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Happy Thanksgiving from your Stephen Wise Temple family!
We wish you a meaningful celebration of gratitude. 
 

On Gratitude
by Cantor Emma Lutz

One of the best parts of my week is my visit to our early childhood center classrooms, joyful time set aside for music, play, and stories from our tradition. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, I shared this cherished tale with the young learners last week, and the sweet reminder to always practice gratitude for what we have feels welcome and timely, not just for our children but for us all…


 


 

Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Dr. Saba Soomekh to Teach Class on Impact of Iranian Revolution

Beginning December 4, Dr. Saba Soomekh will join Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback in teaching a Center for Jewish Life course on the lasting impact of the Iranian Revolution on Los Angeles. The Jewish community has been forever changed by the immigration of tens of thousands of Persian Jews over the past four decades. The influence has been mutual—both communities have been transformed in exciting ways because of these larger forces. This series explores the mutual impact of the Persian Jewish community, the broader Los Angeles Jewish community, and the City of Los Angeles.
Dr. Soomekh recently spoke with Rabbi Yoshi on an episode of Search for Meaning, discussing her work in this area and providing some insight into what the course will cover.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
     


 

 

Midor L’Dor Celebrates Generations of Wise School Families

What better way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday than with one of Wise’s favorite events of the year? Grandparents came to visit Wise School today, enjoying a morning assembly and then classroom activities with their grandchildren in Kindergarten through Grade 6. Together they learned, sang, and celebrated—getting a taste of the Wise experience and creating lifelong memories. Thank you to all Wise faculty and staff for their help in making it such a very special morning.

 
 

Toy Drive Deadline Extended!
Bring new, unwrapped toys to Wise by December 2

Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles is running their 14th Annual Festival of Lights Toy and Book Drive for one more week. Donate a gift that brings a smile to a child in need this holiday season. Check out their Amazon Wish List or bring an unwrapped, new toy or book to any Wise administrative office by December 2.


 

Become a Shoe Buddy to Help Kids in Downtown Los Angeles

Shoes That Fit needs “Shoe Buddies” this holiday season! This wonderful program benefits every 5th grader at 93rd St. Elementary School in Downtown Los Angeles, where we will donate over 150 pair of new shoes. For many of these children, this is the first pair of new shoes they’ve ever worn—as many have old, worn-out hand-me-downs from older siblings and donations. Become a “Shoe Buddy” to 1, 2, or up to 10 kids and give the gift that keeps on giving. Soon after you complete the form to sign up, you will receive information on each Shoe Buddy including size and gender so that you can purchase a pair of everyday athletic shoes and 3 pairs of socks to go with it. Shoes and socks are due back to Wise by Monday, December 16.


 

Cantors Assembly Trip to Italy with Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Lam
Info Session: Wednesday, December 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Trip Intinerary: 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 spring of 2020. Join Rabbi Yoshi, Cantor Lam, and the many voices of the Cantors Assembly for a magical excursion to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT THE TRIP FEATURING CANTOR LAM
SIGN UP FOR INFO SESSION

 
 

This Week’s Torah Portion: Tol’dot

Friday, November 29
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Sari Laufer and Cantor Emma Lutz
Watch live on Friday night: Facebook | WiseLA.org

Saturday, November 30
9 a.m. | Lay-led Torah Study | Chapel Study

10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services (B’nai Mitzvah Celebration) | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Cantor Nathan Lam

Monday, December 2
9 a.m. | Bible Study with Rabbi Ron Stern | Conference Room

Wednesday, December 4
12 p.m. | Talmud Study with Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback | Udko Annex

Friday, December 6
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Cantor Emma Lutz

Saturday, December 7
9 a.m. | Torah Study led by Rabbi Josh Knobel | Chapel Study

10 a.m. | Shabbat Morning Services | Plotkin Chapel
Led by Rabbi Josh Knobel and Cantor Emma Lutz

 
 

Kol HaKavod to Wise member Douglas Williams, who was honored with a Partner in Academic Excellence Award at the AMIT LA Evening of Inspiration and Laughter on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Williams was selected to receive the award as a result of his impactful service as a founding member of the AMIT Los Angeles chapter. AMIT is a global, Jewish-based education network in Israel that provides innovative, Jewish values-based education to 38 schools.


 

Kol HaKavod to Wise members Julie and Steve Bram, who were the recipients of the 2019 Ira E. Yellin Community Leadership Award by the American Jewish Committee Los Angeles at a special event held at Wise last Sunday. This esteemed honor salutes the accomplishments of Los Angeles’ outstanding leaders from all walks of life who have made Los Angeles a better place for all people within which to live.
 
