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.

Calendar

 

Wednesday, February 19

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

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

7:00 pm - Choir rehearsal

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 

Sunday, March 2

6:30 pm - Family Shabbat Service & Dinner @ Rabbi's house, birthdays, B'nai Shir 

Sunday, March 9

Torah Portion
February 22, 2014

Vayakhel

 (Exodus 35:1-38:20)

In this portion the people assemble to hear for a second time the commandments about Shabbat.  Then, Mishkan is built with Betzalel and Oholiav as the chief artisans. 

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

As America Looked to Sochi, I Returned to "Mother Russia" 

Dear Friends,

During silent prayer, my mind traveled back to years earlier, when as college students, Susan and I had our first experience at a congregation in Washington, DC. We had traveled with bus loads of students to march on Capitol Hill in support of the Refuseniks, the scores of Jews who had been denied visas by the former Soviet government to immigrate to Israel or the United States. It would be years before the gates opened and the waves of Jews who sought to leave "Mother Russia," as it was referred to, were able to experience the freedom they sought. 

Over the next decade, when I served my congregation in Philadelphia, I had the gift of working with many recent immigrants, both adults and children who had looked for a new life in America. My greatest respect was extended to these individuals. In their native land they had been denied the right to lead a Jewish life, under penalty of law. However, upon coming  to America, so many sought to find their Jewish identity and instill the tradition so long denied to them in their children.

And so during this time of silent prayer on this Shabbat of President's Day, as I visited the past, I could not help but consider how blessed we are to live in a nation which has truly provided us the opportunity to live as Jews, as fully and deeply as we wish.

L'Shalom

Rabbi Andy

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

Join the GRS Social Action committee on Saturday, March 1, at 5:30 pm at Inspirica. 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 approximately 20 dinners:

• 2 main courses
• rice
• salad
• vegetables
• bread
• dessert
• beverages
• fresh fruit

To find out what food is still needed or if you would like to help in any way, please contact Joy Davis.

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...

GRS is now "in partnership with Inspirica." 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.

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.