Rabbi’s Message
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LOOKING for a FEW GOOD ACTORS: Silent or Vocal Stars (including those yet to be discovered)!
Dear Friends,
No Purim is ever complete without a Purim shpiel – a play of the Megillah (story of Purim).
But a shpiel needs actors! Without great fanfare, need to memorize/recite lines (as narrators will be on hand for those who are shy to speak) or much rehearsal time – at least for this year – I would love for us to present a short, entertaining re-enactment of the Purim story to be performed on Friday, March 9th at the GRS Family Purim Service.
This is NOT BROADWAY! The aim is to enjoy! Adults or kids who are interested, please let me know, by contacting Erin Thomas, at erin@grs.org.
I look forward to all who are "ready for their close-ups" to join on the stage of GRS,
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
Rabbi’s Message
Let's Ring in 2012 Together with our Family Service & Dinner!
Dear Friends,
As with every first Friday of the month, the warmth of the GRS Family Service followed by a festive pot-luck Shabbat Dinner will fill the sanctuary and social hall of GRS. As with every Family Service, we will call upon all those celebrating birthdays to the bimah (with gifts for our children) and, of course, invite all the children – my personal favorite part of the evening – to join me on the steps of the bimah for a special Shabbat story! The service will be enhanced by the voices of B'nai Shir, the GRS K-4 choir.
As we well know, the Family Service at GRS is for the young at heart of all ages!
Please let Administrative Assistant, Erin Thomas, know that you will be with us and contact Louise Salzer, our dinner coordinator, to let her know what you will be bringing.
I look forward to our being together for the first Family Service of 2012!
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi’s Message
A Most Important Experience
Dear Friends,
Last week, Cantor Lipton and I, as well as TYGRS President Emma Freeman and TYGRS Vice President Daniella Sklarz were amongst 6,000 committed Reform Jews, lay leaders, professionals, clergy, and congregants alike who gathered in our nation’s capital for the URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) Biennial. While every two years clergy and members of Reform congregations join for up to a week of stimulating workshops and important discussions relating to trends in congregational life, this was undoubtedly a most amazing conference.
Washington D.C. was certainly a most appropriate place for the Biennial as we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the RAC (Religious Action Center of the Reform Movement) – the political, legislative, and social action arm of our movement. How exhilarating it was to spend a day with the RAC viewing footage of a Torah scroll presented to President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as well as leading rabbis marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indeed, the RAC serves as the prophetic voice of our movement, working to correct injustices both within our nation and across the globe. As we know, the RAC champions so many important causes, including combating world hunger, disease, and societal ills.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of the conference was when President Obama came to speak. Touching on pressing concerns and ideals both central to Progressive Judaism and our nation, the President applauded our 250 young people representing NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth of North America) for their dedication to “tikun olam,” the healing of our world. This fit in quite nicely, as both outgoing URJ President Rabbi Eric Yoffie and incoming URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs discussed how youth engagement must be a primary concern within congregational life.
Surely there is much more to share, and much to be implemented into GRS. I look forward to working with you, my congregational family, as we integrate the creativity of the Biennial into GRS. And, of course, I thank all of you for enabling me to experience this most enlightening week.
Rabbi’s Message
CHANUKAH?…CHRISTMAS?…BOTH?
Is the "Holiday Season" a time of struggle for you and your family? Do you wrestle with how to follow your sense of religious integrity while being sensitive to those you love? Have you developed "solutions" that you would be willing to share?
Contemporary living has given rise to difficult questions. While there are no "right" or "wrong" answers, Rabbi Andrew Sklarz, MSW, will wear his social worker hat and facilitate a discussion on the December Dilemma. Within a seminar format, GRS members and guests will be invited to air their concerns and share what has successfully worked for them.
b'Shalom,
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW
Rabbi’s Message
The Mitzvah of FEEDING the HUNGRY – Now an ONGOING DRIVE At GRS
I was so proud of our congregation when, following the High Holidays, Neighbor to Neighbor commented upon the large amount of food we had amassed this year. Bravo – feeding the hungry is indeed amongst the highest of mitzvot that we can perform.
As we approach Thanksgiving, and rejoice over our blessings, let us truly express our gratitude by bringing in non-perishable foods, not only for holidays, but all year round.
Effective immediately, we will be collecting food throughout the year for regular distribution to the needy in our midst.
