Stephen Wise Temple, Reform synagogue in Bel Air, Los Angeles, United States
Stephen Wise Temple is a Reform Jewish congregation located on a sprawling campus near Mulholland Drive and Sepulveda Boulevard. The site contains prayer spaces, educational buildings, and various facilities for religious services and community programs.
Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin founded the congregation in 1964 with 35 member families. The temple was named after Stephen Samuel Wise, a Reform rabbi who served as Zeldin's mentor.
The congregation developed its own prayer books rather than using standard Reform texts, showing how it shaped its religious identity. This choice reflects a deliberate approach to balancing tradition with progressive values in worship.
The campus spans a large property with multiple entrances and parking areas for visitors. Different buildings serve different purposes, so it helps to check ahead about which areas or events you plan to visit.
The congregation grew rapidly from its modest start to become one of the largest Jewish communities in North America. It has gained recognition as a leading progressive Jewish congregation that continues to develop new approaches in education and spiritual practice.
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