Stephen Samuel Wise

Stephen Samuel Wise (1874–1949) was an American Reform rabbi and influential Jewish public leader. Born in Budapest and raised in the United States, he was ordained in 1893 and served congregations in Oregon and New York. In 1907 he founded the Free Synagogue in New York City, known for its emphasis on social justice and civic engagement. Wise became a prominent advocate of Zionism in the United States and helped shape American Jewish responses to major events of the early 20th century. He also played a leading role in national Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Congress.