GENEROSITY REPORT HOW THE WISE COMMUNITY ROSE TO THE CHALLENGES OF COVID - Stephen Wise Temple
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2020–21 GENEROSITY REPORT HOW THE WISE COMMUNITY ROSE TO THE CHALLENGES OF COVID
OPEN HEARTS AND
HELPING HANDS
This past year has taught us so much. As is often the case in life, the lessons came when we were least
expecting them. As is sometimes the case as well, these lessons included moments of pain and sorrow.
At the beginning of the pandemic I remember well a conversation I had with a colleague. He said that
one thing we would learn in this crisis is just how important our institutions and communities are to
the people we serve. What he meant by that was that this moment would offer us a powerful metric,
if you will, of commitment. In the face of profound and unprecedented public health and economic
challenges, we would learn how truly committed our members are.
As you will see in the pages that follow, our members have stepped up in
extraordinary ways for one another, for our staff, and for the institution
itself. I am deeply grateful for the myriad ways that our community
demonstrated its n’divut lev—its generosity of spirit.
From the very beginning, our congregants were ready to volunteer to make
phone calls to members of the community, to check in on staff, and to
Let all those whose hearts
contribute to our emergency relief fund that provided support for families
in need. Other members of the community stepped up with contributions move them bring gifts for
to support the synagogue’s operating budget to ensure that we could take
care of our staff and our facility. We have been incredibly gratified to see
the commitment of our families to Stephen Wise Temple and Schools
the ETERNAL…
demonstrated by their continued membership and their generous support
of our annual campaign in the various funds of the congregation. Exodus 35:4
It is especially inspiring to see people contribute from their hearts during
moments of uncertainty. One of the best known such moments in our
tradition occurs in the wilderness, soon after our ancestors left Egypt. The time has come to construct
a tabernacle, a central place of gathering so that the community could offer words of thanks, praise,
and petition to the Holy One. Moses asks all those whose hearts might move them to contribute to
the project. In some ways the request is about feelings, a measure of one’s emotional attachment and
commitment to the community and the institutions that
it supports. Our Israelite ancestors responded generously,
so much so in fact that Moses has to ask them to stop
bringing gifts because the campaign goals have been met.
I am grateful at this moment of uncertainty for the support,
commitment, and generosity of each and every member of
our community.
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
May our hearts remain open to one another, to our Senior Rabbi
community, and to the values they embody which inspire
us day by day.
GENEROSITY PROFILE
SUSIE AND JAIME GESUNDHEIT
When asked about longtime Wise members Susie and Jaime Gesundheit, clergy and lay leaders alike point out the couple’s
dedication to education and to the future of Jewish community—especially calling attention to the couple’s commitment to both of
those values working hand-in-hand.
It is no surprise then, that if you ask them about their children, Daniela or Avi (of blessed memory), you will see their faces swell
with pride. Their love of family exemplifies their great passion to ensure a vibrant Jewish future. Perhaps that is why, for seventeen
years, Jaime has been part of Rabbi David Woznica’s Thursday Brentwood Torah Study, always taking his “regular” seat with a
smile.
“I’ve rarely had a conversation with Jaime and Susie that does not include the future of the Jewish People and a strong and secure
Israel,” noted Rabbi David Woznica. Undoubtedly, this is one of the key reasons that the Wise community has benefited from their
generosity for decades—including a recent major pledge to Wise’s Aaron Milken Center project.
This belief in Jewish education and engagement extends beyond the Wise campus and into higher education. Jaime is a Past
President of USC Hillel and previously served as President of the Los Angeles Hillel Council, as well as a member of the Executive
Committee of the Moriah Society at the University of Judaism. Susie, an accomplished artist, brings her talents and expertise to
the next generation by serving on the Board of Councilors of the USC Roski School of Fine Arts and on the USC Hillel Arts Council
Committee.
Susie and Jaime have invested their time and resources to the benefit of many worthy organizations. That they continue to be
actively involved in the future of Wise is a blessing for the entire community.
GETTING TO KNOW THE GESUNDHEITS
When did you first become part of the Stephen Wise What motivates you to give so generously?
Temple community? Our children received a wonderful education at Wise’s schools
We joined Stephen Wise Temple in 1982, when our son Avi and through it we developed a connection with Stephen Wise
started kindergarten. We were attracted to the early childhood Temple and other families.
education program and then the day school program. What inspired you to support the Aaron Milken Center
What is a message that you want to teach the next project?
generations? An early education facility is the base for a successful Jewish
If you believe in the institution then you must give back with day school education. We desire that the blessed memory of
your time and resources in order for the institution to continue. our son Avi will continue in perpetuity through both the music
program and the facility.
GENEROSITY PROFILE
CHERYL AND BRAD COHEN
It is especially important to shine a light on the generosity of
those who don’t seek accolades. As Wise President Janine
Kolodny is quick to point out, Cheryl and Brad Cohen are
understated leaders of the community who give for giving’s sake
and not for the spotlight. The Cohens are longtime supporters
of Wise’s galas, of the Annual Campaign, and they made a
significant pledge to the creation of Shalom Garden. This
commitment to the Wise community goes back to the family’s
earliest days with Wise.
Beginning at an early age, the Cohens’ children all went through
Wise’s schools. In fact, Cheryl and Brad point to Wise’s schools
as the reason they came to the community. Clearly those
academic years left an indelible impression as their daughters
and sons-in-law, Crissy and Michael Blumenfield and Scott
and Nicole Halle, have enrolled their children in Wise’s early
childhood program.
That inherited commitment extends to volunteerism as well.
