Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter

January 29, 2014 Shevat 28 , 5774

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Online Payments

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

Social Action

Family Shabbat Service

Social Action

Message from the Cantor

Holiday Happenings

Shabbat Service Locations

Warm Clothing Drive

Adult Ed

Tzedakah

Around the Community

Calendar

Wednesday, January 29
3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office
4:30 pm - B'nai Mitzvah Workshop @ GRS office

Thursday, January 30
3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office
7:00 pm - Rabbi's Torah Study Class

Friday, January 31
6:30 pm - Grades 4-5 Shabbat Service @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Sunday, February 2

9:00 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

9:45 am - Rabbi's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew class

10:30 am - Rabbi Rothman's Adult Ed Class

Tuesday, February 4

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Wednesday, February 5

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Thursday, February 6

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi's Torah Study Class

Friday, February 7

6:30 pm - Family Shabbat Service & Dinner @ Rabbi's house

Birthdays, B'nai Shir

Sunday, February 9

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

NO ADULT ED

Friday, February 14

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service @ GRS office

Sunday, February 16

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

NO ADULT ED

Monday, February 17

GRS OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, February 18

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Wednesday, February 19

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:30 pm - Executive Board Meeting

Thursday, February 20

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi's Torah Study Class

Friday, February 21

6:30 pm - Choir Shabbat Service @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Sunday, February 23

9:00 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

9:45 am - Rabbi's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew class

10:30 am - Rabbi Rothman's Adult Ed Class

Tuesday, February 25

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Wednesday, February 26

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:30 pm - Board Meeting

Thursday, February 27

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:00 Rabbi's Torah Study Class

Friday, February 28

6:30 pm - Grades 2-3 Shabbat Service @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Torah Portion
February 1, 2014

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.

Happy Birthday to...

Francine Koenig
Soraya Mariel
Robert Weisman
Jamie Leader

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.

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

peter@grs.org

Join Our List

Friday, January 31, 2014, 6:30 pm Grades 4 & 5 Shabbat Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church 200 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT
Please join us for a Shabbat Service led by the GRS 4th and 5th graders, followed by an Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the 4th & 5th grade families.

Message from the Rabbi

Rabbi USE THIS ONE!

Are The Beatles Really Coming To GRS?

Dear Friends,

While it may not be possible to bring John, Paul, Ringo and George to Greenwich, GRS has planned a British invasion to hit the bimah this Purim! Replete with your favorite Beatle's songs, A Beatle's Purim will tell the story of Esther in a fashion that would lead the British Royals to shake a grogger.

We have scripts, we have music, we will even have great costumes, but in order for the show to go on, WE NEED ACTORS! To allay concerns, there will be no need for memorization of lines, and plenty of parts for those who wish to be seen but not heard. All interested, please contact Laura.

L'Shalom and Cheerio,

Rabbi Andy

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW

Exploring the Torah
Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM
at the GRS Office

Whether you are brand new to Jewish text or have studied it from childhood, the Torah always has something powerful, compelling, and new to say to each one of us at every juncture of our lives.

Regardless of your background, journey with us into the "classic of classics," as we explore the teachings and traditions which have been passed down from Sinai to the present day.

As a rabbi and clinical social worker, Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, spiritual leader of GRS, brings a unique and engaging approach to text study.

No previous Jewish study experience required for this free program.

Please contact Laura to register.

Family Shabbat Service & Dinner Friday, February 7, 2014, 6:30 pm The home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz
Join us for a Family Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Sklarz and Cantor Lipton, along with B'nai Shir, our Junior Choir. The service will be followed by dinner, the main course will be provided by GRS. CLICK HERE if you would like to attend and bring an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. *February birthdays will be given a special birthday blessing.

Generation J - Exploring Judaism Together

We began our day last Sunday by talking about the Torah portion of the week, in which Moses asks the Israelites to all bring and do what they can to build the mishkan. The mishkan, we learned, was a movable temple where the Israelites worshiped while wandering in the Sinai Desert. Everyone did what they could to help build it because they all knew that building something beautiful would take everyone's best. Then, our students came up with some ideas of their own about how to build a better Generation J.

