Circles

Registration for Circles opens on Sunday, September 14 at 11:00am during the Circle Fair. Join us to meet the Circle leaders and learn more about each Circle.

Registration will close on Tuesday, September 24. All Circles will run from October through June.

Before registering, review your personal calendar carefully to be sure you can attend all the dates listed for the Circles you wish to join.

Click here to register

20’S & 30’S @ SINAI

Leaders: Ben Marshak, John Detienne
Sunday, 12:00pm-1:30pm
10/26, 11/23, 12/14, 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/17, 6/28

This Circle offers a welcoming space for like-minded Temple Sinai members of similar ages (20’s and 30’s) and life stages to unwind, connect, and enjoy shared interests. Members will gather in a relaxed social setting and plan activities based on shared passions. We will foster genuine connections while accommodating busy travel, work, and social schedules.

B’SHIR - SHABBAT IN SONG

Leaders: Cantor Micah, Barbara Orwick
Monday, 6:30-8:00pm
10/20, 11/10, 12/8, 1/5, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/4, 6/8

A Circle for Monthly Musical Learning & Spiritual Singing at Shabbat Services
Plus, four special Shabbat B’Shir Friday night services throughout the year November 11, January 9, March 13, May 8, 7:30pm
Shabbat B’Shir — Shabbat in Song — is a joyful, welcoming space to explore Jewish music and deepen your connection to prayer through song. This is not a rehearsal for a performance, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and discover your voice in sacred community.
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about singing or intimidated because you didn’t know the words to the prayers, let Shabbat B’Shir be the antidote. No musical experience is required. You don’t need to read music or speak Hebrew. Just bring your love of music and an interest in our rich Jewish liturgical tradition. We’ll fill our circle with music, meaning, and connection. We’ll explore the magical resonance of singing together and discover the divine beauty of music.
And don’t worry, there’s no conflict between Shabbat B’Shir and Kolot Sinai. If you love to sing, you are welcome and encouraged to do both! Come as you are. Let the music lift you. Add your voice to our sacred song.

CINEMA CIRCLE WITH GLENN WOLFF

Sunday, 1:00pm-2:30pm
11/16, 12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/14

Movies affect many of us powerfully and can elicit deep feelings and help us reflect on our lives or the lives and culture of others. Movies are often a mirror image of society and can be inspirational and expand our knowledge of the world and attitudes around us. Current and classic movies will serve as a background for discussion on a wide variety of topics. Movies will be selected by the Circle members. Conversations will be led by Circle members as well as the Circle leader.

CINEMA CIRCLE WITH CARL ROSEN

Sunday, 4:00pm-5:30pm
11/16, 12/14, 1/18, 2/8, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/14

Movies affect many of us powerfully and can elicit deep feelings and help us reflect on our lives or the lives and culture of others. Movies are often a mirror image of society and can be inspirational and expand our knowledge of the world and attitudes around us. Current and classic movies will serve as a background for discussion on a wide variety of topics. Movies will be selected by the Circle members. Conversations will be led by Circle members as well as the Circle leader.

CINEMA CIRCLE WITH JOEL FENSTER

Monday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
11/3, 12/1, 1/5, 2/2, 3/9, 4/6, 5/4, 6/1

Movies affect many of us powerfully and can elicit deep feelings and help us reflect on our lives or the lives and culture of others. Movies are often a mirror image of society and can be inspirational and expand our knowledge of the world and attitudes around us. Current and classic movies will serve as a background for discussion on a wide variety of topics. Movies will be selected by the Circle members. Conversations will be led by Circle members as well as the Circle leader.

GRANDPARENTS CLUB

Leaders: Marian Freed, Laura George, Marcy Kurzman
Sunday, 10:30-12:00pm
10/12, 11/2, 12/7, 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 4/5, 5/3, 6/14

Being a grandparent sounds easy. You’ve already raised your children. The addition of in-law children and young grandchildren is something that we have dreamed of, but the reality presents new challenges. These relationships may be further complicated if communication by our own grown children has changed. Are you amazed (and perhaps perplexed) with the new norms of parenting by the next generation? What are the roles of grandparents? When can we give advice and when do we hold our tongues? Join our Circle and share with others the difficulty and rewards of grandparenting. We hope to achieve this with humor and suggestions as we navigate these joyful additions to our families.

GROWN UP GAME NIGHT

Leader: Glenn Harper
Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/7, 11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2

Tabletop games are so much more than Monopoly and Uno. Modern board and card games use strategy, creativity, quick-thinking, bluffing skills, off-color humor or even just a willingness to be silly! Come enjoy a grown-up evening of fun as we play a variety of games like Apples to Apples, Ticket to Ride, Tellustrations, Castle Panic, and of course Cards Against Humanity. And whatever else may be in your closet! We’ll meet once a month to try a new set of fun and exciting games!

