| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Ki Tavo | | September 21, 2024 | 18 Elul 5784 |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 6:35 PM | | Mincha | 6:40 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Shmuel Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 9:03 AM | | Teen Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:17 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 5:40 PM | | Mincha | 6:30 PM | | Havdalah | 7:34 PM |
First Fruits: The Foundation of Creation The Midrash states that God created the world for the mitzvah of bikkurim, the obligation to bring the first fruits to Jerusalem. What is the intent of this mysterious statement? One approach is that the Bikkurim teaches us that everything in the world comes from God. When a farmer brings his first produce to Jerusalem rather than keep them for himself, he acknowledges the real source of his success. In modern terms, the mitzvah of bikkurim would demand of us to give Tzedakah not with whatever we have left from our paycheck but rather as our first obligation. It is not always easy to prioritize this way. However, one of the most effective strategies to live this way is to set up a Tzedakah account which is funded immediately every time a person receives a paycheck. Ultimately, the funds we earn are not ours alone, but blessings given by God who is counting on us to use them wisely and for eternal impact. In fact, when the person meets the Kohen with his first fruits, he shares his gratitude with a history lesson that inculcates within himself a sense of appreciation for everything. Rashi states that the farmer is expressing that he is not entitled, Kafui Tovah, but truly grateful. He is only here today to offer these blessings due to the grace of God not only now, but for generations before him. The world was created for the mitzvah of Bikkurim. Gratitude for all our blessings is the key to our relationship to God. Too often we take them for granted. The good we have is God's gift. The following parable illustrates the challenge. There was a wealthy man who felt very lonely and sought attention. He went to a high roof and threw down coins to the people below. He thought people would honor him for his generosity, and that everyone would be talking about him. He hoped that would quench his thirst for attention and a connection with people. When he looked down he saw people scrambling to gather the money and no one looked up to see who was throwing the money. Instead, desperate for some connection with people, the wealthy man began throwing stones. Now everyone looked up to see who was throwing stones at them. We do not always recognize God when God bestows His kindness on us. We often turn to God only when hardships come. The Bikkurim are designed to teach us to recognize God in the good times as well. Since October 7th, we recite Tehillim daily for the return of the hostages and victory in Israel. It is an Eit Tzarah, time of need. Yet, we cannot forget to recite Psalms of Thanksgiving (100) in appreciation for the miracles in our midst as we did Wednesday morning after hearing the news about the successful Israeli attacks on Hezbollah. The days leading up to Rosh Hashana provide an especially ripe (pun intended) time to renew our appreciation for our blessings and to take stock of how we can harness them for the benefit of God, the Jewish people and humanity. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and Ketivah VeChatimah Tovah and God willing more good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Ki Tavo with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The Haftarah is read from Isaiah Isaiah 54:1-10 (Sixth of the Seven Haftaros of Consolation)
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
- 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 one bracha to the Jewish people (u'vareich et amcha et Yisrael).
- What is something you can explain very well (baeir heiteiv)?
- What is something you recently were able to understand (v'lo natan Hashem lachem leiv l'daas v'einayim lirot v'oznayim lishmoa ad hayom hazeh)?
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IMPORTANT SHABBAT PARKING REMINDER There is NO parking at St. Bridget's Church or the Clergy Retirement Home on Fridays and Saturdays. This parking is only available to us in special circumstances with permission. Your car will be towed moving forward. Please be respectful of our neighbors.
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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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High Holiday Ticket and Minyan Leader Information click here
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Selichot Saturday night, September 28th at 10:00 PM and 12:45 AM - The entire community is invited to the start of the high holiday season as we usher in the holidays with selichot. We are thrilled to welcome Arnie Singer who will lead a Ruach Selichot at 10 PM.
Sunday, September 29th - Tuesday, October 1st: 10:00 PM - Evening Selichot and 6:00 AM - Morning Selichot followed by 6:30 AM Shacharit
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Graveside Services Sunday, October 6th, 2024- Old Cemetery: 9:20 AM
- New Cemetery: 9:45 AM
- Independent Lodge: 10:30 AM
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Message from Duvie Shapiro
Shalom CAS Congregants from Jerusalem!
I'm really looking forward to joining all of you for the Yomim Noraim this year! With Hashem's help, we will have a beautiful and uplifting davening together. I'm counting on you to join me as we sing and pray to Hashem to be written in the Book Of Life! May we all be blessed with a year full of good health, happiness, parnassa beshefa, nachas from our children, and a year of truly getting closer to Hashem! And who knows, maybe next year I'll have the zechus to be the Chazzan for CAS here in Jerusalem.Shana Tova U'Metukah and a Chasiva VeChasima Tova!
Sincerely, Duvie
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Shmuel Class | Mark Wagshul | | Shiur | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudat Shlishit | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz |
- New members Yael & Chaim Gartenberg
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- New members Elisheva and Zachary Janof and their children Emma and Daisy.
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- to Shirley & Bill Sklar on the recent marriage of their granddaughter Julie Sklar to Liam Gaziano
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Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here- Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
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- 7AM Kiddush: David Zizmor in honor of all of those who make the 7am minyan possible each week.
