Rabbi Andy

Rabbi Andy

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE 

A key element of the GRS strategic plan is moving forward.  You will recall discussions of elements of the GRS Congregational Survey conducted by Measuring Success (http://www.measuring-success.com/), to take place in April, and of course the new building. (Progress on the new building continues since the favorable Planning and Zoning decision, and we will shortly announce the selection of an architect and other significant steps.)

A third element is the Religious School Reboot, which was announced to parents of religious school students several weeks ago. The objective is improvement. We aim for a school that because of its dynamism and quality meets and exceeds the needs and expectations of students and parents, and helps our children develop a positive and well-informed Jewish identity.

Key to the project is tapping outside expertise, to review our current program, inform us of best practices and cutting edge concepts, and develop specific action plans. Rabbi Sklarz conducted an extensive search for the best possible consultant. All sources led to the same names, which gave confidence that we were zeroing in on the right people. Members of the Education Committee made the final selection.

Our consultant is Wendy Grinberg, founder and director of the Jewish Education Lab ( www.jewishedlab.com) . Wendy, who holds advanced degrees in Jewish Education and related fields, has been working with congregations and schools for over 15 years. Everyone was impressed with her broad knowledge and perspective, and her keen insight into the issues facing religious schools and Jewish families today. I'm very confident that we all will see an exciting and effective program in place for this September.

As GRS improves our school, we want new families-particularly those with young children-to experience the school. The Board recently approved a Young Families initiative, which offers special pricing to make membership and school tuition more affordable and attractive for families with young children to join. So, if you know of anyone who has been thinking about starting their children in religious school, this is a great time for them to get in touch. The program begins on July 1.

The core team working with Wendy is Rabbi Sklarz, Stephanie Glaser, and three members of the Education Committee-Glenn Wolff (chair), Cheryl Probst, and Judy Rayner. All three are also members of the Board, and Cheryl serves on the Executive Board as well. I hope you will recognize that the Religious School Reboot is a major commitment on the part of GRS, and on the part of the team members as individuals, consistent with their view of the importance of education.

I'd encourage you to contact any of the team for more information, or if you have some specific input to offer. As always, feel free to contact me at rbirnbaum@grs.org

with any questions or comments.  

PARENTS OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSSEXUAL OR QUESTIONING (LGBTQ) CHILDREN: This group is for parents who are dealing with any stage of their family member's coming out process. Together, in a safe and confidential environment, we will explore the tumultuous process of accepting, understanding, and celebrating your children and their LGBTQ identities. 

Eight Wednesdays, beginning March 5^th, 12:30pm - 1:45pm

JFS, One Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, Facilitated by Lisa-Loraine Smith, LCSW, Executive Director of JFS

IT 'S SEDER TIME!

Join Interfaith Conversations

for The Seder Survival Guide 

Are you raising children in an interfaith family and wondering...

• How can I make a Passover Seder when I didn't grow up with one?
• How can I teach my kids about Passover when I didn't celebrate it?
• You can do it and here's how!

The Seder Survival Guideis an engaging 90 minute interactive program that prepares mothers of other backgrounds and family members who may be interested to celebrate Passover in their homes and to engage children at the seder (the ritual meal).  Participants will explore the meaning behind each item on the seder plate, examine the Haggadah (the written guide to the meal), have the opportunity to ask their own "Four Questions," and learn the virtues of Passover food and matzah ball soup!

When:  March 11^th 7:00pm- 8:30pm

Where: Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT

When: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

THIS PROGRAM IS FREE OF CHARGE!

Please RSVP to Lisa Smith, at llsmith@jfsgreenwich.orgor call 203-622-1881