Benjamin Wolff is the son of Caryn Rosenbaum and Glenn Wolff and brother of Hannah (8).  Benjamin is a 7^th grader at Eastern Middle School.  For his Tikun Olam project, Benjamin prepared and served dinner to parents enrolled in St. Joseph Parenting Center, a preventative program that provides education and support, including food, for at risk families throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut.  His interests include karate, playing piano and listening to music. Benjamin's major achievement is obtaining a brown belt in karate.

Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals, the innovative music program for toddlers is coming to Greenwich Reform Synagogue this summer!  These informal, spirited classes are geared toward children 3 months to 5 years old.  With influences of rock, blues, jazz and pop, Music for Aardvarks is a refreshing alternative to the traditional music class for kids.  Their critically acclaimed songs uniquely reflect and celebrate the lives of children growing up today and have been featured on Nick, Jr.    

Fairfield County Music for Aardvarks classes are taught by Jay Pharr and Ray Bryant.  Both Jay and Ray are professional musicians and dads.  Their classes incorporate singing, dancing, musical storytelling, and instrumental jam sessions and are rooted in play-based learning.  It is innovative, intelligent music that everyone can enjoy.

Music for Aardvarks is currently accepting registration for classes beginning July 8.  Classes will be held at the Greenwich Reform Synagogue offices, 1037 E. Putnam Avenue, Riverside, on Tuesdays at 11 AM.  A free, trial class will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at 11 AM.  For more information, or to register, go to www.frogrockmusic.com.

On Friday June 27, GRS will be honoring our Social Action chairs, Joy Davis and Shelly Kaplan, and also celebrating the good deeds done by many of you in providing the monthly dinners at Insprica /St. Luke's.

We would also like to celebrate and give a shout out to the social action efforts that congregants perform in a myriad of other ways, and use the evening as a time to share the opportunities and experiences you may have had in the community.  If you aren't already engaged, it may be a great time to learn about what others are doing, and become involved yourself.

Please join us for a Shabbat service followed by a cooperative dinner at the the home of Helen and Bob Stark. 

We invite you to kindly bring non-perishable food items which will be collected and donated to Neighbor-to-Neighbor.

CLICK HERE to let us know what side dish or dessert you would like to bring, and please also let us know if there is a volunteer activity that you would like to broadcast!

We are all overwhelmed by concern for the three kidnapped teenagers - Eyal, Gilad, and Naftali.  On behalf of Federations throughout North America, a letter was sent to Prime Minister Netanyahu, expressing support and solidarity with the families. 

We have heard that our communities are looking for a way to express themselves and share their thoughts as well. Jewish Federations of North America has created a "virtual letter" - a web page to enable them to do so.  We hope that this effort will offer the families of the boys some comfort in knowing that the Jewish community throughout North America stands with them at this difficult time. 

To see the web page, you can click here bringbackourboys.net. The page is integrated with Facebook so once you post a comment on the webpage, you can share it through Facebook and leverage your Facebook network.  Feel free to share the link. 

As this school year closes, another opens - or at least registration does! CLICK HERE to access the online school registration forms for 2014-15. Feel free to use the form to register up to five children for Generation J. You can pay either by check or credit card; we are happy to announce that religious school fees will not increase this year! For your convenience, CLICK HERE to view the fee schedule. 

When filling out the registration forms, please take the time to share with us information about your children as learners, as well as any medical information that might affect their experiences here at Generation J. This is critical to help us make religious school the best possible experience for each of our students, so we appreciate all the information you share, and we pledge to only share that information with staff as is necessary. Please know that we value your family's privacy, and feel free to contact us if you have any concerns.

For incoming 4^th-7^th grade students, weekday Hebrew is an integral part of their Generation J experience, so please be sure to fill out your first and second choices for Hebrew instruction time. Hebrew is optional for 3^rd graders, as is a second weekday of Hebrew. If you are interested in a second day of Hebrew or you have multiple students to register for Hebrew, please contact us in the office so that we can be sure to accommodate your family's needs.

For incoming 8^th -12^th grade students, we have a number of opportunities available. We applaud their decision to continue to be an active young member at GRS, and we know they will have a great time. Families of post B'nai Mitzvah students should also use this form to register, and will receive a separate email soon about our new Confirmation Academy, as well as opportunities to be one of our madrichim (classroom aides) or join our Youth Group.

For pre-K students, our monthly Holiday Happening program will continue once per month. Tentative dates will be released soon. 

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.   

UJA Presents Two Exciting Events with educator, David Solomon on Thursday, June 26:

Lunch & Learn, 12:30 PM

All of Jewish Philosophy in one hour with complimentary lunch.

Women Who Have Changed the Jewish World, 7:30 PM

Throughout Jewish history, there have been women who have made significant contributions to the Jewish World, but many of them remain relatively unknown today. David will discuss these remarkable women and their achievements and the impact they have made on our world today.

Both events are free and open to the community. RSVP Requested. For more information email Nancy or call 203-552-1818.

UJA is offering a sample one hour Melton class on Thursday, July 17 at 10 AM. For adults of all Jewish educational levels. No homework, grades or exams. 2-hour weekly classes on Tuesday mornings. Classes begin on September 23. For more information or to register, contact Pam or call 203-552-1818.

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.

New! Online: Caregivers Support Group

Begins June 18th, Wednesdays 4-5 PM

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, challenging, and emotionally draining. Join this safe, secure online support group where we address all issues in a non-judgmental environment and discuss the opportunities and challenges of caring for a loved one. We understand how hard it is for you to leave the house, so take advantage of the JFS Online Support Group Project so we can come to you.

Facilitated by Lisa-Loraine Smith, LCSW, Executive Director 

Bereavement Support Group

Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 AM at JFS

Adults who have lost a family member, spouse or companion, any time within the last two years can gain sustenance from Jewish tradition; comfort from community; support from psychological insight; coping strategies from shared experience; and friendship from this support group.

Facilitated by Lisa-Loraine Smith, LCSW, Executive Director, with a member of the Greenwich Jewish clergy

Support Group for Separated and Divorcing Individuals

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45 PM at JFS

Whether or not you wanted the divorce, the transition from living with your spouse to living without him/her, can be very difficult. We will discuss issues such as mourning the loss of your relationship, rebuilding self-esteem, navigating family complications, and dating again. This group will use discussion, literature, each other's experience, and laughter to aid the process of emotional healing. Gain support, strength and friendship from this ongoing group. Men welcome!

Facilitated by Lisa-Loraine Smith, LCSW, Executive Director

For more information about JFS, please visit the Support Group page on the new JFS website www.jfsgreenwich.org, or call 203-622-1881.