Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter 
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October 23, 2013                             Cheshvan 19, 5774
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Online Payments

authorize.net 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.

GRS Office Location

GRS' OFFICES ARE NOW LOCATED AT

1037 E. PUTNAM AVE.,  RIVERSIDE, CT

 

PLEASE CHECK OUR  CALENDAR FOR DETAILS

 

SUNDAY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AND ADULT ED CLASSES

WILL REMAIN AT

THE STANWICH ROAD LOCATION

 

HEBREW WILL BE TAUGHT AT OUR OFFICE LOCATION TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOONS 

 
In This Issue
Facebook
Online Payments
Office Location
Calendar
Torah Portion of the Week
Happy Birthday
Tree of Life
Caring Community
GRS Staff
Join Our List
Shabbat Service
Message from the Rabbi
Generation J Religious School Registration
Holiday Happenings
Shabbat Service Locations
Knit & Knosh
Annual GRS Sisterhood Membership Dinner
Chanukah Service & Dinner
Adult Ed
Tzedakah
Around the Community
Calendar
calendar

Wednesday, October 23 3:30 pm - Hebrew School 
@GRS office
7:30 pm - Board Mtg.

Thursday, October 24 3:30 pm - Hebrew School
@GRS office

Friday, October 25
6:30 pm - Shabbat Service
GRS Office

Sunday, October 27 
9:00 am - Breakfast
9:30 am - Religious School
9:45 am - Advanced Beginner Hebrew
10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman
 
Monday, October 28 
7:00 pm - Knit and Knosh @ home of Ann Greenberg

Tuesday, October 29 
3:30 pm - Hebrew School@GRS office
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal @ GRS office
 
Wednesday, October 30 
3:30 pm - Hebrew School@GRS office
 
Thursday, October 31 
3:30 pm - Hebrew School@GRS office


Friday, November 1
6:30 pm - Family Shabbat Service & Dinner - home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz
November birthdays
B'nai Shir

Sunday, November 3
9:00 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School
9:45 am - Advanced Beginner Hebrew
10:30 am - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rothman

Tuesday, November 5
3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Wednesday, November 6 
3:30 pm - Hebrew School@GRS office6:30 pm - Sisterhood dinner @ home of Marie Kimmel

Thursday, November 7
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office

Friday, November 8
6:30 pm - Grades 6-7 Shabbat Service @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Sunday, November 10
NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
NO ADULT ED

Monday, November 11
GRS OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERAN'S DAY

Tuesday, November 12
3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office
7:30 pm - Executive Board Meeting

Wednesday, November 13
3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Thursday, November 14
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office

Friday, November 15
6:30 pm - Choir/Board Installation Shabbat Service @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church
GRS House Band
November anniversaries

Sunday, November 17 
9:00 am - Breakfast9:30 am - Religious School9:45 am - Rabbi's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew Class10:30 am - Rabbi Rothman Adult Ed ClassGlobal Day of Learning

Tuesday, November 19
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office

Wednesday, November 20
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office
7:30 pm - Board Meeting

Thursday, November 21
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office

Friday, November 22
6:30 pm - Chanukah Service & Dinner @ St. Catherine of Siena Church

Sunday, November 24
9:00 am - Breakfast
9:30 am - Religious School
9:45 am - Rabbi's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew Class
10:30 am - Rabbi Rothman Adult Ed Class

Tuesday, November 26
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office

Wednesday, November 27
3:30 pm - Hebrew school @ GRS office
1st Night of  Chanukah

Thursday, November 28
GRS OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING

Friday, November 29
GRS OFFICES CLOSED
6:30 pm - Shabbat Service in GRS office   

Torah Portion
October 26, 2013

 Chaye Sarah

 (Genesis 23:1-25:18)

We learn that domestic issues dominate the rest of Abraham's life. Sarah's death introduces the portion. Abraham responds by purchasing the cave of Machpelah (in Hebron) as a burial place. After his mourning ends, he sends his servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for Isaac in order to ensure his legacy. Eliezer encounters Rebekah, whom Isaac marries. With all accomplished, Abraham dies peacefully.  


bday
Happy Birthday to...

