Congregation Agudath Sholom | 301 Strawberry Hill Ave | Stamford, CT 06902 (203)-358-2200 www.agudathsholom.org

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Friday, November 15, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayeraNovember 16, 201918 Cheshvan 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:17 PM
Mincha4:22 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:11 AM
Latest Shacharit10:00 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong10:30 AM
Daf Yomi3:20 PM
Code of Jewish Law3:20 PM
Mincha4:10 PM
Maariv5:12 PM
Shabbat Ends5:17 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Creating a Welcoming Community: The Values and Vision of Avraham and Sara

After the holidays this year, I received an email from a couple visiting our community. The note is a heartfelt reminder that each one of us is an ambassador for creating warm environment in our second home, the Shul.

"Thank you and your congregation for making my husband and I feel so welcome on Succot in your synagogue, as if we were lifelong members ourselves. The warmth you extended to us was especially felt because we were away from family and friends."

I share this message with you as a trigger to explore the prime mitzvah at the beginning of this week's Parsha of welcoming guests into our homes. We may not always realize it but the essence of this mitzvah is not inviting only our friends but about reaching out to people who may not have a meal. I encourage you to join our recently launched the Open Table Project or our hospitality email list. Hachnasat Orchim is about recognizing the kindness of being invited to a meal and then reciprocating and inviting people back to our homes.

Of all the parshiyot in the Torah, this week's parsha of VeYera serves as a reminder of the extent of this mitzvah. The first role models for Hachnasat Orchim in the Torah are Avraham and Sara. Although Abraham is in pain after his circumcision at 99, he and Sarah hurry to take care of travelers he sees in the distance. He does not wait to be asked to host, but he anticipates the needs of others. His raison d'tre is chesed, reaching out to others and feels a void in his life if he cannot host people.

In fact, welcoming the stranger is so important that it takes priority over a conversation with God. Avraham is in deep contemplation with God when he sees three men at a distance. He interrupts his conversation with God the master of the Universe to extend hospitality. In truth, his actions are not contradictory but a manifestation of his belief in God. His actions are recorded for posterity so that we and future generations will learn this lesson in prioritizing. It is part of our spiritual DNA.

Rabbi Yisrael Salanter taught that someone's else material needs are my spiritual responsibility. Avraham and Sara's actions and proactive approach to kindness with joy, haste and care are a living Code of Jewish Law for all of us.

Our warm gesture is not only about the food, but about connection. I am sure we are all familiar with stories about people whose lives were impacted forever due to the kindness of a Shabbat meal. We have all likely been the beneficiaries of such chesed as well.

Hachnasat Orchim means moving outside our comfort zones. It means welcoming the stranger, people we may not know and/or who do not share our ideology. Avraham and Sara had an "Open Tent" policy. Their tent remained open on all four sides to invite strangers in, regardless of which direction they approached. Hachnasat Orchim is a reflection of our belief that every human is created in God's image.

Ponder these questions:

Besides food, what else are people looking for when they come to your home? How could you provide those things for them?

How can I make others feel welcomed and cared for? What are some of the needs that my guests might have, and how can I provide for them?

What kind of home do I want to build? Who do I want to have as the influences in my home? How can my home be a source of holiness and kindness?

The Talmud teaches welcoming guests is a higher mitzvah than prayer; that it stands on the same level as welcoming the Shechinah, God's presence, into our homes.

May we all emulate the model of Avraham and Sara and embrace the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim each and every day.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Youth Group Reminders 
  • No outside food is allowed in groups
  • For security, the doors are locked. Please arrive by 10:30am

Thank you 
  • to Jon and Karen Malkin for sponsoring the bimah flowers last Shabbat.
  • to Jennie & Ben Folkinshteyn, Rachel Licht, Alisa Weisser, Shari Levine, Rachel Bahar and Elisheva Kilner and all of the kids for organizing and leading a wonderful Sing Along at Atria this past Sunday
  • to Daniel Schilowitz for his leadership in organizing the Movie Night on Saturday Night. Tickets can be purchased at the door!
  • to Rachel Schilowitz for organizing the Motzai Shabbat Women's Learning last week.

Welcome 
  • to Suri and Jason Fischman on their recent move to Stamford.
  • to Rabbi Shmuel Reichman, New England Regional Director Devora Weinstock and all of the advisors and teens here this Shabbat for the Fall Regional Shabbaton. Friday night, NCSY will daven in the sanctuary in addition the regular service in the chapel. The community is invited to join them. We will all daven together on Shabbat morning at the 9 AM minyan and will all join together for Seudah Shlishit..
  • to the participants of the Summer 2019 CAS Heritage Trip to Poland who are here for a reunion Shabbat. We wil hear brief reflections on Shabbat morning before Musaf from Dr. Steve and Aileen Tisser, David Zizmor, and Dr. Stu and Sandi Waldstreicher

CAS Member Trivia:  Which one of our members was friends with Stamford resident and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson? Answer will be shared at the Movie Night

Service Note Starting Monday November 18, the 613 early mincha minyan will be held at CAS at 1:30 pm.

