Circles

ANTI-RACISM AS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Leader: Carolyn Ginsberg
Day and Time: TBD

Would you like to help create more just communities regarding racism?  As we become aware of our country’s unjust legacies, our circle is committed to transforming this historical conditioning. Join with other like-minded Sinai members. Together, we can develop tools and insights that strengthen us … offering healing to ourselves and others in the process.

ARIA AFICIONADOS 

Leader: Moira Morrissey
Saturday mornings, 10:15-11:45am
10/26/2024, 11/23/2024, 12/28/2024, 1/25/2025, 2/22/2025, 3/22/2025, 4/26/2025, 5/31/2025, 6/28/2025

For opera lovers or those who want to learn more about opera. The Metropolitan Opera offers “live in HD” performances streamed in local cinemas monthly on a Saturday from October through May. We will explore the history, composers, music and librettos of each of these 7 operas. We can then see the opera together on the day they are broadcast or on a day they are rebroadcast, or you can watch them at home if you subscribe to the Met’s streaming service. 

BRAIN FOOD

Leader: Betsy Stone
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/23/2024, 11/20/2024, 12/18/2024, 1/22/2025, 2/26/2025, 3/26/2025, 4/23/2025, 5/28/2025, 6/25/2025

Don't you wish there were other people who like to think as much as you do? Join brain food and explore contemporary and ageless questions, from trying to understand how our country recovers to questioning why so many millennials are opting not to have children to the existence of evil. I'm not promising we will cover any or all of these... But I promise we will make your brain work!
 

CINEMA CIRCLE 1

Leader: Glenn Wolff
Sunday afternoons, 1:00-2:30pm
10/6/2024, 11/3/2024, 12/8/2024, 1/5/2025, 2/2/2025, 3/2/2025, 4/6/2025, 5/4/2025, 6/1/2025

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 2 - Sorry, fully subscribed and closed

Leader: Carl Rosen
Sunday afternoons, 4:00-5:30pm 
10/6/2024, 11/3/2024, 12/1/2024, 1/5/2025, 2/2/2025, 3/2/2025, 4/6/2025, 5/4/2025, 6/1/2025 

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 3

Leader: Sandy Rosenberg
Sunday afternoons, 1:00-2:30pm
10/27/2024, 11/17/2024, 12/15/2024, 1/19/2025, 2/9/2025, 3/9/2025, 4/6/2025, 5/18/2025, 6/8/2025

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.

CULTURES BOOK CLUB CIRCLE

Leader: Martha Kramer
Saturday afternoons, 12:00-1:30pm
10/19/2024, 11/16/2024, 12/21/2024, 1/18/2025, 2/15/2025, 3/15/2025, 4/19/2025, 5/17/2025, 6/21/2025

Explore various cultures through fiction with us! In this Temple Sinai Circle, we discuss books through the lens of what they teach us about different cultures, as well as our own. Last year, we explored various cultures in the Mideast, as well as Indian, Chinese, and South American. Circle members decide on the culture and specific book. Make friends, learn from each other, and enjoy noshes.

CLASSICAL MUSIC CIRCLE

Leader: Joan Madison
Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/1/2024, 11/5/2024, 12/3/2024, 1/7/2025, 2/4/2025, 3/4/2025, 4/1/2025, 5/6/2025, 6/3/2025

Do you love, appreciate, want to hear and learn about classical music? If so, this Circle is for you! We will share our favorite works, listen together, react, enjoy, and expand our knowledge in the process. All ideas are welcome as we strive to create a meaningful experience. There are no musical requirements.

FAMILY FUN CIRCLE FOR K-2

Leader: Joanna Frank and Dr. Ellen Lewis
Saturday afternoons, 1:00-2:30pm
10/5/2024, 11/2/2024, 12/7/2024, 1/4/2025, 2/1/2025, 3/1/2025, 4/5/2025, 5/3/2025, 6/7/2025

The Family Fun Circle is like a youth group for young families! Once a month, we will get together and participate in a fun activity. Apple and pumpkin picking, a museum, an ice cream social or sharing a meal together at one another's homes, are some of the endless possibilities to have tons of fun. Younger or older siblings are welcome!
Recommended ages: families with children in grades K-2

GROWN UP GAME NIGHT CIRCLE

Leader: Glenn Harper
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/9/2024, 11/13/2024, 12/11/2024, 1/8/2025, 2/12/2025, 3/12/2025, 4/9/2025, 5/14/2025, 6/11/2025

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 Card 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!

