Celebration 2013 Program

Honoring the Past Presidents
of Stephen S. Wise Temple
Friday, May 31, 2013
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The Pictures on the Wall
Anyone entering Stephen S. Wise Temple for the first time, hoping to
discover clues to what our synagogue and schools hold significant, would
quickly notice the photographs that line the hallway of our Sanctuary
building. Most of the pictures are of the generations of children – together
with their rabbis, cantors, and educators – who have filled our classrooms
since the Temple was founded. And many of those children are now the
parents of a whole new generation of Stephen Wise students. (It’s not at
all unusual to encounter them – the parents showing their children what
they looked like as teenagers – often laughing together hysterically at what
they think are the funniest hair styles from the past!) Although we are
only approaching 50 years, it is astounding to reflect on the thousands of hearts and minds and
spirits who have been touched by the vibrant Jewish life and learning that we have created on this
mountaintop. Each of those photos reflects a unique story – a deeply personal story – of a child, a
family, a Judaism influenced by our Temple.
But there are more photographs in that hallway, and each one of them contains yet another story.
I think that we may be the only Temple that so prominently displays the pictures of each of our
past presidents. We do that because we understand that Stephen Wise exists only by virtue of the
extraordinary leaders who have envisioned, guided, and supported the creation and flourishing of
what is one of the most creative and dynamic centers of Jewish life – an exemplar of the best of
Jewish learning, spiritual life, devotion to Israel and the Jewish people, social justice, and embracing
community.
Reflected in those pictures on the wall are stories of extraordinary leadership. You see there men
and women who have given selflessly of their time and substance. But even more than that, among
them are those who were willing to take significant risks along the way, displaying some remarkable
leaps of faith. And when the journey was not always certain or smooth, each of them knew what
it meant to be loyal partners with the professional leaders of the Temple, working in wonderfully
collaborative efforts alongside the rabbis and cantors, the educators and administrators.
What a great blessing their leadership has been, creating a magnificent Jewish community for all of
us, for our children, and for the many generations of families to come.
Every time I enter or leave my office, I am aware of the pictures on the wall. Just as they mirror
so much of the nearly 50-year history of Stephen S. Wise Temple, they also reflect a great light of
strength and inspiration for all of the creative efforts that will carry our Temple and Schools into an
even greater future.
This historic Shabbat evening
together with all of our honorees and their loving families
may we all be inspired in our sacred work
to ensure that Stephen S. Wise Temple continues to grow
from strength to strength.
On behalf of all of our Rabbis, Cantor, educators and administrators,
Rabbi Eli Herscher
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Dear Stephen S. Wise Family,
When I tell someone that I am the president of our congregation,
I am often met with an incredulous look and the question, “Why
would you agree to serve as president of a temple?” The answer,
quite simply, is “how could I not?” As members of a community
with such a rich history, with a great Temple and Clergy,
remarkable programs and amazing Schools, one happily answers
the call when asked.
As we kick off our Jubilee year, we honor this Shabbat our past
presidents and founders. They each answered the call and
contributed to this Temple in ways that benefit us all to this day.
As important as honoring our past, is our willingness to accept
our responsibilities today and for our future. So it is also you
that we celebrate. It is easy to think that our dues or tuition is
enough and find reason not to contribute further. But all of you
have answered the call and have helped in so many ways this
year, most immediately through your support of this evening’s
Annual Celebration, but also throughout the year, in your service
to the community. So while the celebration is ostensibly to honor
the past, it is also about honoring those who have, through their
contributions of time, talent and, yes, treasure, are insuring every
day the continued vibrancy of our community and of the Jewish
people.
Why serve Stephen S. Wise? There was a sign that was once on
the driveway up to the Temple that said “We live our values.”
What better way than those four words to encapsulate who we
are and what we stand for. We are learning together, celebrating
the festivals in our neighborhoods together, singing together,
participating in social justice programs together, and engaging
with the great thinkers through our Center for Jewish Life together.