HAGGADAH CIRCLE

Leaders: Joanie Ross, John Conti, Marilyn Lowell-Shapiro, Sharon Pardo
Tuesday, 6:30-8:00pm
10/21, 11/11, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14, 5/12, 6/9

“The more one elaborates upon the story of the departure from Egypt, the more one is to be praised.”

Anyone who has ever attended Temple Sinai’s Second Night Passover Seder knows what a special evening it is. The Haggadah Circle aims to enrich our community by creating a unique Temple Sinai Haggadah. First, we will delve into the different sections of the Haggadah, discuss the history and varied interpretations of the liturgy, and explore how it resonates with us today. We will then respond with our own poems, drawings, songs, and writings. Finally, we’ll integrate our work around the traditional text to produce a new Haggadah. No previous writing experience or special knowledge is necessary; we will mentor each other through the process and learn as we go. This Circle offers an opportunity to make Passover more personal and meaningful for participants and the entire Temple Sinai community.

INTERFAITH AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Leaders: Connie Freeman, Carol Lilienthal
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/8, 11/12, 12/10, 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13, 6/10

This Circle is dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and friendship by engaging with the diverse worship traditions and spiritual practices present in the Stamford community. We will invite guest speakers from various faith backgrounds, participate in services at neighboring houses of worship, and extend invitations for their congregants to join us at Temple Sinai. Through these shared experiences and collaborative efforts, we seek to cultivate mutual understanding, strengthen community bonds, and promote enduring connections across faith traditions.

JEWISH ARTISTS OF THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

Leader: Gloria Karp
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/15, 11/19, 12/17, 1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/15, 5/20, 6/24

SURPRISE! Frida Kahlo was Jewish. That’s just one of many fascinating discoveries we’ll explore in this Circle.
The question of what makes art Jewish is a debate with no definitive answer. Is it the artist’s heritage — or the subject matter — that defines it? Jewish contributions to the visual arts stretch back to ancient times, from creating artifacts to illuminating manuscripts. While we won’t journey quite that far into the past, we will uncover the stories of Jewish painters and photographers of the 19th and 20th centuries.
These artists grappled with religious and secular themes, explored Jewish identity, and responded to the trauma and loss of the Holocaust.
This is an interactive Circle, and every member is expected to actively contribute to our shared exploration.

LADIES NIGHT IN

Leader: Debbie Youngstein
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/8, 11/5, 12/3, 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/8, 5/6, 6/3

Join the women of Temple Sinai once a month for an evening of connection, meaningful conversations, and new friendships. And yes... there will be wine!

LADIES NIGHT OUT

Leader: Debbie Youngstein
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/29, 11/26, 12/17, 1/28, 2/25, 3/25, 4/29, 5/27, 6/24

Looking for a little adventure, connection, and laughter each month? Join our Ladies’ Night Out Circle — a fun, welcoming group that meets once a month for two hours to enjoy local activities together!
Each month, a different member plans the outing, so every gathering brings something fresh and exciting. Past ideas include painting, Escape the Room, and a play at Curtain Call — but we decide together what’s next.
Costs vary depending on the activity, but the good times are always guaranteed. Come join the fun and let’s make some great memories!

LET’S GO ISRAEL!

           Leader: Jeremy Hager
           Monday, 7:30-9:00pm
          10/27, 11/10, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, 5/11, 6/8

Theme: Bringing together members of the community who share a love of Israel and the Israeli people. Enabling and building pride in ourselves as Jews and in our connection to our Jewish homeland.
Purpose: To build understanding of and love for Israel and create and enhance conditions for unity between our diaspora community and our brothers and sisters in Israel.
This Circle will work in partnership with Jewish National Fund to support fundraising for specific building and growth projects in Israel, and culminating in an annual volunteer mission to Israel, led and organized by JNF.
Monthly meetings to rotate among Circle members’ homes.
The LGI! Circle is intended to build strong bridges between the Temple Sinai community, the Greater Stamford/Fairfield County Jewish communities, and Israel, and better knowledge and understanding of the amazing light that Israel and Jewish people generally bring into the world.

MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS, EMPATHY

Leader: Ellen Jacobson
Saturday, 10:15-11:30am
10/25, 11/15, 12/27, 1/24, 2/28, 3/28, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27

Equanimity, Inner Peace: A state of mind that allows us to remain calm and true to ourselves, values and beliefs in the midst of life’s many ups and downs
Inner wisdom, true self, intuition: A deep innate sense of knowing that guides you toward decisions and actions aligned with your authentic self
Meditation is more than sitting in silence, trying to relax. Join us as we explore a variety of practices including guided imagery, chanting, mantra, mindfulness, breathwork and more.
We will practice together with the wonderful energy of a group and the opportunity to share our thoughts with each other.
Together we will build a meditation toolbox so you can draw upon the practice you need when you need it for greater peace and clarity.
This year we will also incorporate a practice of empathy building to raise consciousness and increase gratitude and loving kindness.
If you would like to uplift your life through meditation, this Circle is for you. All experience levels are welcome!

