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Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter
May 15, 2013 Sivan 6 5773
GRS Cantor Sabrina Lipton and friends thrilled an enthusiastic standing-room-only audience at the home of Marc and Maggie Wein. The dynamic program ranged from Mozart's Don Giovanni to Gerwin's Porgy & Bess to Bock's Fiddler on the Roof, and was preceded by wine and hors d'oeuvres, and followed by home-baked desserts and coffee. Thanks go to Marc & Maggie Wein for hosting the event, Sandy Soule, Helen Stark, and Pamela Toper for co-chairing, Jerry & Nancy Rosenband for donating the wine, and the Bartholemew family for baking the amazing desserts.
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Online Payments
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 GRS is pleased to offer our membership the option of making secure payments (via Authorize.net) of their membership dues, fees and school tuition. To begin CLICK HERE.
Check back as we enhance this service in the coming weeks to include donations to more GRS funds.
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GRS Office Location
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GRS' OFFICES ARE NOW LOCATED AT
1037 E. PUTNAM AVE., RIVERSIDE, CT
PLEASE CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR DETAILS
ALL RELIGIOUS AND HEBREW SCHOOL CLASSES
AND
SUNDAY ADULT ED CLASSES
WILL REMAIN AT
THE STANWICH ROAD LOCATION
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Calendar
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Wednesday, May 15
SHAVUOT - GRS OFFICES CLOSED
NO HEBREW SCHOOL
4:30 pm - Confirmation Class rehearsal at RHCC
Friday, May 17
6:30 pm - Shavuot/ Confirmation Shabbat Service at RHCC
Sunday, May 19
9:30 am - Hebrew 102
LAST DAY OF RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
9:30 am - Holiday Happenings
9:30 am - Religious School
10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman
Monday, May 20
7:00 pm - Knit & Knosh
Tuesday, May 21
7:00 pm - Choir rehearsal
Friday, May 24
6:30 pm - Shabbat Service at GRS office
May anniversaries
Monday, May 27
MEMORIAL DAY
GRS OFFICES CLOSED
Tuesday, May 28
7:00 pm - Choir rehearsal
Wednesday, May 29
5:30 pm - Board Meeting with Measuring Success
Friday, May 31
6:30 pm - Choir Shabbat Service at RHCC
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Torah Portion
May 18, 2013
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Naso
(Numbers 4:21-7:89)
In this portion, the text discusses the responsibilities of other important sub-tribes in Israel. God also instructs Moses concerning the laws of the Nazirites, who assumed special obligations and vows. The highlight of the Torah portion is the Priestly Blessing - birkat hakohanim.
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Happy Birthday to...
| Hannah Buehler
Isa Goldberg
Nicole McPherson
Allen Rothman
Richard Kaplan
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Tree of Life
(Etz Chaim)
| 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.
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Caring Community News
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Committee members 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 Denise Cooper at denise@grs.org.
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GRS Staff
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Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
rabbisklarz@grs.org
Cantor Sabrina Lipton
sabrinalipton@grs.org
Stephanie Glaser
Executive Director
stephanieglaser@grs.org
Lisa Gittelman Udi
Director of Education
lisargudi@grs.org
Clarita Agulay
Bookkeeper
clarita@grs.org
Denise Cooper
Administrative Assistant
denise@grs.org
Laura Seltzer
Administrative Assistant
laura@grs.org
Allie Zur
Youth Advisor
orlie414@aol.com
Corinne Morrell
Relocation Assistant
relocation@grs.org
Peter Babivskiy
Caretaker
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Shavuot/Confirmation Shabbat Service
Friday, May 17, 2013, 6:30 PM
Round Hill Community Church
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Please join Rabbi Sklarz and Cantor Lipton for a Shavuot/Confirmation Shabbat Service. The service will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat, generously sponsored by the Ford, Aronson, Freeman and Kramer families in honor of their children, Joshua, Noah and Matthew as Confirmands.
It's well worth a few extra minutes in the car to experience GRS at Round Hill Community Church -- everyone has been delighted by the warm and welcoming atmosphere!
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A Message from Rabbi Sklarz
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 Support our GRS Confirmands for a Most Meaningful Shavuot Service
Dear Friends,
This Shabbat, the parents of the Confirmation class have planned for a sumptuous Oneg Shabbat to celebrate Shavuot. However, the real celebration is honoring their wonderful children, who will be conducting our service.
During the past year, I have had the privilege of studying with three outstanding young people. As our service will reflect, during the past year we have studied the section of the Mishna known as Pirke Avot - Ethics of the Fathers. Together we have discussed how the ancient text speaks to the Reform Jew of the 21st century and impacts the lives of these young adults. Our exploration has been deep, as we have branched into a host of important discussions, as each student has grappled with his sense of personal identity. Our experience recently included a tour of up-town Jewish New York in which we visited Central Synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, the Jewish Museum, and subsequently debriefed over a Chinese-food dinner.
I CANNOT ENCOURAGE YOU ENOUGH to witness the fruits of GRS and support our young people this Shabbat. Indeed, we need them for the future of GRS and Reform Jewish life, and THEY NEED US to show them how much their dedication to Jewish learning is valued.