The key word in describing each of these pursuits is “together.”
That’s a community. And we are passing these values on to our
children.
Congratulations to all being honored tonight. Thank you all for
living your values and for stepping up when called upon to help
our community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Glenn Sonnenberg
President
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OUR HONOREES
STEPHEN S. WISE TEMPLE PAST PRESIDENTS
Rick Corleto
2011-2013
Ken Gross
2009-2011
Lynn Bider
2007-2009
David Smith
1999-2001
Steven Fogel
1997-1999
Pamela Balton
1995-1997
Mel Gagerman Herbert Samuels Sheldon Cloobeck
1987-1989
1985-1987
1983-1985
Les Surlow
1975-1977
Robert Kadner*
1973-1975
Albert Praw Eve Kurtin-Steinberg Mark Berns
2003-2005
2001-2003
2005-2007
Steven Fink
1993-1995
Joseph Baron* Mitchell Shames*
1981-1983
1979-1981
Paul Krentzman
1971-1973
Sydney Dunitz*
1969-1971
Norman Eichberg Joseph Kleiman*
1965-1968
1964-1965
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Ken Ruby
1991-1993
Warren Breslow
1989-1991
Leo Stone*
1977-1979
Ben Winters*
1968-1969
* of blessed memory
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In their own words...
“Some events in history result from years of planning.
Others are created on the spur of the moment, triggered
by the unexpected…none of us would have conceived of
planning the heart-warming experience in which we are
now engaged. Yet a new Temple has been born. Stephen
S. Wise Temple was conceived, developed and created in
the brief span of a few weeks.” (1)
Joseph
Kleiman
z”l
“The year of my presidency was a year of unprecedented
change and unchallenged growth. Vision was a hallmark
for that year and the congregation flourished. And surely
we as a congregation held up more than our half of the
sky. We knew that surviving was important, but thriving
was really elegant; that faith is perhaps stronger than
reality; that faith itself is reality.” (1)
Ben Winters z”l
“Some of my treasured memories...
Picking a temple site. With our hard hats on, Sandy and
I got to climb a weed-covered hill, breathless. We were
rewarded when we made it to the top and Shy (Rabbi
Zeldin) showed us this most spectacular view of the
city and the valley, which is where we have the honor
of being today. Those members that favored a different
view, preferred a lot for sale off Wilshire Boulevard. That
now has a spectacular view of the new City Target. I also
remember our ongoing debates until well after midnight,
deciding whether or not we should purchase buses for the
school, only to find out from one of the board members
that they had already been purchased weeks earlier!
Another hot topic was, should this be a shul with a pool?
On this, our 50th anniversary, I celebrate and congratulate
all those who have worked so hard to create this amazing
Temple and congregation.”
Paul Krentzman
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“There are criteria for successful congregations which
are measured more by the intangibles of Temple life:
enthusiasm which engenders participation; awareness
which spawns interest; desire which creates activity …
which make for the solid foundation of success for any
congregation and, more particularly, for the success of
Stephen S. Wise Temple.” (1)
Norman Eichberg
“A wonderful opportunity arose during my presidency
of Stephen S. Wise Temple. The leaders of the Westwood
Temple on Santa Monica Boulevard made it known that it
was available for merger with another congregation. Rabbi
Zeldin and the leadership of our Temple began a courtship
in competition with others. After many overtures, meetings
and hard negotiations, the marriage led to the written
Agreement of Merger in April, 1970.” (1)
Sydney Dunitz z”l
“The small group that started the Temple in 1964 had
grown to celebrate its tenth year. Some of the joys
of being president were being aware of the future,
and programming to lay the foundation for all of us,
our children and our children’s children. Today it’s
the electronic world of computers, lasers, education,
physical and mind fitness that motivates us. I am looking
to you – the current and future members – to keep the
growth going.” (1)
Robert Kadner z”l
5/28/13 11:40 AM
“So many things were going on at Stephen S. Wise
Temple that one would have to have a scoreboard to
keep up. Our Building Committee was busy overseeing
the construction of our new Sanctuary/Chapel complex.
