Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter

 

Celebration of GRS Choir Director,
David Johnson's, 30th Anniversary
Friday, March 21, 2014

  

March 26, 2014                    Adar 24 , 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
K-1 Shabbat Service
Rabbi's Message
Generation J
Passover Workshops
A Very Special Evening
Exploring the Torah
Thank you from David Johnson
Sounds of the Shabbat blessings
Social Action
Tikkun Olam Project
Holiday Happenings
Shabbat Service Locations
Adult Ed
Tzedakah
Around the Community

Calendar

calendar  

 

Wednesday, March 26

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

 

Thursday, March 27

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:30 pm - Board Meeting

 

Friday, March 28

6:30 pm - K-1 Shabbat Service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

 

Sunday, March 30

9:00 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

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

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

 

Tuesday, April 1

10:00 am - Passover Workshop

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm - Choir rehearsal 

 

Wednesday, April 2

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

 

Thursday, April 3

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm -  Rabbi Sklarz's Torah Study Class

7:00 pm - Passover Workshop

 

Friday, April 4

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service - Round Hill Community Church

 

Saturday, April 5

10:00 am - Bat Mitzvah: Nicole Bartholemew, Round Hill Community Church

 

Sunday, April 6

9:00 am - Breakfast

9:30 am - Holiday Happenings

9:30 am - Religious School

9:45 am - Rabbi Sklarz's Advanced Beginner's Hebrew Class

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

Passover Program

 

Tuesday, April 8

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

 

Wednesday, April 9

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

 

Thursday, April 10

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi Sklarz's Torah Study Class

 

Friday, April 11

6:30 pm - Just-before-Passover Family Shabbat Service at the home of Rabbi and Susan Sklarz

 

Sunday, April 13

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

NO ADULT ED

 

Tuesday, April 15

NO HEBREW SCHOOL

 

Wednesday, April 16

NO HEBREW SCHOOL

 

Thursday, April 17

NO HEBREW SCHOOL

 

Friday, April 18

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service at GRS Office

 

Sunday, April 20

NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

NO ADULT ED

 

Tuesday, April 22

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:00 pm - Choir rehearsal

 

Wednesday, April 23

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

7:30 pm - Exec Bd. Mtg.

 

Thursday, April 24

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi Sklarz's Torah Study Class

 

Friday, April 25

6:30 pm - Yom Hashoah Choir Service, St. Paul's Church

 

Sunday, April 27

9:00 am - breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

9:45 am - Rabbi Sklarz's Advanced Hebrew Class

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

5:00 pm - Community Yom Hashoah Service at Temple Sholom

 

Tuesday, April 29

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

 

Wednesday, April 30

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:30 pm - Board Mtg. 

 

Torah Portion
March 29, 2014

Tazria

 (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)

 

In this portion, the Torah struggles with the laws concerning the skin affliction called tzara'at.  Tazria spends the bulk of the portion defining tzara'at and respponsibilities surrounding the disease.   


bday
Happy Birthday to...
Elizabeth Friedberg
Olivia Friedberg
Sophia Salzer
Deborah Baumgarten
Jodi Rubins
Linda Wiltsek
Brittany Glaser
Karen Kahn

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

Custodian


Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List

URJ NEW LOGO

Grades K-1 Shabbat Service
Friday, March 28, 2014, 6:30 pm
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
200 Riverside Ave., Riverside, CT  

shabbat wimsy
Please join us for a Shabbat Service led by Nitzanim, Kindergarten and 1st grade, followed by an Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the K-1 families.
Message from the Rabbi


Social Action is Flourishing at GRS: All We Need is You!

 

The highest form of wisdom is kindness - Talmud, B'rachot

 

Dear Friends,

 

I am so proud of how our GRS social action initiatives, including our recent partnership with the Inspirica Shelter, has been developing. How meaningful it was to have had our joyous celebration of Purim punctuated by the collection of scores of boxes of Mac N' Cheese for Neighbor to Neighbor, the gathering of baby products and personal hygiene supplies for those presently living at  Inspirica, and our visit, in partnership with Jewish Family Services, to the residents of The Greens.

 

It is wonderful that so many from our congregational family continually donate food and/or serve at the monthly dinners that GRS provides to Inspirica. We would love for you to participate in these ways, and invite you to contact either Joy Davis at (914) 234-0314, or Shelly Kaplan at (203) 661-5422.

 

As our relationship with Inspirica has deepened, we have seen our members 

offer their skills to those who are presently residing at at the shelter. We would welcome  

 

you to consider volunteering by tutoring, sharing professional/vocational skills or career counseling/employment strategies, offering a special interest workshop or serving as a babysitter/chaperone.

 

Last week, on behalf of GRS, Educational Director, Eliana Hall, and I were delighted to present a basket full of supplies to Kelly Leather, Director of Events, Communication and Volunteers, at Inspirica. As we turn towards our celebration of Passover, a new basket will be at each service through April 11. Once a again, we ask you to kindly help those in need by bringing baby products, including non-perishable food items. Please feel free to either bring these items to Shabbat services or to the GRS office.