Cheryl and Brad, along with Crissy, Michael, Nicole, and Scott,
are helping to put together the Wise Gala online event later this
year, co-chairing the event as a family. (See back cover to learn
more.)
“I remember as if it were yesterday,” explains Cheryl Cohen,
“the joy I felt as I proudly participated in the gala each year that
my children attended the schools—to honor the teachers and
educators with appreciation and recognition. How meaningful it
is for me this year to join the Gala committee alongside my entire
family, as we celebrate the honorees.”
“They are a wonderful example of a multigenerational family,”
adds Kolodny. “I’ve gotten to know Cheryl and Brad through
many years of volunteering in our schools. Their home is so warm
and welcoming—and it’s delightful to see their commitment to
Jewish education is being passed down to the next generation.”
GETTING TO KNOW THE COHENS
When did you first become part of the Stephen Wise
Temple Community?
We became Wise members almost 35 years ago when we
enrolled our daughter in kindergarten at the elementary school.
We were looking for a community to become involved in while at
the same time seeking an impressive educational environment
for our three children.
The Cohen family at the wedding of Ashley and Maxx Cohen.
What is a message that you want to teach the next
generations?
We feel it is extremely important for future generations to
provide a Jewish education for their children, to maintain a
relationship with a synagogue, and to keep Judaism alive in their
hearts and in their homes.
What inspired you to support the Aaron Milken Center
project?
We strongly believe in the importance of early childhood
education and Aaron Milken Center will provide a beautiful state-
of-the-art environment as well as enrichment to young children,
their families, and to our Wise community.
We know it will help ensure the Jewish future.
TIKKUN OLAM
GENEROSITY OF HEART:
TODAH RABBAH TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Generosity takes so many forms—and that has been especially prevalent during this difficult year.
Wise is enormously grateful for all of the many incredible volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to help
others during the year. Many participated in safe in-person opportunities to help those in need via blood drive donations or meal
deliveries to seniors and first responders. Others spent hours staffing phone banks to communicate with fellow members in the
earliest uncertain days of the pandemic. Wise volunteers even assisted with technical support to help seniors stay in contact with
family and friends via Zoom or help them watch Wise’s online Shabbat and High Holy Days services.
Here are just some of the ways the Wise community changed the world this year.
Get involved by visiting WiseLA.org/TikkunOlam
or by emailing TikkunOlam@WiseLA.org
Hundreds of Jewish teens engage with Wise
Readers to Leaders in successful transition
to online reading, tutoring, and enrichment
curriculum for LAUSD students
Wise Readers to Leaders jumped into the world of online
programming with incredible success, largely thanks to
the hard work and dedication of hundreds of Jewish teen
volunteers from the Stephen Wise Temple community and
beyond.
Over the summer, 100 Jewish teens led creative enrichment activities for scholars during
the remote program. Nearly every teen created their own workshops—with topics ranging
from ballet and American Sign Language to film studies and math. One Jewish volunteer
said of the program: “Volunteering at WRTL has allowed me to put into practice the Jewish
principle of tikkun olam. Judaism has instilled in me a desire to better the world around me
and sometimes that can feel like a daunting task. Wise Readers to Leaders has allowed me
to make change within my own community and impact the scholars’ worlds. Being a Junior
Literacy Leader has made me more sure of my Jewish identity and the obligations that come
with it.”
“I am honestly amazed by how the program was delivered,”
said one scholar’s parent. “The program raised the bar of
expectations. My kids probably learned more overall in these
last few weeks than they did in the last months of public
school. The Wise Readers to Leaders staff are just so prepared.
This makes all of the difference in the world.”
Wise Readers to Leaders has only grown in impact and
success, largely due to the efforts of nearly 200 Jewish teens
involved in year-round programming. The dedicated Teen Board
and staff have paired over 150 scholars with over 150 teens in
the Remote Reading program. In this literacy and mentorship program, K-5th grade scholars
are paired with a high schooler to meet weekly on Zoom to read a common book. These
teens have had so much success with Remote Reading that they have decided to offer math
tutoring to K-8th grade scholars starting in January. They even started a YouTube channel for
enrichment so that scholars can access activities anytime even if they can’t participate live.
Teens interested in becoming part of the Wise Readers to Leaders team and its
incredible mission can learn more at WiseReaderstoLeaders.org.
TIKKUN OLAM CONTINUED... SOVA drives help collect thousands of pounds of food and goods for those in need Wise’s partnership with SOVA took on an even more important and meaningful role this year as so many more Los Angeles residents found themselves facing economic hardship and food insecurity. The Wise community never missed a beat in answering the challenge. SOVA drives continued throughout the year and even with students in Wise School and Wise Religious School learning from home, families were able to come to Wise for drive-through drop-offs in bins on campus. Drives have continued at key points throughout the year, including the December holidays, Passover, and beyond—members are always encouraged to drop off items at Wise or contact SOVA directly for contactless drop off locations. Thank you to all members of the Wise community who have kept SOVA donations high on their priority list. Learn more at WiseLA.org/TikkunOlam and watch the monthly newsletter for specific lists of items SOVA may need. Supporting first responders during COVID-19 surges Thanks to the support of the Wise community and a partnership with Ronen Levy Events (a Wise Events caterer), over 400 meals were supplied to healthcare workers at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center as well as other health care facilities throughout the year. These essential workers put in hours on top of hours to help the community—and the Wise community stepped up to support them by providing catered lunches and dinners, especially during surges in the spring, summer, and winter. Donations from Wise members rolled in to help cover the costs of these meals—a gesture of solidarity and support that was deeply appreciated by heroes on the front lines. Donations are still being accepted for the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, which has helped first responders as well as others in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit WiseLA.org/Giving and click DONATE NOW to make a contribution.