These were also the years that we welcomed not one,
but two, new members of the Clergy to our staff – Rabbi
Eli Herscher and Cantor Nathan Lam. These were historic
and memorable years for Stephen S. Wise Temple, and my
family and I are proud to have been part of them.” (1)
Les Surlow
“Some of my fondest memories … Year after year, carrying
the ark, the Torahs, and whatever else was needed for
Services from church to church, Mormon Stakehouse
to Scottish Rite, in my station wagon driving very
carefully with my precious cargo … The groundbreaking
ceremonies for every building being held on what seemed
to be the warmest day of the year, with the Mayor of Los
Angeles and all the dignitaries delivering their speeches in
the sun…” (1)
Leo Stone z”l
“Each year has been a challenge, each year has been
exciting, and that was certainly true of the two years
during which I served as Temple President (19791981). In May 1979, the congregation approved the
construction of the Shapell-Feintech Junior High School
Building as we were building new classrooms to solve
the problem of our over-crowded schools. (Also), new
Temple By-Laws were approved, enabling the Temple’s
business to be handled more efficiently by the lay
leaders. For me, personally, the two years of intense
involvement and hard work provided much growth and
gratification.” (1)
Mitchell Shames z”l
“It had been an honor and pleasure to work with Rabbi
and Florence Zeldin whose love and understanding of
Stephen S. Wise Temple reached out to all members. I
saw first-hand the myriad of work Rabbi Eli Herscher
and Cantor Lam did to make Temple life meaningful and
inspirational for everyone.” (1)
Sheldon Cloobeck
“My presidency provided memories that my wife Bea
and I will retain throughout our lives, and provided
experiences which have immeasurably improved that
life. These experiences are highlighted and constantly
underscored by the friendship that developed with Rabbi
and Florence Zeldin … Leadership is not unique to our
Temple, but the number and quality of people who serve
our congregation is the most outstanding quality we have.
And the privilege of serving with them is my favorite and
most cherished memory.” (1)
Joseph Baron z”l
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“Stephen S. Wise Temple grew under the extraordinary
leadership of Rabbi Zeldin into a facility that, in addition
to being a Temple, served the greater Los Angeles Jewish
community. It was not only an honor to serve Rabbi
Zeldin, the Temple and its members, but being president
was also an opportunity to reaffirm my connection to
the synagogue community as the first single president of
Stephen S. Wise Temple. The role I played, to this day,
remains very meaningful and satisfying to me.”
Herbert Samuels
“I am truly grateful for all that Stephen S. Wise Temple has
done for me and my family. My involvement in the Temple
governance, culminating in my presidency, was a seminal
event in my life. It both encouraged me and gave me the
tools to become the Founding President of Beit T’Shuvah
which is my legacy. Thank you Stephen S. Wise from the
bottom of my heart!”
Warren Breslow
“Three remarkably brilliant, visionary, talented, and ethical
individuals were the reason Cathy and I joined the Temple,
and immediately became active members. Dafna Presnell,
whose deep knowledge of developmental dynamics and
her philosophy of nurturing intellectual and physical
happiness in children were both inspiring and confidence
building. There have been far too few individuals in the
world with the unrelenting vision and drive, intelligence,
competence, leadership, and unbending ethics as Rabbi
Zeldin. His vision of Jewish education as the heartbeat
for Jewish preservation and life inspired us to dedicate
our efforts to help effect his goals and dreams. And,
although she does in fact have a last name, this woman
of courage, expertise, drive, energy, talent, vision, and the
moral compass that guides all who know her, is known
throughout the world by one name – Metuka. There are
hundreds of thousands of happy and successful children
and adults in America, Israel, and throughout the world
that are a testament to all that is Metuka. We feel blessed
to have been friends of Ray and Metuka.”