 

Wise Parents Association presents
Raising Self-Reliant, Resilient, and Ethical Children with Dr. Wendy Mogel

Tuesday, December 2 | 7 p.m. | S

How do we raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children in an entitled world? Dr. Mogel will discuss how we can teach children to thrive in an over-indulged and over-protected environment. She will teach us how to turn our kids’ “worst traits into their greatest attributes”, while dispelling common myths about raising self-reliant kids. You won’t want to miss this enlightening evening with one of the foremost experts in parenting.

Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., is an international public speaker, the author of Voice Lessons for Parents, the New York Times bestseller The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, and The Blessing of a B Minus. She has made several appearances as the go-to parenting expert on The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and a number of news and magazine articles and podcasts. She lives in Los Angeles and is a practicing psychologist. 


 

Wise Women presents
Pre-Event Reception for Here All Along with Sarah Hurwitz

Monday, December 2 | 6:30 p.m.

Join Wise Women for a light wine and cheese reception before our Center for Jewish Life presents Sarah Hurwitz, author and former White House speechwriter. This event is free for women who are members of Stephen Wise Temple and $18 for guests.
Note: you must register for both events if you are planning to attend the Wise Women reception AND Sarah Hurwitz’s dialogue with Rabbi Woznica.


 

Center for Jewish Life presents
Here All Along with Sara Hurwitz

Monday, December 2 | 7:30 p.m.

From 2009 to 2017 Sarah Hurwitz served as a White House speechwriter, first for President Barack Obama and then as the chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama. Hurwitz worked with Mrs. Obama to craft a number of widely acclaimed addresses including her 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Convention speeches. Sarah was also chief speechwriter for Senator Hillary Clinton from early 2007 until her concession in 2008.

At the age of 36, Sarah took an introductory class on Judaism, attending on a whim. On the road, she found beauty in the rituals, guidance on living an ethical life, a deeper understanding of God—well beyond anything she had learned in Hebrew school. This initiated a multi-year journey meeting with rabbis, attending meditation retreats, sitting at Shabbat tables of Orthodox families, and the reading of many books on Judaism.


 

Forty Years After: The Los Angeles Persian Jewish Community
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback and Dr. Saba Soomekh

Identity  |  Wednesday, December 4, 2019  |  7:30 p.m.
Sexuality  |  Wednesday, January 8, 2020  |  7:30 p.m.
Culture |  Wednesday, February 19, 2020  |  7:30 p.m.

The impact of the revolution in Iran in 1979 goes well beyond the Middle East and few communities in the United States have felt that impact more than Los Angeles. The Jewish community has been forever changed by the immigration of tens of thousands of Persian Jews over the past four decades. The influence has been mutual—both communities have been transformed in exciting ways because of these larger forces.

This series explores the mutual impact of the Persian Jewish community, the broader Los Angeles Jewish community, and the City of Los Angeles.


 

College Student Hanukkah Gift Packing
Wednesday, December 4 | 12 p.m.

Wise parents are invited to get together for lunch and to pack Hanukkah gifts for their college kids. The event is kindly hosted by Michele Hess. Her address in Encino will be provided on RSVP.

If you have NOT already provided your college student’s current mailing address for 2019/20 and would like them to receive a package, add your child’s address here.


 

Wise Women presents
Mahj & More

1-5 p.m.

Wednesday, December 4
Tuesday, December 17

Members and guests are invited to join other Wise Women every month for open play Mah Jongg, Canasta, Bridge, or any other game you’d like. Groups or single players and all levels (beginners to experts) 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 for members and guests, RSVPs are kindly requested. Please note game lessons will not be provided.


 

Pajama Havdalah
Saturday, December 7 | 4 p.m. 

Come in your Pajamas! Gather together under the stars to bid farewell to Shabbat. Our clergy and song leader will guide you through the experience with story and song, and an opportunity to make your own spice bags and art project. Get your bodies ready for the new week (and bed) with a wonderful visit from Rock Zen Roll Yoga. Recommended for kids up to age 5. Light snacks will be provided.


 

 

Two Extraordinary Stories:
Izzy Ezagui and Daniel Sahalo
in Dialogue with Rabbi David Woznica

Monday, December 9 | 7:30 p.m.

