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

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Friday, December 1, 2023

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayishlachDecember 2, 202319 Kislev 5784
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:08 PM
Mincha4:13 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00/8:00/9:00 AM
Latest Shema8:38 AM
Sephardic Minyan8:45 AM
Shmuel Class9:00 AM
Latest Shacharit9:40 AM
Code Of Jewish Law3:15 PM
Mincha4:05 PM
Havdalah5:08 PM
Shabbat Shalom
A Reflection from Kfar Aza

In the Valley of the Shadow of Death…I will Fear No Evil for God is With Me

I have never felt in my life as if I was literally walking through the valley of the shadow of death than when walking through Kfar Azza. It brought me to tears.

Charred homes, strewn shoes, broken bikes, bullet holes in doors, the pin of a hand grenade, such pain, as if time standing still, the face of pure hate and evil. We bore testimony.


I was tempted to end my thoughts here yet I realize that King David does not end the verse In Psalm 23 with the words death but adds- "I will fear no evil for God is with me."

We have to find strength, hope, trust and light. I did.

At the end of the valley a menorah was on the ledge of a shattered home.

A light will emerge amidst the darkness.

May we draw strength to never lose faith or live in fear but in the power of our light and God's providence to hasten a new day when the hostages and evacuees will return home, Israel will be victorious and a new dawn will rise and overwhelm the darkness.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom from Israel and victory and peace speedily and in our days ahead,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Shabbat Information 
  • Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayishlach with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
  • Please find Dovi Siderson's weekly parsha resource here
  • The Haftarah is read from the Book of Ovadia
  • Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here
  • Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
  • We begin inserting V'sein Tal U'Matar in Shemoneh Esrei on Tuesday night.
  • Chanukah begins this Thursday night with candle lighting at 5:11 pm
  • Please see our Adult Education page for upcoming Torah learning opportunities.
  • Would you like to read the Torah or Haftara for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking here.

Parsha Icebreakers (Courtesy of Elisheva and Yaakov Moshe Shmidman)
  1. What camp did you go to, what was your experience there (Yaakov splits up his family into two camps)?
  2. What is an injury you have gotten during a physical activity (Yaakov's leg is hurt by the angel while wrestling)?
  3. How can/do you prepare oneself to enter a holy place (Yaakov tells his family to remove elohei haneichar before they go to Beit Ail)?

Friendly Youth Decorum Reminders 
  1. Groups begin at 10 AM. All youth must be either in groups or with their parents.
  2. No Ball Playing inside the shul or on the premises.
  3. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness. Kids tables are located in the front of the Social Hall. We ask parents to remind kids to keep food in this area of the building. 

Chanukah begins this Thursday night, December 7th 
  • For a brief summary of the laws of lighting menorah, please see the Orthodox Union's succinct guide. (This guide also includes a helpful graphic which demonstrates how to assemble your menorah and which direction to light the candles.)
  • We recommend either lighting after 5:10 PM, or as soon as you arrive home from Maariv.
  • To learn about the laws of Chanukah, click here.
  • Check out YU Chanukah To Go
Wishing you a Chanukah Sameiach!
Men's Adult Learning Participants: A Mission of Learning and Solidarity

Pictured with Rabbi Shlomo Katz and Residents of Kibbutz Ohr Haner


Agudath Sholom and the Life & Legacy Initiative

Agudath Sholom is proud to be one of more than 680 Jewish organizations across North America that have secured over 1 billion dollars in legacy commitments to ensure a bright Jewish future.

To date, our collaboration with 10 other Stamford organizations, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation's LIFE & LEGACY initiative, has led 488 donors just like you to commit gifts to local organizational endowments.

Without writing a check today, you, too, can do your part to help Agudath Sholom build our endowment and help build the endowments of the other Jewish organizations in our community you value, so we can weather turbulent times like these and adapt to meet evolving community needs.

Join our members who have already signed letters of intent. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment to Agudath Sholom!

Anonymous (13)
Gayle & Mitchell Bell
Debra & Michael Berg
Dina & Paul Berger
Lynn & Harvey Berman
Darona & Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein
Drs. Judy & Jeff Cahn
Kate & Peretz Cik
Rabbi Daniel & Diane Cohen
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Debra & Dan Faizakoff
Sharon & Michael Feldstein
Robin & Jason Fischel
Stephanie & Howard Fogel
Judy & Howard Goldstein
Meryl & David Gordon
Shira & Ethan Green
Jeremy I. Hager
Kayla & Leon Hanna
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Elissa & Philip Klapper
Jeannie & Brian Kriftcher
Lorraine & David Kweskin
Hannah & Ilan Lastoff
Marla & Jason Lewis
J & R Licht
Susan Mark
Dinah Miller & Seth Marlowe
Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron
Janice & Jake Meyer
Nancy Zinbarg Mimoun
Nofie & Mark Rosovsky
Rosalyn Sherman
Stephanie & Bob Sherman
Ronnie Ness & Steven Sichel
Diane & Elliot Sloyer
Brenda & Bruce z"l Smith
Ellen & Richard Weber
Neda Khaghan & Robert Yaghoubian
Lauren & Joe Zalis
Navah & David Zizmor