Steven Fink
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“There is no question in my mind that the strength of any
organization is its people. Stephen S. Wise Temple found
a formula consisting of lay people and professionals,
old and new, people with singular interests and people
with specialized talents, all blended for the benefit of the
institution. This combination not only insured the Temple’s
survival, but its continued growth and prominence. I am
truly lucky to have been part of all of this and enjoyed
every minute.” (1)
Mel Gagerman
“In the 20 years that have passed since my term as
president was completed, I have seen many changes in
programs and facilities at Stephen S. Wise Temple. It gave
me great pleasure to be able to aid and participate in the
making of those changes, both in the time I was president
and afterward. It is wonderful to see the excitement
of all the new young members of the Temple, many of
whom were students in the schools, and are now taking
leadership roles in the Temple community. It makes the
time and effort I, my predecessors and successors put in
worthwhile and fulfilling.”
Ken Ruby
5/28/13 11:40 AM
“Giving back to an institution that nurtured our family,
from Mommy and Me, and volunteering from nursery
school through elementary school served as inspiration
for me to increase my participation in Temple activities.
Serving as the congregation’s first woman President
gives me great pride. Under my leadership, we initiated
our school’s annual giving program and our Patron and
Sponsor Program – initiatives that continue to generate
revenue to help cover tuition shortfalls and enable the
enrichment of Temple programming.”
Pamela Balton
“Over the years, my wife Irene and I devoted much of our
time and financial resources to the Temple and Schools.
We felt our involvement was making a real difference in
the lives of people, and our Jewish community. I accepted
the responsibility of president because I love this place
which has been so good to my family. It is here where
I made wonderful and long lasting friendships, built
relationships with our clergy, and where I found personal
and spiritual fulfillment. I felt I needed to give back
whatever I could in helping to lead our congregation.”
David Smith
“Stephen S. Wise Temple is my community where our
children grew up and where the majority of our friends
belong, so it was natural for me to become actively
involved. My proudest remembrances of my presidency
were that our community was able to retire our entire
debt, over $22 million, and the next president began
the term with no outstanding debt. As important, we
recruited and hired both Rabbi David Woznica and
Executive Director Linda Salzman, valuable additions to
our community.”
Eve Kurtin-Steinberg
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“I’ve always loved the community of Stephen Wise. It
has always been an inner joy to participate here where
I believe we really make connections from one heart to
another. The biggest memory I have on my ‘watch’ was
overseeing the transition between Rabbi Zeldin and
Rabbi Herscher.”
Steve Fogel
“It’s all about the people! Penny and I have built a
life dedicated to family, friends and community here
at Stephen S. Wise Temple. Our children, Allison
and Michael, have grown and matured through their
attendance at the Temple Schools. My goal as President
of the Temple was to continue Rabbi Zeldin’s vision that
began 50 years ago ... to build a great Temple, build
great schools and build community. I was honored and
humbled to be President. I am blessed to have served
this wonderful Temple community on this gorgeous
mountaintop.”
Mark Berns
5/28/13 11:40 AM
“I was privileged to be President at a time when our
Temple was able to accomplish a number of its strategic
objectives. One of them was the entitlement, financing
and commencement of construction of the David
Saperstein Middle School. This effort further demonstrated
our commitment to Jewish education of our youth.
Another accomplishment was the alignment of Stephen S.
Wise Temple with AIPAC as affirmation of our commitment
to the security and well-being of Israel, a commitment
unparalleled among other Reform synagogues in the
United States. I want to thank Rabbi Herscher, Cantor
Lam, Metuka Benjamin, Linda Salzman and the entire
Temple staff for making my experience as President so
meaningful and fulfilling.”
Albert Praw
“I was honored to serve as President of the synagogue.
