Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter

February 22, 2012                              Sh'vat 29 5772  
In This Issue
Calendar
Torah Portion of the Week
Happy Birthday
Tree of Life
Caring Community News
GRS Staff
Facebook
Join Our List
Shabbat Service
Rabbi's Message
Tzedakah
Knit & Knosh
Pot-Luck Dinner
Purim Magic at GRS
Purim Shabbat
B'nai Mitzvah Profile
Passover Fundraiser
Adult Ed
Around the Community
Calendar
calendar

Wednesday, February 22

4:15 pm - Hebrew School

 

Thursday, February 23

7:45 pm - Hebrew 101

 

Friday, February 24

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service

House Band

 

Saturday, February 25

10:00 am - Daniel Kramer Bar Mitzvah

 

Sunday, February 26

9:30 am - Hebrew 102

9:30 am - Religious School

10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman

11:30am - TYGRS meeting

 

Monday, February 27

7:00 pm - Knit & Knosh - home of Ann Greenberg 

 

Tuesday, February 28

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

 

Wednesday, February 29

4:15 pm - Hebrew School  

  

Friday, March 2

6:30 pm - Family Shabbat Service/Pot Luck Dinner

B'nai Shir

Birthday Blessings

  

Sunday, March 4

9:30 am - Hebrew 102

9:30 am - Religious School

9:30 - Holiday Happenings 

Purim Festivities

 

Tuesday, March 6

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

 

Wednesday, March 7

4:15 pm - Hebrew School

 

Friday, March 9

6:30 pm - Purim/K-1 Shabbat Service/Pot Luck Dinner

 

Sunday, March 11

9:30 am - Hebrew 102

9:30 am - Religious School

10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman

2:00 pm - Visit to Nathaniel Witherell

 

Tuesday, March 13

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

 

Wednesday, March 14

4:15 pm - Hebrew School

 

Friday, March 16

6:30 pm - Choir Shabbat Service

Anniversary Blessings 

 

Sunday, March 18

9:30 am - Religious School

10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman

11:30 am - TYGRS Meeting

 

Tuesday, March 20

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

 

Wednesday, March 21

4:15 pm - Hebrew School

7:30 pm - Board Meeting

 

Friday, March 23

6:30 pm - 4th Grade Shabbat Service

 

Saturday, March 24

10:00 am - Sophia Salzer Bat Mitzvah

 

Sunday, March 25

9:30 am - Hebrew 102

9:30 am - Religious School

10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman

 

Tuesday, March 27

7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal

 

Wednesday, March 28

4:15 pm - Hebrew School  

Torah Portion
February 25, 2012
Terumah
(Exodus 25:1-27:19)

God provides the people with details on building the Holy Ark, the Tabernacle, the Menorah, the Tent, and the Altar, so that God can dwell among "the people."  The gold and other materials come from the "gifts" the Egyptians gave the Israelites, as the people departed.
 

bday
Happy Birthday to...
Karen Beiley
Martin Nirschel
Jon Savitz
Maggy Wein
Carol Cohn
Mark Nadelson
Nancy Duffy
Cheryl Probst
Caterina Pye
Gabriella Pye
Tree of Life
(Etz Chaim)
Tree of Life
Celebrate the birth of a child, the bar or bat mitzvah of a loved one, the wedding or anniversary of a cherished friend or family member, a graduation or a retirement through a permanent dedication on the GRS Tree of Life!  Click here  for more information and to place an order.
Caring Community News

The GRS Caring Community is underway.  With Ronnie Gurney and Eve Goldberg as co-chairs, committee members will be able to provide assistance to temple members in times of need and to celebrate with them in times of joy. If you know of an ill or hospitalized member, please contact the office at (203) 629-0018.

  

You can help us to help each other.  We encourage the participation of volunteers to keep in touch with our members through telephone calls, visits, by sending cards, etc... If you would like to be a part of this committee please contact Erin Thomas at

 
GRS Staff

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE

  rabbisklarz@grs.org 

x223

 

Cantor Sabrina Lipton

sabrinalipton@grs.org x226

 

Stephanie Glaser

Executive Director

stephanieglaser@grs.org

x222

 

Lisa Gittelman Udi

Director of Education

lisargudi@grs.org

x227

 

Clarita Agulay

Bookkeeper

clarita@grs.org

x232

 

Erin Thomas

Administrative Assistant

Religious School Coordinator

erin@grs.org

x221

 

Peter Babivskiy

Caretaker


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Greetings!
Shabbat Service
Friday, February 24, 6:30 pm  
Please join us for a Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Sklarz and Cantor Lipton followed by an Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the Kramer Family in honor of Daniel becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
A Message from Rabbi Sklarz
Purim Actors & Costumes Needed!!