 

On a final note, I cannot encourage you enough to become a part of our GRS Social Action Committee.  While together we discuss how to best serve those in our midst who lack our many blessings, as a caring family, our discussions underscore our desire to fulfill the prophetic call for social justice. For further information about Social Action at GRS, please contact Joy Davis, Chair, at (914) 234-0314. There is nothing more heartwarming than knowing you are fulfilling essential mitzvot that can change the lives of others.

 

L'Shalom,

 

Rabbi Andy

 

Rabbi Andrew Sklarz, MSW, MA, RJE 

Generation J - Exploring Judaism Together

After spending so much time preparing for and putting on our Purim Carnival, our teachers and students were excited to get back into the classroom again. Our older grades are continuing their study of the social and political forces that shaped the lives of Jews in the 20th century, while our younger grades are just beginning to learn about Passover. In the weeks leading up to Passover, Gen J students and teachers will be focusing on the mitzvah of feeding the hungry. As we remember a time long ago when our people were not free, it is important to help others who do not have what they need today. Students can bring non-perishable foods to Sunday classes or Hebrew tutoring for collection.  

Save the Dates:  April 1 or April 3
Sharing Seder Secrets for Success

Things your mother never told you about pulling off a Seder, but friends will.  

 

Did you ever wonder:

  • When to make the brisket?
  • Who asks the four questions?
  • What is Miriam's cup?
  • When do we open the door for Elijah?
  • Gefilte fish jar or log?
  • How many glasses of wine do we drink?
  • What's for dessert?
  • How do I pack lunch for my kids? 

Join us either on Tuesday, April 1 at 10 am or 

             Thursday, April 3 at 7 pm

 

For details and to RSVP please email Robin Leader at rlspringdale@gmail.com.
Friday, April 11, 6:30 pm
A VERY SPECIAL EVENING
at the home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz

Participate with our GRS family in our very first JUST BEFORE PASSOVER

FAMILY SERVICE & DINNER

This interactive, delicious and musical Shabbat will be a night of sheer enjoyment for the young at heart of every age. Our main course and special Pesach accoutrements will be provided by GRS.  Please CLICK HERE to make your reservation (RSVP is a must) and let us know if you will be bringing a favorite Passover appetizer, side dish, or dessert.

 

Those born in the month of April will receive a special blessing.  

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

Please note that there will be no class on March 27. Class will resume on April 3.

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. Weekly walk-ins are always welcome!

 

Please contact Laura to register.

Thank you from David Johnson  

To all my good friends at GRS,

Friday night was amazing.  I knew it was going to be an evening to honor me, but I never expected an event like that.  It was wonderful and I thank all the congregation, and especially the wonderful choir, for giving me such an honor.

I have learned so much about Judaism.  I knew nothing 30 years ago.  But more than that I've made good, long lasting friendships and found a group of people for support when I've needed it.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul.

Shalom aleichem,
David Johnson
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.   

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

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.
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.
 
Items below can be utilized in each of the ongoing donation programs:
  • New twin bed sheet sets, twin blankets, bath towels, washcloths
  • Personal hygiene items for men, women and children-Full size shampoos, soaps, conditioners, razors and deodorant
  • Frangrance free liquid laundy detergent
  • Disposable diapers - all sizes (newborn to training pants)
  • Baby wipes
  • Non-Perishable food

Additionally, we are looking for volunteers to donate and serve food the first Saturday of each month to Inspirica's Women's Shelter. To find out what is needed, you can contact the GRS Office or sign up at Shabbat Services. Forms will be on the Oneg Shabbat table or on each chair.   

Tikkun Olam Project

In preparation for becoming a Bat Mitzvah, Nicole Bartholomew is partnering with the organization known as Play It Forward, collecting gently used sports equipment for students who otherwise could not afford to play. There will be a collection box at the GRS office from now until April 4th. Nicole is collecting equipment for all sports, including but not limited to:

  • soccer 
  • hockey (except helmets)
  • lacrosse (except helmets)
  • tennis 
  • golf
  • roller blading 
  • tennis

For more information, feel free to email Nicole.

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:

April 6 - Passover

May 4 - Israel Celebration

 

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

 

Members-Free     Non-members-$50

 

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.
Adult Ed - Winter 2014

Those who would like to register for Advanced Beginner's Hebrew, (or interested in Beginner's Hebrew) with Rabbi Sklarz Sundays 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 GRS 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

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

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 about JFS, please visit the Support Group page on the new JFS website www.jfsgreenwich.org, or call 203-622-1881.   
 
The UJA of Greenwich will be holding its Community Yom Hashoah Commemoration on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 5 PM at Temple Sholom. Holocaust survivor, Ed Lessing, will be present as the keynote speaker.  
   
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.    
 

UPCOMING EVENT

Annual Education Symposium

Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 9:15 - noon

Advance registration preferred. Call 203 552 1818 for further details or click here

 

Other events:
Babies and Bagels