Although my term was at a time of our nation’s financial
crisis and deep recession, our congregation pulled
together to help others. During my term, it was wonderful
to be part of the community that included friendship,
education, Israel, spiritual growth, and fun. Those
characteristics reflect our family’s 35 years of involvement
with Stephen S. Wise Temple. The highlights of my term
included working with our talented clergy, dedicated
professional staff and our diverse and committed Board
– all of who shared the same goals of continuing to
grow the vision and values of our vibrant and spiritual
community.”
Lynn Bider
“Our Temple and its schools impacted my family in
a positive way, and it was a pleasure and a learning
experience to give back to the community during my
28 years of membership and my Presidential term. The
completion of the David Saperstein Middle School in
2009 was an accomplishment that was the result of the
commitment of many Stephen S. Wise Temple members
and leaders in the Jewish community. The greatest
challenge faced during the 2009-2011 period was the
recession and its profound financial impact on Temple
members and school families. Our Temple responded
with the creation of Kehillat Wise, a community-helpingcommunity program.”
Ken Gross
“Although I am the most recent Past President, my
family’s involvement with Stephen S. Wise Temple goes
back over 36 years, when my wife Emily and I joined
the Temple and our son David started in a Mommy
and Me class. It was an honor to have served as the
Temple’s President, and to have guided the Temple
through three significant events: the establishment of
Milken Community High School as an independent
school, hiring Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback as the Temple’s
Senior Educator, and creating the Past Presidents’
Council. I am looking forward to continuing my
involvement in many aspects of the congregation
in the future.”
Rick Corleto
(1) From Once Upon the Mountaintop: The Story of Stephen S. Wise Temple, by Fred Plotkin and contributing authors
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1960s
Stephen S. Wise Temple
Celebrating Our Past
1964
Stephen S. Wise Temple
founded
1967
Cornerstone placed on
Temple building
1965
Congregation welcomed
Metuka Benjamin
1968
First Purim Carnival held at
the Sears shopping center in
Westwood Village
JUBILEE GOLD
Dana & Todd Katz,
Ronald A. Katz,
Kathy & Randall Katz and Family
Joyce & Paul Krasnow
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1970s
1972
The Diener & Kadner Families
Library opened
1970
First Torahs marched from
St. Albans Church in
Westwood to
Stephen S. Wise Temple
1975
Congregation welcomed
Rabbi Eli Herscher
1973
Holiday Workshops
started by Patricia Golden
1976
Completion of the
Westwood Sanctuary
and Plotkin Family Chapel
1975
Parenting Center started by
Marilyn Brown and
Norma Freeman
LEGACY SILVER
Lynn & Les Bider
Warren Breslow & Gail Buchalter
Chantal & Stephen J. Cloobeck
in honor of Sheldon H. Cloobeck
Mr. & Mrs. Norton Karno
Barbara & Robert Margolis
Milken Family Foundation
Deena & Ed Nahmias
Susan & Mel Plutsky
in honor of our children Emily & Joseph Plutsky
Wendy & Ken Ruby
Julie, Brad, Rachel, Samantha & Gregory Shames
in memory of Mitch Shames
Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg
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1980s
1976
1977
Congregation welcomed
1981
1976
Dedication of Ferne Milken