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- Chapel Kiddush: Sponsors Needed (Our next sponsored kiddush is Nov 2)
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Albert Bensimon in honor of his late father Shlomo Ben Avraham and mother Marcelle Bat Simcha
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Gayle & Howard Rothman in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Howard's Bar Mitzvah
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- Seudat Shlishit: Beth & Scott Berger in honor of the visit of Dr. Marc Berger and his family
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Submit an Entry to the Yizkor Book |
| Sunday, September 22 - 9:30 AM |
| Matan Pre-Bat Mitzvah Mother/Daughter Class |
Sunday, September 22 - 9:30 AM |
| A Night of Spirit and Song |
Shabbat, September 28 - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday, September 29 - 6:05 AM |
| Sunday, September 29 - 10:00 AM |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Fall Sunset Yacht Cruise |
Sunday, September 29 - 6:00 PM |
| High Holiday 5785 Guest Tickets |
| Pre High Holiday Spiritual Consultation with Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Rosh Hashana Dinner |
Wednesday, October 2 - 7:30 PM |
| CAS High Holiday 5785 Schedule |
| Thursday, October 10 - 12:00 PM |
| | Friday, October 18 - 1:00 PM |
| Man Up Pre-Bar Mitzvah Father/Son Class |
Sunday, November 3 - 9:15 AM |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Sunday Family-Friendly Minyan Sunday, September 22 - 8:30 AM Open to All Ages - Experience the joy and sanctity of davening as a family! 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). |
Friday night, Teen Oneg at 8:45 pm hosted by the Munk family. Text 203-219-8104 for the address.
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- Israel Bonds International Campaign Israel Bonds has launched an international campaign to raise funds for the Jewish state that is at war. By investing in Israel bonds you provide immediate funds to Israel and make a difference on the ground in the country we all hold so dear to our hearts.
The most direct and powerful way you can make a difference during this time is with an investment in Israel bonds, providing the nation with financial resources and much needed assistance!
Another option to get involved is to double your impact by purchasing a bond and donating it to one of the vital not-for-profit supporting organizations saving lives in Israel such as hospitals, emergency medical services, and IDF soldiers. In this way, you make a direct impact on the State of Israel first and then on the organization of your choice. Israel Bonds supports the people of Israel, now and always.
To make an investment at this time, visit www.israelbonds.com, or call Cynthia Blustein, Registered Representative, 914-713-9003, cynthia.blustein@israelbonds.com
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- Shabbat Greeter Program We are looking to restart our Shabbat greeter program. We will have two greeters each week - 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM in the lobby and 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM at the Sanctuary entrance. The lobby greeter will focus on greeting people as they enter the building and assisting anyone who needs help. For instance, location of groups, the Sanctuary, the Coat Room, etc. The Sanctuary greeter will focus on controlling the traffic in and out. For instance, the greeter does not allow traffic in and out during Kedushah and the Rabbi's Sermon. Please take a look and sign up for a slot over the coming weeks. For more info, contact Mitchell Bell (wizdrbel@yahoo.com), greeter chair - Greeter Sign Up
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- A Message from Rabbi Cohen about his Judaism in the 21st Century Podcast We just reached our one year anniversary and 52nd episode, thank God! Our intricate world presents intertwined challenges, from tech to politics. In the US, religion's role is subtly changing, influenced largely by the "the hubris of the present-day". Yet, civilizations before us offer insights, untainted by our world.This podcast reimagines current matters using historical perspectives. Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steven Labkoff explore modern life, guided by Jewish sages' insights. Check out the episodes.
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 6:30 PM; Friday: 6:28 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 6:23 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
- Ahron Dovid ben Esther Bayla
- Yetta Liba bat Freidel
- 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
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
- Abokhay Moshe ben Zoya
- Chaya bat Liba
- Harav Eliezer ben Chaya
- Uria ben Talia
- Miriam bat Devorah
| - אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
- Chaya Rachel bat Carmi Adina
- Penina bat Batya
- Sarah Rochel bat Paya Etel
- 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
- Joreh M
| - Ayden M
- Nathan H
- Noam H
- Yehudit
- Sally K
- Oren L
| - Nathan L
- Jeremy S
- Meni N
- Yaniv H
- Rachel W
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- Israel Cancer Research Fund CT Chapter: An Evening of Hope Sunday September 22, 5:30 pm Cocktail Reception | Followed by Dinner and Program at Italian Center, 1620 Newfield Ave, Stamford. OU Certified. Honoree JERRY SILBER Connecticut Chapter Chairman and International Board of Trustees Member, ICRF. Executive Committee Member AJC, Westchester-Fairfield. An enlightening evening to celebrate our awardees, science, and hope! Now more than ever — cancer research in Israel must continue. Today and always, Israel must remain a leader in science and a beacon of hope for the world.Gala Chair: Roz Mangot. Register or Donate https://www.icrfonline.org/events/cthope2024/ Questions? david.kweskin@icrfonline.org or 203 981-1134
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- The Jewish Festival of Fairfield County is Coming! The date is set. The performers are being announced. And now all we need is you! Join UJF and UJA-JCC of Greenwich on Sunday, September 29 at The Loading Dock in Stamford as we stand up, connect, and celebrate our Jewish pride together with music, food, dancing, kids' activities, and more, with hip-hop artist Kosha Dillz and Magician, Magic Al already scheduled to perform! Register today to dance again with UJF and UJA-JCC and stay tuned for more info: www.ujf.org/jewishfestival.
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- Home Companion Training Course Join Schoke Jewish Family Service beginning Tuesday, October 29th! The course will run for 6 weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Schoke JFS, 196 Greyrock Place, Stamford, CT. To register, contact Vanessa Butler at 203-921-4162.
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