WITH GRATITUDE We are grateful for each and every one of our generous contributors.
In these pages you will find acknowledgments for contributions made
between July 1, 2019 and April 15, 2021.
To learn more about giving opportunities with Wise visit
WiseLA.org/Giving.
2019-20 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Visionary ($25,000+)
Jodie and Steven Fishman Susan Bloch-Kay and Stephen Kay Ann and Sam Rubinfeld
Lori and Rob Goodman Deena and Edward Nahmias Deena and Edward Nahmias
Pillar ($10,000-$24,999)
Ann and Alan Barton Sally and Donald Jones Lowell Milken Family Foundation
Marci and Andrew Berman Loretta and Nort Karno Sandra and Stu Newmark
Andrea and Barry Cayton Ronnie and Michael Kassan Susan and Mel Plutsky
David Clark and Sam Elias Ron Katz Rachel Kaganoff Stern and Eric Stern
Emily and Rick Corleto Dana and Todd Katz Judy Tamkin
Rona Elliot and Roger Brossy Jodi and Rick Kirkbride Felice and Douglas Williams
Carin and Glenn Freeman Janine and Richard Kolodny Beverly and Rabbi David Woznica
Ro and Bill Handy Barbara and Joel Marcus
Wise Circle ($5,000-$9,999)
Pam and Jeff Balton Morgan and David Ickovics Barbara and Jeff Scapa
Hilda and Dan Bergher Gentille and Terry Koosed Julie and David Schwarz
Julie and Steve Bram Harriet and Myron Kusnitz Julie and Brad Shames
Ruth Davis Sonia and Lloyd Levitin Sussan and Michael Shore
Susan Donner and Eric Klein Deborah and Allan Myer Eve Kurtin-Steinberg and Michael Steinberg
Linda and Roger Friedman Judith and Franklin Niver Lori and Leandro Tyberg
Donna and Donald Gindy Robin and Ira Pianko
Bonnie and Rabbi Eli Herscher Nancy and Allen Satenberg
Chai Benefactor ($3,600-$4,999)
Susan and Jon Berger Jeanne and Richard Hersh Linda and Jeff Resnick
Penny and Mark Berns Marion and Tod Hindin Linda and Dan Rosenson
Irene and Yoni Boujo Janice and Robert Kahlenberg Fran Morris-Rosman and Richard Rosman
Cheryl and Brad Cohen Loretta and Victor Kaufman Edward Saltzberg
Dana and Scott Ehrlich Lynda Klein and Neal Hersh Kevin Schaffels
Vivian Feintech and Allen Greenfield Jodi Kruger and Jeremy Rosen Sandy Sigal
Susie and Jaime Gesundheit Dina and Raymond Levy Anonymous
Layla and Robert Glassman Debbie and Scott Liebert Becky Sobelman-Stern and Rabbi Ron Stern
Gloria and Ron Gurvitz Joan and Sid Marantz Linda and Michael Wachtell
Jacqueline Hantgan and Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback Farnaz and Robert Neman Cathy and Richard Walter
Nikki and Sean Hashem Helen Randall and Frank Ponder Debbi and Eugene (Speedy) Zweiback
Patron ($3,000-3,599)
Laurie Ackerman Ruth and Peter Goodstein Linda Linden
Laurie Glickman and James Leewong Ginny and Arthur Kahn Leslie Wright
Sponsor ($1,800-$2,999)
Laura and Harvey Alpert Terry Gock and Michael Zeldin Linda and Lee Rosenberg
Hope and Arnold Anisgarten Susie and Bruce Goren Debra and Joshua Sabah
Lori Cohn Arkin and Robert Arkin Judy and Rand Holston Linda and David Salzman
Janis and Neil Berkman Carol and Edward Horowitz Jodi and Marc Schwartz
Bonnie and Mitchell Bloom Roberta and Bart Kaufman Lee Silver
Ray Borun Wendy and Barry Levin Marcia and Mark Smith
Laurie E. Crasnick Shelly (Rochelle) and Donald Levy Irene and David Smith
Sharon Spira-Cushnir and Andrew Cushnir Roya and Farhad Melamed Marilyn Spencer
Sharon Ryer Davis and Gray Davis Freda Moscowitz Karen Stern
Ofra and Yoram Dor Wendy and Fred Ordower Ilyse and Steven Teller
Harriet and Marvin Fink Gerald Otelsberg Audri Tendler
Bea Fisher Irene and Marvin Perer Billie and Richard Udko
Alexsondra and Andy Fixmer Heidi and Albert Praw Terry and Michael Webster
Adena and William Frank Ed Prober Julie and Peter Weil
Jody and Daniel Furie Gayle and Lee Rodgers Anita and Philip Wolman