THE JOY OF MEDITATION CIRCLE

Leaders: Ellen Jacobson and Ronnie Lilien
Saturday afternoons, 12:15-1:45pm
10/19/2024, 11/9/2024, 12/14/2024, 1/11/2025, 2/8/2025, 3/8/2025, 4/12/2025, 5/10/2025, 6/14/2025

Would you like the tools to help navigate life’s challenges? For centuries, meditation has been a core practice around the world to help people uplift their lives and transform their experience of daily living. Join our monthly Circle as we practice different meditation techniques including guided imagery, mantra, chanting, mindful breathing, moving meditations and more all with the wonderful energy of practicing in a group. “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

KIBBITZ, CRAFTS & CATS- A FIBER ARTS CIRCLE

Leaders: Elisabeth Giles and Leigh Claypool
Thursday evenings, 6:00-7:30pm
10/17/2024, 11/21/2024, 12/19/2024, 1/16/2025, 2/20/2025, 3/20/2025, 4/17/2025, 5/15/2025

We love socializing and being productive. If you do too, come create with us while getting to know fellow crafters from our Sinai family. We will meet each month to talk, enjoy nibbles and to work on our projects. Finding it hard to make time to work on yours? Join our Circle for an excuse to keep going. Having trouble with a pattern, need to fix a dropped stitch, something just not turning out right? One of us can help figure it out! Are you just learning and need some guidance? Come practice with us. Are you a seasoned pro? Join us to help and encourage beginners. All levels welcome. (Please note that we are not supplying or suggesting crafts. This is a space to get to know each other while working on individual projects.)  MUST BE ABLE TO BE AROUND CATS! Please do not sign up if you are allergic to cats or have cat aversion.

LADIES NIGHT IN

Leader: Debbe Youngstein
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/9/2024, 11/6/2024, 12/4/2024, 1/8/2025, 2/5/2025, 3/5/2025, 4/2/2025, 5/7/2025, 6/4/2025

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!
 

LEARNING ABOUT ISRAEL THROUGH ISRAELI JEWISH AND ISRAELI ARAB AUTHORS 

Leaders: Carol Lilienthal and Edith Samers
Monday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/28/2024, 11/25/2024, 12/23/2024, 1/20/2025, 2/17/2025, 3/24/2025, 4/28/2025, 5/12/2025, 6/16/2025

Members will read and discuss a combination of Israeli fiction and non-fiction literature chosen by members of the Circle. We have a prepared list of titles if needed. We will have the opportunity to hear different perspectives and develop a more intimate knowledge of Israel. We will take turns leading the discussion.
 

MEN’S BOOK CIRCLE - Sorry, fully subscribed and closed

Leader: David Swerdloff
Varies evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
9/22/2024, 11/6/2024, 12/18/2024, 1/29/2025, 12:00:00 AM, 3/5/2025, 4/16/2025, 12:00:00 AM, 6/4/2025

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 aspect 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 REIMAGINED, THE THEOLOGY OF RABBI ARTHUR GREEN

Leader: Grant Kallen
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/16/2024, 11/13/2024, 12/11/2024, 1/8/2025, 2/12/2025, 3/12/2025, 4/9/2025, 5/14/2025, 6/11/2025

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. As a Creative Circle, a model for group learning introduced in a 13^th century Torah Commentary, we will gather in an atmosphere of chesed, loving kindness. 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: EXPLORING JUDAISM IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Leader: Amy Fischer
Saturday mornings at 9:00am
10/26/2024, 11/23/2024, 12/28/2024, 1/25/2025, 2/22/2025, 3/22/2025, 4/22/2025, 5/31/2025, 6/28/2025

This Circle combines the serenity of moderate hiking—covering 3-4 miles over up to 2 hours—with a unique focus on Jewish insights and values. Experience the beauty of nature alongside like-minded individuals who share your appreciation for both outdoor exploration and cultural enrichment. Discover scenic trails, foster new friendships, and deepen your connection to Judaism through invigorating outdoor activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 
 

POETIC LICENSE CIRCLE

Leader: Cantor Micah Morgovsky
Monday evenings, 6:00-7:30pm
10/28/2024, 11/4/2024, 12/2/2024, 1/6/2025, 2/3/2025, 3/3/2025, 4/21/2025, 5/5/2025, 6/9/2025

Join Cantor Micah as we delve deeper into the liturgy of Shabbat. We’ll begin each session with a contemplative niggun. We’ll read a close translation of the prayer and explore various interpretations and creative reimagining of each text. We’ll then set out, each one of us, to write our own poetic version of the prayer, making it our own and weaving our stories with these ancient texts.

THE ROD SERLING/TWILIGHT ZONE CIRCLE

Leader: Richard Nemchek
Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/22/2024, 11/26/2024, 12/17/2024, 1/28/2025, 2/25/2025, 3/25/2025, 4/22/2025, 5/27/2025, 6/24/2025

Rod Serling was a prolific, renowned, Jewish American screenwriter & television producer best known for his live TV dramas, and his anthology TV series, “The Twilight Zone”. He is indelibly stamped into modern popular culture because of that series’ acclaim, which endures 60 years after the show went off the air. In this Circle, we will experience and discuss a sampling of Rod Serling’s humanistic parables, his lectures & interviews in an attempt to better understand what made the Golden Age of television’s “angry young man” tick. We’ll grapple with issues Serling shone a light on such as bigotry, trauma, retribution, totalitarianism, technology, retirement, and nostalgia. Prior exposure to any of Rod Serling’s work is not required for this shared “journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination.”
 

