Rabbi Ron Stern has been serving Stephen Wise Temple for 17 years. He was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1990. In addition to serving as a pastoral, pulpit and educational rabbi of Stephen Wise he also directs the Center for Social Justice. Rabbi Stern is charged with the task of broadening and deepening the Social Justice mission of the congregation. He has expanded the reach of the congregation into several partnership organizations including: The Fulfillment Fund, Imagine LA and LA Voice. As a member of the LA Voice/PICO organizing network, Stephen Wise has become a major voice in the interfaith community working to achieve justice for all of Los Angeles’ citizens. Wise seeks to leverage our network of relationships with the Mayor, the City Council, the School Board and LAUSD board members to advance these vital causes.

Our commitment to strong public education leads us to establish of coalitions with Latino and Black communities in our city. By far, the most meaningful work that Wise has done in recent memory is to establish Wise Readers to Leaders. This represents one more step towards realizing the vision of establishing this congregation as a force for meaningful, progressive change in the city of Los Angeles.

Gillian Oakley is a dedicated professional with three years of experience as a high school choir teacher in North Carolina, primarily working with Title I students. Her time in the classroom has equipped her with invaluable skills and a strong commitment to equity.

Gillian’s background uniquely positions her to excel in her current role, where she passionately engages with scholars, teen volunteers, and families.