2019-20 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CONTINUED... Supporter ($1,000-$1,799) Barbara and Richard Ackerman Richard Katz Isabel and Charles Rosenbaum Susan and Aaron Amster Candace and Abbey Konowitch Cindy and Glenn Sherman Marlene and Jim Astman Erika Korda Stephanie and Howard Sherwood Terrie and Richard Baumann Stacy and Mitchell Leib Sandi Liebert-Simon Evelyn Besbris Nancy and Larry Levitt Allison and Andrew Sipes Claudia and Bill Brown Paige Levy and Greg Newman Gloria and Benjamin Soleimani Mitzie Cutler Jeffrey Litow David Stern Roberta and Harold Delevie Roberta and Kenneth Lloyd DeeDee and Karl Sussman Nancy and Alan Epstein Barbara and Bobby Margolis Jodi and Phil Werbin Alfred Estolonio Nancy Norris Isabel and David Wintroub Alice and Zane Feldman Sheryl and Kenneth Pressberg Lorraine and Harris Zeidler Cherna and Gary Gitnick Raina Ring Joan Isaacs Carol and Howard Rosen Contributor ($500-$999) Michelle and Jeff Bader Marcie and Cliff Goldstein Debbie and Gil Priel Jeanne and Sam Benoun Benjamin Gordon Leslie and Leonard Reid Sondra and Robert Blau Ginny and Larry Gotlieb Wayne Schwartzman Sonia Bordo Robin and Lionell Greenberg Mariana and Joel Shpall Jill and Andrew Cohen Doris Haims Barry D Silbermann Paula and Todd Croutch Sarah Garber and Bradley Hamburger Lana Sternberg Caroline and Loren Davis Stephanie and Jeff Jacobs Emily Goldstein and Justin Strauss Bobbi and Peter Feinstein Sid Jenkins Lilian Jensen-Tabibian and B. Sam Tabibian Susan and David Friedman Keili and Shane Johnson Gloria Waldinger Kiki and David Gindler Mickey Keys Howard Walter Marci and Ronald Glousman Reneen and Stanley Klein Susan Williams Ira Goldberg Eileen and Bryan Kravetz Beth and John D Wilson Arlene Goldfarb Randi Lundy and Robert Lundy Jr. Barbara Wirtschafter Carol and Martin Goldman Paul Milberg Andrea and Alan Wishnow Vernon Goldschmid Leslie Oren Ramesh Yashari Coral and Alan Goldsmith Laurie and Martin Pichinson Friend ($180-$499) Alan Abramson Pearl Glick Lorelei (Lolly) Levy Judith Ashmann and Robert Gerst Frida and Joel Glucoft Debbie Liotta Allison Yazdian Auslander and Jamie Auslander Marisa Pinchas Glucoft and Joshua Glucoft Sherrie Lipsky Kent Azaren Ester and Aaron Golchet Lori Shabtai Francine and Joel Berger Karen and Ariel Goldenstein Susan Lutske Linda and Alan Bergman Trish and Jared Goldin Janis MacRae Michele and Samuel Berkman Randy and Eric Gordon Michael Mallow Jill Kulick and Bruce Bienenstock Chana and Ira Green Myrna and Irving Margol Laurie and Steve Bird Carol and Gilbert Greene Lisa Matzer and Nicholas Deutsch Marilyn Blacker Randy and Robert Greenspan Bruce Meyers Sherrill and Arnold Blumberg Linda and Philip Greenwald Lori and Michael Milken Betsy Borns and Jonathan Shapiro Annie and Ted Haas Maureen and Paul Milkes Suzanne Bornstein Ira Handelman Sheilah and Donald Miller Stacey and Mark Bronson Evelyn Handler Lisa and Steven Mirman Jonathan Brown Carrie Hasson Arnold Mirow Donna Butler and Elliot Blut Lynette and Eric Hershler Linda and Shahrokh Mokhtarzadeh Laura Callaway Rita Hertzberg Irwin Monroe Aviva Carmy Emily and John Horn Adriane and Allan Morrison Pamela Neal and Benjamin Chapman Raz Husany Jamee Natella and Steven Paul Sandra and Alec Chorches Rachel Juarez and Robert Baron Sherry and Michael Newman Aliza Rosen and Bryan Clobes Diane and Jules Kabat Tamara Nikzad Stacey and Paul Cohen Suzanne and Michael Kahane Claudia and Jerry Nussbaum Randy Levin-Cohen and Brian Cohen Roy Kamin Barbara Oberman Haylee and Bradley Davidowitz Nancy and Rambod Kamrava Patricia Ogden Lauran and Robert Engel Ann and Albert Kapstrom Michael Ozen George Eshaghian Linda and Fred Keivanfar Evelyn Perl Virginia Ettinger Shirley Kleiman Cynthia and Michael Persky Carole Farfel Katie and Bill Kleiman Jenna and Joey Pitson Genise Fraiman and Arash Horizon Marla and Daniel Klein Miriam and Jack Pitson Anne Freeman Jane and Phillip Knobel Dan Pitt Karen Furie Jill and Jeffrey Konvitz Byrdie Lifson-Pompan and Bruce Pompan Charles Galant Gloria “Jenny” and Ariel Kopelioff Janine Preston Gail and Dennis Galanter Rabbi Leah Kroll Ruth and Bob Pushkin Paola and Alvaro Gancman Karen Laufer Burt Rabin Michele Gendelman and Andrew Guerdat Paula Eylar-Lauzon Gaye Rainey Lori and Steven Gilder Nina Leung Joyce Rangen Joyce Glantz Marsha and Soheil Levi Lynda Robbins Michele and Jeffrey Glass Susi Levin Gail Rosenblum Gail and Michael Glick Susan and Murray Levin Harry Roth