Daily Minyan Shaliach Tzibur Reminder The Shaliach Tzibur serves as the emissary of the congregation. In this spirit, we want to remind those who request this honor to strive for proper diction, a basic understanding of the words, and commitment to chant the words slowly and loudly so that everyone in the room can hear the Tefillah clearly. Whether leading the davening, Haftorah or Torah reading, we are always aiming to create opportunities for growth and if you would like assistance in becoming more proficient in these roles, please reach out to Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
10:30 shiurRabbi Oran Zweiter: The Other White Meat - A 19th Century American Shechitah Controversy (part 2)
ShacharitJake Sigman
HaftorahJeff Benson
MusafTani Polansky
SermonReflections from the CAS Poland Heritage Journey
Torah ReadersNat Samberg, Yonathan Evgi and Dr. Matthew Zizmor
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitNCSY
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesGloria Green in thanksfulness on the birth of her first great grandson and Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushErwin Reich in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his mother Esther Bat Shmuel Zamvil z'l and his brother Shmuel Ben Menachem Yehuda Hacohen z'l.
Chapel KiddushIlan Herz and David R. Herz on the first Yahrzeit of Joachim Herz. Thanks Pop.
Sanctuary KiddushMary Lee and Jeff Benson in celebration of the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca, to Aryeh Kobrinsky and to remember the 33rd yahrzeit of Rebecca's grandfather, Jacob Benson; Alan and Michelle Genn in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Alan's mother, Miriam Genn
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 4:20 PM, Friday 4:17 PM
Candles Friday4:12 PM
Condolences
  • to Herm Alswanger on the passing his brother, Robert Alswanger
  • to Harvey Weber on the passing his mother, Betty Weber
  • to Eric Jankelovits on the passing his father, Arye Jankelovits
For up to date shiva and contact info: www.cas-stamford.org/shiva
To make a memorial contribution online, and have us send an acknowledgement to the family, please click here
Mazal Tov
  • to Mary Lee and Jeff Benson on the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca to Aryeh Kobrinsky
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Sign Up For These Events
Upcoming Events
Rookies/Vets Lunch 
Shabbat, December 14
Hosts will provide the meal and guests will be asked to bring kosher wine, or a store bought kosher challah/parve dessert (as the host specifies). We hope you can join us for this great and easy way to get to know others in the CAS community!

Youth Pre-Chanukah Party - Puppet Show And Crafts 
Sunday, December 15 - 9:30 AM
The Lost Latke Puppet Show with Wonderspark Puppets! (9:30-10:15 AM) Bring the family to the most fun pre-Chanukah party this year! Featuring puppeteer group, Wonderspark Puppets! Together we will go on a journey to help find Nancy's lucky latke pan! $5/child

Chanukkah Crafts! (10:15 - 11:00 AM) Cookie Decorating, Watercolor Dreidels, Decorating your own Wrapping Paper, and More! Free!

CAS Agudath Women Presents Pre-Chanukah Boutique 
Sunday, December 15
10:30 am - 2:30 pm. Get your Chanukah gifts and more! Jewelry, hats, hair accessories, Cutco, personalized children's items and more.

Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt - European Jewry At A Crossroads 
Monday, December 16 - 7:30 PM
Pinchas Goldschmidt has been the Chief Rabbi of Moscow, Russia since 1993, serving at the Moscow Choral Synagogue. He also founded and heads the Moscow Rabbinical court of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) since 1989, and since 2011 serves as President of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) which unites over seven hundred communal rabbis from Dublin to Khabarovsk.

