Eyes on Wise 4.4.19

The Case of the Hidden Chametz
by Rabbi Sari Laufer

As a fan of Nancy Drew, I always thought that if I were to write a Jewish version, I had a title already: The Case of the Hidden Chametz. And as a parent of 2 small children, I feel like it is a story that I live each and every Passover season. There is always the possibility of finding food in unexpected places, even as I try to instill rules and habits around eating and cleaning. In fact, nothing fills me with more dread than the thought of trying to clean my car for Passover. And, unlike the kitchen, it seems one cannot simply take a blowtorch to one’s car…so, crumb-hunting I will be.
READ MORE
COMPLETE YOUR CHAMETZ SALES FORM

The Wise Guys group sent 25 stalwart skiers to the snow-covered slopes of Mammoth Mountain for a weekend well spent with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern. Schussing epic conditions, gathering for great meals, celebrating Shabbat with some learning and mountainside worship, a great time was had by all! In between runs the guys enjoyed poker, backgammon, swimming, and good conversation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WISE GUYS

This Week’s Torah Portion: Tazria

Friday, April 5
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Featuring Kabbalat Torah for CYE Kindergarten Class
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Emma Lutz
Rabbi Woznica’s sermon will be: A Passover Story for Our Children
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org

Saturday, April 6
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz
10 a.m. | Tot Shabbat | Wise Woods
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Rabbi Josh Knobel

Next Week

Friday, April 12
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Emma Lutz
8 p.m. | Soulful Shabbat | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam

Saturday, April 13
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study
10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi David Woznica and Cantor Nathan Lam

Scheduling notice: on Friday, April 19, Shabbat Servics will be held at 5 p.m.

Learning Opportunities with Clergy
Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Wednesday, April 10 | 12 p.m. | Udko Annex
Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern: Monday, April 15 | 9 a.m. | Temple Conference Room

Mitzvah May:
A Celebration of the Wise Commitment to Generosity

Each year on Mitzvah Day we commit to an entire year of changing the world. This year, we’re doing things a little differently. Mitzvah Day has become Mitzvah MAY! Celebrate the culmination of all the ways in which our Wise community has participated in acts of loving kindness and sought to make a difference in our local and broader communities. Join us on Sunday, May 5 at Wise for a wide variety of projects to participate in–there is something for everyone!
LEARN MORE ABOUT MITZVAH MAY
RSVP FOR MITZVAH ON SUNDAY, MAY 5

Tot Shabbat and Baby Playdate
Saturday, April 6
9 a.m. | Baby Playdate (12 months and younger)
10 a.m. | Tot Shabbat Service

Gather together with our community for a festive service! Our Clergy and song leaders lead our music- and story-filled service that introduces the youngest members of our community to the joy of Shabbat. Parents and grandparents will love it too!  Special for parents with newborns, we’ll have a baby playdate for an hour leading up to Tot Shabbat.
REGISTER FOR BABY PLAYDATE
REGISTER HERE FOR TOT SHABBAT

Center for Jewish Life presents
Intermediate Classical Hebrew 
Mondays: April 8 – July 1 | 7 p.m. 

This class, taught in English, focuses on Siddur and Biblical Hebrew with an emphasis on reading and comprehension. Students will improve their reading and pronunciation and will learn to read and understand basic classical Hebrew, such as prayers. Cost is $315.
REGISTER HERE

Center for Jewish Life presents
Study Kabbalah Online with Rabbi Yoshi
Wednesdays: April 10, 17, 24 | 7-8:15 p.m.
This class will be exclusively held online. Login information will be provided to registrants.

Kabbalah is associated with a range of Jewish mysticism. Interestingly, the word “kabbalah” means “that which is received.” In our study we will open ourselves to a higher level of consciousness so that we can look at the world differently—to see God where we may not have seen God before.
Ultimately, we study Kabbalah to make ourselves better: kinder, deeper, more aware of our soul. We take this path not only to elevate our thoughts but also in the hope that kabbalah will impact our daily behavior. Join this mystical yet surprisingly practical journey toward an elevated and kinder life.

