Established in 1964 by Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin Stephen S Wise Temple initially consisted of only 35 families. This Reform Jewish congregation however quickly grew. It became one of the largest Jewish congregations globally. Located in Bel Air Los Angeles its 18-acre campus sits majestically. It overlooks the city.
The temple’s rapid expansion is a fascinating story. Rabbi Zeldin a New York native and son of an Orthodox rabbi arrived in Los Angeles in 1953. He served as the western regional director for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. He also served as dean of the College of Jewish Studies in Los Angeles. In 1958 he became the rabbi at Temple Emanuel in Beverly Hills.
In 1964 a disagreement with Temple Emanuel’s leadership led Rabbi Zeldin and 35 families to form a new congregation. This new congregation chose the name Stephen S Wise Temple to honor the influential Reform rabbi Stephen Samuel Wise. Initially they held services at St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Westwood.
Their growth was remarkable. They moved to their current location in Bel Air. The temple’s prominent hilltop location between the Westside and the San Fernando Valley helped attract members. To develop the property the temple removed 15 meters of the mountainside. The resulting earth was used to level adjacent land. This land then became the new campus for the University of Judaism.
Stephen S Wise Temple became renowned for its extensive programs. These programs included educational initiatives and services. It established a parenting center a library a swimming pool and a bus service. Under Rabbi Zeldin’s leadership and with the help of education director Metuka Benjamin the temple promoted Jewish day schools within the Reform movement. The temple also had a significant music program under cantor Nathan Lam.
The temple’s practices are described as more traditional than many Reform temples. It uses its own prayer books instead of the official Reform prayer books. It even faced controversy in 1995 over dues obligations with the UAHC leading to a temporary expulsion. Rabbi Zeldin retired in 1990. He was succeeded by Rabbi Eli Herscher who served until 2015. Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback then took over as Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Zeldin passed away in 2018 at the age of 97.
Today Stephen S Wise Temple remains a significant landmark. It is a thriving center of Jewish life in Los Angeles. It embodies Rabbi Zeldin’s vision. It continues to grow and serve its community through education religious services and community outreach. Its impressive size and history are a testament to its enduring legacy.