Why Wise?

Come on, let’s be honest, in terms of program offerings and service experiences, most synagogues are going to have a lot in common.  And, you have probably seen many of them in your search for a synagogue that is the right fit for you. Of course, we are committed to social justice, have a deep passion for Israel and its people, and are dedicated to building our members’ Jewish identity and promoting their spiritual growth. But, many, if not all, synagogues are, and they do it very well.  So, what makes Stephen S. Wise Temple a unique place to join? It’s the people and the way we see our relationships within our Temple and School community.

Imagine sitting in our Sanctuary, with the sounds of a violin singing the feeling of our tradition, while our Cantor evokes its meaning through the words. Or, what if you were so committed to creating a spiritual experience for yourself and fellow congregants that you helped our Clergy create a jazz Shabbat that spoke to your soul, then baked cookies for the dessert oneg after?

Imagine traveling to Washington, D.C. with 140 of your fellow congregants to advocate for Israel at one of the largest gatherings of the pro-Israel movement.  Then, imagine coming back so energized that you and your friends decided to create an Israel Independence Day celebration that inspired hundreds of others to connect with Israel in new and innovative ways.

Imagine being a part of a community that advocates for the improvement of the Los Angeles public school system to affect meaningful change. Now, what if your Rabbi asked about extending those efforts by becoming the driving force behind bringing the first synagogue-based Freedom School to the west coast and only the second nationally.

Imagine giving your children the finest in education – combining a stellar academic curriculum infused with Jewish values – and then also finding an intellectual home of your own through our incredible lecture series and lifelong learning program.  And, imagine you are an immigrant to the States, who never had the opportunity to learn about your heritage, until, through the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, you became so inspired by Jewish learning that you decided to become a bat mitzvah at age 42.  

Stephen S. Wise Temple is a place for people who have imagination. It’s a place that values creativity, innovation, and your participation in all aspects of Temple life – for the sake of our community and to enrich your personal spiritual journey. We seek to achieve this centered around five core values that stand alone and yet, are inextricably linked: Worship and Spirituality, Lifelong Learning, Israel and Peoplehood, Community, and Social Justice. When we imagine our ideal Stephen S. Wise Temple, it looks like the perfect blend of these values with the people who embody them, embrace them, and bring them to life in partnership with us.

If you’re someone who loves music that lifts your soul and sermons that make you think; if you are someone who wants to make a real difference in our city and in our state; if you are someone who wants to be in a community caring for one another and engaging in meaningful conversation; if you have a curiosity about your tradition and a passion for advocating for the State of Israel; and, if any or all of the above describe you … Welcome home.

To join our sacred community or if you are already a member and you'd like to become more involved,       click here.