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Torah Portion
May 10, 2014

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

Our Promised Land

Dear Friends,

In recent months there has been much discussion over the publication of My Promised Land by Israeli journalist,

Ari Shavit.  While it is questionable if anyone can ever be truly objective, Shavit does a fine job of weaving together a variety of historical accounts and personal stories surrounding the founding of the State of Israel. 

I encourage all to read My Promised Land, as Shavit makes a valiant effort to provide both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I am most supportive of my colleagues who have put themselves in the trenches of Rabbis for Human Rights, the rabbinic organization dedicated to protecting individual Palestinians who, through no fault of their own, are caught in the middle of the conflict.  At the same time, I am an ardent Zionist, ever passionate to see the Jewish people thrive in our beloved Eretz Yis'ra'el, the Land of Israel.

One of my primary goals for Greenwich Reform Synagogue is to raise the level of consciousness and commitment to Medinat Yisra'el - the State of Israel.   Last Shabbat, during our interactive GRS Yom Ha'Atz'ma'ut - Israel Independence Day Family Service, written in the spirit of the narrative of the Pesach Haggadah, we journeyed through our history in Eretz Yis'ra'el, from the days of Abraham and Sarah to the present.  The focus was of course on the developments which led to Israeli statehood in 1948.

This coming week, we will continue our celebration of Israeli independence within the context of a more adult approach to our liturgy, but as with all GRS services, those of all ages are most welcome.

As is underscored in Ari Shavit's My Promised Land, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is far from black or white.  As committed Reform Jews, we must sensitively address the myriad issues.  Let us work to broaden our knowledge and commitment to see progress on every level within our beloved Jewish homeland, so that Israel shall truly be a beacon of peace and a "light unto the nations."

L'Shalom,

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.

• 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.