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Always There
by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback

Rabbi Yoshi delivered these remarks at the “Partners in Prayer” gathering at Faithful Central Bible Church this past Sunday.
Watch the video here

When my youngest daughter was about 3 years old, my wife sent me on an errand to Target with our little girl. She said, “Just make sure you get the laundry detergent and bring our daughter back home.”
We drove to one of those Super Targets. It was huge and I couldn’t find the laundry detergent. I was holding my daughter’s hand tightly as we walked through the store. Finally I asked someone to help me and she pointed the way to the household cleaning supplies section.


 

 

Watch Rabbi Eli Herscher and Dr. Uri Herscher: Heart to Heart

Dr. Uri Herscher served as Executive Vice President and Dean of Faculty at the Hebrew Union College, and is the Founder and President of the Skirball Cultural Center. His brother, Senior Rabbi Emeritus Eli Herscher has served the Wise community for over four decades. Together they sat down to candidly discuss their lives, career, and family history as part of a January Wise Years event. The morning was enlightening, inspiring, and heartwarming (not to mention funny!) and you can now watch it online. Kol HaKavod to Dr. Herscher as he retires from the Skirball Cultural Center, the landmark institution that he has led since he founded it. Read the recent Jewish Journal profile that chronicled his inspiring and impressive career with the Skirball Cultural Center as its visionary founder.

WATCH VIDEO 
READ THE JEWISH JOURNAL PROFILE 


 

 

Partners in Prayer Brings Together Many Faith Leaders for Day of Unity, Love, Hope

With deep gratitude, Wise was honored to join with incredible friends at Faithful Central Bible Church last Sunday for an inspiring day of worship and unity. Bishop Ken Ulmer and the Faithful Central community welcomed Wise clergy, musicians, and singers with open arms and hearts for a service of community, togetherness, and love. Thank you to all who joined us in lifting our voices to bring more light into the world!

WATCH RABBI YOSHI’S REMARKS 
WATCH “MIZMOR SHIR” FEATURING CANTOR LAM 
WATCH FULL SERVICE 


 

Z3 Starts Sunday at 9 a.m.—Final Three Days to Register
Avoid waiting! Pre-registration guarantees you’ll be ready to go from the moment the conference begins.

 
 

Z3 Highlight: How do you reconcile an ancient religion with the modernity of 21st century Jews identity? The majority of America’s Jews seem to have chosen American democracy over Jewish practice. Listen to moderator Dr. Joshua Holo, Dean of HUC-JIR in Los Angeles, and panelists Tomer Persico, Jodi Rudoren, Dani Segal, and Yuvi Tashome Katz unpack these highly relevant questions in our breakout session: Democracy and Judaism — Are they compatible?
#Z3Wise #SpanningTheDivide

Scroll down to Upcoming Events to learn more about Z3!

 
 

Search for Meaning: New Podcast Episode Alert!
Rabbi Yoshi Chats with Legendary Olympian Mark Spitz

Legendary Olympic Swimmer Mark Spitz met with Rabbi Yoshi to discuss his amazing story of perseverance and hard work that led to his becoming an icon for generations of athletes (and many more). From his childhood to his swimming career and his present work in documenting Holocaust stories, Spitz discusses his heritage and its impact on everything he has accomplished.

LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE 

      

 
 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Va-eira

Friday, January 24
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services with Special Guest Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, Rabbi Sari Laufer, and Cantor Nathan Lam
Jesse Gabriel will be available for a meet and greet after services
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org

Saturday, January 25
9 a.m. | Torah Study | Chapel Study

10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Nathan Lam

Monday, January 27
9 a.m. | Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern | Conference Room

Wednesday, January 29
12 p.m. | Talmud Study with Cantor Nathan Lam | Udko Annex

Friday, January 31
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Sanctuary
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Lam

Saturday, February 1
9 a.m. | Torah Study | Chapel Study

10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Ron Stern and Cantor Paul Dorman

 
 

Center for Jewish Life presents
Introduction to Judaism
Rabbi Sari Laufer and Wise Clergy

Sundays beginning January 26 | 10 a.m.

Whether you are curious about or considering Judaism, or still looking to answer that question you’ve had since your days in religious school, Introduction to Judaism is a place to voice your questions, learn multiple perspectives, and discover what is most meaningful to you in liberal Judaism.
Open to all, this course is perfect for interfaith couples, those raising Jewish children, spiritual seekers, individuals considering conversion, and Jews who want a meaningful adult Jewish learning experience. Taught by Rabbi Sari Laufer, students will have a chance to learn from members of the Stephen Wise Temple clergy and other guest teachers while exploring holidays, lifecycle celebrations, prayer, theology, sacred texts, and much more.
Questions are encouraged and only curiosity is required.