Izzy Ezagui is the only one-armed special forces sharpshooter in the world. Born in the United States, he emigrated to Israel at age 19 to serve in the Israel Defense Forces. In 2009, he sustained serious injuries in a mortar attack, losing his left arm above the elbow. He had been left-handed. After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Izzy weaned himself off heavy painkillers, got back into shape, and returned to active duty in the IDF. After military service he returned to the United States to pursue an acting career.

Daniel Sahalo was four years old when his family fled the famine and political instability of Ethiopia. For eight weeks they walked toward the border of Sudan. Barefoot and traveling only in the darkness of night, they faced gangs of thieves, starvation, bitter cold, and wild animals. Tragically, Daniel’s 23 year old sister and her toddler daughter did not survive. Ultimately the family was flown to Israel. Daniel enlisted in the prestigious IDF paratroopers 101 combat battalion.


 

Lunch Bunch: Caring for the Stranger
Tuesday, December 10 | 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.


 

Museums with Mario — The Hammer Museum
Lari Pittman Retrospective

Wednesday, December 11 | 11 a.m.

The first large-scale retrospective of this prolific Los Angeles painter and long-revered teacher is a feast for the eyes.


Parking: $7 for three hours with validation


 

URJ Biennial
Chicago | December 11-15, 2019

Join your Wise clergy, staff, and lay leaders as together we connect with thousands of Reform Jews from across North America and around the world to learn, pray, share ideas, dance, and sing. The list of inspiring speakers includes author and President Obama’s speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz (an upcoming Center for Jewish Life guest), URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Rabbi David Saperstein, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jodi Kantor, and many, many more!


 

Wise Years
Thursday, December 12 | Plotkin Chapel
10 a.m. | Registration Begins
10:30 a.m. | Program Begins

Dream a World Education’s Founder and Executive Director, Bunny Hull, and the first Social Action Director for Stephen Wise Temple who serves as the Foundation’s Board President​​, Diane Kabat, will discuss the work of Dream a World Education and showcase their Emmy nominated documentary short film, The Ripple Effect, which examines the struggle to keep arts alive for inner city children and reveals the power of arts education to educate the heart and impact schools and communities and the lives of those living in poverty.
Sandy Banks, Senior Fellow at the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership & Policy,​​​​​​ will share how she came to realize that her profession had shaped her in ways that could not be undone: a look at the blessings and burdens of the writing life.
Film: Joseph Pulitzer: Voice of the People, tells the story of Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911), a penniless immigrant who arrived in the U.S. during the Civil War. 


 

Soulful Shabbat
Friday, December 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.


 

WTY Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 15 | 6 p.m. | Katz Family Pavilion 

Join Wise Temple Youth for a night filled with latkes and laughter! All Wise Temple Youth grades 8-12 are invited. 


 

Screening and Filmmaker Q&A: 12 Bends by Victor Pineda
Tuesday, December 17 
Nosh: 6:30 p.m.
Screening: 7 p.m.

In an epic personal journey, Victor Pineda, change maker, filmmaker, and world traveler pushes his physical limits and discovers the keys to a fulfilling and meaningful life. Victor has 12 bends in his body, but that is not his problem. He is unsatisfied with his decisions and embarks on a dangerous journey to India to gain new perspectives. Through three “blessings” he confronts his greatest fears and discovers that intimacy/loneliness, mortality and rebirth are all a part of life. Join Rabbi Yoshi for a special screening and Q&A with Victor.


WATCH THE TRAILER


 

Wise Women Rosh Hodesh and Hanukkah Gathering
Thursday, December 19 | 9 a.m.

In partnership with Sharsheret: A Jewish Breast Cancer organization, Rabbi Sari and Cantor Emma invite you to join Wise Women to celebrate Rosh Hodesh Kislev. We’ll enjoy a morning of song, spirituality, and Tikkun Olam.


 

Shabbanukkah
Friday, December 27 | 6:15 p.m.

When Shabbat and Hanukkah combine, the festival of lights earns some bonus illumination (not to mention a snazzy portmanteau). Gather with your Wise community for our beloved annual celebration including all of your Hanukkah favorites. Remember to bring your own hanukkiyah so that we can kindle our candles in unity.


 

YAD Hanukkah Celebration
For Wise 20s and 30s

Friday, December 27 
6:15 p.m. | Shabbat Services | Stephen Wise Temple

7:30 p.m. | Public School 818 | 15300 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks

Join us for Shabbanukkah services at 6:15 p.m. followed by drinks, food, and shmoozing at PS818 down the street. We hope you can join us for services and happy hour, but if you can make it to only one or the other, totally fine, too!


