| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Matot-Masei | Shabbat Mevarchim | August 3, 2024 | 28 Tamuz 5784 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha - Ruach Kabbalat Shabbat in honor of Shabbat Mevarchin | 7:00 PM/7:55 PM | | Candle Lighting | 7:50 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:38 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:05 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 6:55 PM | | Mincha | 7:45 PM | | Havdalah | 8:49 PM |
The Journey or the Destination? Where have you lived during your life? Have you wished at times you were someplace else or do you embrace the place where you are? Have you ever found that at first you did not understand why you ended up somewhere, but over time realized that it was meant to be? These questions form the essence of the life message God conveys in the beginning of the Torah portion of Massei. Every word in the Torah is like diamonds and rubies and no word is without meaning or significance. Yet, God expands in great detail all of the places the Jewish people journeyed while traveling in the desert on the way to Israel. It is odd. All of the locations are already recorded as they stopped along the way from Egypt to Israel. Why does God ask Moshe to record each location again? Even more puzzling is that the name of the Parsha, Maasai, is not stations or stops, but rather journeys - even though the reference is to a location where they stopped. The Baal Shem Tov offers a clue by suggesting that the 42 stations from Egypt to the Promised Land are replayed in the life of every Jew as the soul journeys from its descent onto earth until the end of our lives when the soul returns to God. The stops are not merely locations, but lessons and opportunities for growth. In life, we are all challenged to ask ourselves what can we learn from each "stop" in life? Although we may not always understand when we might pause, lose our momentum, or stay put in a certain place, we should realize that from God's perspective this pause is not taking away from our life journey, but adding to it. Rather than wish we were somewhere else, how can we find a way to "embrace the place." God enumerates the names of each location to stress what we learn from each place - whether in moments of growth or even setbacks - helps define and redefine the direction we are going and ultimately the journey we take throughout our lives. This week, I joined an FIDF synagogue leadership mission in Israel with one of our members Josh Bilenker and Rabbis and lay people from a few shuls nationwide. It was an emotional and meaningful journey with unforgettable moments.God willing, I will share some reflections on Shabbat morning. In each place we visited, whether Kfar Azza, Nova, Sheba Hospital, IDF bases and more, the spirit of resilience, strength and hope emerged. We not only mourned the horrors and tragedies of October 7th but found inspiration in all of the soldiers each in a sacred way increasing the light for the nation and people of Israel. Any generation in which the Temple is not rebuilt, it is as if the Beit Hamikdash is destroyed in our generation. As we enter the nine days of Av, may we all not only mourn the past but spend time in personal introspection into how each of us can create a world worthy of the rebuilding of the Temple and merit a full redemption and peace. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God wiling, we will share good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Lobby Backdoor Update Unfortunately, the replacement part for the lobby backdoor keypad has not arrived yet. Please use the front entrance when returning on Shabbat afternoon/evening. Someone will be there to let you in.
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Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Matot & Masei with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The Haftarah is read from Jeremiah 2:4–28; 4:1–2., the second of the three Haftaros of Retribution.
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
- Shabbat Mevarchim: We bless the upcoming month of Av. Rosh Chodesh is observed from Sunday evening through Monday daytime. The beginning of Av marks the onset of the Nine Days.
- The molad will be Monday on August 5, 2024, 1:53 (11 chalakim) AM.
- Would you like to read the Torah or Haftarah for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking click here
Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman) - Give of an example where you made sure to keep your word (lo yachel dvaro)?
- What is your favorite Avengers movie/favorite Avenger (Moshe is tasked with avenging the Jewish people by attacking the Midyanim)?
- What is an example of you or your parents putting the children first (Moshe tells Bnei Gad and Reuven to first build cities for their children before going out to fight)?
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Rabbi Daniel Cohen - Halachot of The Nine Days Beginning this Sunday evening with the new month of Av, we enter into a mourning period called the Nine Days, culminating with Tisha B'Av. The restrictions include, most notably, no consumption of meat and wine (with the exception of on Shabbat) and no live music and haircuts. We also refrain from recreational swimming. For info from the OU, click here.
