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Meet Our Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

Pastoral Care

Our clergy are committed to providing pastoral guidance and support through the joys and struggles of life’s journey. Whether celebrating a simcha, making wedding plans, converting to Judaism, or seeking comfort during times of loss and difficulty, we are here to help.

Rabbi Stephen Wise

Rabbi Wise

Rabbi Stephen Wise is the spiritual leader of Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Oakville. He is excited to be part of a congregation as diverse, storied and unique as SBE; leading meaningful worship experiences for all, teaching thought provoking courses for adults and children, providing inspiring programming and being a catalyst for social activism.

Before joining SBE in 2007, Rabbi Wise spent two years as the assistant Rabbi at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton, FL. Rabbi Wise was ordained from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in May of 2005, has a BA from the University of Toronto and an MA from Brandeis University.

Rabbi Wise is the chair of the Interfaith Council of Halton, chair of the Reform Rabbis of Greater Toronto, and a member of the Halton Police Service multi-faith taskforce. Rabbi Wise is an author and speaker on Israel and her role in Tikkun Olam, with his first book “Israel: Repairing the World”

Rabbi Wise and his wife Cheryl, the director of Education at SBE, have 3 children, Jacob, Talia and Alexa.

Laura Wolfson - Cantorial Soloist

Laura Wolfson

Laura is a dedicated Cantorial Soloist and Jewish Educator with a passion for creating warmth and welcome in the Jewish community, teaching and learning, making music, and inspiring passionate synagogue life. From participation as a camper in UAHC camp (GUCI -1970s) to NFTY-EIE (1980) to over 25 years as a Jewish professional at Anshe Sholom in Hamilton, her commitment to the Jewish people through the Reform movement is unwavering. Laura has also been a faculty member at Camp George since the summer the camp began. We always look forward to welcoming her to our synagogue community.

Cheryl Wise -  Director of Education

Cheryl Wise

Jewish education has always been an essential part of Cheryl’s life. She was born, raised, and educated in Toronto, Canada. Cheryl attended Associated Jewish Day, the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto and Young Judea summer camps as a camper and staff. She received her bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies from York University in Toronto and received a Master’s degree in Jewish Education and certificate in Family Education from Hebrew College of Boston,  and is a certified Reform Jewish Educator (RJE).

Since graduation, Cheryl has been the family educator at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA, the educational coordinator for the Birthright Israel program at Hillel of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the director of Education at Temple Shaaray Tefila in Manhattan, and the Religious School director at Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs.

She became the director of education at Shaarei-Beth El in 2010 and coordinates all education programs for all ages.

Cheryl is a registered wedding officiant for the province of Ontario.

Cheryl and her husband Stephen (our Rabbi Wise) have 3 children Jacob, Talia and Alexa.

Wed, November 19 2025 28 Cheshvan 5786