In recent months, the Stephen Wise Temple community has pounded the pavement and gotten plenty of steps in, participating in two major walks in support of tikkun olam causes: Jewish World Watch and L.A. Pride.

On April 30, a team of more than two dozen community members joined Rabbi Ron Stern to represent Team Wise Walks in Jewish World Watch’s revived Walk to End Genocide. Wise has participated in the Walk for more than a decade, but it had taken a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wise came back strong, raising nearly $5,000 to finish as the second-most prolific fundraising team out of the 44 who participated.

This past Sunday, a group of Wise community members joined Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback to march in the L.A. Pride Parade. Wise co-sponsored the Unity in Community group of walkers, made up of walkers from Wise, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Temple Akiba, IKAR, Jewish Center for Justice, Leo Baeck Temple, Nefesh, Temple Emanuel, Kehilat Israel, Kol Ami, Temple Isaiah, Temple Beth Hillel, Beth Chayim Chadashim, and other Jewish organizations throughout Los Angeles.

Wise on Pride

Rabbi Ron Stern’s Daily Kavanah on Monday, June 5: Why We Need Pride

Rabbi Ron Stern’s Daily Kavanah on Tuesday, June 6: A Blessing of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Rabbi Ron Stern’s Daily Kavanah on Wednesday, June 7: Discovering Love and Acceptance Through Understanding and Compassion

Rabbi Ron Stern’s Daily Kavanah on Thursday, June 8: Embracing Joy and LGBTQIA+ Weddings

Rabbi Yoshi’s Daily Kavanah on Friday, June 9: Becoming Menorot and Protecting the Dignity of Every Human Being