Our 70 Faces of Torah Shabbat Evening services on Friday were a celebration of women rabbis. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the historic ordination of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, women rabbis from across Los Angeles led an evening of music, meaning, and learning in Katz Family Pavilion.
Our celebration of women rabbis featured Rabbi Sari Laufer, Senior Cantor Emma Lutz, Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning at Wise’s Rabbi Karen Strok, Rabbi Jaclyn Fromer Cohen of Temple Isaiah, Rabbi Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami, Rabbi Heather Miller of Keeping It Sacred, Rabbi Leah Kroll (who spent decades at Wise), Rabbi Michele Lenke of Yesh Makom L.A., and HUC-JIR rabbinical student Jessica Jacobs, all paying tribute to Rabbi Priesand.
Cantor Emma added a layer of meaning to the service’s accompaniment, with the Stephen Wise Temple band playing music composed and arranged by women.
In addition to honoring Rabbi Priesand’s legacy, Rabbis Fromer Cohen, Miller, Kroll, and Michele each spoke of their deep connection to the Wise community in which they were raised.
Women rabbis from across the country contributed to a stirring and emotional tribute video produced by our Rabbi Laufer, each giving a testimonial on the impact Rabbi Priesand has had on their lives. You can view the full tribute video and the full service below.