2019-20 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CONTINUED... Friend ($180-$499) continued... Gerald and Gerald Roth Ellen Shumsky Rhonda and Mark Wapnick Laurie Rubaum Ashley Silberfeld Julie and Brent Weinstein Lori Rubin Lilac and Samuel Simpson Mindy Weiss and Steven Meyer Melvyn Sacks Rachel and Darian Singer Jody Weissman Jean and Melvin Sapiro Corey Slavin Jeffrey Wilson Vilia and Scott Schwartz Amanda Smith Susan Wolfson Kimberly and Victor Schwartz Brett Kassan Smith and Jake Smith Edward Wood Mark Sender Shirley and Philip Sniderman Gail and Robert Woskow Valerie and David Shane Wendy and Harlan Spinner Rozita and David Yacobi Melissa and Sohail Shayfer Monica and Lawrence Stone Farnaz and Kourosh Yashar Susan and Richard Shemin Lesley and Fred Szkolnik Bruce Zweiban Sharona and Behnam Shenassa Ivan and Lilian Tollman Michele Zwillinger Andrea Sher Gabrielle and Moshe Tsabag Randi Sunshine and Daniel Sherkow Donna and Jerold Venick Vladamir Shtern Julie and Jason Wallace Community ($18-$179) Adam Abrams Michelle and Ron Farhadi Beverly Kaye and Barry Levitt Marvin Rosenthal Stephanie and Whitney Ackerman Mark Fivenson Mark Kenchelian Andrea Rosenwein Helen Adelberg Lydia Friedlich Nancy and Alvin Klein Wendy Rothenberg and Michael Bernard Adler Susie and Richard Friedman Leslie Klein Weiner Sheila Alperstein Chris and Tom Frisina Sharyn Klein Steve Rothstein Janice Amsterdam Deanne Gaither anita kolleeny Caroline Russ Michelle Anaya Tina Gall Claire and Mel Kosasky Molly and Jordan Sall Deborah Azoulay Vivian Gall Steven Kusnitz Barbara Sampson Marjorie and David Barg Liz Gayle Sue Lasky Hedy and Ronald Sands June and Murray Bass Ina and Bill Gelfound Michele and Daniel Lasman Susan and Abe Sassoon Nicholas Berman Elaine Glass Samantha and Kirk Lazaruk Beth Ann Styne-Schell Judy and Ben Bernstein Olga and Eugene Glosman Barbara and Andrew Leigh Marilyn Schwadron Marisa Bilkiss Patti and Roger Golden Leslie Lerman Ronnie and Harold Schwartz Eric Billitzer Helen D. Goldfarb Nicole Leslie Dottie Sefton Guitty Caroline and Michel Bolour Cathy Goldfarb Nancy Levin Ruth Segal Irene Boscoe Boscoe Jane Goldfarb Sheryl levine Beverly and Robert Shpall Elinor Caplan Barbara and Barry Goldman RIchard Levine Cambra Sklarz Stephanie Carroll Rona Goldstein Maurine Lewis Jill Sloan and David Horn Julie Carruthers Ronna Goldstein Linda Lezak Arthur Snyder Carryl Carter Rachel K. Goldwyn and Alan I. Marcia and Barry Maiten Lisa and Bill Sobel Debbie and Henry Casden Levenson, M.D Avram Mandell Lauren and Todd Solash Nina Castilla Olivia and Phil Gordon Susan and Andrew Marias Julie and Gary Solnit Randee Charney Allison Gorelik and Aaron Fishman Carole Markoff Suzy and Mark Spitz Benita Chaum Debi and Marc Graboff Carol Marmor Carolyn Stewart Arlene and Eli Chernow Joan Gray Roberta and Paul Marshall Laurie and Todd Strassman Beverly Cohen Mark Greenberg Katharine McGovern Ethyle Strommer Joan and Kenneth Cohn Marilyn and John Groper Merle and Gerald Measer Mallory Jaffe and Robert Surkin Ruth and Arnold Colman Brian Gross Francine Meisler Miriam Sweeney Norma Cooper roza gurevich Melissa Rose and Kyle Miller Linda and Jack Tabbush Sheryl Cooper Rita Haber David Miller Joyce Tapper C W Corenblith Lucy and Oren Harel Rabbi Mintz Sonja Telias Bernard Coyne Judy and Jeff Harris Rachel Mitzman Emily Tigerman Judy Daitch Jeanne and Michael Harris Mark Nieman Melissa and Daniel Titcher Brian Daneshgar Sandra Heller Lynnda Van Noorden Patricia and Jian Torkan Judy Dekel Maria Herskovic Irwin F Noparstak Salome Sewitz Trust Linda and Phil Dembo Jennifer and David Hilton Deborah and Joel Norwood Jules Ronald Freeman Patricia and Marvin Demoff Susan and Albert Hirsch Sandra Novicoff Lidia and Daniel Turner Dena Gordon Gail S. and Robert D. Hobman Norman Palmer Deborah and Milton Valera Cathy DeRoy Sherry and Morrie Hodes Melissa and Jamie Parker Lorraine and Norm Varnen Bari Edlin Sandi Isaacs Steven Peterman Stanley Weinberg Susan and Bill Ehrlich Laureen Jacobs JoAnn Platel Randy Weinstein Elizabeth Skoler Nehama Jacobs Seema Pollack Marilyn and David Williams Ellen Flynn Jonathan Cole Debora and Sheldon Presser Robert Willner Francine Ellman Janet Wells-Kahane and Stephen Jill Rosenberg-Price Ruth Winthrop Karen and Allan Entous Kahane Andrea Rawitt Linda and Brad Wolk Barbara Eskowitz Amy and Richard Karz Dru Rivlin Helaine and Shelly Wolk Eva Ogens Doreen Kates Linda and Alan Rosen Judy Wollman James Factor Nancy and Rick Katz Shea Rosenberg Nancy Yi
WITH GRATITUDE We are grateful for each and every one of our generous contributors.
In these pages you will find acknowledgments for contributions made
between July 1, 2019 and April 15, 2021.
To learn more about giving opportunities with Wise visit
WiseLA.org/Giving.