Rabbi USE THIS ONE!

ONE LAST CHANCE!!

 

Dear Friends, 

 

No Purim is ever complete without a Purim shpiel - a play of the Megillah (story of Purim). But a shpiel needs actors! We've gotten a few volunteers, but we would love more involvement! There will be no memorization of lines, as narrators will be on hand for those who are shy to speak. We also will not need much rehearsal time for us to present a short, entertaining re-enactment of the Purim story. Adult or kids who are interested, please contact Erin at erin@grs.org.

Also for the Purim shpiel, children and adult costumes are needed, including dress-up clothing, funny hats, glasses, and masks. 

 

Costumes for boys/men are especially needed. 

 

Thank you!

  

Rabbi Andy


Rabbi Andrew R.  Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE

Tzedakah
Thank you for your generosity... 

Circle of Giving
  • Rabbi Andrew & Sue Sklarz, in honor of Daniella as a Bella House Scholar at Greenwich High School

 

Memorial Plaque

  • Robert & Ruthanne Birnbaum, in loving memory of Ruthanne's mother, Sayre Kline Jaffe 

 

Ritual Committee

  • Robert & Ruthanne Birnbaum, in loving memory of Ruthanne's mother, Sayre Kline Jaffe
  • Cheryl & Curtis Probst in loving memory of Mary Probst


A contribution to GRS is a wonderful way to celebrate joyous events and commemorate meaningful occasions.   

If you would like to make a contribution, please send your check to GRS, 257 Stanwich Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830.  For details on the giving opportunities available, please call the GRS office. 

Sisterhood Knit & Knosh
Monday, February 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Would you like to knit, crochet or sew over good food and drinks, in good company?

Then, the GRS Sisterhood invites you to come and join us.  We welcome knitters of any age, gender or ability!  We would love to see more new faces!

At the home of Ann Greenberg
15 Sachem Road
Greenwich, CT  06830

Friday, March 2, 2012
Family Service & Pot-Luck Dinner  
Potluck DinnerAs the first Shabbat of the month approaches, we would like to invite you to a Family Shabbat Service, followed by a pot-luck dinner.

If you would like to stay for dinner, please RSVP to Louise Salzer at salzerhouse@aol.com.

March birthdays will be called to the bimah for a special blessing, and B'nai Shir will be singing.

For those interested in learning to sing, Cantor Sabrina is available for private voice lessons. 
Purim Magic at GRS
Sunday, March 4, 2012, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm  
Purim Flyer 3-12
Purim Shabbat Service and Celebration
Friday, March 9, 2012, 6:30 pm 

PurimPlease join Greenwich Reform Synagogue for a fun and musical family service featuring the K-1 class, and enjoy the first annual GRS Purim Shpiel including GRS members and clergy.   

 

Enjoy groggers, hamantaschen and a Parade of Costumes. Prizes awarded to all who come in costume (children and adults).   

 

Free and open to the community.  Please contact Erin at 203-629-0018 x221 or erin@grs.org to RSVP. 

   
B'nai Mitzvah Profile - Daniel Kramer
Saturday, February 25, 2012 

Daniel KramerDaniel is the son of Cara and David and brother to John (7) and Matthew (15). Daniel is a 7th grader at Eastern Middle School. His favorite interests are food/cooking, technology, sailing and snowboarding. Daniel's proudest achievement is learning how to play the piano and the string bass. For his mitzvah project, Daniel will be Honoring the Elderly (Hiddur P'Nai Zaken). He will be visiting with a senior citizen at Greenwich Woods and doing a variety of things including playing games, chatting, playing the piano, preparing/bringing home-cooked food to share, helping with the computer, etc.  He will plan a different activity for each visit.

 
Passover Fundraiser   
This is a Passover fundraiser for the GRS Religious School. Miss Chocolate collection envelopes were given to our religious school children during the last couple of weeks. In selling the Miss Chocolate goodies, our children can also win prizes for themselves!

Below is a list of important information so everyone can make the most out of the candy sale!
  1. If you do not have a child in the religious school, but you are interested in buying something, please contact Erin at erin@grs.org for more information.
  2. ALL ORDERS MUST BE IN BY FEBRUARY 26!
  3. If you want to sell to people who don't live close by, you can register online to place orders that will be sent to them directly. Please register your child using our school code (702666) so the sales are attributed to our synagogue. 
    1. go to www.misschocolate.com 
    2. click "online store" on the left side of the page
    3. click "student signup" on the left side of the page
    4. enter our school code: 702666, then click "submit"
  4. If anyone needs a new order form or the rest of the materials, please contact Erin, as they are in the temple office.