Womens Book Club 
Monday, December 16 - 8:00 PM
The Womens Book Club will next be reading The Dutch House by Anne Patchett. Event Chair: Laura TobinAddress of meeting will be sent via email after signup. Open to ALL women in our community! Please RSVP by December 13th
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP The Mom Group is a great and easy way to form meaningful connections with other moms in your neighborhood. Join us for a weekly playdate with your little one and an opportunity to share your experiences, ask questions you need help with, gather resources, or just connect with other women.
CAS Announcements
  • THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SHABBAT KIDDUSH WITH RABBI COHEN FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Catch up with old friends, chat with Rabbi Cohen, and enjoy some tasty food. Following minyan on Shabbat morninig, Rabbi Cohen will host a special kiddush at 11:30 AM for collegiates visiting for Thanksgiving Weekend. RSVP to Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
  • CHANUKAH COLLEGE PACKAGES CAS would like to send your collegiate a Chanukah care package. Please send your child's email, address and phone number to Kim in the office by December 1st to be included in the gifts for Chanukah.
  • CAS MENS CLUB Once again the CAS Men's Club is spear-heading a feast for the EMS responders on Thanksgiving.We are looking for food (Turkey, sprouts, salad items, cranberries, etc.) to prepare during the morning 9am-11:00 pm to drop off for the 4-5 crews on duty that day. If you can donate or help prepare contact Mitchell Bell, wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203 722 3512. Thank you.
  • PAY IT FORWARD! As our community grows it takes even more effort to insure the warmth of our shul. You may not realize but we have a Hospitality Team who are informed of new families who moved into community. Team members are expected to invite new families to any of the following: shabbat meal, BBQ, brunch, even coffee, a get-together in the park, or a community-wide function. It means so much to new families. To join our Hospitality Team, contact membership committee chair, Jon Makovsky at jonathanmakovsky@gmail.com.
  • ANNOUNCING A SOUL JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen in partnership with Yeshivat Orayta. Spend a week of study and spirit in the Old City with luminaries such as Rabbi David Aaron, Rav Binny Freidman and many more. Open to Men and Women. Dates are Sunday, May 3rd until Sunday, May 10th, 2020. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen. Visit www.israeltour.com/dcohen for information and to sign up
  • HEALING VISITS UPDATE: Every week, we include a note about our healing visits group. As a reminder, the group consists of volunteers who give of their time to call, email or visit people in our community who are in the hospital or in recuperation. If you like to join this Mitzvah mission, please contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org.
  • CAS FREE MEZUZAH CAMPAIGN IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT Bringing Blessings to Jewish Homes. Do you know a neighbor or a friend who lacks a mezuzah? CAS offers a free mezuzah and home visit to post this sacred scroll at the entrance to all Jewish homes in the area. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen: rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
  • JOIN THE CHEVRA KADISHA We need new volunteers for the Chevra - those willing to perform a tahara. Info: Please contact Rochel Attar at fiveximah@gmail.com
  • IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING We need you to help secure our Synagogue. As you come to the building, please be aware of your surroundings. If you see something out of the ordinary, please let someone know about it. This will keep everyone safe.
  • WELCOME TO OUR SYNAGOGUE PROGRAM Every Shabbat we station ushers at the doors in the sanctuary to welcome people, assist them and enhance the service. We are expanding the usher roles to include a greeter in the lobby from 9-10:30 am. Please join the usher team. We need you and your smile. Info: Mitchell Bell.
  • COMMUNITY CHESED HELPERS An important role of the Chesed committee is outreach to the Shul's elderly and homebound, who are often isolated and lack a lifeline to our synagogue. Volunteer to reach out and identify needs, visit, or give a ride. Even small gestures mean a great deal Interested? Vivian Weiss at 203-323-0909 or vivianweiss@gmail.com. If you are aware of elderly or homebound members in need of outreach, please notify Rabbi Cohen.
Rabbi Office Hours
Update on Rabbi Cohen's & Rabbi Zweiter's Open Office HoursOpen Office Hours are an opportunity to drop by to see our Rabbis without an appointment. They will be available in their office for guidance or a chat. Rabbis will not schedule meetings during these hours, which will be held around the same time each week. Call the office to confirm Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter are not attending to an urgent matter outside the synagogue. Open Office Hour Times for this Week
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
  • Tuesday, November 19, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, November 19, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, November 20, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, November 21, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of November 17
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
MondayBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Mishlei, The Book of Proverbs - 10:15 AM
Mark Wagshul: Crash Course in Reading Hebrew - 7:30 PM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis and the Rudiments of Rashi - 8:35 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Power of the Prophets - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives - 12:00 PM
Rabbi Oran Zweiter - Tuesday Evening Jewish History Series: Villains of Jewish History You May Never Have Heard About - 8:00 PM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: 12 Minor Prophets - 9:30 AM
Diane Cohen - Explorations in the Book with Esther - 10:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
FridayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Nov 23Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Nov 30Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Dec 7Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Dec 14Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Dec 21Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Sponsor a kiddush! click here to see the menus
Email Matt and he will contact you mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org or see Hecky or Irwin to arrange a Kiddush.
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Ariyah Leib ben Esther Malkah
  • Chana bat Fayga
  • Chana bat Gitel
  • Chana bat Shualmit
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Liba bat Peschke
  • Rachel bat Bayla
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Rivka Devorah bat Chanula
  • Shmuel ben Zlata Fayena
  • Tzedakah Bracha bat Yehudit
  • Yehudit bat Gittel
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • THE ISRAEL CANCER RESEARCH FUND CT CHAPTER'S annual Heroes for Hope gala November 17, Sunday 6:00 pm. honoring humanitarian Stuart Berni at Stamford Hilton. Featured speaker: Dr. Tali Lando Aronoff, ENT surgeon, mother, wife, and cancer dragon slayer. Mayor David Martin will share his experiences. Chapter Chairman, Leslie Freedman, Ph.D. David Kweskin, Chapter Director. For reservations, donations, information ICRFctGala.org or David.Kweskin@icrfonline.org
  • FAMILY FUN DAY AND PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE AT GAN YELADIM OF STAMFORD Sunday, December 8 - 9:30am-11:30amCome learn about our program by taking a tour, meet our amazing Gan teachers and enjoy a morning filled with children's activities. Fun and Free for the whole family. For adults an opportunity to get certified in CPR / First Aid for $60 a person. RSVP appreciated to wendy@stamfordchabad.org.
  • JEWISH NATIONAL FUND'S 7TH ANNUAL WATER & WINE RECEPTION AT WESTCHESTER REFORM TEMPLE December 5th, 7pm. The event will feature Channel 12 News Anchor Michelle Divon, "My Experience at the Gaza Border: How JNF Helps Families Heal". Tickets are $36 which include savory noshes, wine tasting, dessert & coffee, schmoozing and learning more about building a stronger state of Israel. Sponsorships are available. Online registration at: Water & Wine Registration For more information, please contact Westchester & Southern Connecticut Director, Sharon Lewis, Sharon.lewis@jnf.org.
  • JHSFC HERITAGE AWARD CELEBRATION Sun, Nov. 17, 2019 at 12:00 PMTemple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford. The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County will honor two well-known Holocaust survivors-- Judith Altmann and Agnes Vertes. They have dedicated their lives to educating students on the Holocaust and have spoken to well over 100,000 school children. This also marks a transformational moment for The JHSFC, to continue the work Judy and Agnes have started. Ticket are available and you can learn more by visiting our website: http://jhsfc-ct.org/
  • EDEN VILLAGE CAMP OPEN HOUSE The innovative Jewish organic farm camp, located in Putnam Valley, NY, is changing the way Jewish sleepaway camp is done. Come find out what makes EVC so special. Sunday, December 8th @ 7:00 pm. Hosted by the Kanefsky family - held in Stamford - RSVP for address: Edenvillagecamp.org/rsvp
  • DO A MITZVAH! CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SCHOKE JFS KOSHER FOOD PANTRY by purchasing Mitzvah Baskets and/or Mitzvah Centerpieces instead of flowers for your next simcha at CAS. Distributions from the Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry have increased by more than 1000 since the recession. With this tremendous upsurge in use, Schoke JFS is constantly challenged to keep the food pantry full. Your generosity enables Schoke JFS to help those in our community in their greatest moments of need.
CAS Israel Advocacy Update
Take a Minute to Support Israel  Supporting Israel isn't hard -- there are many things that you can do that take literally one minute. The Israel Committee now has a website built on this idea. Go to www.IsraelMinute.com for simple things that you can do, from calling your Congressional representatives to social media posts, that take only a minute or two. Check back frequently for updates and ideas for things you can do!