MEN’S BOOK CLUB

Leader: David Swerdloff
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/29, 12/17, 1/28, 3/4, 4/29, 6/3

Looking to read books that are so engaging that you can’t wait to discuss them with others? The Men’s Book Club Circle is designed to discover books that are suitable for conversation, learning and fostering deeper relationships with others who share the passion for reading and conversation. Discussions will reflect the Jewish “angle” or theme or other related aspects of the book that can be either fiction or non-fiction. Join us to make new friends and add a new dimension to your enjoyment of reading.

MYSTICAL JUDAISM UNPLUGGED

Leader: Grant Kallen
Wednesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/8, 11/12, 12/10, 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/8, 5/13, 6/10

Although there are many misconceptions, Mysticism is one of Judaism’s oldest and most profound expressions of faith. THERE IS ONLY ONE! That is the great truth of mysticism. From The Zohar to Kabbalah to modern Neo-Chasidic thought, the Jewish mystical tradition is a deeply rooted commentary on Torah, seeking not to replace but to illuminate the sacred texts, practices, and beliefs at the core of Jewish life.
Rabbi Arthur Green is a recognized Jewish scholar, modern day mystic, thinker and teacher. His theology presents us with a unique approach to divinity that is deeply spiritual and relevant to our times. Beyond that, it goes hand in hand with a call for social justice and environmental action. Using Green’s book Ehyeh as a foundation, we will learn, examine, test and challenge not only Rabbi Green’s theology but our own. Just bring an open heart and open mind as our journey begins.

NATURE’S PATH

Leader: Richard Nemchek
Saturday, 10:30-12:00pm
10/18, 11/15, 12/20, 1/10, 2/21, 3/21, 4/11, 5/16, 6/20

Dates: Oct 18*, Nov 15*, Dec 20*, Jan 10, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 11, May 16*, Jun 20
*On these dates, participants are invited to experience Avodat Halev—the Service of the Heart—at 9 am, at the Temple, prior to our Circle’s gathering.  Please mark your calendars to assure you can join us on these dates, as Circles thrive with intentional and consistent participation.

Nature’s Path weaves together the sacredness of Shabbat and the restorative power of being outdoors in community. Shabbat invites us to slow down, cherish time as a gift, and deepen our connections—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Science affirms what tradition has long known: our spirits thrive in nature.

By hiking together on Shabbat, we return to an ancient practice of reverence and presence. Each month, we’ll begin with a poem, song, or prayer, and then set out on a mindful 3–4 mile hike along trails that may be wooded, scenic, paved, or crushed gravel. Together, we’ll experience the crisp beauty of fall, the stillness of winter, and the renewal of spring—discovering not just nature, but one another along the way.

NEUROSPICE LATTE

Leader: Liat Kochavi
Sunday, 6:00pm-7:30pm
10/26, 11/23, 12/21, 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/17, 6/28

For those parenting neurodivergent kids. Strong coffee and even stronger connections will be provided.
A casual and honest Circle for parents raising neurodivergent kids — whether you have a child with ADHD, autism, anxiety, sensory stuff, spicy brains, tender hearts, or all of the above. We will meet at cozy coffee shops, brunch spots, or anywhere with strong beverages and low lighting to share stories, swap survival tips, laugh, cry, and remind each other we’re not doing this alone. Come as you are — no judgment, no expectations. Leave with caffeine, connection, community, and enough strength to keep you going!

NOSHES AND NOSTALGIA

Leader: Cami Murace
Sunday, 4:30-6:00pm
10/19, 11/9, 12/14, 1/11, 2/8, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17, 6/21

We know that food is often more than just a meal — it’s a reflection of our culture, a connection to family, friends, and places, and a source of some of our fondest memories. Let’s come together to share our favorite foods, recipes, and the stories behind them. Maybe we’ll all make kugel, swap brisket recipes, or gather at a Jewish deli to enjoy a meal while reminiscing.
This Circle may rotate among our homes throughout the year, creating opportunities for both delicious tastes and meaningful connections.

SANDWICH GENERATION

Leader: Danielle Klein
Sunday, 11:00am-12:30pm
10/26, 11/23, 12/21, 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/17, 6/28

Do you ever feel caught in the middle — caring for your children (young or grown) while also supporting your parents (near or far), both financially and emotionally? Balancing these responsibilities can be challenging, even overwhelming. How do we care for everyone we love while still making sure we care for ourselves? What resources are available, and when should we ask for help?
Join our Circle to share experiences, ideas, and encouragement with others who understand the unique challenges — and rewards — of being part of the “sandwich generation.”

