Greenwich Reform Synagogue Newsletter

April 23, 2014 Nisan 23, 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

Rabbi's Message

Generation J

Jewish Yoga

Yom Ha'atzmaut Family Shabbat Service

Exploring the Torah

Sounds of the Shabbat Blessings

Social Action

Holiday Happenings

Tzedakah

Shabbat Service Locations

Adult Ed

Around the Community

Calendar

Wednesday, April 23

3:30 pm - Hebrew School @ GRS office

Thursday, April 24

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

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

10:00 am - Torah Yoga

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

4:00 pm - JCC Yom Hashoah Film

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.

Thursday, May 1

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

Friday, May 2

6:30 pm - Yom Haatzmaut Family Shabbat Service & Dinner @ home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz

B'nai Shir

May birthdays

Sunday, May 4

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

Israel Independence Day

Tuesday, May 6

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

Wednesday, May 7

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

Thursday, May 8

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi Torah Study Class

Friday, May 9

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service in GRS office

Sunday, May 11

9:00 am - breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

9:45 am - Rabbi Sklarz's Advanced Hebrew Class (last class)

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

Confirmation Class Trip to NYC

Tuesday, May 13

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

Wednesday, May 14

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

Thursday, May 15

3:30 pm - Hebrew School at GRS office

7:00 pm - Rabbi Torah Study Class

Friday, May 16

6:30 pm - Social Action Shabbat Service @ Round Hill Community Church

House Band

Saturday, May 17

3:00 pm - Spencer Pierce Bar Mitzvah

Round Hill Community Church

Sunday, May 18

9:00 am - breakfast

9:30 am - Religious School

10:30 am - Adult Ed Seminar led by Marvin Berenblum

Tzedakah Fair

Wednesday, May 21

7:30 pm - Exec. Bd. Mtg.

Thursday, May 22

7:00 pm - Rabbi Torah Study Class

Friday, May 23

6:30 pm - Shabbat Service in GRS office

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day, GRS office closed

Wednesday, May 28

7:30 pm - Board Mtg.

Thursday, May 29

7:00 pm - Rabbi Torah Study Class

Friday, May 30

6:30 pm - Shavuot/ Confirmation Service at First Congregational Church, Old Greenwich

Saturday, May 31

10:00 am - Bar Mitzvah Rafer Friedman

Torah Portion
April 26, 2014

Kedoshim

(Leviticus 19:1-20:27)

In this portion God continues the message of the "Holiness code" culminating with the commonly quoted, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The portion makes the point that we are holy through our ritual actions, as well as our human interactions.

Happy Birthday to...

Patricia Aser
Colby Goldstein
Joshua Kahn
Albert Kestnbaum
Mark Schwarzman
Alexander Sklarz
Andrew Berkley
Gerald Davis
Janice Romley
Jacqueline Shayer
George Handzo
Daniella Sklarz
Marc Abrams
Michael Goldberg
Andrew Reid
Alexander Coburn
Zachary Coburn

Tree of Life
(Etz Chaim)

Celebrate the birth of a child, the Bar or Bat mitzvah ceremony 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

peter@grs.org

Join Our List

Shabbat Service Friday, April 25, 6:30 pm St. Paul's Episcopal Church 200 Riverside Ave., Riverside, CT
Please join Rabbi Sklarz and Cantor Lipton for a special Shabbat Service commemorating Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). Together we shall recall the six million of our people and the countless others martyred during this dark period of our history.

Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Sunday, April 27, 2010
Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT

The UJA of Greenwich will be holding its 32nd Annual Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 5 PM at Temple Sholom. Holocaust survivor, Ed Lessing, will be the keynote speaker.

The JCC of Greenwich will present an Oscar-award winning film at 4 PM preceding the community Holocaust Commemoration titled "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life." For more information, visit ww.jccgreenwich.org or call 203-552-1818.

Message from the Rabbi

Dear Friends,

To our horror, as the curtain was about to rise over our seder tables, and once again we were to tell the story of the oppression of our people in Egypt, we learned of the vicious shootings by a white supremacist in Kansas City. And when the curtain was to come down with the close of Passover, in our very own backyard, Easton, CT, crews spent hours removing swastikas and the language of hate that had been smeared across town signs.