Cantor Nathan Lam
First
Elementary
School
Torahs carried from
Elementary School Building
graduating
class
Hershenson Hall to the
1977
1977
new Sanctuary for first
Casiano
Catering
First commissioned pieces of
Shabbat Service in
established
music written for
Westwood Sanctuary
Stephen S. Wise Temple
GUARDIAN BRONZE
Pamela & Jeffrey Balton
Janine & Rick Kolodny
The Borun Family
Donna & Cantor Nathan Lam
City National Bank
Mickey & Steve Lewis,
Deena & Mike Wachtel and Lisa Lewis
Linda & Rick Cohn
in honor of all the past presidents
and in memory of our parents
Linda & Dan Rosenson
Emily & Rick Corleto
in honor of all our dedicated past presidents and
in memory of Linda’s parents Gertrude & Walter
Maier
Lawrence N. Field
Sue & Robert Shadur
Jodie & Steven Fishman
Irene & David Smith and Family
in memory of Esther & Sol Smith
Carin & Glenn Freeman
Leandro, Lori, Francesca & Roan Tyberg
Vera & Paul Guerin
Mrs. Elaine Winters
Bonnie & Rabbi Eli Herscher
in memory of Ben Winters
in memory of Florence Zeldin
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
Ronnie & Michael Kassan
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in memory of Florence Zeldin
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1990s
1981
Dedication of
Shapell-Feintech Jr. High
School Building
1990
Rabbi Eli Herscher
named Senior Rabbi
1987
Dedication of
Smith-Drori Building
and the
Maas Playground
1993
M’shor’rim – Children
and young adult choir
established
1992
First Stephen Wise Community
High School graduating class
1996
Launch of the
Patron & Sponsor
Program
CHAMPION COPPER
Susan & Jon Berger
Laurie Glickman & Jim Leewong
Penny & Mark Berns
Joan & Sid Marantz
Irene, Yoni, Eric and Joey Boujo, Sidonia Lax
in honor of our past presidents
for 49 years of leadership
in honor of all past presidents and
in memory of Lewis Lax
Rona Elliot & Roger Brossy
Steven Fogel
Mersky, Jaffe & Associates
in honor of the future of Stephen S. Wise Temple
Heidi & Albert Praw
Donna & Gary Freedman
Linda & Jeffrey Resnick
Susie & Jaime Gesundheit
Corrine & Lenny Sands
Lori & Rob Goodman and Family
Fred Gysi & Patty Linden
in honor of Lynn Bider
Debbee, Robert, Carey & Casey Schwartz
in honor of all the hardworking presidents, past
and present of Stephen S. Wise
Sally & Donald Jones
Jodi & Rick Kirkbride
Sussan & Michael Shore
Corie & Michael Koss
in honor of our past presidents
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2000s
1998
Dedication of
Milken Community
High School
1998
Congregation
welcomed
Rabbi Ron Stern
2002-2003
Living Torah Project – new
Torah scroll written and
dedicated
2004
Congregation welcomed
Rabbi David Woznica
2005
Center for Jewish Life
Program created
2008
Congregation welcomed
Rabbi Spike Anderson
PATRON BLUE
Absolute Advantage, software designers
for Stephen S. Wise Temple
Desiree & Fred Afari
in honor of our children Ryan, Brigitte
and Stephanie Afari
Karen & Ariel Goldenstein
Dorit & Glenn Rotner
Dorothy & Osias Goren and
Susie & Bruce Goren
Lori & David Rousso
Ginny & Larry Gotlieb
Barbara & Jeff Scapa
Metuka Benjamin,
President of Milken Community High
School at Stephen S. Wise Temple
Harold Igdaloff
Lila Kadner Shaps & Dan Shaps
in memory of Robert Kadner
Diane & Jules Kabat
Allison & Andy Sipes
Hilda & Dan Bergher
in memory of Eduard, Pauline and
Eugen Bergher
Lehrer Architects LA
Marcia & Mark J. Smith
in honor of David B. Smith
Lloyd S. Berkett Insurance Agency, Inc.