Claire Blumenthal 

Josef Seigart

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
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 Laura Seltzer at laura@grs.org. 
GRS Staff

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE

  rabbisklarz@grs.org 

 

Cantor Sabrina Lipton

sabrinalipton@grs.org  

 

Stephanie Glaser

Executive Director

stephanieglaser@grs.org

 

Eliana Hall 

Director of Education

eliana@grs.org

 

Clarita Agulay

Bookkeeper

clarita@grs.org

   

Laura Seltzer

Administrative Assistant

laura@grs.org    

 

Peter Babivskiy

Caretaker


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URJ NEW LOGO

Shabbat Service

Friday, October 25, 2013, 6:30 pm

The Sanctuary at the GRS Office

1037 E. Putnam Avenue, Riverside, CT

 


Please join Rabbi Sklarz and Cantor Lipton for a Shabbat Service and TYGRS (GRS Youth Group) Installation, followed by an Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the families of the TYGRS Officers. 

Message from the Rabbi  

Rabbi USE THIS ONE!

L'dor Vador  

From Generation to Generation

 

Dear Friends,

 

This past weekend, Susan, Alex and I were in Washington, DC to join Dani for Freshman Parent's Weekend at American University. From the time she was born, we have been taking Dani to Shabbat services. Last Shabbat however, brought about a reversal in roles, as it was Dani who brought us to her service.

 

Following a large welcome from the staff of Hillel, the group divided for students and their families to attend either the Reform or Conservative service. Subsequently, we joined together for a spirited Shabbat dinner, replete with prayer and song.

 

Shabbat services were student led, and ours followed the model established by NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth of the Reform Movement). How wonderful it was to see students, parents, and siblings so engaged, as we participated together in worship.

 

As one who has worked in various settings with Jewish youth, and as a parent, this was a very heartwarming moment. Most of all, it was reassuring to see young adults, who are so invested in Jewish life.

 

This Shabbat, GRS will have the privilege of celebrating the youth group installation of our invested teens. We invite you to share in this special occasion for the youth of GRS as we honor their commitment. Indeed it is so meaningful to witness the love of being Jewish pass l'dor vador, from generation to generation.

 

L'Shalom,

 

Rabbi Andy
 
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW

 

Generation J - Exploring Judaism Together
Registration is Still Open
Stanwich School Campus, 257 Stanwich Rd.

After a relaxing holiday weekend with no classes, Generation J came together last weekend to start an exciting new unit on Shomer Adamah, guarding the earth. Our students learned about the mitvot from Torah that charge us with caring for our Earth and its wildlife. They also learned about some of the animals they might find outdoors in Israel. Enrollment is still open, so join us! For your convenience, you may download the registration forms right here.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Eliana Hall, Director of Education, at eliana@grs.org.

Holiday Happenings

2013 Holiday Happenings

  

2013 Shabbat Service Locations

We want to thank you for your patience during this time of transition.  To make things more convenient, CLICK HERE for the location of our upcoming services.

However, as our calendar is always subject to last minute changes, it's always best to check the website or the newsletter.
Knit & Knosh
Monday, October 28, 2013, 7-9 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!

Everyone is welcome, even those who just want to nosh!

At the home of Ann Greenberg, 15 Sachem Road.

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE
Annual GRS Sisterhood Membership Dinner
Wednesday, November 6, 2013, 6:30pm at the home of Marie Kimmel 


sisterhood dinner
All members of the GRS Sisterhood* are invited to attend a fun, free, delightful dinner at the home of Marie Kimmel, at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 6th. You'll enjoy good food and wine, plus great conversations with new friends and old.
  

This GRS Sisterhood-sponsored event is free, but please bring a donation of non-perishable food that we'll share with the less fortunate through our local food pantry, Neighbor to Neighbor.

 

Please click here to RSVP or email Laura so we'll know how much food and wine we'll need.

 

*Not sure if you're already a GRS Sisterhood member or not?   You can check with the temple office to be sure. You probably are, but if not, the annual dues are only $36.