The liturgy of Passover instructs us that our observance is far more than a commemoration of a "dead event", but a reminder that subjugation continues to rear it's ugly head. Indeed, anti-Semitism that not only prevails in our world, but has increased in recent years, is a chilling sign that Jews must never close their eyes to our past or what some may wish for our future.

This Shabbat, in observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, GRS will commemorate that dark period in Europe, and sadly acknowledge that hate still lives today.

In contrast to our typically joyful and jubilant Shabbatot, this meditative service will recall our past and remind us to never give up the struggle to work for a world in which hatred, discrimination and bigotry of all kinds, will be erased from our midst

Let us share this sacred moment together.

L'Shalom,

Rabbi Andy

Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW

Generation J - Exploring Judaism Together

Generation J Presents Junior Youth Group Event

Kindergarten through 7th Grade

Yom Sport

April 27th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Last Junior Youth event of the year!

Win points for your team at a variety of fun (and a few silly) events and have a great time!
Lunch will be served.
This event is outside, weather permitting.
Madrichim (student aides) are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Our Israeli Emissaries will join us!

Click here to RSVP by Thursday, April 24.

Please feel free to email Eliana with any questions.

Jewish Yoga
Sunday, April 27, 10 - 11:15 am
at The Stanwich School, 257 Stanwich Rd.

Jewish Yoga comes to GRS

Sunday, 4/27, 10:15-11:30 a.m.

Discover how we can express and deepen our understanding of Jewish spirituality through the practice of yoga. Certified yoga teachers Shari Balaish and Naomi Norman will lead us through an introductory class on Sunday, April 27. In this class, we will explore the

middah (soul trait) of

zehirut (mindfulness).

The qualities of middot help us examine our lives and allow us the opportunity to grow and change. Studying

middot in a yoga class can deepen that learning - by literally embodying these qualities through breath work and asana practice. The specific middah of Zehirut, which can be translated as awareness or "shining inner light", is all about being more fully present in our lives. Yoga is the perfect tool through which we can experience this.

So whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogini, please join us! All are welcome! Bring a mat if you have one, otherwise we will provide one for you.

The class is free, donations are welcome and appreciated.
CLICK HERE to RSVP to Laura at the GRS Office.

Yom Ha'atzmaut Family Shabbat Service & Dinner at the home of Rabbi & Susan Sklarz Friday, May 2, 2014, 6:30 pm
Please join Rabbi Sklarz, Cantor Lipton and B'nai Shir for a special tribute for Israel's 66th birthday! The service will be followed by a festive Israeli-style dinner, the main course will be provided by GRS. CLICK HERE if you would like to attend and bring an Israeli-style appetizer, side dish, or dessert. Those born in the Month of May will be called up for birthday blessings!

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

Please note there will be no class on April 24.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

There will be no Hebrew 102 on April 27.
Class will resume on May 4.

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.

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.

Surviving and Succeeding as a Stepmother

Facilitated by Linda Schlapfer, LMFT

WHEN: Six Wednesdays-beginning April 30

TIME: 12:15pm - 1:15pm

WHERE: JFS of Greenwich, One Holly Hill Lane

FEE: $120 for the group, sliding scale fees available

Contact Tatiana for more information.

JFS of Greenwich Spring Soiree Annual Benefit

Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 5-8 PM

Tomes-Higgins House

216 E. Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, CT

Dinner, drinks and auction to benefit JFS of Greenwich

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

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 32nd Annual 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 will present an Oscar-award winning film at 4 PM preceding the community Holocaust Commemoration titled "The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life." To find out about other exciting upcoming events, visit www.jccgreenwich.org or call 203-552-1818.

Other events:

Babies and Bagels A New Program For Moms and Their Babies

Date:Friday, April 26, 2013, 10:00am - 11:00am

Location : Classic Kids Photography, 54 Greenwich Avenue

Meet moms and babies for a nosh one Friday a month. Chat informally and compare notes over bagels and schmear before hearing the latest from experts in pediatric medicine, dentistry, yoga, music and nutrition. Pre-school age siblings will be invited for playtime and activities to selected sessions which will be announced in advance. A touch of Jewish tradition will enrich your whole family.

April 26th

May 17

June 21st

July 19th

August TBD