Membership | Greenwich Reform Synagogue

Be a part of our welcoming community! Members of all ages, married, partnered or single, with or without children, of diverse religious backgrounds and orientations, enjoy the friendly, supportive atmosphere found in our warm congregational family; interfaith families especially appreciate our spirit of inclusion. We value the participation of each and every member and sincerely believe that you will find membership in Greenwich Reform Synagogue to be a life-enhancing experience.

We invite you to visit our synagogue and meet with Rabbi Jordie Gerson and Cantor and Religious School Director Michelle Rubin. Please call (203) 629-0018 to set up an appointment with our clergy or staff, or to request a phone call from our Membership Committee.

We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who share their talents and make time to enhance the lives of our congregants and the community. Please join us! It’s rewarding, enjoyable, and offers a meaningful opportunity to develop new friendships. Contact the GRS office for details. To get a feel for our family-friendly community, click here to watch a two-minute video.

School Committee

Parents of children from toddler to B’nei Mitzvah age create Jewish community through family activities such as Sukkot Pizza in the Hut, B’nei Mitzvah workshops, Chanukah celebrations, Family Night Out: Havdalah, Kids’ Movie, PJs and Pizza, Purim parties for kids and adults, family Passover seder, Religious School Consecration and Siddur Ceremony, Graduation & Awards Ceremony, and other creative ideas. Please join us! Contact Elaine@grs.org for more details.

Planning & Programming

Members brainstorm and coordinate fun social events throughout the year designed to bring the Jewish calendar to life. Examples include Selichot progressive dinners, building the sukkah, and dinner & movie nights. We step outside the Jewish calendar with such events as wine & cheese, latkes & vodkas, challah baking, museum trips, theater outings, and more.

Adult Education

At Greenwich Reform Synagogue, we take education seriously – at every stage of life – and believe Jewish learning has the potential to enrich, transform and deepen our lives. Help plan topics for weekly study sessions or weekend scholars in residence programs. Do you know a special speaker you’d like to have at GRS? Let us know.

Mitzvah Committee

Members of the GRS Mitzvah Committee help those in need, both within our larger community and around the globe. We coordinate a range of activities including helping recent immigrants, food and coat drives, serving meals at soup kitchens, holiday gift drives and nursing home visits. If you have a passion for Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) we need your help.

Visiting the sick, birkur cholim, refers to the mitzvah (commandment) to visit and comfort the sick, and is an act of gemilut chasadim (loving-kindness). If you find just a single hour in your busy week to visit a home-bound member of GRS, it can make a big difference. For details, please email Elaine@GRS.org.

Welcome New Members – Bruchim ha’baim

If you enjoy reaching out to people directly, please join us! You’ll engage with new congregants through phone calls, personal introductions, invitations to GRS events, and helping members of similar interests connect.

Music

GRS is thrilled to offer a rich variety of Jewish music at our Shabbat and holiday services as well as at special programs and concerts. If you love to sing and/or play a musical instrument, please contact CantorRubin@GRS.org.

Communications

Through social media and traditional outlets, this vital group keeps the congregation and the Greenwich community informed about religious services, educational and family programming, and special activities. Have a way with marketing? Please let us know!

Circle of Giving

Coordinates the GRS annual appeal as well as develop giving opportunities throughout the year to make membership affordable for all, and to underwrite special programs.

Finance

If numbers are your thing, make yourself at home with our Finance Committee. From budgeting to investment strategies, folks with a head for figures are always needed and appreciated.

Pinch Hitters

For those who can be available to help out on programs and projects on ad hoc basis – we can always use your help!

Greenwich Reform Synagogue Dues And Fees

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024

Please contact the GRS office with any questions at 203-629-0018.

GRS DUES:

Family Membership $3,780
Single Head of Household $2,625
Individual Membership $2,625
Non-Resident Membership $2,150

SECURITY FEE: $350

SOCIAL ACTION CHAI FEE: $36

BUILDING MAINTENANCE FEE: $5000

The Building Maintenance Fee is a one-time obligation of all member families and is used to offset depreciable capital expenses. The initial fee payment may be deferred for 2 years, and the fee may be paid out over 7 years.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FEES:

To attend the GRS Religious School, families need to be members in good standing of Greenwich Reform Synagogue.
Unless prior arrangements are made, Religious School and B’nei Mitzvah fees are due before the school year begins.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Sunday Religious School $600
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Sunday Religious School
(Non-member fee, applicable for one year only) $900
3rd – 6th Grade Sunday Religious School $800
3rd – 7th Grade Midweek Hebrew $800
7th Grade Cantor’s class$800
Midweek Hebrew Instruction (required grades 3-7)$800
Private/Semi-private tutoring (on Zoom or in person)*
- Weekly 30-minute private Hebrew lessons$1500
- Weekly semi-private 45-minute Hebrew lessons$1100
  - Please note that no child recommended by Cantor Michelle for private tutoring will be turned away for financial reasons.
Religious School Materials Fee $100

BAR MITZVAH FEES:

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee $1,800
Friday Night Oneg Shabbat (prior to B’nei Mitzvah)$180

Payment terms:

Payment in full, check enclosed.
50% payment enclosed; bill me for the remaining 50% on January 1, 2024
Please bill my credit card for a recurring monthly payment of 1/12 of the total amount due. Please note that 3% will be added to the amount due to cover credit card processing fees. You may cancel at any time should you prefer to pay by check.

Dues may be paid online by clicking here, or by mailing a check to the office. Online payments are subject to a 3% surcharge to cover credit card processing fees.

Unless prior arrangements are made, Religious School and B’nei Mitzvah fees are due before the school year begins.

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS: We understand that circumstances may require congregants to make special financial arrangements for the payment of synagogue fees. If you need to discuss arrangements, please contact the synagogue office.

You may click here to fill out a membership application online. Dues may be paid online or by mailing a check to the office. Online payments are subject to a 3% surcharge to cover credit card processing fees.