Adult Ed
Hebrew 101 - Thursday evenings at 7:45 with Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW.  An introduction to the Hebrew alphabet.  Students will develop the skills for reading prayer and the fundamentals of reading and writing modern Hebrew.  This course or equivalent background is required for those seeking conversion or Adult B'nai Mitzvah.  Temple members ($36) and non-members ($50) are welcome.  For registration and additional information, please contact Erin Thomas, erin@grs.org. 

 

Advanced Beginners Hebrew - Sunday mornings at 9:30 with Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW.  Temple members and non-members welcome!  Members $36, non-members $50.  Please register by contacting Erin Thomas, erin@grs.org, so materials can be ordered prior to the program beginning.

 

Comparative Judaism with Rabbi Robert Rothman, Sunday mornings at 10:30.  Have you ever been confused about the different approaches to Judaism? In this course, we explore, compare and contrast the ideology and practices of the Orthodox, Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist movements.

 

Around the Community

On Sunday, March 4, GRS' choir director, David Johnson, will present an organ concert at St Paul's Church, 200 Riverside Ave, Riverside Ct  at 4:30 PM.  The program will include works by Johann Gottfried Walther--- a relative of J. S. Bach, French composers Francois Couperin, Louis Vierne and Marcel Dupre, and of course J. S Bach himself

 

Come and enjoy the splendor of St Paul's wonderful Hradetzky pipe organ, the first tracker action instrument installed in Greenwich since the 19th century.  Designed and built by Austrian orgelmeister, Gerhard Hradetzky in 1979, the organ was inspired by  the organ-building traditions of Southern Germany, Austria and Italy. 

 

The concert will last approximately 1 hour, followed by a reception in the Church's parish hall.  It is free and open to the public.


JCC Greenwich is offering the following programs (For more information on any of the following, please visit
jccgreenwich.org):

Education Symposium
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, the Annual Education Symposium, presented by the Women's Philanthropy of UJA Federation of Greenwich and JCC Greenwich will be held at a private home in Greenwich.
Call (203) 552-1818 or go to jccgreenwich.org for more information and to register.        
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times
Monday, March 12, 11:15 am -1:00 pm
Discovery Times Square, 226 W 44th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues) Time travel back to ancient Israel in this exhibit featuring the famed Dead Sea Scrolls and a stone from the Western Wall of the Second Temple, among some 500 never-before-seen artifacts from biblical times. In our wanderings, we'll experience the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects on display that impact world religions today. Co-sponsors: Greenwich Reform Synagogue, Chabad of Greenwich, Congregation Shir Ami and Temple Sholom.
$25. Limited space; RSVP required, at jccgreenwich.org 
or by sending check to JCC Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830. (203) 552-1818.    

 

Jewish Family Services of Greenwich is offering the following programs, support groups and volunteer opportunities (For 

more information or to register for any of the following, please visit www.jfsgreenwich.org or call 203-622-1881):  

 
JFS Programs

Casino Night: March 3, 7:30pm RSVP Online 

Ethics and Values of Jewish Celebrations

Interfaith Conversations 

Book Beat: A Woman's Night Out  

MEET & MINGLE: The Network for Jewish Singes (55+) 

Rosh Hodesh: It's a Girl Thing

A Moviegoer's Series  

 

JFS Counseling and Support Groups:  

Broken Families, Broken Hearts:

Co-facilitated by Rabbi Andrew Sklarz, Greenwich Reform Synagogue, this group is designed to give participants an opportunity to talk about strained family relationships - whether it is with a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, a son or a daughter. Six Thursdays that began February 9, 11:00am - 12:00pm. At JFS, One Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich. $60 for the group (Sliding scale rates available)

Call Tatiana at 203-622-1881 or email her at  tnichiforova@jfsgreenwich.org

 

Caregiver Support Group  Divorce Support Group  

Children (Grades 4-6) of Divorce Support Group  

Children of Divorce (Grades 7-9) Support Group    

Bereavement Support Group

 

JFS Volunteer Opportunities
Bikkur Cholim/Friendly Visitors/Grocery Shopper    
Greenwich Reform Synagogue
257 Stanwich Road
Greenwich, CT  06830
203-629-0018
203-629-0613 - fax

www.grs.org

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