2019-20 WISE SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
ANNUAL GIVING
Founder ($10,000-$19,999)
Anna Mardan and Ilya Chatsky Polina Kazakova and Roman Milakin Shohreh and Peyman Saadat
Gentille and Terry Koosed Tori Praver and Mark Birnbaum Nilou and Avi Yroshalmiane
BENEFACTOR $5,000-$9,999
Rama and Ario Fakheri Tracy and Jeffrey Kaplan Jenna and Joey Pitson
Alexsondra and Andy Fixmer Tamar and Philip Koosed Sherlyn and Rodney Rad
Tannoz and David Foruzanfar Alexis and Michael Lam Desiree and Marc Tavakoli
Shahrzad and Ellis Ghodsian John Langdon and Melanie Barshop-Ziegler
Jessica and Robin Hanasab Melody and Hooman Nissani
EDUCATOR’S CIRCLE $2,500-$4,999
Nasi and Babak Bamshad Lida and Payam Kashfian Hedyeh and Philip Shaoul
Elizabeth and Babak Barcohana Sherin and Hooman Lahijani Sussan and Michael Shore
Aram and Shahin Binafard Shiri and Joe (Simon) Mani Allison and Andrew Sipes
Dana and Jon Cohen Erin Naimi and Nadim Abi Malhab Mariya and Victor Svilik
Ambyr Childers and Randall Emmett Michelle and Ramin Neman Lilian Jensen-Tabibian and B. Sam Tabibian
Tiffany and Joubin Gabbay Limor and Matthew Pouldar Holly and Kevin Tanna
Sanam and Daniel Ghiyam Shannon and Phillip Rahimzadeh Kim Zeldin and Ruben Torres
Tatiana and Shawn Ghodsian Golareh and Soroush Ramin Laurel Ziegler and Andrew Weinberg
Jaclyn and Todd Golditch Sean and Nazila Rastegar Sivan and Igor Zakai
Katya and Tanel Harunzade Sharon and Andre Sabetfard Minoo and Morad Zarabi
Stephanie and Daniel Heyman Pantea and Afshin Salamati
Kathryn and Sean Javaheri Niki and Charles Schwarz
Afsoun and Patrick Kann Neda and Michael Shak
GUARDIAN $1,000-2,499
Rachel and Eitan Atias Jessica and Adam Frank Jasmine and Amiel Moshfegh
Samira and Morris Barlava Jennifer and Zachary Goldsmith Nataly and Sean Namvar
Laura and Steven Berkowitz Brenda and Omid Hamid Janet and Siamak Okhovat
Sally and Benjamin Cohanzad Noa Tishby and Ross Hinkle Pauline Timario and Arya Saleh
Maren and Casey Cohen Leila and Raphael Javaheri Rebecca and Michael Share
Rebecca and David Cohen Guilin Jia and Shiying Weng Golnaz and Navid Soleymani
Nas and Alen Cohen Gail Kamer-Lieberfarb and Warren Lieberfarb Sally and Andrew Triphon
Stephanie and Sol Cohensedgh Corinne and Eugene Kopp Dorit and Douglas Warner
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Christine and Robert Kuskin Tami and Robert Weiser
Karen and Sean Denvir Xin and Cheng hua Ma Jennifer and Kambiz Yadidi
Irina and Greg Faiman Leah and Shahab Mahboubian
FRIEND $500-999
Anonymous Nicole and Scott Halle Meital Cohen Navarro and Oren Navarro
Myra and Marc Aron Alice and Nir Hoftman Tamara and David Noriani
Lisa and Hersel Bani-Esraili Brittney Hopper and Adam Bloch Bahar and Gregg Rinsler
Mitra and Myles Berman Jasmine and Shahin Javid Steven and Stacey Rosenthal
Joan and Robert Cohen Keili and Shane Johnson Sepideh Forouzanrad and Arash Sabbagh-Fard
Nicole and Brian Cohen Claire and Mel Kosasky Kimberly and Victor Schwartz
Doris and Ramin Daneshgar Lisa Lefkovitz Katrin and Dean Shabbouei
Karen and Allan Entous Annabel Lew Jennifer and Jordan Toplitzky
Lauren and Andrew Felder Richard and Tracey Manula Kevin and Ariana West
Olivia and Phil Gordon Liron and Daniel Marks
Masha Livhits and David Gott Nicole and Itay Mevorakh2019-20 WISE SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD ANNUAL GIVING CONTINUED... CONTRIBUTOR under $500 Meirav Abutbul Jennifer and Don Hardison Shoshi Persellin Tevin and Jennifer Adelman Petra and John Heffron Michelle and David Podemski Hanna and David Bahat Pamela Trank and Daniel Herold Heidi and Albert Praw Karin Bassenian Judy Hoffman Lindsay and Andrew Robbins Beth and Bryan Behar Mary and Gary Itri Joshua and Pnina Rohm Amanda and Daniel Ben Ari Albert Jacobs Jennifer and Jonathan Rosen Sarah Ben-Nissan Linda Jeffries Jayne Rosen Susan and Jon Berger Anna Kaltakhchyan and Mark Avdalyan Gail Rosenblum Crissy and Michael Blumenfeld Melanie and Yosef Katan Larry Schwartz Natalie Bral Linda and David Kates Sara Sharaf Andrea and Adrian Breitfeld Sigalit and Jack Khalili Sarah Shpall Tatiana Broukhim Karen Firstenberg and Kim Khazaei Debra and David Siegel Amy and Ian Burch Rebecca Kitz Mizrahi and Opher Mizrahi Ramona and Ramin Simantob Elizabeth Carpenter Pamela Kleinman Kimberly and Lorin Snyder Marcos Cohen Natasha and Brett Kleinman Amanda Snyder Jamie Cohen Rabbi Lisa Berney and Rabbi Joshua Knobel Heidi Sorenson