Fwd: Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Begin forwarded message:

From: CAS Update <notices@cas-stamford.org>

Subject: Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Date: November 6, 2026 at 12:15:44 PM EST

To: iberk@cas-stamford.org

Reply-To: notices@cas-stamford.org

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Chayei Sara Mevarchim Chodesh Kislev November 7, 2026 27 Cheshvan send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org  ‌  ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 4:25 PM Mincha 4:30 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM The Rebbe on the Parsha 7:45 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Coffee & Commentary 8:45 AM Melachim Class 9:00 AM Latest Shema 9:05 AM Latest Shacharit 9:56 AM Family Minyan 10:00 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Daf Yomi 3:30 PM Code Of Jewish Law 3:30 PM Mincha 4:20 PM Havdalah 5:25 PM Shabbat Shalom The Power of Acknowledgment Sometimes the smallest gestures leave the greatest legacies. In this week's parsha, Chayei Sarah, Avraham Avinu is confronting one of the most painful moments of his life: the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah. As he approaches the people of Chet to negotiate the purchase of a burial place, the Torah records a seemingly unnecessary detail: “Vayakam Avraham vayishtachu l'am ha'aretz livnei Chet” — “Avraham rose and bowed to the people of the land, the children of Chet” (Bereishit 23:7). Why does the Torah emphasize this gesture? Rav Yaakov Moshe Charlop offers a profound insight. Avraham had just lost his lifelong partner, the woman with whom he had built a family and a spiritual revolution. No one would have blamed him for being consumed by grief. Yet Avraham rises, bows, and acknowledges the people before him. Even in his own pain, he does not lose sight of the dignity of others. Avraham teaches us that our personal struggles, however overwhelming, should not prevent us from recognizing the humanity of those around us. I was reminded of this lesson some years ago when a local clergyman expressed frustration that one of our congregants, rushing to Kol Nidre, had ignored a sign reserving his church's parking lot for an event. We resolved the matter amicably, but the encounter stayed with me. Even when focused on something as sacred as Yom Kippur, we must remain sensitive to the needs of others. Our devotion to God should deepen, not diminish, our consideration for those created in His image. This lesson extends to everyday life. We all carry burdens others cannot see. We rush between appointments, worry about family, and navigate personal challenges. It is easy to become so absorbed in our own world that we barely notice the people we encounter. Yet Avraham reminds us that sometimes all it takes is a moment: a smile, eye contact, a warm greeting, or a genuine acknowledgment of another person's presence. Whether at the supermarket, the coffee shop, or leaving shul, do we truly see the people around us? The Torah could have simply told us that Avraham purchased the Cave of Machpelah. Instead, it pauses to describe how he treated the people involved. Greatness is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by how we conduct ourselves along the way. Avraham's legacy was not only his extraordinary faith, but his ability to recognize the Divine image in every person, even when his own heart was breaking. We often imagine that making a difference requires a grand gesture. Yet in just a few seconds, we can lift someone's spirits, affirm their dignity, or remind them that they matter. We may not always be able to change another person's circumstances, but we can always remind them that they are seen, valued, and never invisible. Perhaps that is one of the greatest legacies we can leave. Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Daniel Cohen Message from Nina Bernstein - Bring Smiles to Children at Stamford Hospital!  For my Bat Mitzvah chesed project, I am collecting toys for David’s Treasure Closet at Stamford Hospital, which brings comfort and happiness to children during their hospital stays. Ever since I was little, my family and I have donated toys to David’s Treasure Closet. It has always made me so happy to know that something as simple as a toy can bring a smile to a child’s face, especially during a difficult time. Now, as I prepare for my Bat Mitzvah, I’m excited to continue this special mitzvah and help bring joy to other children in our community. Donation boxes will be available through November 13 at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Congregation Agudath Sholom, and Young Israel of Stamford. Thank you so much for helping me make a difference, one toy and one smile at a time! Shabbat Topics & Participants The Rebbe on the Parsha Rabbi Yisrael Deren Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen Melachim Class Mark Wagshul Shiur Dovid Green Shacharit Sam Sroka Musaf Matt Bernstein Seudah Shlishit Zechariah Mainzer, Rabbinic Intern: The Camel Test - Was Eliezer Allowed to Do That? Teen Learning Aryeh Klein Mazal Tov to Nina Bernstein on her Bat Mitzvah and to her parents Judith & Matt Bernstein! to Elissa & Philip Klapper on the arrival of a granddaughter, born to Hannah Klapper & Elie Lehmann! 