As Rabbi Tarfon said, "It is not our obligation to complete the work, but neither are we free to desist from it (Pirke Avot 2:21)."
b'Shalom,
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW
Rabbi’s Message
Below is an excerpt from the invocation delivered by
Rabbi Sklarz at the Greenwich Krystallnacht Service
Dear Friends,
Some seventy three years ago in Germany, a land so associated with enlightenment, the unthinkable took place, which led to the extermination of millions throughout Europe. We are all too aware of the atrocities of the horrific pogrom we call Krystallnacht, the ransacking of Jewish businesses and homes and the destruction of nearly 2,000 synagogues throughout Germany and Austria on November 9-10,1938.
Last summer on a visit to Berlin, I saw firsthand the remnants of a world which had once been:
a thriving center of Jewish culture and scholarship that had flourished for centuries wedded with the 19th & 20th century Jewish contributions to the arts, medicine, science, technology, and social science.
Yet as we know, with a swift change in power, the climate experienced a cataclysm of unprecedented proportions. In one night, Jewish property and holy sites were razed to the ground by fire and axe, and soon after, Jews and all deemed as untermenchen, or subhumans, were led to the flames of extermination. While this is a part of Jewish and world history, it will be little more than a footnote if we fail to learn the lessons from our past.
Sadly, I must share that a nationwide survey of the American people found that anti-Semitic attitudes have risen in America. Accordingly, 15% of Americans – nearly 35 million adults – hold deeply anti-Semitic views. At a time in which unemployment and economic insecurity are rife in our nation, a growing percentage of Americans expressed that "Jews have too much control or influence," as well as increased percentages who believe Jews "have too much power in the United States," "use shady practices," and "talk too much about the Holocaust."
My friends, let us learn from our past lest history repeat itself. May we work vigilantly to dispel negative images of all groups. May we ever strive to build bridges between all peoples; thus endeavoring to create a world of justice and compassion for all.
Ken y'hi Razon – May it be your will – O God. Amen.
b'Shalom,
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MSW
Rabbi’s Message
The Mitzvah of Pikuach Nefesh – The Jewish Commandment to Save a Life is Paramount!
Dear Friends,
Every year prior to Yom Kippur I am asked questions about fasting by those for whom doing so might be injurious to their health. My response, as to the question of the performance of any commandment which might be comprising, is always that our rabbinic sages have well instructed that the "mitzvot"- commandments – were created to live by, not to die by. So important is human life to Judaism that all means must be done to save a single soul. As the Talmud expresses, "To save a single life is as though the entire world has been saved."
In accordance with such a principle, the government of Israel has been attempting, for years, to bring to safety captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. During our recent visit to Israel, throughout the country there were visible efforts being made by Israel for the release of its prisoner who has been held captive for five years by Hamas. As we know, yesterday Sgt. Shalit, who was a mere nineteen years of age when captured, was released to Israel in exchange for over one thousand prisoners held by Israel, most of whom were charged with murder. Sadly, as the busloads of those set free by Israel entered into Palestinian territory, there were chants heard for the capture of "another Gilad" so that more terrorists would be set free.
Again and again, Israel finds itself to be in a most compromising situation. Let us pray, that Sgt. Shalit and our Israeli soldiers remain in safety, and may the Jewish value of human life be an ideal embraced by all humanity.
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
In honor of Sgt. Shalit's return, GRS is planting a tree through the Jewish National Fund. For those who wish to support Sgt. Shalit and the forestation of Israel, a free tree can be planted through Sunday, October 23 by calling 800-542-TREE or on the JNF website https://secure2.convio.net/jnf/site/Ecommerce/1087108861?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=2941&store_id=6861&JServSessionIdr004=7oz83aujc1.app225a.
Rabbi’s Message
How Spiritual It Was…and How SPIRITED It Will Be!
Dear Friends,
How wonderful it was to have shared the High Holidays together. While the Yamim HaNo’raim – the Days of Awe, are indeed a spiritual time for all of us, the opportunity to greet old friends, and meet new ones after the services, is a special pleasure for me.
A rabbi’s work continually calls for the changing of gears and, between our adult oriented services of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, I was re-energized with our Young Family services. Leading services for our younger members and families holds a special place in my heart.
This coming Shabbat, and the next, will indeed be oriented for the young at heart of all ages.
This coming Shabbat, Friday, October 14, join us as we celebrate Sukkot – with our ever famous GRS Sukkah on the bimah and, of course, for October birthday blessings (and thanks to the generous donation of an anonymous GRS family, gifts for all children celebrating birthdays). B’nai Shir our youth choir will be participating as well.
Next Shabbat, Friday, October 21, please join us as we celebrate Simchat Torah followed by family oriented dinner, graciously hosted by the GRS Education Committee. Our service will celebrate the continual cycle of Torah, with a special guided tour of the unrolled scroll, the consecration of our newest students, as well as our lively GRS House band.