SHABBAT DINNER

Leaders: Edith Samers, Michelle Ebstein
Friday, 5:30pm-7:15pm
10/10, 11/14, 12/26, 1/9, 2/13, 3/13, 4/24, 5/8, 6/12

One Friday night each month, we gather in the Chapel before services to light Shabbat candles, say the blessings over bread and wine, and enjoy a catered buffet-style Shabbat dinner. Over the meal, we catch up on the past month and share in each other’s company. After dinner, we spend about 30 minutes in a free-flowing discussion on a pre-selected topic, often an ethical question — that helps us better understand one another’s perspectives and experiences and grow closer together.

SHE-NANIGANS

Leaders: Amy Fischer, Dr. Ellen Lewis
Monday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/27, 11/24, 12/22, 1/26, 2/23, 3/23, 4/20, 5/18, 6/22

She-nanigans is a Circle for Sinai women looking to reconnect — with themselves, their creativity, and each other. Designed for those of us who’ve spent years taking care of kids, parents, partners, and pets, this group offers a gentle invitation to shift some energy inward again. Each month, we’ll gather to explore something new — something that feeds our spirit, sparks our curiosity, or simply makes us laugh. This is not a lecture, a support group, or a performance. It’s a space to show up as you are, to share a glass of wine or cup of tea, and to build authentic community with other women at a similar midlife stage. Our meetings will be a combination of sharing ideas and discussions mixed in with some fun outings to reawaken our sense of exploration. This group will meet on a weeknight and some activities will incur a moderate fee.

SINAI PARENTS

Leaders: Heather Greif, Eric Ross
Saturday, 7:00pm
10/4, 11/1, 12/6, 1/3, 2/28, 3/14, 4/4, 5/9, 6/6

Our Circle offers parents with at least one child still living at home a warm, welcoming space to share the joys and challenges of raising a family rooted in Jewish values and traditions. The Sinai Parents’ Circle fosters new relationships, encourages the exchange of advice, and deepens our connection to our shared heritage. Join us for casual get-togethers featuring themed evenings (trivia night, anyone?) and engaging discussions, as we build a vibrant, supportive community together.

SPORTS TALK

Leaders: Phil Garmun, Ian Taubin
7:00pm-8:30pm
10/21, 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16

A Sports Talk Circle where a casual group of fans come together to share their love of the game. We’ll swap stories about our favorite players and teams, revisit unforgettable moments from the past, and dive into spirited (but friendly!) debates. The goal is to create a space filled with passionate opinions, playful banter, and shared excitement over all things sports.

THE SPIRIT KEEPERS - WHISKEY WEDNESDAY

Leader: Eric Cohen
7:00pm-8:30pm
10/15, 11/5, 12/3, 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, and 6/3

We’re a community of whiskey enthusiasts—some seasoned sippers, some just starting the
journey—brought together by a shared curiosity and appreciation for the craft of whiskey. Our
goal is to explore the world of whiskey, from smooth bourbons and smoky Scotches to unique
international expressions, while learning about the history, craftsmanship, and culture behind
each pour.
Whether you’re here to expand your palate, share your knowledge, or simply enjoy good
company over a dram, you’re in the right place. There’s no pressure to be an expert here – the
only requirements are an open mind, a respect for the spirit, and a willingness to raise a glass in
good conversation.
Each time we meet, select members will bring a favorite bottle to share so we have a variety of
bottles to sip throughout the year. We’ll taste, share thoughts (serious or not-so-serious), and
maybe even spin a tale or two.
Here’s to discovery, great flavors, and new friendships—L’Chaim!

TIP TOE INTO TALMUD

Leaders: Betsy Stone, Caryn Halbrecht
Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
10/28, 11/25, 12/23, 1/27, 2/24, 3/24, 4/28, 5/26, 6/23

We are faced with decisions every day. Is it okay to tell stories about other people? Do I need to donate to charity? Should I risk my safety to help someone in danger? Jewish wisdom literature has asked these and other questions for centuries. Spend some time in Talmud as we seek to understand HOW we could and should behave towards other people. We may not be able to answer all of our questions, but we will have some fun thinking and learning!

WORK AT HOME, LUNCH AT SINAI

Leader: Mark Frank
12:00-1:30. Day: determined by the Circle members
Work from home? Tired of eating lunch alone? Join the Work at Home, Lunch at Sinai Circle. Meeting once a month in the Social Hall, this is an opportunity for Temple Sinai members to bring their lunch and get to know other members