Free for Wise members
($36 for guests)
REGISTER HERE

Wise Years
Thursday, April 11
10 a.m. | Registrations Begins | Plotkin Foyer
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins | Plotkin Chapel

Joan Rosenberg, PhD, will highlight how to build confidence, emotional strength, and resilience as she discusses key ideas in her recently released book, 90 Seconds to a Life You Love. In his presentation on “The New American Jew,” Dr. Steven Windmueller will be examining the new behaviors and trends that are contributing to the dramatic changes impacting the 21st century Jewish community.
Film: The Butterfly, an endearing story about how a cranky butterfly collector’s perspective changes when he meets eight-year-old Elsa.
REGISTER HERE

Soulful Shabbat
Friday, April 12
Dinner | 6:30 p.m.
Services | 8 p.m.

Soulful Shabbat is a one-of-a-kind musical service, one of Wise’s most popular traditions. Join our clergy and our Soulful Shabbat musicians and singers for a spiritual evening featuring the rhythms and melodies our members have come to love.
REGISTER FOR DINNER

Wise Walking Group
Sunday, April 14 | 10 a.m.
Meet at the Chatsworth Community Recreational Center Parking Lot | Google Map

Join our intrepid Wise Walking Group as they visit different picturesque and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods all over Los Angeles! The group meets monthly on Sunday mornings for exercise, conversation, and community while enjoying Southern California’s natural beauty and historic areas. This month, the group will journey to Chatsworth Park South (1.4 miles in a circular direction) followed by lunch at The Country Deli.
Newcomers welcome! Email Shirley Sniderman to RSVP and learn more.

Camp Wise presents
Spring Break Sports Camp 2019!
Week 1 | April 15-19 
Week 2 | April 22-25

Can’t wait for summer? Looking for a great way to spend Spring Break? Are your kids currently in Kindergarten through Grade 6? We are proud to announce our first Spring Break Sports Camp at Camp Wise LA! Run by our Camp Wise Team, this program will get your kids on their feet in a setting and with friends and counselors that they already know and love! Though this program is more focused on sports, “campers” will still get a chance to revisit some of their favorite Camp Wise traditions, such as Maccabi Day and morning circle, and have options to do other activities such as Arts & Crafts, Dancing, and more!
Email [email protected] or visit campwisela.org/spring-sports-camp-2019 for more information.

Wise Readers to Leaders Annual Celebration
Sunday, April 28 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. 

Join Wise Readers to Leaders for our Annual Celebration. A night filled with an exciting silent auction, a wine and cheese reception, a screening of our documentary, and a presentation of our JLL Awards. 
RSVP HERE

Wise Women presents
Mahj and More
Wednesday, May 1 | 1-5 p.m.

Wise members and guests are invited to join other Wise Women for our monthly open play day: Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge or any other game you’d like! Groups or single players and all levels (beginners to experts) are welcome and encouraged! If you have a Mah Jongg set, please bring it along. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. This is a free event, we kindly ask for your RSVP.
RSVP HERE
*Save the date for upcoming Mahj & More sessions with newly added summer dates: June 5, July 10 & August 7 (all sessions at 1pm in Udko Annex)*

Torah Trek with Rabbi Ron Stern
Saturday, May 4 | 9-11 a.m. | Topanga State Park

Join us on May 4th for a “Torah Trek” in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park. We’ll do some hiking and stop at our usual place for a little wisdom from Jewish tradition. We’ll meet at 9:00 a.m in the parking lot at the main entrance to Topanga State Park at Tripet Ranch off Entrada Road. The hike will take about two hours. There’s a parking fee, payable by credit card.
REGISTER HERE

Stephen Wise Temple, Israel Policy Forum, and Anti-Defamation League present
Across the Generational Divide: Examining the Past, Present and Future of Israel Engagement
Tuesday, May 21 | 7 p.m.

This program, part of the nationwide “Across the Divide” series, is designed to showcase a constructive dialogue about Israel across the generational, political, and denominational divides within the American Jewish community. The panel, moderated by Rob Eshman (former Editor in Chief, the Jewish Journal), will feature Batya Ungar-Sargon (Opinion editor, Forward), Yair Rosenberg (Senior Writer, Tablet Magazine), and Tabby Rafael (Co-Founder, 30 Years After). Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback will offer additional remarks.
REGISTER HERE

Housing the Homeless:
Dinner with Tommy Newman, Director of Public Affairs for the United Way
Friday, May 24 | 7:30 p.m.