Come join us for these spirited events – we are certain, as always, to a have a wonderful time!
Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
Rabbi’s Message
Reform Judaism: Embracing, Inclusive & Spiritual
My dear friends, we have all experienced certain moments: those personal, those professional & those of national significance that forever remain etched in our memories. Though we may be years – even decades – away from a particular event, the emotions we felt: joy – fear – sadness or exultation – stay fresh, often with visceral responses. As we discussed last night, the imprint of 9/11 will be with us forever – with reactions, for some, as acute as they were 10 years ago. But, this morning I would like to begin by focusing our attention to those moments when we were witness to a watershed event, or perhaps played a role in shaping or developing an important outcome that had a positive impact upon others.
I will always vividly remember that moment in 1999 seated amongst hundreds of my colleagues in the grand sanctuary of Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh as we voted in favor of a new platform for our movement – the Statement of Principles for Reform Judaism. From its inception in Europe 200 years ago, Reform Judaism has continually evolved, wedding the essential teachings – the ethics of our religion – with the developments, concerns, and challenges facing the modern world. Indeed, the passionate plea for social justice for all humanity has underscored every platform of Reform Judaism. Yet, going a step further, this new document calls for true inclusion and the celebration of diversity in Jewish life.
As written: “We embrace religious & cultural pluralism as an expression of the vitality of Jewish communal life…We pledge to fulfill Reform Judaism’s historic commitment to the complete equality of women & men. We are an inclusive community, opening doors to people of all ages to varied kinds of families, to all, regardless of their sexual orientation…the intermarried or those who have converted to Judaism who strive to create a Jewish home…”
As showcased by our Outreach efforts here at Greenwich Reform Synagogue, we well understand that Judaism has something meaningful to offer everyone – whether Jewish or not. And the greater our diversity and the more willing we are to embrace all who enter our doors, the greater our ability to affect positive social change. Indeed, the spirit of inclusion has led the Reform Movement, particularly in recent decades to truly flourish on the American shores. And from its earliest beginnings, our movement was on vanguard for social change in Europe.
With the near obliteration of European Jewry and the demise of the Reform Movement on much of the continent, a progressive approach to Judaism was primarily limited to North America. While small Reform communities have sprouted in various parts of the globe, it is ironic that in Israel, where the greatest concentration of Jews is found, until very recently, a modern approach to Jewish life as championed by the Reform movement, has been virtually non-existent. While Israel on so many levels is as advanced, if not more so than any land – for a host of reasons – on the religious front, primarily a traditional approach to Judaism has prevailed, thus resulting in the vast majority of Israeli Jews identifying or defining themselves as secular. The proverbial line which expresses the average Israeli’s connection with religious observance translates as: “the synagogue I don’t attend is Orthodox.” This expression that I first heard when a college student in Israel was truly driven home – a year ago – on the opening day of religious school here at GRS.
As I do every Sunday morning when school is in session, I stood on the top of the hill to greet our students and parents. Amongst those walking towards the building was one whose face appeared too old to be one of our teens, but too young to be a parent. Warmly greeting this stranger, I was startled by an Israeli accent, but I quickly realized that this was our new “shaliach” – Israeli emissary – who had just arrived in Greenwich. Extending my hand, I met Aner Shofty. As surprised as I was to hear an Israeli accent – Aner’s shock – as I introduced myself as “Rabbi” was just as palpable. Of course, this was understandable; while American Jews know rabbis in all varieties, the immediate image the average Israeli has of a rabbi is strikingly different than the one with whom Aner was shaking hands. In line with the mantra “the synagogue I don’t attend is Orthodox,” upon hearing the word “rabbi,” most Israelis envision a bearded man dressed in black with a dark kippah upon his head. And certainly this rabbi surely doesn’t fit that description. Only as rabbis of a different appearance and, moreover, of a progressive ideology have emerged, has preaching of a religion steeped in social action and challenging the traditional religious status quo begun to be felt in Israel. But for those many Israelis passionate about their country, yet disconnected to traditional Judaism, a sense of Jewish identity is a very distant concept. Indeed, this was the case with Aner.
While one might expect Israelis to fully embrace Judaism, the reality is that the majority just don’t have a spiritual connection. An Israeli identity? Absolutely, but the idea that Judaism informs modern life is quite alien. While Israelis identify themselves as Jews and through the public educational system are quite well versed in Torah, Jewish history and practice without membership to a congregation – a relationship with a rabbi – or an attachment to an ideology – a genuine Jewish connection and a sense of spirituality has been non-existent for most in the Jewish homeland.
