Rabbi’s Message
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Be a Part of Our Passover Seder
b'Shalom,
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
Rabbi’s Message
Moments That Touch Our Hearts
Dear Friends,
When you read this column, I will be in Boston with my Reform rabbinic colleagues at the annual CCAR (Central Conference of American Rabbis) convention. However, I wanted to share a most meaningful experience that I had this past Shabbat.
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: GRS & THE STANWICH SCHOOL REACH AGREEMENT
CONTACTS:
Greenwich Reform Synagogue: The Stanwich School:
Sandy Soule Laura Dianis
203-637-7642 203-542-0004
sandy.soule@gmail.com ldianis@stanwichschool.org
GREENWICH REFORM SYNAGOGUE AND THE STANWICH SCHOOL
REACH PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Greenwich, CT – March 16, 2012–The Boards of Trustees of Greenwich Reform Synagogue and The Stanwich School announced today that they have reached an agreement whereby The Stanwich School will purchase the buildings and 11.5-acre property owned by Greenwich Reform Synagogue at 257 Stanwich Road in Greenwich. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The GRS Executive Committee unanimously recommends that its congregation vote in favor of the transaction. A Special Meeting of the GRS' congregation will be held on April 2, 2012 to vote on the transaction. The Board of Trustees of The Stanwich School has voted unanimously in favor of the transaction. Assuming approval by the GRS congregation, the boards of Stanwich and GRS have agreed to sign definitive contracts on April 3, 2012 and close the transaction no later than June 1, 2012.
Under the agreement, GRS will relocate its sanctuary and offices at the end of October 2012 (following the High Holy Days) to a temporary location. This will accommodate Stanwich’s conversion of the sanctuary space back to its original gymnasium and theater construct. GRS will continue to use Stanwich classrooms for religious education purposes on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings during the next three years, while GRS builds its new sanctuary and classroom facilities.
Greg Drennen, Chair of The Stanwich School’s Board of Trustees, said, “This agreement will provide The Stanwich School with the clarity and security we have been seeking to fully control our destiny. We have long appreciated the strategic value of the GRS property and we fully believe this positive development will serve the best interests of our community, both near and long-term. The future will be firmly in our hands to ultimately build an extraordinary Pre-K through 12th grade co-ed academic and sports facility on a 37-acre campus in the heart of Greenwich mid-country. We wish GRS well as they embark on their pathway toward a permanent home for their congregation.”
Bill Grad, Chair of Greenwich Reform Synagogue’s Board of Trustees commented, “We are delighted that our agreement with Stanwich gives us the financial resources we need to build a new synagogue and feel that this arrangement is in the best interests of both organizations. For the interim period, we will continue our cordial and cooperative relationship with The Stanwich School, sharing their classrooms for several years as our congregation builds its new permanent home. We will arrange for lovely temporary sanctuary space during this interim period. Of course, we will keep our congregation and the community apprised as the details of our construction plans are finalized.”
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Rabbi’s Message
Dear Friends,
Each year, everything at GRS just gets better and better, and our Purim service was certainly no exception.
This year, our celebration was enhanced by two – yes two, special Purim shpiels.
In the spirit of this year's Academy Award winner for Best Picture, The Artist, our talented adult thespians acted out silently, although with some impromptu dialogue, the Megillah. Needless to say, it was a most creative and fun-filled dramatic production.
Immediately following, our talented GRS teens took their places in a skit that focused on what happened to the Purim characters after the end of the Megillah and culminated in the realization that a giant hamantaschen had been absconded (which led to a hamantaschen hunt for all kids at the end of the service).
Furthering our excitement was a parade of costumes and gifts galore made possible through the anonymous donation of one of our many generous GRS congregants. In fact, through the kindness of our donors and our very own GRS costume seamstress, Judy Rayner, costumes were provided for those who forgot to bring their own! Of course, prizes were given to all!
Now that we have fulfilled the mitzvah of Purim, stay tuned for Pesach at GRS!
The excitement of life at GRS continues…
B'rinah - with joy,
Rabbi Andy
Girl Scout Recognition Shabbat
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts and as part of the Girl Scout Sabbath Celebration Weekend, GRS will be recognizing this wonderful organization this Friday, March 16 at 6:30pm at our Choir Shabbat Service.
Girl Scouts have an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout. This is also an opportunity for girls to explore other faiths. Celebrating Girl Scout Sabbath gives a Girl Scout opportunities to 1) thank places of worship for their contributions to the community of Girl Scouting, and 2) share how today's girls are discovering their personal paths to leadership through Girl Scouting.
This service is open to Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts of all denominations. Participation patches will be available to purchase for $2/each.
The service will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat, generously sponsored by Robin Edelston in honor of Girl Scout Shabbat.
March anniversaries will be given a special blessing and a champagne toast.
Celebrate Passover with GRS
Celebrate Passover
Greenwich Reform Synagogue
Join Rabbi Sklarz for songs, prayers, and stories
Purim at GRS
Please join Greenwich Reform Synagogue for a fun and musical family service featuring the K-1 class, and enjoy the first annual GRS Purim Shpiel including GRS members and clergy.
Enjoy groggers, hamantaschen and a Parade of Costumes. Prizes awarded to all who come in costume (children and adults).
Free and open to the community. Please contact Erin at 203-629-0018 x221 or erin@grs.org to RSVP.
Guest Speaker, Senator Richard Blumenthal
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