 

Tot Shabbat
Saturday, January 11
10 a.m. | Wise Woods

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!


 

 

Z3 and Stephen Wise Temple present
Israel and America 2020: Spanning the Divide to Find Common Ground

Sunday, January 26, 2020 | Stephen Wise Temple

Wise’s Z3 Conference is an opportunity for thinkers and doers, movers and shakers to gather together to gain a deeper understanding of how we can speak to each other across our ideological divides when it comes to Israel and its position in today’s world. Our panelists will come from far and wide to participate in lively discussions of Israel’s culture, technology, politics, and media. With many more to be announced, Wise will welcome Gidi Grinstein, founder of The Reut Group; Yehuda Kurtzer and Chaya Gilboa of Shalom Hartman Institute; and Jodi Rudoren of Forward. For a full current lineup visit our web site.

 
 

Connect Israel presents
An Evening with Alon Ben David

Tuesday, December 10 | 7 p.m. | Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica

The invitation of internationally-esteemed journalist Alon Ben David is a culmination of insights, inspiration, and introspection of the Connect Israel trip participants, who met with him on a recent trip to Israel. Ben David’s unique ability to create meaningful and measurable impact by articulating the geopolitical issues in the Middle East today, while leaving the politics of the left and right at the door, is almost unparalleled. This evening promises to be a rare opportunity for thought leaders in Los Angeles to widen their perspective on the most pressing issues Israel faces today.

 
 

We remember with love those who died in recent days and weeks:
Bob Bronson, Dr. Timothy “Tim” Curlewis, Erika Esther Glousman, David J. Pasternak

We observe the yahrzeits of:
Eric Adler*, Barbara Bender*, Marjorie Ruth Bilkiss*, Jacob Blattberg*, Florence S. Bloom*, Beatrice Appel Burke*, Jon Cherney*, Bess Feldman, Eva Gelbaum*, Rose Gilbert*, Selma Gluck*, Bernard Goldstein*, Matthew Goldstein, Goldie Hartman*, Donald Alan Haskin*, Rita Heeger*, Sarah Jasper*, Alain Kalcheim*, Louis M. Kohn, Isadore H. Kossman*, Sophie Lakin*, Marcia Lam *, Rose Marcus*, Bernard Masket*, Frieda Helen Nath*, Rose L. Nochenson*, Rosalee Pellar*, Barbara Kay Prober, Barney Raskin, Ralph Rogers*, Edward Roodberg*, Helen Ross*, Milton Rubin *, Ruth Schulcz, Thelma M. Tamkin*, Rose L. Teperson*, Marion Woskow*

*Designated on our memorial walls

We reach out as a community and offer our support and deepest sympathy:Cindy Pasternak on the loss of her husband David Pasternak

 
 

Jian and Patricia Torkan on their child Sy Torkan becoming Bar 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 YOSHI ZWEIBACK DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, for officiating the baby naming service for our grandson, James Bradley Gurvitz, by Ron and Gloria Gurvitz
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
, happy 50th birthday, by Michael and Sussan Shore

RABBI DAVID WOZNICA DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Rabbi David Woznica, we sincerely appreciate the beautiful memorial service that you conducted that so greatly honored my mother, by Ronald and Marci Glousman
Rabbi David Woznica
, for officiating the baby naming service for our grandson, James Bradley Gurvitz, by Ron and Gloria Gurvitz

AVI EFRAIM GESUNDHEIT FUND FOR MUSIC
IN MEMORY OF
Bess Feldman, by Anida Sternman

WISE SCHOOL GENERATIONS ENDOWMENT
IN HONOR OF
Robert and Layla Glassman on the birth of their daughter, Zoe, by Janine and Richard Kolodny

IN MEMORY OF
Margot Lipshitz, by Michael and Sussan Shore
David J. Pasternak,
by Janine and Richard Kolodny
Dr. Tim Curlewis,
by Freda Moscowitz

YAHRZEIT FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Barney Raskin, by Lillian Mylon and Family
Matthew Goldstein,
by Barbara Levy (Daughter) and Isaac Levy (Son in Law)
Ruth Schulcz, by Fred Schulcz, Leah Weil, Stephen and Elizabeth Schulcz
Isadore H Kossman,
by Ted and Annie Haas
Louis M. Kohn,
by Rachel Goldberg and Family

 
 

            

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