Wise Gala 2023 Honorees: Janine and Rick Kolodny

Janine and Rick Kolodny have been involved in the Stephen Wise Temple and Schools community for over 30 years. During this time, Wise has been their family’s spiritual and educational home. They are grateful for the many cherished lifelong friendships they have made and value the education their children Michelle and David received at Wise School. Their first grandchild, Chloe, is now an excited new student at Aaron Milken Center.

Janine has proudly served on the temple’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and most recently served as temple President for three years, from 2018 to 2021. Janine is currently chairing the nominating committee and playing an instrumental role in the fundraising, marketing, and building committee for our new Aaron Milken Center, as well as the Hineini leadership program. As Vice President of Development, Janine has been an integral part of the temple and schools’ fundraising efforts for many years.

Prior to becoming temple President, Janine served as President of the Stephen Wise Nursery School and as President of Wise Elementary School. Janine has helped initiate and launch the School Mitzvah Committee, the Parent Docent Program, and the School Values Program. Janine worked on the Patron and Sponsor program, Wise Galas, and The Living Torah Project. She co-chaired the Strategic Development Plan, Shalom Garden, the Wise School Education Advisory Committee, and the High Holy Day Task Force; and she served on the Senior Rabbi Transition committee.

Janine has devoted her time and energy not only to Wise, but to the larger Jewish community of Los Angeles, including the Jewish Federation, Builders of Jewish Education, and Beit T’shuvah.

Rick has been an active member and supporter of our community since he and Janine joined the temple. He was co-chair of the Lifelong Learning Committee, served on the HR Committee, co-chaired last year’s Wise Gala, and has participated in a wide range of temple programs. Rick is the president of The Portfolio Group Inc., a legal search firm that connects lawyers with opportunities nationally. Prior to that, he was general counsel of Roll International and practiced corporate law at O’Melveny & Myers. Among other community organizations, he served for 25 years on the Board of Directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on civic engagement for youth in underserved communities.

Janine and Rick are truly grateful for the central role that Wise has played in their lives. They are deeply humbled by this meaningful honor.