and staff donated 27 pints of blood for the American Red Cross, including eight from first-time donors, and three Power Red donations, exceeding our drive goal. Those 27 pints [...]
Search for Meaning With Carolyn Mabeya, Dr. Debbie Mattityahu, and Ariela Zweiback of Beyond Fistula
In this edition of his Search for Meaning podcast, Stephen Wise Temple Senior Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback hosts Carol Mabeya, gynecologist Dr. Debbie Matityahu, and Ariela Zweiback of Beyond Fistula. Dr. Debbie Matityahu and Carolyn Mabeya of Beyond Fistula. (Photo by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback) During his sabbatical, Rabbi Yoshi spent two weeks in Eldoret, Kenya working with Beyond Fistula, a non-profit charity that aids women and girls [...]
L.A. Pride at Wise
Pride Shabbat On Friday, June 9, 2023, Stephen Wise Temple celebrated Pride Shabbat as we recognized our LGBTQ+ members and ally families. Wise has long been in the forefront of embracing our LGBTQ+ community by celebrating and supporting all the important life moments, and Pride Shabbat is an affirmation of our commitment. This year, our annual Pride Shabbat will be a musical celebration of our LGBTQ+ community, [...]