LIPS product of the week  Check out our new Love Israel Products Blog (LIPS) for the latest ways to support Israel! Thank you to Lola Halperin and Aaron Goldenberg for organizing. www.loveisraelproducts.com

Check out OurCrowd (www.ourcrowd.com).  They are the most active venture investor in Israel the past two years and have invested in about 200 companies since inception across a full range of industries. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen or Alec Ellison, Chairman Our Crowd, at alec@ourcrowd.com

2020 AIPAC Diamond Summer Internship Application! Diamond Summer Internship (DSI) is one of the most premier internships in Washington DC, and each summer AIPAC hires interns to work at the DC headquarters and in regional and satellite offices across the country. Interns are fully integrated into their department or regional office, and will also engage in a variety of professional development programming. Departments vary each summer, but often include: Political, Policy and Government Affairs, Development, Leadership Development, Business Operations (i.e.: finance, IT, HR), Marketing and Communications, Events and Creative Services, Outreach, and more. Interns participate in the National Intern Retreat, Summer Saban Leadership Seminar, weekly intern call-ins with organizational leadership, and the highly-acclaimed Summer Seminar Series. Typically, DSIs are entering their Junior or Senior years of college.The application can be found at: https://acollegietspply.aipacldevents.org/prog/DSI2020.The DSI program begins on Monday, June 15th, 2020, and interns may opt to work for 8, 9, or 10 weeks.The deadline to apply is January 2nd, 2020 at 11:00PM EST.
Kosher Advisories
  • KOSHER ALERTS The OU reminds you to always check the label before purchasing any item that needs kosher certification! And for the latest corrective actions, stay up with the latest OU KOSHER CONSUMER ALERTS & ADVISORIES...just click here
  • KOSHER ADVISORY Breaking news from the OU - newly certified items! to check out the list click here
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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