Please reach out to Rabbi Cohen or Dan Faizakoff (dbf@legalesq.com) to learn more about the program, and how you can have a tremendous impact on Agudath Sholom's present and future, without needing to donate today. Thank you!
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Shmuel ClassMark Wagshul
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Moshe Kurtz: The Rashba on the Integrity of Jewish Law
Welcome
  • new members Karen & Bob Katchko and their sons Max and Nate
Mazal Tov
  • to Chani & Rabbi Oran Zweiter on the birth of a baby boy, Uriel Pinchas! Mazal Tov to big brother and sister Netanel and Ashira!
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Thanks To Our Sponsors
  • Senior Challah Deliveries: Nancy & Gadi Mimoun in memory of Benson Zinbarg
  • Chapel Kiddush: Matt Greenberg in memory of his parents, Harry Greenberg/Shmuel Tzvi Hacohen, and Sheila Greenberg/Simah bat Chanoch
  • Sephardic Kiddush: Sarit Hormadaly in honor of Yonathan Hormadaly's birthday and for the date of Yat Kislev, in honor of "Baal Ha Tanya" - The Rebbe of Chabad
  • Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Shira & Mitchell Zucker in commemoration of Seymour Zucker's second yahrzeit; and Anonymously wishing Tzeischem L'Shalom to Lea Winter & Dan Gordon
  • Seudat Shlishit: Howard Weiss in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his mother, Nettie Weiss
Sign Up for these Events
sign up
Parent-Child Learning
Shabbat, December 2 - 5:38 PM
Learn more
NCSY Shabbos of Lights
Friday, December 8
sign up
Stamford Jewish Experience Chanukah Friday Night Dinner
Friday, December 8 - 6:00 PM
sign up
Open House Chanukah Party
Shabbat, December 9 - 8:00 PM
sign up
Chanukah Yom Iyun
Sunday, December 10 - 9:15 AM
sign up
CAS Youth, UJF & PJ Library Chanukah Bubble Show
Sunday, December 10 - 10:00 AM
sign up
Chanukah Family Skate
Sunday, December 10 - 11:00 AM
Sign up
Teen Hanukkah on Ice
Sunday, December 10 - 12:30 PM
sign up
Chanukah Donut & Wine Tasting
Sunday, December 10 - 8:00 PM
Learn more
Flame Chanukah Cocktail Party for Young Professionals
Wednesday, December 13 - 7:30 PM
sign up
Thank You Morahs and Group Leaders Kiddush
Shabbat, December 16 - 11:30 AM
sign up
Agudath at the Met!
Sunday, December 17 - 2:00 PM
sign up
Nachos & Knowledge with Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Wednesday, December 20 - 8:00 PM
sign up
Conversational Hebrew with Moshe Shapiro
Learn more
Holy Habit - Food Pantry Donations
Learn more
Donate Seforim to the Beit Midrash
Learn more
Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
Upcoming Events
CAS Womens Crafty Ladies
Wednesday, December 13 - 10:00 AM
Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 13th and 27th, 10:00 -11:30 AM at Agudath! Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, eyes, and your project - or learn how to! For more information, contact Johanna (203-588-0942) or Audrey (203-355-3180)
CAS Announcements
  • Men's Club Pacific House Meal on December 25th  The CAS Men's club once again is planning on serving lunch at the Pacific House to the residents there. Since it's a day off for most, let's think about what we can do for the homeless in Stamford. We're looking for food donations, hats, gloves, scarves. All food should be kosher as we have found Jews among the needy in the past. Turkey, fruit, sweet potato and any other food items will be appreciated. The opportunity to cook from 9-noon or serve from noon-2 pm is available. Contact Mitchell Bell, wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203-722-3512
  • Save the Date! Lights Across Stamford  CAS will take our shul on the road as we share the joy and light of Chanukah. We will be organizing Chanukah Lighting in various locations. Stay tuned as we solidify the venues. If you would like to host a lighting in your building whether residential or office, please be in touch with Rabbi Cohen. Thank you very much and Happy Early Chanukah!
  • Buy a Bond for Israel as a Gift for Chanukah  This Chanukah, give the gift of Israel to your children, grandchildren and relatives! For one night of Chanukah, particularly in light of the current situation in Israel, celebrate Israel and buy an Israel Bond. With bonds starting now at $36, and easily purchased online, this is a perfect gift for the holidays. The more ties we can forge between our children and the State of Israel, the greater likelihood they will understand and appreciate their Jewish heritage, and the stronger Israel will be in the future. For more information or to make an investment, contact Cynthia Blustein, Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, at 914-713-9003 or make a purchase online at www.israelbonds.com.
Weekday Schedule
  • Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
  • Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 4:15 PM; Friday: 4:12 PM
  • Candle Lighting  Friday: 4:07 PM
  • Thursday  Chanukah: 1 Candle
  • Friday  Chanukah: 2 Candles
CAS Classes
Join one of our classes.