However, one may eat meat if participating in a celebration, siyum of a Tractate of the Talmud. Join me on Thursday, August 8th at 6:30 PM at 613 for a siyum. For further questions, contact me or Rabbi Kurtz
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Review of Three Weeks
During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz until after Tisha B'Av, the custom is to observe some aspects of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The observance intensifies as Tisha B'Av approaches.
The three weeks began on Tuesday, July 23rd and ends on Tisha B'Av, Tuesday, August 13th. The observances of mourning are the following:- Weddings should not be performed during this period.
- Listening to musical instruments is prohibited. Acapella is permitted.
- We refrain from reciting the blessing "shehecheyanu" on new garments or fruit, except on Shabbat.
- We refrain from taking a haircut during this period.
If you have questions, please be in touch with me or Rabbi Kurtz. The guidelines are designed to awaken within us the loss of the Temple and spur us to evaluate our own efforts in mending a broken world. God willing, through our meaningful observance of these rituals, we will merit to see the redemption and building of the third Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days.
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Prayers for Hostages - We Pray for the Immediate Rescue and Release
"Acheinu kol Bais Yisrael – Our brethren, the entire Jewish People"
"Hanesunim bitzara u'bishivya – who are delivered into confinement and captivity"
"Ha'omdim bein bayam u'vein bayabasha – whether they be on the sea or dry land"
"HaMakom yiracheim aleihem viyotzi'eim mitzara li'rvacha – May the Omnipresent have mercy on them and remove them from distress to relief"
"U'mei'afela li'ora – and from darkness to light"
"U'mishibud lig'ula – and from subjugation to redemption"
"Hashta b'agala u'viz'man kariv – now, speedily, and close at hand"
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Shmuel Class | On hiatus until next week | | Bob's Basics | On hiatus until next week | | Shiur | Dr. Judy Cahn: A.I., E.I. and Megilat Ruth | | Musaf | Sandy Shapiro | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudat Shlishit | Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
- Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
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- Chapel Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Richard Schwartz JD & Cantor Mike Schwartz in memory of their uncle Irv Schwartz z"l; David Wolfsohn, MD in memory of his parents Dr. Alfred Wolfsohn z"l and Royce Wolfsohn z"l
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Liron & Steve Labkoff on the occasion of the 25th Yahrzeit of Rebecca Labkoff z"l; Seth Marlowe & Dinah Miller Marlowe in commemoration of the 24th yahrzeit of Seth's father David Marlowe z"l; Pamela & Alan Shanker on the occasion of the yahrzeit of Ruth Shanker z"l; Julie Daniel in memory of her mother, Norine Krasnogor z"l, and grandfather, Alfred Zimberg z"l; and Gail & Bob Loonin in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Gail's father, Archibald Medjuck/Aharon Ben Yehoshua z"l
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- Seudat Shlishit: The Love family in celebration of Judd's 70th birthday
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Minnie Manger Marcia Lieberman Mikvah Dipped in Color |
Monday, August 5 - 8:00 PM |
| Lunch & Learn with IDF Lt. Col. Daniel Jacob |
Tuesday, August 6 - 12:30 PM |
| Sunday, August 11 - 10:00 AM |
| Tisha BAv 5784 Schedule, Updates and Program |
| CAS Youth Tisha BAv Dinner & Movie |
Tuesday, August 13 - 4:00 PM |
| Screening of October 7 - Voices of Pain, Hope and Heroism |
Tuesday, August 13 - 5:30 PM |
| Sunday, September 8 - 8:00 PM |
