Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter

February 5, 2014 Adar 5 , 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

Family Shabbat Service

Message from the Rabbi

Message from the President

Exploring the Torah

Actors Wanted!

Sounds of the Shabbat blessings

Generation J

Save the Date

Message from the Cantor

Holiday Happenings

Shabbat Service Locations

Warm Clothing Drive

Adult Ed

Our Temple Family

Around the Community

Calendar

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

Thursday, February 13

NO TORAH STUDY CLASS

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 8, 2014

Tetzaveh

(Exodus 27:20-30:10)

God delivers instructions on the making of the priestly vestments. The text goes on to describe the ordination ceremony of the first sacrificial service.

Happy Birthday to...

Michael Nirschel
Jack Baker
Phyllis McDonald
Renee Slade
Harold Newman
Elyse Brown
Jacob Stone
Zack 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

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.

Message from the Rabbi

Be Part of GRS' New and Important Social Action Committee Initiative!

Dear Friends,

The prophetic call for social justice lies at the very heart of Reform Judaism. The caring members of our GRS Social Action Committee continually take on projects in order to help those in need, both within our larger community and around the globe. For years GRS has been collecting and cooking food which the members of the Social Action Committee, and more recently, the students of Gen J, have been serving each month at Inspirica. However, our relationship has recently expanded...

I am proud to say that GRS is now "in partnership with Inspirica." Far beyond what is often termed as a "shelter," Inspirica provides a host of services for those who are, as the motto expresses, journeying from "homelessness to home." Inspirica's beautiful, modern facility is located on nearby Franklin Street in Stamford, close to the Greenwich border. We are seeking volunteers, adults and mature teens, who can lend their skills in the following areas, including:

tutoring
babysitting
offering children's recreational activities
helping prepare those who endeavor to enter the job market
in other various realms, including resume writing and interview skills.

Additionally, we warmly welcome those willing to share their unique ideas and talents in ways not aforementioned, to support those adults and children currently living at Inspirica.

Our GRS Social Action Committee invites you to be a part of this important mitzvah. Please let us know your interest by contacting Laura in the GRS office.

Let us share our hearts and God given gifts to make this a better world!

L'Shalom

Rabbi Andy

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW

Message from the President

Dear Fellow Congregant,

I'm very pleased to report that our application to build a new synagogue at 92 Orchard Street was unanimously approved last evening by the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Agency, an important step in the approval process.

Many congregants were in attendance. I think we were all proud of the professionalism and thoroughness demonstrated by our legal, engineering, and environmental representatives, as they convincingly showed that our project not only does not harm the neighborhood and the environment, it represents a net benefit, actually lowering the risk of flooding downstream by reducing the amount of water that currently flows from the property. Rabbi Sklarz spoke as well, effectively discussing the values of Judaism and Tikkun Olam, including our commitment to be good neighbors and care for the environment.

We owe our thanks to the New Building Committee, and especially co-chairs Sandy Soule and Andrew Loebelson, who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point.

The next step will be to go before Planning and Zoning, most likely in early March. The confirmed date will be announced shortly, and I hope that you can attend. The presence of so many congregants last night was an important reminder to the decision-makers that a few opponents who claim to speak for the community do not represent the entire community.

I will paraphrase here, since I do not have the transcript, but Agency members spoke before taking their vote. Comments included phrases like, "I believe this project will be a huge success for the Town, the neighborhood, and of course the synagogue", and "The synagogue's responsiveness to the concerns raised by the neighbors and the Agency speaks well to the values of the synagogue as described by the Rabbi."

For additional information, click here.

Best regards,

Robert Birnbaum

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.

Actors Wanted for the Purim Schpiel! Friday, March 14, 2014 at 6:30 PM First Congregational Church 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
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.

*Enjoy the Sounds of the Shabbat* blessings and melodies on www.grs.org**
Have you ever wanted to learn the Shabbat blessings and melodies, so that you can join us in the celebration of Shabbat? It's as easy as clicking here to listen to Cantor Sabrina, accompanied by GRS pianist and choir director David Johnson, as recorded by congregant and videographer, Michael Chait.

Generation J - Exploring Judaism Together

Last Sunday morning, we started our day with a discussion of Parshat T'tzaveh, this week's Torah portion. T'zaveh tells us a lt about the priests who served in the Mishkan,

the portable sanctuary which the ancient Israelites carried with them through the Sinai desert. It even tells us about their clothes, which got us thinking: Why are clothing choices so important? What does make a good leader? We challenged each other to try to embody those attributes that make a good leader, including honesty, compassion, love of Judaism, and bravery, as we learned in our classrooms. Our youngest students learned about the holiness of Shabbat, our Chaverim class practiced for their upcoming class service. The older students studied Jewish history, but we were all really working on the same task. We became better Jewish leaders through our smaller, everyday actions, and it showed in each classroom!

March 21, 2014, 6:30 pm
Choir Shabbat Service & Celebration in honor of David Johnson
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Riverside, CT

Greenwich Reform Synagogue and the GRS Choir invite you...

To join the congregation for a Shabbat celebration to honor David Johnson, our wonderful choir director and pianist, who has served GRS for 30 years!

Friday, March 21, 2014 at 6:30 PM

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

200 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT

Services will be followed by a celebratory

Oneg Shabbat, with generous hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Please consider a contribution to GRS in honor of David Johnson as we will be presenting a gift to him.

Please click here to RSVP to ensure

that we have refreshments for all.

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.

Our Temple Family
Greenwich Reform Synagogue would like to give a hearty Mazal Tov to Richard & Anne Adler on the birth of their first grandchild, Jack Cole Adler, born on January 28th at 1:30 AM at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and 21 inches.

Around the Community

Exciting News: Jewish Family Services of Greenwich is bringing its support group counseling program straight into your home via the Online Support Group Project (OSGP). Whether in person or online, support groups help participants gain sustenance and strength, feel less lonely and isolated, reduce distress, and improve coping skills.

Four different online support groups are being offered: bereavement, caregivers, new mothers, and for those who are chronically ill. JFS will provide confidential and secure video-conferencing services through its exclusive partnership with Vidyo, Inc.. As always, JFS support groups are facilitated by licensed, experienced social workers and confidentiality is strictly maintained. After an initial private assessment, participants will be given explicit instructions on how to enter the online support group. All one needs is access to the internet.

For more information, please visit the Support Group page on the new JFS website 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