This void was certainly evident with Aner as with previous Israeli emissaries and, moreover, as with so many individuals with whom I have worked, desperately hungry for a spiritual connection but not at all consciously aware of such a need.
However, for Aner, his lack of Jewish connection was even deeper than his unfamiliarity with a modern approach to Judaism. Rather, it was a result of a wound that occurred early on in his life. When Aner entered 7th grade, his male friends began their preparation to become Bar Mitzvah, of course within a synagogue they did otherwise not attend. However, Aner had a profound antipathy towards religion stemming from a deep sense of a perceived betrayal by God. So many times I have witnessed these emotions when a catastrophic event has taken place in one’s life. Indeed, this was the case for Aner, for at age 10, he watched his beloved father succumb to Leukemia. Two years later, Aner met with the rabbi of the “synagogue he did not attend,” a rabbi unwilling to look into the boy’s heart and sense his pain. This 12-year-old responded by wanting nothing to do with Judaism. With anger at a religious system that did not speak to him, Aner felt disenfranchised from Judaism and thus made a definite statement by choosing not to become a Bar Mitzvah.
Some six years later in Greenwich, Aner encountered a Judaism brand new to him. Through our work together at GRS and at home over the dining room table with my family, I came to know a wonderful young man – so proud of being Israeli, but so turned off to Judaism. Was it that Aner had abandoned Judaism, or rather, had Judaism abandoned Aner ?
It was not until he came to our community and was introduced to an entirely new Judaism: one devoted to the spirit of inclusiveness – the embracing of the believer – the agnostic – the interfaith – equally valuing men and women – straight or gay – devoted to social action and the pursuit of justice for all peoples – and dispelling the theology that had hurt him the most – that the wicked are punished and the righteous rewarded – that Aner recognized how much he thirsted for spirituality in his life. Indeed through this experience, Aner came to embrace the Reform ideology that expresses, that are in many ways, leading a meaningful Jewish existence.
My rabbinic heart was truly warmed as I observed Aner’s sense of Jewish identity grow and his sense of spirituality blossom. And this was most evident the day he approached me with the request to become a Bar Mitzvah. Working with Aner and witnessing his spiritual development, it was not a surprise when he expressed his desire, his need, to publically proclaim his Jewish identity. Only the year before, our Israeli emissary, Or Geisinger, who through her experience at GRS, the Greenwich Jewish community, and to a Judaism she had also never known existed, approached me with the very same request. How wonderful it was when Or became the first female in her family to read from Torah and be a full participant in worship.
Life is indeed filled with all sorts of interesting if not ironic twists. I cannot help but wonder if in these situations the Divine Hand is at work. The Torah portion corresponding to the week in which Aner chose to become a Bar Mitzvah was girded in the very concept of Divine reward and retribution, as the text expressed that those who follow God would be blessed, whereas those who stray would be cursed. Was this to suggest that Aner’s father
was deserving of such a fate, not to mention Aner, his mother, and his siblings? Was the date in which Aner was to become a Bar Mitzvah with its corresponding Torah portion mere happen stance? Indeed my friends, I have come to believe that there is no such thing in life as a coincidence. Rather, it seems that Aner was destined to read this portion and confront his very personal issues. So our formal work with the text began and in his most sensitive d’var Torah – his explanation of the Torah portion – Aner commented, “After the experiences and lessons I have learned in the community, I have begun to develop my own sense of theology…I have learned that there are many ways of understanding Judaism and individual ways to interpret Torah.”
My friends, a Reform rabbi couldn’t express it any better!
It was certainly a most meaningful experience for me to study with Aner, to guide him as he wrestled with the text as he looked deep inside himself grappling with personal issues and theological questions. Through this process, Aner developed a greater sense of self, and as he encountered God – if you will – embraced genuine feelings of self acceptance.
As many of you know, in the summer of 2010, Susan and I took our children to see the once flourishing Jewish worlds of Budapest, Prague, and Berlin. Our plan was that during the summer of 2011, we would travel to Israel, for their first experience of what has been often called “the miracle on the Mediterranean”.
Though a family trip, I also arranged a number of meetings with rabbis of the Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism, and as a family, each Shabbat, we spent time in a different Reform community. In my meetings with colleagues and our Shabbat experiences, I saw first hand how the face of Reform Judaism is putting itself on the map of Israel. The outstanding work for religious equality and social justice undertaken by the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism has been dramatic since I began rabbinical studies at the Jerusalem campus of the Hebrew Union College.
Only several years earlier, when Susan and I spent a college year at Tel Aviv University, we would attend services at the Kedem Synagogue – then the only Reform congregation in Greater Tel Aviv. Within a basement level of an old apartment building, we sat on folding chairs of this make-shift sanctuary. But today… there are 34 thriving Reform congregations in Israel replete with all sorts of dynamic and important programs.