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Sunday Family-Friendly Minyan Sunday, August 4 - 8:30 AM Open to All Ages - Experience the joy and sanctity of davening as a family! Join us on the first Sunday of every month for our Family-Friendly Minyan. Invite your children to sit next to you! We will have kid friendly siddurim and we will sing Shema, Ashrei and Alenu together as part of the Tefillah. Enjoy fresh doughnuts and juice at the end of davening! Join us for a morning that will leave you uplifted and inspired. To find out more and/or sponsor, please contact Eli Reichner (eli.reichner@gmail.com) or Rabbi Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org). | 55+ Walking Club Sunday, August 4 - 9:30 AM The 55+ Social Committee is starting a walking club, with the first day being Sunday, August 4th. Bring a water bottle with you. It will start at 17 Fieldstone Lane. You can park on the street. We will be walking north on Strawberry Hill Ave. to the Crain subsection, through the Crain subsection to the shortcut to Revonah Woods. You can walk one or two circles around Revonah Woods. The walk should be between 45 minutes and 1 hour 5 minutes, depending on the length you choose. We are looking for 1 to 3 volunteer leaders for this walking activity in the future, so please volunteer. We can walk in many different locations and enjoy it! For more information, contact Bruce Newman (bruce.newman8@gmail.com). | Literature at Lunch Round Table led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, August 7 - 12:00 PM Get a dose of midsummer Chizuk (inspiration) as we continue to derive precious insights from the paradigmatic and so often turbulent life of King David. We will delve into Psalm 34 when David feigned insanity to seek shelter from the pursuit of King Saul. The Psalm is one of the few that are chanted as part of the Sabbath Shacharit service and many of its instructive verses are embedded in the Pesukei D'Zimra (the songs/verses of praise in the daily morning prayers.) Lunch is catered from Restaurant 613. We convene by Zoom and in person. If you have any questions or plan to attend in person or have any questions at rj@richardjschwartz.com. Zoom meeting ID 8784487429. Passcode 868450 |
- Check out the StandWithUs Seminar on Israel Advocacy and Fighting Anti Semitism with Hailey Stern, Midwest High School Regional Manager for StandWithUs - click here
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- Check out Rabbi Cohen's latest article in the Forward A rabbi shares what he's learned speaking with people in their final moments of life - click here
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- Vaad Hakashrut of Fairfield County - Gofer Ice Cream on High Ridge Please note the non-dairy ice cream is not certified in the store. Please read the certificate in the store for full details.
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- New Location Under Kosher Supervision We are excited to announce that Sobol Acai Bowls and Beyond at 900 High Ridge Road, Stamford is now under the supervision of the Vaah HaKashrut of Fairfield County. Drop by and support them! Say Hi to Leeba Zucker who works there! Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Rabbi Eli Kohl and Rabbi Moshe Kurtz
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- Save the Date - Cooking Demo with Ruhama Shitrit September 19th at 7:30 pm - Q&A with Recipe Creator Ruhama Shitrit @Ruhamasfood. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Miriam Sperber (miriam.lehrer@gmail.com) or Rina Miller (grunspanr@gmail.com)
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday: 6:20/7:30 AM; Tuesday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 7:50 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 7:42 PM
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Sheina Feiga bat Rivka
- Chaya Sara bat Chava
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Penina bat Sara
- Rema bat Etta
- Freidel bat Esther
- Chaya Shoshana bat Yehudit
- Nira bat Rachel
- Sara bat Nira
- Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah
- Shlomo ben Velvel
| - Rivkah Devorah bat Channa Gittel
- Moisha Gedalia ben DK
- Nechemiah ben DK
- Dorit bat Ora
- Asher Anshel Eliezer ben Baila
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
- Abokhay Moshe ben Zoya
- Daniel David Yitzchak ben Shulamit
- Chaya bat Liba
- Harav Eliezer ben Chaya
- Uria ben Talia
- Miriam bat Devorah
| - אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
- פרידה הדסה bat פערל לאה
- Chaya Rachel bat Carmi Adina
- Penina bat Batya
- Dov ben Pnina
- Nehama Miriam bat Dvora
- Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther
- Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah
- Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida
- Eliezer Meyer ben Leah
- Calev Natanel ben Sara
- Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya
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- 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
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bulletin@cas-stamford.org