On Friday, Nov. 11, Stephen Wise Temple will host a special Veterans Day Shabbat. Originating in celebrations that commemorated the armistice ending World War I, which was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Veterans Day has become a national day of recognition for those who have fought for and defended our nation, as well as their family members, who in many ways serve alongside them.
This Veterans Day, we will celebrate veterans and their families from our own congregation. This special service—led by our own Army veteran, Rabbi Josh Knobel—will pay tribute to our own community’s veterans and will include a special blessing, for which they will be called to the bima. If you or someone you know would like to be included in this group, please register HERE.
As we honor and recognize our veterans and their families, we also recognize that there are still many who have sacrificed for our freedoms who need our help. Thousands of Los Angeles’ homeless have served our nation in the armed forces. Over the past several years, through our work with Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, Wise’s Homes for Heroes initiative has helped hundreds of these veterans feel at home in new, permanent housing by providing new furniture, appliances, and amenities. We are always collecting new houseware items (view our list) or you can make a donation to help us purchase larger items.