 

Wise Jams
Tuesday, January 28 | 7:30 p.m.

Jam with fellow musicians and singers in our 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!


 

Center for Jewish Life presents
The Italian Jewish Tradition
Cantor Nathan Lam

Wednesdays | 7:30–9 p.m.
January 29; February 5, 19

The Italian Jewish tradition includes 2,000 years of uninterrupted history. From before the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, this community has outlasted the Roman Empire, and forged a relationship with the Vatican that has lasted for 1,700 years. The Italian Rite has its own music, not Sephardic or Ashkenazi, but unique in its own way. 40,000 Jews still live in Italy and thrive, honoring their history and the collective history of the Jewish People.


 

Camp Wise presents
Magic Mountain Youth Event

Recommended for Grades 3-7
Saturday, February 1 | 9:30 a.m.

Summer is over, but the fun never ends! Join your favorite Camp Wise staff for a full day of fun at Magic Mountain with your favorite counselors! You don’t want to miss out on the first Camp Wise Youth Event of the year! Limited spaces are available.

Price: Early Bird $115, After January 10 $150
Early Bird ends Friday, January 10, and registration closes on Wednesday, January 29 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information, contact Tatiana Soofer at (310) 889-2263 or email [email protected].

Cancellation Policy: No refunds after January 15. Event will occur, rain or shine.


 

Wise Guys Big Game Party
Sunday, February 2 | 3 p.m. 

Join Rabbi Josh to catch the Super Bowl among friends at a party like no other! With the greatest game in sports displayed in High Definition on a 25×18-foot display, you and your friends from Wise will feel like part of the action. Register here to join our email list for the Big Game!
Refreshments will be provided. Childcare available upon request.


 

Wise Women presents
Tu B’Shevat Seder

Wednesday, February 5 | 7 p.m.

Welcome the coming of spring with food, wine, poetry, and song. Tu B’Shevat is the “birthday of the trees,” and using the fruits of different trees — including grapes (really a vine), figs, almonds, and more, the mystical Tu B’Shevat seder celebrates growth, possibility, and change. Come eat, drink, learn, and set your own intentions for a new season of the year or of life!


 

Wise School Climate Change Museum
Monday, February 10 | Exhibit: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Wise School is creating a Climate Change museum for students and visitors to explore following the annual Tu B’Shevat Assembly at 8 a.m. The museum will be open in the Tyberg Arts and Innovation Lab and Project Studio and will include interactive exhibits such as Green Space Prototype, an Irrigation Model, hands-on hydroponic planting activities, theatrical presentations, and much more. Let Wise School students guide you through the ways our Earth is changing and what we can all do to help preserve our environment.


 

Center for Jewish Life presents
Museums with Mario — Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
Wednesday, February 12 | 1:30 p.m.

This excursion will consist of a curated conversation during a 1.5-mile walk through the Westwood campus of UCLA.


 

Soulful Shabbat 
Friday, February 14
Friday, March 13
6:30 p.m. | Dinner
8 p.m. | Shabbat Service

Our unique musical service is one of Wise’s most popular traditions that creates a spiritual evening featuring the rhythms and melodies our members have come to love.

REGISTER FOR DINNER


 

Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, February 18 | 5 p.m.

Help our Lunch Bunch care for the stranger by assembling lunches for residents at LA Family Housing’s Irmas Family Campus in North Hollywood.


 

 

Center for Jewish Life presents
The Words of My Father: Yousef Bashir in Dialogue
with Rabbi David Woznica

Tuesday, February 18 | 7:30 p.m.

“[The Words of My Father] is captivating. Full of youthful exuberance, unlikely adventures, and raw discovery.” —The New Yorker 
Yousef Bashir is a Palestinian-American from the Gaza Strip, the son of Khalil Bashir, a highly respected educator. Still suffering the effects of a near catastrophic injury at the hands of an anonymous IDF soldier, Yousef made his way to the United States where he became an accomplished author, a vigorous advocate of Israeli-Palestinian peace, and much sought-after public speaker. Learn his incredible life story as he speaks with Rabbi David Woznica about his passion for peace.


 

#UsToo: New Perspectives on Gender and Power in the Jewish Community
with Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi

Friday, February 21 | 6:15 p.m.

Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi is a well-known thought leader, institutional builder, strategic innovator, published author and public speaker. She currently serves as a senior fellow at the Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood. Most recently, Rabbi Sabath led a four-campus team at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC) as the National Director of Recruitment and Admissions. Rabbi Sabath has taught courses on modern Jewish thought, gender, liturgy and theology at HUC for over 16 years as well as at other institutions. Wise is excited to bring this elite scholar to Shabbat services for her thoughtful and insightful remarks on such an important topic.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RABBI SABATH 
FOLLOW @RABBISABATH 


 


 

Wise Guys Men’s Ski Trip to Mammoth
Friday, March 6-8

Join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Rabbi Ron Stern on the Wise Guys men’s trip to Mammoth Mountain. Winter sports, camaraderie, good food, Shabbat! Cost of the trip includes lodging, two catered dinners, snacks, some wine, and self-prepared breakfasts (lift tickets not included). 

 


 

Cantors Assembly Trip to Italy with Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Lam
Trip Itinerary: Rome | Florence | Venice: June  22 – July 2, 2020

Following his incredible concert at the Great Synagogue of Rome, Cantor Nathan Lam and the Cantors Assembly are proud to announce a musical journey through Italy in the summer of 2020. Join Rabbi Yoshi, Cantor Lam, and the many voices of the Cantors Assembly for a magical excursion to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

 
 

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Lynne Craig, Lillian Lieberman, Joan Fidler Proffitt, Bernard Shapiro, Steven Warshawsky

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Michelle Rae Antignas*, Ronny Assia*, Loretta Berger, Stephanie Birnbaum*, Eva Braverman*, Leonard Allen Brown*, Jennie Cloobeck*, Gertrude Conrad*, Jerome Ettinger MD, FACS Dr. Benjamin B. Faguet*, Gussie Fenmore*, Getrude Friedlander, Louis J. Furstman*, Harry Gagerman*, Anne Goodman*, Janet Weiss Goodman*, Rachel Hammer*, Betty Hinderstein, Bernie Katz*, Joseph Kaufman*, Bessie Kleiman*, Estelle Koch*, Esther Kosdon, Leo Lane*, Stephen J. Magassin*, Harry Maron*, Violette Mizrahi*, Sol Nudelman*, Ray Pivo, Max Ponder*, Lawrence Richter, Henry Shadur*, Goldie Shear*, Esther Shouman, Abraham Sitrin, Sam Sloven*, Marcia Spiwak*, Anna Strommer, Sarah Walshin*, Dr. Joseph David Weisberg*, Blanche Winnick*

*Designated on our memorial walls

We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy:
Gary and Sheryl Fidler on the loss of Gary’s mother Joan Fidler Proffitt
Valarie
and Craig Simms on the loss of Valerie’s brother Steven Warshawsky

 
 

Anthony and Goldie Friedman on their child Aidan Friedman becoming Bar Mitzvah
Shaun and Shandy Gabbay on their child Logan Gabbay becoming Bat Mitzvah

If you have a birth, wedding, or milestone birthday you would like to share with the Wise community, please email us at [email protected]
To schedule a Shabbat blessing or special reception in honor of a simcha, contact Arlene Spiegelman at 310.889.2272.

 
 

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 ELI HERSCHER DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Eli Herscher, thank you for officiating for our Daughter, Samantha and Evan Weisberger’s wedding, by Brad and Julie Shames

CANTOR NATHAN LAM DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Nathan Lam, thank you for officiating for our daughter, Samantha and Evan Weisberger’s wedding, by Brad and Julie Shames

CANTOR EMMA LUTZ DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Cantor Emma Lutz and Rabbi Adam Lutz, Congratulations on the birth of Ruby, by Rick and Emily Corleto

AVI EFRAIM GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN MEMORY OF
Bernie Shapiro, by Rick and Emily Corleto
Betty Hinderstein, by Evaline Fishman

LAM MEDIA CENTER FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Anna Strommer, by The Strommer and White Family

METUKA BENJAMIN FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Jerome Ettinger MD, FACS, with love, by your wife, Virginia Ettinger and Family
Loretta Berger, by Zwillinger-Rosen and Family
Abraham Sitrin, by Eleanor Goodwein

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Esther Shouman, by Louise Mandell and Doree Hager
Lawrence Richter, by Lynne Ritcher
Esther Kosdon, by Dr. and Mrs. L Kosdon

 
 

            

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Stephen Wise Temple | 15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive | Los Angeles, CA 90077
Shabbat Shalom