Join Tommy Newman, Director of Public Affairs for the United Way’s “Everyone In” campaign for a Shabbat dinner to discuss the United Way’s role as the coordinator of L.A.’s comprehensive response to homelessness. These initiatives include prevention strategies, support for subsidized housing, construction of affordable housing, bridge and permanent supportive housing, and management of services for the homeless. This is the most important step that moves L.A. towards a coordinated and comprehensive approach to dealing with housing for the homeless in the community.
RSVP HERE

Wise Guys presents…Conversations
Man Up, Defining Jewish Masculinity for the 21st Century
Thursday, May 30 | 7:30 p.m.

Join Rabbi Josh Knobel for this pivotal entry in a series of conversations designed for modern Jews. “Man Up” will explore how Jewish men can turn the tide against a culture of sexual harassment and assault that has left far too many women in our world at risk of abuse and exploitation. Discover how to acknowledge and combat misogyny without compromising your manhood, how to be woke without mansplaining, and how to raise empowered, feminist, Jewish men for the 21^st century.
People of all genders are invited to enrich this meaningful conversation.
REGISTER HERE

Wise Jams
Thursday, June 20 | 8-10 p.m.

Please join us for a night of music at Wise Jams with Rabbi Yoshi, David Kates, and fellow musicians from the Wise community. Are you an ace on the bass? Get your kicks on the sticks? Bring your axe, your sax, your vox, and your chops. We’ll supply the mics, amps, sheet music, and a rockin’ good time!
RSVP HERE

Skirball Cultural Center presents
Let My People Come
A Passover Experience with Miry’s List New Arrival Supper Club

Friday, April 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Skirball Cultural Center

In preparation for Passover, enjoy wine and an elaborate Syrian dinner infused with the symbols of the holiday and prepared by a family who recently resettled in LA with the support from Miry’s List. Rabbi Sarah Bassin (Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills) will begin the meal by connecting the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger to both the holiday’s story and the experience of refugees today. Then hear the family’s arrival stories in a discussion moderated by Evan Kleiman (KCRW’s Good Food).
BUY TICKETS
VIEW THE FACEBOOK EVENT

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and The Defiant Requiem Foundation present
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín
Wednesday, April 17 at 8 p.m. | Royce Hall, UCLA

Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín is a unique and profoundly moving multimedia concert-drama featuring a full performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem Mass. It tells the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt concentration camp (Terezín) during World War II who performed the monumental Verdi Requiem while experiencing the depths of human degradation. With only a single smuggled score they performed the famous oratorio 16 times, including a final, infamous performance before senior SS officials from Berlin and an International Red Cross delegation. Conductor Rafael Schächter told the choir, “We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.”
LEARN MORE AND BUY TICKETS

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Gavin Asherson, Fran Beiser, Manoochehr Dardashty, Habib Farahnik, Jackie Harrell, Rahim Yaghoubian

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Anne Ackerman*, Terry Antin*, Eli Attie*, Zack Beiser*, David W. Belloff*, Murray Berr*, Milton Burman*, Dorothy H. Cohen, Samuel Drubo*, Harry Friedman*, Sylvia Fromer*, Dr. Donald Gelb*, Herbert Goldberg, Ernest Goodman*, Joseph Gram*, Gerald S. Haimes*, Abraham Hamburger*, Alice Handelman, Sarah G. Hersh*, Max Hundert*, Peter Alan Kibrick*, Jacob Kleiman*, Morris Kosdon, Lynn F. Lacey, Jenny Lederer, Merrill E. Levy*, Elliott David Lokitz*, Andrew Markoff*, Hannah Morrison, Kenneth Morrison, Louis Morse*, Philip Nadrich*, Celia Brahl Pyes*, Ruth Rubinstein*, Joe Straus*, Kirk Ulnick*, Howard Wax, Jay Winthrop

*Designated on our memorial walls

Shehechianu Moment

Do you have a milestone birthday or anniversary approaching? We’d like to celebrate your special day on the bima during Friday evening Shabbat Services! Invite your family, join your Wise community, make it a “shehechianu moment” – a time to give thanks for life, health, and the blessings that enable you to reach this great moment in your life. Let us know by emailing Arlene Spiegelman or calling 310.889.2272 and she’ll make sure to schedule a date that works for you. We’d love to share your celebration!