Brenda Collins Rabbi Leah Kroll Loretta Spielman Georgianne and William Cutter Rabbi Sari Laufer and Ben Cutter Michele and Jeff Starr Mahyar Dardashti Karen Laufer Drew Steinberg and Jesse Aguayo Andrea and Ryan Drobnick Elana and Steve Lavi Roni Stone Fern and Kenneth DuBow Alisa Lerner Angela and Adam Struck Allison Elbaz Ilyse and Ronen Levy Patricia Tanner Tonia and Marc Entous Leah Lewitt Negin and Daniel Tauberg Linda and Gary Etting Stacy and Robert Lifton Genene and Michael Turndorf Brenda and Allan Freedman Roberta and Kenneth Lloyd Diana and Arthur Vanetek Dana and Gustavo Fridman Treci Maxwell-Horowitz and Robert Horowitz Noah Verdi Paula and Jack Frost Karen Medak Sandra and Zev Volterra Niloufar and Baback Gabbay Cindy Mentz Ali and Alex Weinberger Linda and Don Gafni Emily Cohen-Meth and Jason Meth Melissa and Adam Wilkenfeld Estefany and Adrian Garcia Malka and Oded Miodovsky Ruth Winthrop Sheila and Nelson Gnecco Rachel Mitzman Joanne Wolmarans and Erik Bieber Chen Goldberg and Elad Benisti Jan and Avi Navah Terry Gock and Michael Zeldin Kaylie Gomez Deborah and Joel Norwood Ali Karp-Ziring and David Ziring Jeffrey Goss Miryam and Moshe Pearl Lashelle and Freddie Hamlin Kathryn and Jacob Perlin
CONTRIBUTIONS Thank you to our generous donors who
contributed to these special campaigns. In
TO DESIGNATED CAMPAIGNS these pages you will find acknowledgements for
pledges made through March 15, 2021.
Aaron Milken Center
CAPITAL GIFTS Naming Gift ($10,000,000)
Lowell Milken Family
Lead Gifts ($2,000,000)
Anonymous
Martha and Bruce Karsh
Milken Family Foundation, Sarah and Jeremy Milken, Ryan Milken, and David Milken
Visionaries ($250,000-$500,000) Champions ($100,000-$249,999)
Lynn and Les Bider Family Foundation Cheryl and Brad Cohen
Gail Buchalter and Warren Breslow Susie and Jaime Gesundheit
Jodie and Steve Fishman Janine and Richard Kolodny
Jo and Steve Fogel Nancy and Larry Levitt
Corie and Michael Koss Judith and Franklin Niver
Richard and Ellen Sandler Family Foundation Andrea and Glenn Sonnenberg
Thomas and Marilyn Spiegel Lisi and Steve Teller and Family
Thomas Spiegel Family Foundation
Patrons ($25,000-$99,999) Benefactors ($10,000-$24,999) Builders ($1,000-$9,999)
Cynthia and Ralph Finerman Laurie Ackerman Irene & Yoni Boujo
Carin and Glenn Freeman Beth and Jeffrey Green Glazer Philanthropies
Dorothy Goren Yasmina and Alan Joelson Karen and Ariel Goldenstein
Susie and Bruce Goren Deena and Edward Nahmias Shohreh and Peyman Saadat
Morgan and David Ickovics Gerald Otelsberg Berta and Donald Salka
Ginny and Arthur Kahn Jodi Kruger and Jeremy Rosen Debbee and Robert Schwartz
Pam and Stan Maron Julie and Peter Weil
Judith Tamkin
Linda and Michael Wachtell
PROGRAMMING Matching Gift ($2,000,000) Friends ($18-$999) Ruth and Joshua Levy
Myrna Lieberman Management
GIFTS Lowell Milken Family Adam Abrams Jessica Lebovits Mannon and
Marina and Ari Afshar Ryan Mannon
Lead Gifts ($100,000+) Shirley Ashkenas Laura and Brian Michel
Margaret Betts Sandra and Stu Newmark
Susie and Jaime Gesundheit Allen and Jill Chozen Wendy and Rory Packer
Lori and Rob Goodman Mona and David Cienfuegos Nilou and Nasser Pourmoussa
Jennifer and Marshall Cole Lynda Robbins
Visionaries ($50,000) Monali Misra and Scott Cunneen Jodi Kruger and Jeremy Rosen
Sharon Spira-Cushnir and Andrew Cushnir Linda and Dan Rosenson
Feintech Family Foundation Erica and Elias Drucker Steven and Stacey Rosenthal
Lauren and Andrew Felder Myriam Amgar Sage and Parham Sage
Champions ($1,000-$5,000) Bill Feldman Alyson and Matthew Schonholz
Alexsondra and Andy Fixmer Randi Sunshine and Daniel Sherkow
Lital and David Aschkenasy Kala Savage and Jared Flamm
Michelle and Bob Etebar Lisa and Bill Sobel
Marjorie Markus and Scott Friedman Genene and Michael Turndorf
Celine and Jonathan Hakakha Karen Furie
Morgan and David Ickovics Karen and Fraser Wirth
Ira Grose
Arlene and Myron Lieberman Nicole and Scott Halle
Deena and Edward Nahmias Jennifer and Don Hardison
Ashley Gershoony and Eric Pony Judy Holliday
Golnaz and Navid Soleymani Mahsa and Amin Javid
Jennifer and Jordan Toplitzky Pamela Kleinman
Kyle and Maurice Umansky Janine and Richard Kolodny
Saba and Steven Yazdani Harriet and Myron Kusnitz
Nicole and Brian LandoCONTRIBUTIONS Thank you to our generous donors who
contributed to these special campaigns. In
TO DESIGNATED CAMPAIGNS these pages you will find acknowledgements for
pledges made through March 15, 2021.
COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Anonymous Cathy Goldfarb Heidi and Albert Praw
Janet Abelson Amy Goldman Leslie and Leonard Reid
Laurie Ackerman Marilyn Goldman-Yamner Fayla and Stephen Reiss
Melinda Ahdoot Marcie and Cliff Goldstein Lynda Robbins
Janis Neishuler-Arslan and Russell Arslan Jeremy Goldstein Jodi Kruger and Jeremy Rosen
Michelle and Jeff Bader Robert Goodfriend Linda and Alan Rosen
Arthur J Baltau Lori and Rob Goodman Isabel and Charles Rosenbaum
Beth and Bryan Behar Randy and Eric Gordon Gail Rosenblum
Susan and Jon Berger Debbie and Michael Gordon Susan Rosenson
Hilda and Dan Bergher Gloria and Ron Gurvitz Harry Roth
Janis and Neil Berkman Annie and Ted Haas Sheila Rubin
Laura and Steven Berkowitz Rita Haber Ann and Sam Rubinfeld
Penny and Mark Berns Evelyn Handler Shohreh and Peyman Saadat
Samuel Bernstein Sally Hanes Linda and David Salzman
Teri and Bruce Bialosky Mark Hanna Carol and Carl Samrock
Sonia Bordo Jeanne and Michael Harris Nancy and Allen Satenberg
Irene and Yoni Boujo Dorothy Hoffman Marilynn Schnair
Louise and Gene Bramson Carol and Edward Horowitz Rita and Sam Schwartz
Lee Bycel Diane and Jules Kabat Debbee and Robert Schwartz
Carly Savar Janice and Robert Kahlenberg Julie and Brad Shames
Susan Casamassima Ginny and Arthur Kahn Betsy Borns and Jonathan Shapiro
Aliza Rosen and Bryan Clobes Rita and Daryoush Kashani Edythe Sharron
Nina Ben-Cohen Nina and Phillip Kass Randi Sunshine and Daniel Sherkow
Linda and Rick Cohn Abigail Sherkow and Marshall Kaufman Evelyn Shooshani
Ruth and Arnold Colman Jill Kaufman Harris Shore
Sharon Spira-Cushnir and Susan Bloch-Kay and Stephen Kay Sussan and Michael Shore
Andrew Cushnir Janine and Richard Kolodny Debra and David Siegel
Rabbi Sari Laufer and Ben Cutter Emily and Howard Kreshek Kathryn Simon
Adit and Eliav Dan Rabbi Leah Kroll Irene and David Smith
Roberta and Harold Delevie Karen Laufer Shirley and Philip Sniderman
Beth Drake Carole and Gary Lazar Arlene Spiegelman
Laura and David Drexler Wendy and Barry Levin Joan and Arnold Stein
Fern and Kenneth DuBow Sonia and Lloyd Levitin Deanie and Jay Stein
Bonnie and Alan Engle Lorelei (Lolly) Levy Anida Sterman
Tonia and Marc Entous Shelly (Rochelle) and Donald Levy Becky Sobelman-Stern and
Samantha Powell and John Falcon Rachelle and Rachelle Lewenfus Rabbi Ron Stern
Eris & Larry Field Family Foundation Louise Mandell Lana Sternberg
Alexis Fleischer and Scott Fisher Ron Maurer Matthew Surlin
Allison Gorelik and Aaron Fishman Julie McNamara DeeDee and Karl Sussman
Jodie and Steven Fishman Lisa and Steven Mirman Rosita and Juan Tyberg
Rochelle and Ronald Fox Sandy Moranis Linda and Steve Wasserman
Barbara Friedman Deena and Edward Nahmias Wendy Rothenberg and Michael Weiner
Steven Friedman Arlene and Arnold Newman Jodi and Phil Werbin
Chris and Tom Frisina Sherry and Michael Newman Felice and Douglas Williams
Jill and Leonard Fromer Judith and Franklin Niver Susan Williams
Paula and Jack Frost Nancy Norris Leslie Wright
Jody and Daniel Furie Sandra Novicoff Sivan and Igor Zakai
Karen Furie Stuart Oken Isa Zweiback
Lea Garbe Irene and Marvin Perer Jacqueline Hantgan and
Talia and Avrom Gart Miriam and Jack Pitson Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback
Diane and Morris Glickman Jenna and Joey Pitson Michele Zwillinger
Terry Gock and Michael Zeldin Nilou and Nasser PourmoussaFINANCIALS FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2020
REVENUE AND SUPPORT SOURCES
ACTIVITIES
Educational tuition and fees 11,793,157
Membership donations 3,867,677
Program activities 1,820,194
Annual Giving 1,363,909
Aaron Milken Center pledges
7,237,618
and contributions
Other Pledges & contributions 1,478,407
Other income 71,283
Educational tuition & fees (43%)
Total Support and Revenue 27,632,245 Membership donations (14%)
Program activities (7%)
Total Expenses 22,071,584 Annual Giving (5%)
Aaron Milken Center Pledges & contributions (26%)
Change in Net Assets 5,560,661 Other pledges & contributions (5%)
Net Assets (Beginning of Year) 18,978,377
Net Assets (End of Year) 24,539,038
FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
Educational, Program, Membership 18,531,329
Management & General 3,115,462
Fundraising 424,793
Total Functional Expenses 22,071,584
Educational, Program, Membership (84%)
Management & General (14%)
Fundraising (2%)You can also read
