[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF STEPHEN WISE TEMPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the 
outstanding achievements of Stephen Wise Temple on the occasion of its 
60th anniversary. Since its founding by Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin in 1964, 
Stephen Wise Temple has grown to become one of the strongest pillars of 
the faith community in Los Angeles. Stephen Wise Temple's core 
principles of creativity, inclusivity, and generosity truly embody the 
values of its namesake, Rabbi Stephen Samuel Wise, and further the 
mission of tikkun olam, ``repairing the world.''
  The history of Stephen Wise Temple serves as a testament to the 
American ideal that greatness can spring from humble origins. 
Initially, the congregation consisted of just 35 families and lacked a 
permanent location. Through the dedication of Rabbi Zeldin and the 
perseverance of its members, the Temple never once faltered in its 
conviction to provide a place for the Reform Jewish community of Los 
Angeles, until finally, in 1969, the congregation moved into its 
current home in Bel-Air, overlooking one of the most beautiful views in 
all of Los Angeles.
  Under the stewardship of their outstanding clergy, including Senior 
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback: Rabbis David Woznica. Ron Stern. Sari Laufer and 
Josh Knobel; Senior Rabbi Emeritus Eli Herscher; and Cantor Emma Lutz, 
Stephen Wise Temple today provides a spiritual home for Southern 
California's Jewish community. It is a place where people connect with 
their faith, with their neighbors, and with the State of Israel. Now 
more than ever, people also turn to Stephen Wise Temple for courageous 
moral leadership.
  In the face of rising bigotry and hatred, Stephen Wise Temple has 
worked to increase awareness of antisemitism in our local communities 
and to combat its normalization through educational initiatives and 
interfaith partnerships. Last year, they also convened an important 
discussion of international efforts to combat antisemitism with 
European representatives.
  ``The Wise Way Forward'', as it has come to be known, is perhaps best 
personified by the Temple's Center for Tikkun Olam, which advocates for 
efforts to promote climate justice, prevent gun violence, and provide 
food relief for the homeless. Additionally, in partnership with 
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), the Temple also works to 
assist newly housed veterans by providing them with furniture, 
appliances, and other amenities to help them transition off the street 
and into new homes. In sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, 
Stephen Wise Temple and their congregants answer the call to serve.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Stephen Wise Temple and join in 
celebration of this momentous anniversary.

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