Guitty Caroline & Michel Bolour
Claudia & Bill Brown
Clumeck Stern Schenkelberg & Getzoff
Stephanie & Sol Cohensedgh
Cooper, Quinn, Sloane, Joey and Ryder
Corleto
in honor of our Papa Rick Corleto
Debra & Roger Cowan
Ruth Davis and Family
in memory of Herschel Davis
Rachel & Michael Farahnik
in honor of all our past presidents for their
endless work
Nancy & Larry Levitt
in honor of all our past presidents
AnnDee & Jeff Levy
in honor of Eve Steinberg
Marie & Armand Marciano
in memory of Rabbi Simon Marciano
Becky Sobelman-Stern & Rabbi Ron Stern
with gratitude to the presidents of
Stephen S. Wise Temple
Stacy Cohen Sun & Brian Sun
Ellen & Gary Michel
Toby Horn & Harold Tomin
Milken Community High School
Board of Trustees
Michael Wachtell & Linda Silver
in honor of the past presidents
Linda & Shahrokh Mokhtarzadeh
Howard Walter
Sandy & Stu Newmark
in honor of our Stephen S. Wise Clergy
Julie & Peter Weil
Judi & Frank Niver
in honor of our 50th Anniversary,
June 15, 1963
Ruth & Allen Orbuch
Harriet & Marvin Fink
in honor of their parents
The Ordower Family
in honor of Ken Gross
Joan & Charles Fox
Stella & Farid Pakravan
Paola & Alvaro Gancman
Helen & Frank Ponder
Abigail & Eric Goldberg
in honor of the Temple for all the
Bar & Bat Mitzvah support
Rose & Warren Reid
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Rachel & Eric Stern
Roz & Bob Weiner
in honor of Stephen S. Wise Temple
The Williams Family: David & Marilyn,
Douglas & Felice and Family, Mark & Lynn
and Family and Susan
Philip & Anita Wolman and Family
Beverly & Rabbi David Woznica
Afsaneh & Faramarz Yousefzadeh
Linda & Mayer Riff
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2010s
2009
Dedication of the
David Saperstein
Middle School
2012
Wise
Years
program for
2011
60
years
and
better
First Soulful Shabbat
2012
created
Service
2010
First Melton School
Congregation welcomed
graduating class
2012
Rabbi Lydia Medwin
Congregation welcomed
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback,
Senior Educator
2012
Stephen S. Wise Temple’s
Children’s Defense Fund
Freedom School – the
first Temple-sponsored
Freedom School on the
west coast – established
TRIBUTE WHITE
Kevin, Joyce, Ian, Sarah &
Darci Anderson
Virginia Ettinger and
the Ettinger Family
in memory of Jerome Ettinger,
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Marita & Rabbi Spike Anderson
Michelle & Ron Farhadi
Sheri & Noel Anenberg
in honor of all the past presidents
Peter & Bobbi Feinstein
in memory of Florence &
Harold Gilman and
Billy & Lou Feinstein
Sharon & Ofer Almany
Bernards
Dodo & Bob Bienenfeld
The Bramson Family
Sheila Zola Burman & Richard
Laurence
in memory of Leslie Sheldon Zola
Arlene & Robert Bush
Aviva Carmy and Family
Lisa & Greg Cassileth
Caroline Cooperman
in memory of
Arnold H. Cooperman, M.D.
Sylvia & Gerry Crasnick
and Family
Matt & Rebeca Dardashti
and Family
Alison & Peter Eichberg
and Family
in honor of Norman Eichberg,
our Father, Grandfather and
Great-Grandfather
Linda, Steven & Lindsay Eichberg
in honor of Norman Eichberg
Karen & Allan Entous
and Family
Ronni & Jay Epstein
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Joan & William Feldman
in honor of Ken Ruby
Liz & Jeff Koppelman
Linda & David Salzman
Sandy & Paul Krentzman
Sondra & Herbert Samuels
Alison & Chet Kronenberg
Flora & Arthur z”l Schneider
Melanie Barr-Levey
& Jonathan Levey
Gigi & Gary Small
Shelly & Don Levy
in honor of the Rabbis
and Cantor Lam
Alana Smith
in honor of David Smith
Barbara & Arthur Snyder
Evelyn & Martin Lutin