SANDWICH GENERATION CIRCLE

Leader: Danielle Klein and Marian Freed
Meeting times TBD

Do you feel squeezed? Caring for both your children (young or grown) and your parents (near or far) financially and/or emotionally can be challenging. How do we take care of everyone and still make sure we have the support we need for ourselves? What resources are out there? When do we ask for help and what is that help? Join our Circle and share with others who know how difficult but also rewarding it can be.
 

SHABBAT DINNER CIRCLE

Circle Leaders: Monica Schlessinger
Friday evenings, 5:30-7:15pm
11/8/2024, 12/13/2024, 1/10/2025, 2/14/2025, 3/14/2025, 4/11/2025, 5/9/2025, 6/13/2025 

One Friday night a month, an intimate group of 18 to 22 of us, meet in the Chapel prior to services. We light Shabbat candles, say prayers over bread and wine and share a catered Shabbat dinner, buffet style. We spend time during dinner catching up on what has transpired in our lives over the past month. After dinner we spend a half hour in a free-flowing discussion of a pre-set subject, usually involving an ethical question, which helps us to meet our goal of getting to know each other's opinions and observations.

SINAI SPOONIES: BUILDING A CHRONIC ILLNESS COMMUNITY

Leader: Sharon Pardo
Sunday afternoons, 3:00-4:30pm
10/27/2024, 11/24/2024, 12/15/2024, 1/19/2025, 2/9/2025, 3/30/2025, 4/27/2025, 5/18/2025, 6/22/2025

A Spoonie is someone who struggles with managing their personal energy and daily tasks due to a disability or chronic illness. It’s often necessary to budget that energy to stay functional. If you live with a chronic condition such as an autoimmune disease or a physical disability that limits your life and you crave connection and empathy with other Spoonies, consider joining our Circle.

This will be a judgment-free zone where we can share our daily realities, including staying on top of tasks and schedules, feelings of helplessness and guilt, communicating and explaining our limitations with co-workers, friends and family, accepting help, commiserating over unhelpful practitioners and solicitations, "ablism," and other aspects of our reality. We will also discuss the humorous side of the Spoonie life, such as snarky memes, social media takes, and dealing with all the ridiculous advice and comments directed at our chronic illness community. NOTE: This is not a therapy session or professional support group
 

SPORTS CARD & MEMORABILIA ENTHUSIAST CIRCLE

Leader: Phil Garmun
Tuesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/8/2024, 11/12/2024, 12/10/2024, 1/14/2025, 2/11/2025, 3/11/2025, 4/8/2025, 5/13/2025, 6/10/2025

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to learn about sports card & memorabilia collecting, as well as discussing the fun and business sides of the hobby? We are thrilled to offer a unique learning experience. Join us as we delve into the rich history of sports cards collecting, whether it be collecting your favorite athletes and teams, understanding their values, the art of trading, grading, and how to best invest in the card market. We’ll also explore collecting sports memorabilia, learning about the authentication process, genuine vs forgery, investment, and the business side. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned collector, this opportunity promises to be an enriching and unforgettable journey.

WOMEN WAGE PEACE

Leader: Connie Freeman
Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm
10/16/2024, 11/20/2024, 12/18/2024, 1/15/2025, 2/19/2025, 3/29/2025, 4/16/2025, 5/21/2025, 6/18/2025

Women Wage Peace (WWP) is the largest grassroots nonpartisan, politically unaffiliated peace movement in Israel that strives to encourage the active participation of women through all stages of negotiations. Comprised of women from the political left, center and right, younger and older women, those from the center of the country and its periphery, religious and secular, Jewish, Arab, Druze and Bedouin, it aspires to promote a non-violent, respectful, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

WWP believes it is particularly important to have their voices heard not only in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but also abroad. The WWP Circle will encourage discussion on the various realities in Israel and how this peace movement can flourish. We will explore how we can engage the greater Stamford community including our interfaith partners. Everyone is welcome.
 

WORK AT HOME, LUNCH AT SINAI

Leader: Mark Frank
Day of the Week—TBD, Lunch time

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 who work from home in a casual setting to break up the day to day.
 

WRITERS ANON! CIRCLE

Leader: Mike Kadish
Monday evenings, 8:00-9:30pm
10/7/2024, 11/11/2024, 12/9/2024, 1/13/2025, 2/10/2025, 3/10/2025, 4/14/2025, 5/12/2025, 6/9/2025

Have a half-finished novel manuscript in your drawer? Looking for time to write that memoir? Trying to find a space to think through a picture book you want to publish? Give yourself the time you need to tell that special story…and to support others as they share their creative voices. All genres are welcome – we have had memoirs, fiction for adults and young people, humor, blog posts, and graphic novels!