2019 Wise Chai-Lights
Cantor Lam Organizes Concert in Rome to Celebrate 25 Years of Diplomatic Relations Between Israel and the Vatican
Cantor Nathan Lam traveled to Rome as the organizer of a special concert celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Vatican. The incredible event occurred at the Great Synagogue of Rome and featured an amazing lineup of talented clergy and musicians. The program included greetings from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Vatican; Israeli ambassador to the Holy See, Oren David; Rabbi Dr. Riccardo Di Segni, Chief Rabbi of Rome; the Choir of the Great Synagogue and their cantor, Rav Funaro; Cantor Ofer Barnoy of Beth Shalom in Roslyn, New York; Cantor Raphael Frieder of Temple Israel of Great Neck, New York; and, of course, Cantor Lam. The concert was attended by the diplomatic core of the Vatican, Israel, many other nations, and leaders of the Roman Jewish community. This spring, Cantor Lam will lead a Cantors Assembly musical journey to Italy: learn more at WiseLA.org/WiseTravel.
Wise School Triumphs at Odyssey of the Mind Finals (Regional and World)
All three Wise School Odyssey of the Mind teams advanced to the World Finals competition last May and took home some impressive honors. After competing against an average of 70 teams, Wise’s 3rd Graders ranked 16th in the world; 4th Graders ranked 20th in the world; and Wise’s 5th Graders ranked 10th in the world. The entire Wise community is proud of our students’ hard work and dedication!
High Holy Days—Funky Shanah Tovah Feels, Joyous Family Services, and More Magic Moments
Nothing sets the tone for a generous, creative, and inclusive year quite like the Days of Awe with Wise. Kicking things off with a memorable surprise video drop by our Wise clergy team, these High Holy Days were truly memorable. Worship services featured Sha’ar HaShamayim, the new Wise machzor, (so momentous, it needed to be its own #ChaiLight!) At all of our venues, at all of our services, in person or online—the Wise community brought hope, faith, families, friends, open hearts, and strong voices to ensure a sweet new year for all.
Wise Introduces Sha’ar HaShamayim, A New Machzor for the Days of Awe
The Wise clergy team unveiled the new High Holy Days machzor, Sha’ar HaShamayim (Gateway to Heaven), just in time for this year’s truly memorable Days of Awe. This new volume, intended for meaningful worship, is an exemplar of the Wise Way Forward values of creativity, generosity, and inclusivity. Incorporating themes, language, and traditions unique to the Wise community, Sha’ar HaShamayim is a celebration of Wise’s past, present, and future.
WiseStock Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Landmark Festival
Led by Rabbi Yoshi, Cantor Lam, Cantor Emma, Maestro Kates, and our Wise musicians, Wise celebrated the 50th anniversary of Woodstock in unique fashion—kicking things off with our beloved annual concert at Beverly Canon Gardens in Beverly Hills and then by enjoying Shabbat outdoors on the grass the next night. Everyone had a totally groovy time singing along the far-out music from the 60s!
Aaron Milken Center Announced
Just days before Rosh Hashanah, Stephen Wise Temple was proud and honored to announce the addition of Aaron Milken Center at Wise to its thriving and evolving hillside campus. The new facility, made possible by a $12 million matching grant from the Lowell Milken Family, will become the new home for the Early Childhood Education and Parenting programs at Wise. It will provide community and sacred spaces to grow and nurture long-lasting relationships among members and visitors of all ages. Learn more at www.aaronmilkencenter.org.
Grade 6 Graduation
Always a major moment in our year, Grade 6 graduation celebrates the momentous occasion of our young students reflecting back on their incredible Wise journey and looking ahead to the ways they will make great happen in the world!
Wise Readers to Leaders Dedicates Plaque Honoring Cayton Family
Over the summer Wise celebrated a momentous milestone: the dedication and installation of a plaque marking the Wise campus as the permanent home of Wise Readers to Leaders and recognizing the Cayton family for their generous donation to this incredible program. Wise Readers to Leaders CEO/Co-Founder Andrea Sonnenberg and Rabbi Ron Stern delivered remarks of gratitude, young scholars from the program spoke about their wonderful experiences, and Andrea Cayton spoke beautifully about the importance and meaningfulness of the family’s support for Wise’s flagship tikkun olam program.
The Wild Wise West—Purim 2019
Wise simply has no idea how to do Purim small! This year’s carnival featured a wild west theme that transformed the campus into a home on the range, a cowpoke paradise, and a rootin’-tootin’ good time was had by all.
Wise Women Challah Bake Connects Women Across Generations
Wise Women cooked up (baked up?) their second annual Challah Bake, bringing together women from all backgrounds and generations to connect, bond, and enjoy a morning of togetherness.
Search for Meaning—Rabbi Yoshi Launches Podcast
In his podcast, Rabbi Yoshi sits down with thinkers and doers, movers and shakers, friends and soon-to-be-friends, to discuss what inspires them and how they find meaning in their everyday lives. Tune in or download to hear his chats with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel; Emmy-nominated showrunner Stacy Rukeyser; Save the Syrian Children founders Tamar and Philip Koosed; and many other fascinating folks. Listen and subscribe at WiseLA.org/SearchForMeaning.
Summer Services in Geldin Chapel
Outdoor summer services in Geldin Chapel were a delight. Being surrounded by warmth, light, and nature during worship reminds us how beautiful every nook on our campus is!
WTY Cook-Off
Wise Temple Youth students discovered the meaning of food security when given a task to cook competitively on a food stamp budget. This exercise taught the teens about a very real issue facing the lives of many around the nation and inspired them to think creatively about how to help those in need.
Early Childhood Opens Atelier—An Art Studio for Little Creators
Wise’s Early Childhood Education program added an atelier (studio) for little artists, focusing on the languages of children through visual art, light study, clay, photography, and loose recycled materials.
Spring Break Sports Camp
Dozens of children discovered the fun of spending spring break with fellow Wise campers as they gathered on campus for daily activities, games, and athletics. #EatSleepCampRepeat
Wise Religious School During Opening Day Services
Wise President Janine Kolodny greeted Wise Religious School during Opening Day Services, a day that welcomed over 20 new families into the Wise community and set their children on the way to a deeper, more enriching Jewish educational life.
Wise Melton School Graduation
Wise Melton School Graduation had special meaning last year as it kicked off a year of celebration: the award-winning program is turning 10 in 2020! (Be on the lookout for invitations to our community-wide celebration this Spring.) Wise Melton School adult students commit to deepening their Jewish learning and engagement, incorporating these values into their daily lives. Kol HaKavod to everyone who graduated and to all of our students currently enrolled. If you’d like to learn more about this enriching program, contact Rabbi Karen Strok ([email protected]) — we know you will be glad you did!
Wise Represents at #URJBiennial Conference in Chicago
Thousands of Reform Jews assembled in Chicago for the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial in December—an opportunity for clergy, lay leaders, and professional staff to connect, worship, learn, and engage with each other. On the first evening, Wise Board member AnnDee Levy, vice chair of the conference, helped kick things off at the first plenary session. Wise Board member Frank Ponder was elected to the URJ Board. Kol HaKavod to both AnnDee and Frank! The excitement and Wise pride continued throughout the week when Rabbi Yoshi performed with Mah Tovu bandmate Rabbi Ken Chasen on the Jewish Rock Radio stage and their video for Kol Yisrael (We Are All Connected) had its world premiere in front of thousands of audience members gathered for the keynote plenary session.