 

CHANUKAH SERVICE & DINNER
Friday, November 22, 2013, 6:30pm 
St. Catherine of Siena Church, Riverside, CT


Join us for Latkes, Dreidels, Menorah Lighting & lots of fun!

Celebrate Chanukah with
Greenwich Reform Synagogue
Friday, November 22, 6:30pm
at St. Catherine of Siena Church,
located at 4 Riverside Avenue in Riverside, CT

$18 for adults; $5 for kids
Includes catered dinner, music and Israeli dancing!

Please bring an unwrapped holiday gift for a child in need.

All are welcome!

Please CLICK HERE to RSVP.

Adult Ed - Fall 2013

Rabbi Sklarz's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew class will begin on Sunday, October 27, at 9:45.  Those who would like to register for Advanced Beginner's Hebrew, or interested in Beginner's Hebrew with Rabbi Sklarz, please contact Laura at the GRS office.

Rabbi Robert Rothman, our Scholar in Residence, be leading a seminar on the Study of Jewish Contributions to Daughter Religions: Christianity and Islam.  In addition, throughout the year, we will also discuss current issues impacting on Judaism, the holidays, and other subjects of interest to the group.  
 
Rabbi Rothman, D.H.L., D.D., Ph.D., is the Rabbi Emeritus of Rye Community Synagogue.  He is widely published and has been our Scholar in Residence for many years.  He is a retired Navy Chaplain with the rank of commander.  The Sunday Study Group meets during the second hour of Religious School throughout the year (10:30).  While we generally have a topic for the year, each class is designed to be a stand-alone session, so come to as many as you are able.   All are welcome.
Tzedakah

Thank you for your generosity...
  

Annual Circle of Giving

  • Steve Siskind
  • Aaron Ford 
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  06878 or pay ONLINE.  For details on the giving opportunities available, please call the GRS office.
Around the Community

The Support Group Center of Jewish Family Service of Greenwich is offering the following support groups this summer. For more information or to register for any of the following, please visit www.jfsgreenwich.org or call Lisa Smith, LCSW, Executive Director, at 203-622-1881.

 

All groups take place at JFS, One Holly Hill Lane

Please contact Lisa Smith, LCSW, Executive Director,  at llsmith@jfsgreenwich.org or call  203-622-1881 for more information and to register.

  

Bullying, Name-Calling and Cyberbullying: What Parents Need to Know
Did you know that ADL in Connecticut has been providing anti-bullying training for over the past 20 years and is considered an invaluable resource regarding this issue?
Wednesday, October 23 Program Opportunity, facilitated by Marji Lipshez-Shapiro, ADL Director of Education with members of the Greenwich High School "Names Can Really Hurt Us" team. Want to learn more about what is cyberbullying and how to address it with your child? See what ADL's Michelle Pincince, A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Project Director for Connecticut, has to say in these two short YouTube videos.

Marji Lipshez-Shapiro, ADL Director of Education was recently quoted in:

For more information, please contact Lisa Ratcliff, Director of Development at 203-288-6500 x-304 or Janet Magid, Associate Director of Developement 203-288-6500 x-313.

 

 

Shining a Light on Human Trafficking in Connecticut 

LWVCT Education Fund Fall Conference 2013

Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 9:00am-12:30pm at the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (4 Science Park, New Haven, CT 06511).

 

Connecticut is not exempt from the modern scourge of human trafficking, which generates an estimated $32 billion per year worldwide.

How do people fall victim to trafficking?  How is our government working to identify and respond to trafficking?  Are our laws adequate to combat this modern form of slavery?  What can we do in our communities-meet a wonderful group of high school students who have taken direct action!  

 

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut's Education Fund 's annual Fall Conference will explore this important crime that is largely hidden from society.  

 

Click here for more information, to register or RSVP.

 

  •  CHAPTER 2: FOR EMPTY NESTERS 
  • BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
  • JFS Rosh Hodesh It's a Girl Thing 7thGrade rogram 
  • REVERSAL OF FORTUNE
  • MAMMA MIA!
  • FOR SPECIAL BUBBIES AND ZAYDIES

 

Call  Lisa Smith, Executive Director, JFS at 203-622-1181 or email llsmith@jfsgreenwich.org for details and to register!