Our Confirmands are indeed our blessings. I look forward to you and your families sharing this special Shabbat and the holiday of Shavuot with our GRS family - and of course, enjoying the wonderful Oneg Shabbat together!
This meaningful service will take place at the beautiful Round Hill Community Church, located at 395 Round Hill Road, Greenwich, CT.
L'Shalom,
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
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GRS Young Families Initiative
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 GRS is pleased to announce a new initiative beginning on July 1, aimed at young families, offering special pricing and more affordable membership and school tuition for families with young children.
Any new (non member) family with at least one adult under age 40 (excluding adult children), or at least one child in the third grade or under, are eligible to participate in this program.
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.
For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
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Knit & Knosh
Monday, May 20, 2013, 7-9 pm
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 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!
Everyone is welcome, even those who just want to nosh!
At the home of Renee Slade, 22 Reunion Road, Rye Brook.
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Friday, June 7, 2013, 6:30 pm
Family Shabbat Service and Dinner
At the home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz
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 As the first Shabbat of the month approaches, we would like to invite you to a Family Shabbat Service, followed by dinner.
The main course will be provided by the Congregational Life Task Force.
CLICK HERE if you would like to attend and bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert.
*June birthdays will be given a special birthday blessing and B'nai Shir will be singing.
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Thank you for your generosity...Circle of Giving- Margaret & Michael Schaftel
General Fund- JoAnn Messina in memory of Hermine Aborn
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, 1037 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside, CT 096878 or pay ONLINE. For details on the giving opportunities available, please call the GRS office.
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GRS Seeking Used Office Furniture
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If anyone has an old office desk they are looking to discard, please contact Stephanie at 203-629-0018 or email stephanie.glaser@grs.org. We are in need of two desks (not too large). We appreciate any donations! We will pick them up from your location.
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Tour de Shuls
Sunday, June 23, 2013
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The fourth annual Tour de Shuls CT will be held on Sunday, June23rd. More than simply a bike ride, Tour de Shuls is a community event to support the Camp Ramah Tikvah program and Camp Eisner and Crane Lake Chazak program. The Tikvah (Hope) and Chazak (Strength) programs serve Jewish children with developmental disabilities and other physical challenges. Participating in the Tour enables Tikvah and Chazak campers to experience the joys and
camaraderie of Jewish summer camp -- swimming, soccer, arts&crafts,
singing around the campfire, celebrating Shabbat--by providing schlarships to defray the costs of attending camp.
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Give A Ride, Need A Ride
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 Are you in need of a ride to services? Or, would you be willing to give someone a ride to services?
If your answer to one of these questions is 'YES', please contact Laura Seltzer at 203-629-0018 or laura@grs.org. |
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Around the Community
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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 Support Groups: ($20 per session: Sliding Scale fees apply).
CHILDREN OF DIVORCE GROUP (11 - 14 YEAR OLDS)
This 8-week support group is for young people in grades 6 - 8 whose lives have been impacted by divorce. These groups use age appropriate discussion, role-plays, games, and art to help teens cope with feelings of loss, anger, and sadness. Here at JFS, we encourage group members to discuss their feelings, normalize divorce as a common occurrence, and help children better understand the process of divorce. Regardless of whether the child has reacted strongly or mildly from the changes in the family, they can benefit from this experience.
Facilitated by Jan Mittleman, LCSW.
Wednesdays, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
A NEW GROUP IS STARTING IN JUNE
"Surviving and Succeeding as a Stepmother"
Being a stepmother is a unique role in family life.
The challenge goes beyond the normal stressors and issues that parents typically face. Adjustment takes a lot of time, and loving and caring for one another develops slowly. Whether you are the stepmother of a toddler, a teen, or an adult child, this group can help!
Please join our confidential, 8-week support group, where you can feel free to talk about your personal challenges in being a stepmother. We will try to give you the gifts of understanding, validation and appreciation that the stepmother rarely receives. Facilitated by Linda Schlapfer, LMFT
WHEN: Eight Wednesday Mornings - beginning June 12
TIME: 12:15pm - 1:15pm
WHERE: Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane
$160 for the group: sliding scale fees available
Call JFS at 203-622-1881 to register or for more information
ROSH HODESH: IT'S A GIRL THING! For 7th grade girls Mondays 7:00pm - 8:30pm Iyar: May 20th Sivan: June 17th New and Ongoing Support Groups and Counseling: - Divorce Support Group
- Bereavement Support Group
- Parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual or Questioning (LGBTQ) Children
- Restarting Your Life
- Empty Nesters
- Counseling
JCC Greenwich Presents: On the Chocolate Trail With Rabbi Deborah Prinz Sunday, June 9, 1 - 5:30 pm, $40 One Holly Hill Lane parking lot (luxury coach bus service) Follow the chocolate trail to Brooklyn, home of kosher/organic Cacao Prieto Distillery and Chocolate Factory. En route, savor the remarkable story of Jews and chocolate as told by Rabbi Prinz, author of On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao. At the factory, take a guided tour, sample chocolaty treats and stock up at the Cacao Prieto store. Space is limited; registration required. Register at jccgreenwich.org or 203-552-1818.
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