Beverly & Herb Sturman
Linda & Roger Friedman
Rabbis Lydia & Dan Medwin
Jody & Dan Furie
Allyson & Steve Meister
Joy Tanzman
in memory of Saul Tanzman
Patti & Roger Golden
in honor of Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
and in memory of Florence Zeldin
James & Rose Meltzer
Thursday Morning Minyan Group
in honor of Cantor Nathan Lam
Adriane & Allan Morrison
in honor of our Rabbis
and Cantor
Linda & Stephan Tow
in honor of David Smith,
Rick Corleto, Ken Gross and
Lynn Bider
Adele & Allen Gottfried
Carol & Gilbert Greene
Debi & Marc Graboff
Morgan & Bruce Hakimi
Sally & Bernard Hanes
in honor of Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
Nataly & Sean Namvar
in memory of Jacquelyn Sara
Moussa Harounian
Farnaz & Robert Neman
in honor of Sophia & Michael
Irene & Marvin Perer
Rosita & Juan Tyberg
Gloria & Art Waldinger
Sylvia Ward
in memory of Ted T. Ward
Roz & Frank Pinkus
in honor of Joseph Kleiman
Felice & Douglas Williams
and Family
in honor of Mark Berns
Gayle & Lee Rodgers
Beth & John Wilson
Debby & Yair Katzir,
Lettera Graphics & Printing
in honor of Stephen S. Wise Temple
Shelley & Jan Rosen
in honor of the past presidents
for all their dedication and
service
Lesley & Jeffrey Wolman
in honor of Ken Gross
Jo & Irv Kierman
Shirley Rosenberg
in memory of Milt Rosenberg
Stephanie & Jeffrey Jacobs
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley J. Kafka
Judith Katz
Shirley, Bill, Katie & Izzy Kleiman
in loving memory of Joseph
Kleiman, founding President of
Stephen S. Wise Temple
Linda & Bill Rouse and Family
in honor of Eli Herscher and
Nate Lam
Lionel Zuckerbraun
in memory of Joel Zuckerbraun
Jacqueline Hantgan
& Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
5/28/13 11:45 AM
Stephen S. Wise Temple is proud to recognize
our employees who have served
our Temple and Schools for 18 years or more …
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
2013 Annual Celebration Co-Chairs
Paola Gancman
Janine Kolodny
Ed Nahmias
Linda Rosenson
Lori Tyberg
A special thank you to the following people…
Rabbi Spike Anderson
Bob Bienenfeld
Shannon Boyer
Sylvia Crasnick
Jay Epstein
Marilyn Goldman
Debbie Gordon
Rabbi Eli Herscher
Raz Husany Jo Kierman
Cantor Nathan Lam
Rabbi Lydia Medwin
Hanh Nguyen
Will Pernell
Susie Remo
Stacey Rosenthal
Linda Salzman
Michael Saul
Rabbi Ron Stern
Gloria Stone
Ann Terrick
Ariana West
Rabbi David Woznica
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
Harriet Zolan
SSWT Past Presidents Gala Program.indd 17
30+ years of service
Anita Ben-Ami
Paula Frost
Rabbi Eli Herscher
Cantor Nathan Lam
Gustavo-Duenas Loera
Orlee Raymond
Susie Remo
Manuel Salazar
Vera Shabtai
Jeff Starr
Sandra Volterra
Randy Weinstein
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin
25+ years of service
Cindy Brongers
Mary Itri
Hugo Menjivar
Janis Neishuler
Deborah Norwood
Randee Norwood
Will Pernell
Francisco Velazquez
18+ years of service
Patricia Bay
Ora Bloch
Sonia Chudler
Malka Clement
Julie Frankel-Koch
Debbie Gordon
Lena Gorohovsky
Raz Husany
Pauline Kim
Roberta Lloyd
Lester Martinez
Malka Miodovsky
Cecelia Nguyen
Johnny Nguyen
Juan Ramos
Yafa Rubin
Emir Sanchez
Michael Saul
Susan Shachar
Kimberly Snyder
Harriet Zolan
5/28/13 11:45 AM
“Vision looks inward and becomes duty. Vision looks outward and
becomes aspiration. Vision looks upward and becomes faith.”
Rabbi Stephen S. Wise
15500 Stephen S. Wise Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90077
310.476.8561 | www.WiseLA.org
SSWT Past Presidents Gala Program.indd 18
5/28/13 11:45 AM