Mazal Tov to:

Haleh and Shahrokh Kohanim on their daughter Delina Kohanim becoming Bat Mitzvah

We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy to those among us who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Michael and Rachel Farahnik on the loss of Michael’s father Habib Farahnik

We honor our loved ones, our family simchas, and our communal losses through charitable giving. To give in honor or in memory of a cherished family member or dear friend, please visit WiseLA.org/Giving.

RABBI YOSHI ZWEIBACK DISCRETIONARY FUND 
IN MEMORY OF: 
Anne Ackerman, and Carly’s Nanny Annie, by Laurie Ackerman and Carly Ackerman-Canning 

RABBI RON STERN DISCRETIONARY FUND 
IN HONOR OF: 
Rabbi Ron Stern, for officiating at Jess and Josh’s Wedding, by Marc and Debi Graboff 

RABBI ELI HERSCHER DISCRETIONARY FUND 
IN HONOR OF: 
Rabbi Eli Herscher, for officiating at the baby naming of Lilah Beatrice, by Sally Hanes 
Sophia Crasnick’s Bat Mitzvah, by The Crasnick Family 

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND 
IN MEMORY OF: 
Anne Ackerman, and Carly’s Nanny Annie, by Laurie Ackerman and Carly Ackerman-Canning 
Fran Beiser, by Roz and Bob Weiner 
Fran Beiser, by Ruth and Arnold Colman 
Gerald Laxer, by Roz and Bob Weiner 

IN HONOR OF: 
Cantor Nathan Lam, for officiating at Jess and Josh’s Wedding, by Marc and Debi Graboff 

CANTOR EMMA LUTZ 
IN HONOR OF: 
Sophia Crasnick’s Bat Mitzvah, by The Crasnick Family 

HOMES FOR HEROES 
IN HONOR OF: 
Shirley Sniderman, by Sally Hanes 

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
IN MEMORY OF: 
Andrew Markoff, by Carole Markoff and Family 
Fran Beiser, by Jon and Susan Berger 

SMITH LIBRARY FUND 
IN MEMORY OF: 
Dorothy H. Cohen, former Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director for 20 years, by Jan Cohen-Iscovich  

LIFELONG LEARNING ENDOWMENT 
IN MEMORY OF: 
Howard Wax, by Lois Rothenstein-Wax 

TEMPLE GENERAL FUND 
IN HONOR OF: 
David Williams’ 90th Birthday and 2nd Bar Mitzvah, by Bud and Barbara Hellman 

WISE WOMEN DISCRETIONARY FUND 
IN HONOR OF: 
Our Wise Women Lay and Professional Leadership, by Janine and Rick Kolodny 

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT 
IN MEMORY OF: 
Fran Beiser, by Jeff and Liz Koppelman 
Fran Beiser, by Jody and Dan Furie 
Habib Farahnik, Father of Michael and Rachel Farahnik and Family, by Janine and Rick Kolodny 
Habib Farahnik, Father of Michael and Rachel Farahnik and Family, by Shelly and Donald Levy 
Herbert Goldberg, by Rachel Goldberg 

YAHRZEIT FUND 
IN MEMORY OF:
Alice Handelman, by Ira, Ariel, and Sam Handelman 
Elliott Lokitz, by Sheila Lokitz  
Hannah and Kenneth Morrison, by Adriane and Allan Morrison 
Irving Ashkenas, by Shirley Ashkenas and Family 
Jay Winthrop, by Marc and Ann Winthrop  
Jenny Lederer, by Les & Cyndy Lederer, Joyce Lederer, Michael Lederer, and David Lederer, and Deborah, Paul, Alex, and Laura Sagues 
Max Hundert, by Beatrice Fisher and Family 
Morris Kosdon, by Dr. and Mrs. Leon Kosdon 

We appreciate our wonderful volunteers:

Nosh Volunteer:
Susan Firestone

Gift Shop Volunteers:
Terrie Baumann
Rochelle Fox
Lori Rubin
Carol Sookman

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