In this message:

  • Wise’s actions regarding COVID-19
  • Event updates for the coming week
  • Resources to keep you informed

Dear friends,

We understand the deep concerns facing our community right now due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It is a trying time for our region, our nation, and our world. We are writing to update you on the steps Wise is taking to safeguard everyone’s health and to help reduce the spread of the virus.

In our response to this global health crisis, we are attempting to balance multiple, sometimes competing values. Coming to synagogue for study, worship, acts of loving kindness, and for the gift of community itself is fundamental to Jewish life. We now find ourselves in a moment where this impulse can be at odds with the core Jewish value of pikuach nefesh—protecting the health and safety of ourselves and others, particularly those who are most vulnerable to contagious diseases like COVID-19.

In our attempt to balance these values, we have implemented the following changes and recommend the following steps:

  • We have created a taskforce of senior staff to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis. We are in regular contact with other schools and synagogues as well as with local and state health agencies. Additionally, we are receiving expert advice from congregants with experience in the appropriate fields.

  • Our maintenance team works diligently to disinfect surfaces with hospital-grade products nightly. In addition, we are regularly performing deep-cleanings of our classrooms, restrooms, and prayer spaces.
  • If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or any other contagious illness, please do not come to the Wise campus and, of course, seek medical attention. Our Shabbat services are always streamed online and we will keep you apprised of other events and classes that may also become available remotely.
  • When you do visit our campus, please limit physical contact—no hugs, kisses, or handshakes. During services and events, we will ensure plenty of room to spread out and avoid close contact with others.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, especially after using the restroom and after coming into contact with others.
  • Given what we are seeing happening around the world and, increasingly, throughout the United States, we are taking these “social distancing” steps designed to limit the likelihood of viral transmission at large events while, at the same time, continuing to provide our educational and religious services and programming:

For the coming week, the following events are being postponed. We will keep you informed as we assess when it would be best to reschedule these programs:

  • Museums with Mario (3/11)
  • Wise Years (3/12)
  • Men, Marriage, and Masculinity with Jeffrey Marsh (Tue, 3/17)
  • More may be announced: be sure to check your emails and our website

For the time being, the following events will be held online only. Instructions will be available on our website and in Eyes On Wise, our weekly newsletter, for those who wish to participate:

  • Wednesday Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi
  • Monday biweekly Bible Study with Rabbi Stern

The following changes are being made to upcoming events:

  • Soulful Shabbat Services WILL BE HELD this Friday, March 13 with a time change to 6:15 p.m. We will be in the Sanctuary, where we can comfortably spread out, and this will be the only service this Friday.
  • The dinner previously planned for this Friday evening has been canceled.
  • The Lutz family baby naming celebration will be postponed to a later date. (Baby Ruby is doing great and can’t wait to meet you all but she doesn’t want to put others at risk in their attempts to welcome her to our community!)
  • Please remember that you can watch services online via Facebook Live or our web site.

Stay informed with live updates as this dynamic situation develops:

This is a constantly evolving and unprecedented situation for all of us. We will continue to keep our entire community regularly apprised of new developments via email, social media, and our website.  

Our phone lines are open for your questions. If you are wondering about a specific event or service that you do not see listed, please call us at 310.476.8561 (Mon–Thu, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)

You may also email us at [email protected].

With prayers for health and blessings for us all and those affected around the world,


Yoshi Zweiback
Senior Rabbi


Janine Kolodny
President