The cramped space that held the Kedem Synagogue has now given birth to the flourishing Beit Daniel Center of Tel Aviv. This flagship congregation of the Israeli Progressive movement is truly a model of inclusion. While the walls of the sanctuary are arrayed with vibrant colors, what touched me the most was the diversity of those in the pews. The faces and accents boasted of a host of cultures and ethnicities from all over the globe – truly a sign of Reform Judaism at its best.
In meeting with Rabbi Gilad Kariv, Director of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, I learned of the important work in the political and social action spheres undertaken by our movement in Israel. But as a fellow rabbi, I must admit that I was moved when he commented that “there is a growing hunger for spirituality in Israel which Reform Judaism has to offer”.
In other words, as I so often express, there is a spiritual yearning, a dimension within all human beings that longs to be nurtured, but too often is neglected. Certainly Aner is not the only person to have ever felt hurt or abandoned by Judaism or any religion —- far from it.
In my pastoral work, I have encountered so very many, Jew & non-Jew alike, from so many walks of life, who like Aner, have felt alienated by a religious theology that they found to be judgmental, unforgiving, or punitive. Judaism – as all religions – preaches morality, but the goal cannot be to put us in shackles or conform to standards that are not in sync with modern living. Rather, the intent – God’s desire, if you will – is for us to open our hearts, extending acceptance and love both to ourselves and to all human beings.
The Yamim haNo’raim – the Days of Awe – this most sacred period on the Jewish calendar calls upon us to look inward, to well examine our deeds of the past and to purge ourselves of that which is hurtful or, moreover, harmful and destructive to ourselves and to others.
In 1999, with the passage of the Reform Statement of Principles, that pivotal moment when I voted with my colleagues in Pittsburgh, our movement declared that a Judaism for the 21rst century must extend itself as never before and be welcoming, accepting and inclusive. But for this to occur on the communal level, we must begin with ourselves. As we review our dealings of the past, let us also embrace the uniqueness within each one of us, and thus, seek to find and embrace the uniqueness in others.
My friends, we are indeed in CHALLENING TIMES – the SOCIAL, POLITICAL, and ECONOMIC climate in which we live is precarious and raises far too many questions and uncertainties. While Judaism cannot advise us on the stock market or predict the advent of acts of terrorism, our connection to others can make for a more meaningful life and propel to more purposeful actions.
As we enter into the year ahead, may we strive to hear your voice O God, as we search for insight into ourselves and this magnificent, but oh so confusing world. In such a way, may we open ourselves to You and thus seek for the creation of a more peaceful, compassionate, and healthy world for all of your children.
Shana Tova u’M’tukah – May 5,772 herald a year in which our spirits, dear God, & Yours will be at one.
Rabbi’s Message
What a Night – What a Weekend We Had… and the Best is Yet to Come!
Dear Friends,
Everything seems to just get better and better at GRS! Last Shabbat was an evening filled with ruach – spirit – as we joined together for our festive family service, followed by the delicious barbeque and lavish dessert spread. With a full sanctuary of members and guests, spanning from toddlers to those in their eighties, we celebrated – in every sense of the word, Shabbat. Of course, as with each family service, we invited all those celebrating birthdays up to the bimah, presenting gifts, as we do each month, to the children. We extend a special thanks
to the generous anonymous donor, who has made it possible for each one of our children to receive a special birthday gift. We look forward to joining together in all of our upcoming family services and dinners throughout the year.
The enthusiasm of Shabbat continues to prevail! On Sunday, we welcomed our students, teachers, and parents for the opening day of religious school. Our synagogue was indeed brimming with enthusiasm, as we anticipate a wonderful year of learning for both our children and adults!
For those who were there, we officially unveiled our beautiful GRS website. Just click on www.grs.org to see all we are offering. A special thanks to those anonymous donors who so generously enabled us to have our new website.
Indeed, we are off to a wonderful start – and the best is yet to come!
B’Shalom,
Rabbi Andy
Rabbi Andrew R. Sklarz, MA, MSW, RJE
Upcoming Events
- May 19, 2012 10:00 amCynthia Crispino Bat Mitzvah
- May 20, 2012 9:30 amReligious School Mitzvah Day!
- May 20, 2012 10:30 amAdult Ed with Rabbi Rothman
- May 20, 2012 2:00 pmShavuot Seder at Greenwich Woods
- May 24, 2012 7:30 pmBoard Meeting
- May 25, 2012 6:30 pmShabbat Service