The image to the right is a representation of our group brainstorming. After our morning Torah, everyone went to their classrooms. Our younger grades studied Shabbat, Bonim (4th and 5th grades) prepared for their class service, and Olim (6th and 7th) grades learned about anti-Semitism in 20th century Europe.

Social Action - Inspirica (formerly St. Luke's)
Saturday, February 1, 2014

Volunteering is a great way for those teens who are looking for mitzvah projects or community service. Also, it's a great family-friendly activity for all ages.

The following is needed for 15-20 dinners:

2 main courses
rice
salad
vegetables
bread
dessert
beverages
fresh fruit

If you would like to donate food or if you would like to help in any way, please contact Joy Davis at jomarda@optonline.net.

Save the Date: March 21, 2014, 6:30 pm Choir Shabbat Service & Celebration in honor of David Johnson St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Riverside, CT
Please join us as we celebrate David Johnson for his 30 years of service as GRS' Choir Director. The service will be followed by a festive Oneg Shabbat and desserts sponsored by the GRS Choir members. More info to come...

Message from the Cantor

Sabrina in Color

Dear Friends:

I would like to add to our musical programs. In addition to our K-4th grade choir, B'nai Shir, I would like to start a 5th-9th grade choir if interest permits.

Please contact me if you would like more information.

Our GRS House Band is always looking for new members. If you are a teenager or adult looking to participate musically in our services, I would be happy to speak with you about it.

Looking forward to sharing more wonderful musical experiences with you.

B'Shalom,

Cantor Sabrina

Holiday Happenings

Holiday Happenings is a monthly drop-off program for 3 and 4 year-olds on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am.

Children are immersed in a high energy learning environment, rich with the spirit of Judaism and community. Together, they will learn about their Jewish selves through song, dance, art, stories, fun, and friends!

Upcoming Dates:

March 16- Purim

April 6 - Passover

May 4 - Israel Celebration

Participants need not be members of Greenwich Reform Synagogue to enroll:

Members-Free Non-members-$125

For more information or to enroll, please contact Eliana Hall at eliana@grs.org.

2014 Shabbat Service Locations All services begin at 6:30 pm unless otherwise noted
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.

Warm clothing drive
During the cold winter months, GRS is undertaking a warm coat drive for those in need. Please bring coats, sweaters and other warm clothing, as well as sheets, towels and blankets, in good condition to the GRS office which we will donate to Neighbor to Neighbor.

Adult Ed - Winter 2014

Those who would like to register for Advanced Beginner's Hebrew, or interested in Beginner's Hebrew with Rabbi Sklarz Sunday's at 9:45am , 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

Robert & Ruthanne Birnbaum
Brian & Robin Gallagher in honor of Paul and Stephanie Glaser
Shelly Kaplan in loving memory of Leonard Kaplan

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

Jewish Family Services of Greenwich offers support groups covering such things as divorce and bereavement; private counseling; activities for singles over 55; a women's book club; and much, much more. For descriptions of each support group, visit www.jfsgreenwich.org, or call 203-622-1881.

The JCC of Greenwich

has many exciting upcoming events for the months of January and February. To RSVP for any of these events, visit www.jccgreenwich.org or call 203-552-1818.

Babies and Bagels

Mah Jongg

Mommy and Me Pilates Class

With Owner and Certified Instructor Erica Christ

Iluminate: Artist of Light

JCC Cinema The A Word (Pilpelim Tzehubim)

Exclusive Tour Yale University Art Gallery With Assistant Curator Cathleen Chaffee

PJ Library StoryTime With Local Author Sarra Roth

All Joy and No Fun With Author Jennifer Senior

PJ Library C is for Challah!

Day out with Dad: Private Tour: Comic Book & Superhero Collection With Author/Artist Arlen Schumer