We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
  • Aliza Alka bat Miriam
  • Mark Emanuel ben Leah
  • Asher Anshel Eliezer ben Baila
  • Leah bat Tzirel
  • Miriam Rut bat Chana
  • Daniel David Yitzchak ben Shulamit
  • אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
  • פרידה הדסה bat פערל לאה
  • Dov ben Pnina

We Honor Our Military
  • Ariel Y
  • Shani Y
  • Tali Y
  • Harry B
  • Zevi M
  • Nathan H
  • Noam H
  • Yehudit
  • Sally K
  • Oren L
  • Nathan L
  • Jeremy S
  • Meni N
  • Yaniv H
  • Rachel W

Community Announcements
  • The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County Announces: The Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture - Can Jews be the Most Loved and Most Hated Religious Group in America?  All are welcome to join us on Sunday, December 3rd at 11:30am (doors open at 11:00am) at Congregation Agudath Sholom, for the Society's Norma and Milton Mann Annual Philanthropic Lecture which brings renowned experts to the community to present on topics that have wide appeal, are historically significant and impact the future. The Lecture is free and open to the public and is underwritten by the Mann Family Foundation. Alan Cooperman, this year's presenter extraordinaire, is director of religion and oversees all non-partisan Pew Research Center's research on religion, including surveys in more than 110 countries and 150 languages. A recognized authority on the topic of antisemitism, Mr. Cooperman lectures internationally on the topic and will offer a fresh look at an age-old problem. To register visit https://mann.cbo.io. For Questions: email info@jhsfc-ct.org or call 203 359-2196
  • Women's Initiative for Jewish Studies invites you to its next lecture of the 2023-2024 WIJS season  Tuesday, December 5 @8:15pm via Zoom with a presentation by Abigail H. Meyer, Art Historian, Curator and Museum Educator. Ms. Meyer will speak on the topic: "Looking Forward, Looking Back: A Survey of Contemporary Jewish Art." In this lecture, she will present an exploration of innovative contemporary art both celebrating Jewish traditional sources and challenging boundaries of the modern Jewish world. All WIJS programming is open to women and men. Please visit http://www.yinr.org/wijs to view the complete WIJS 2023-24 schedule.
  • Shine A Light On Antisemitism  Join United Jewish Federation on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00 pm at Ferguson Library in Stamford to view the riveting film, "The Devil's Confession - the Lost Eichmann Tapes". A brief Q&A will be held and latkes will be served for Chanukah following the showing. This is a free event, but RSVP is required to attend. Contact JCRC Director, Sharon Lewis, for more information or register at www.ujf.org/shinealight2023 .
  • UJF's Chanukah Casino Night  UJF's NextGen presents an evening of celebration, community, and casino games at Chanukah Casino Night, held on Saturday, December 9 starting 8:30 pm at Temple Sinai. Open to the entire community, registration ranges from $100 per person (early bird), $125 per person (after December 1), and $360 "Chai"- roller sponsor (includes 2 event tickets and 5 raffle tickets). Come ready to step up to the table and roll the dice, as proceeds from Chanukah Casino Night go to toward the Israel Emergency Campaign. To RSVP or for more information, contact Melanie Vorm (www.ujf.org/casino)
  • Celebrate Chanukah with UJF  This Chanukah, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien will take part in the Darien community candle lighting, Sunday, December 10 at 6:00 pm in Darien. UJF CEO Diane Sloyer will offer remarks while children in attendance will receive Chanukah give-a-ways courtesy of UJF's PJ Library. On Tuesday, December 12 at 5:00 pm, UJF convenes the community at the Government Center as Mayor Caroline Simmons lights the menorah. On Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 pm, Federation will receive the honor of lighting the menorah in Darien for the 7th night of Chanukah.
  • Resilience Amidst Adversity: Coping with the Impacts of Current Challenges in College Life  Two-part in-person series held on Thursday, December 21, 7:00 - 8:30 PM and Monday, January 8, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the Schoke JFS office, 196 Greyrock Place, Stamford, CT. Reserve your seat at www.ctjfs.org. We welcome high school seniors, college students, recent college graduates, and parents who may be facing concerns of safety, social pressures, and lack of balance.

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