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: Margie & Bob Abrams In commemoration of the yahrzeit of Margie's father, Martin Edelston z"l (Moshe ben Sara) Chapel Kiddush: Liba & Steven Steinmetz and Stephen Block in commemoration of the yazhrzeit of Liba and Stephen's mother Annette Block z"l, Chana Bat Yehudah Leib Sephardic Kiddush: Devora, Scott, Uriel & Bayla Kove in appreciation for the wonderful Sephardic Minyan! Sanctuary Kiddush: Judith & Matt Bernstein in celebration of Nina's Bat Mitzvah Seudah Shlishit: In memory of Luba Weinroth z"l Paid Advertisement Sign Up for these Events Donate Now CAS Yom Kippur Appeal sign up Parent-Child Learning Shabbat, November 7 - 6:30 PM sign up BMC Hike Sunday, November 8 - 3:00 PM sign up Midrash for the Soul (4-part series) Tuesday, November 10 - 8:30 AM sign up The Battle Within (7-part Series) Tuesday, November 10 - 9:15 AM sign up Torah for Life Lunch & Learn Series with Rabbi Cohen Tuesday, November 10 - 12:00 PM sign up CAS Youth Chess Club Tuesday, November 10 - 3:30 PM learn more Kabbalah and the Hidden Architecture of You (6 part series) Wednesday, November 11 - 10:30 AM learn more Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Ira Kosowsky Friday, November 13 sign up Join the CAS Youth Choir Monday, December 7 - 7:00 PM sign up An Evening with Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz Wednesday, November 18 - 7:30 PM sign up CAS Youth Thanksgiving Crafts Event Sunday, November 22 - 3:00 PM Learn more Thank Our First Responders This Thanksgiving! Thursday, November 26 - 11:00 AM sign up 55+ Club Screening of We Met At Grossinger's Tuesday, December 1 - 7:00 PM sign up Stamford Jewish Experience First Night of Chanukah Dinner Shabbat, December 5 - 5:30 PM sign up Mitzvah Day at Grade A Sunday, December 6 - 10:00 AM Sign Up CAS Blood Drive Wednesday, December 23 Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Upcoming Events Thanksgiving for the EMS/First Responders - Donate, Cook or Deliver! Thursday, November 26 - 9:00 AM CAS Men's Club & Young Families are looking for three or four of these fine kosher birds for serving up to the Stamford EMS on Thanksgiving Day. If you don't care to talk (donate) turkey, we can use vegetables, fruit or cake as well. Sign up and help us cook in the meat kitchen from 9-11:30 am. Deliver to the EMS main station at 684 Long Ridge Rd. at noon. Anyone aged 8 and up are welcome to help cook--it is a lot of fun. For more info, contact Mitchell Bell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com CAS Youth News 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Fairfield County are invited to join the Friendship Circle’s Mitzvah Volunteer Program (MVP)  The club offers boys and girls a fun and meaningful volunteering experience to learn the art of giving and make a difference, making it a great mitzvah project in preparation for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Sessions take place on November 8th, November 15th, March 7th, and March 14th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at 48 Union Street in Stamford. For more information, interested families can email moussia@friendshipct.com or register online at friendshipct.com/MVP. CAS Announcements Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)  What is the most impressive thing you have ever seen someone volunteer to do without being asked? (Rivka immediately offers to draw water for Eliezer’s camels.) What is a major decision you would actually be comfortable making very quickly? (Rivka agrees to leave home and go marry Yitzchak.) What is something that helped you feel better during a difficult or emotional time? (Yitzchak is comforted after Sarah’s death when Rivka enters his life.) Would You Rather - have someone you trust choose a spouse for you, or have complete freedom but no advice from anyone? (Avraham sends Eliezer to find a wife for Yitzchak.) Help Fill the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry This Thanksgiving! As you shop for Shabbos this week—and every week—please remember those in our community facing food insecurity. With Thanksgiving approaching, join us in replenishing the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry at Schoke JFS. Drop off needed food items at Agudath or make a contribution to help families in need.For more information, visit www.ctjfs.org/kosher-food-pantry/ Chesed Committee: Spreading Kindness, Strengthening Community  Our newly revitalized Agudath Sholom Chesed Committee is off to a wonderful start, with many meaningful ideas and initiatives to support members of our community and spread kindness. We are excited to build on this momentum and welcome your involvement! Whether you have ideas to share or would like to volunteer, please reach out to Amy Sroka at amynkohen@hotmail.com or Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Together, we can make a meaningful difference, one act of kindness at a time. Torah Opportunity back by Popular Demand  CAS Daily Learning Initiative to Ignite Your Life Consider the daily study of Chayenu - daily Parsha, Tanya and Tehillim! A generous sponsor offered to subsidize subscriptions. For more info, visit https://chayenu.org. If you would like to join, please email Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. "It changed my life!" - Agudath Sholom member Josh Goldberg Israel Advocacy - Sign up for Pens and Swords  This group shares links to petitions and information about how everyone can contact political figures and businesses to advocate on behalf of Israel. Most of these actions take under a minute to complete and they keep pressure on policymakers to support Israel and/or drop actions that are detrimental. Please share the link for this group with as many supporters of Israel and the Jewish people as possible. click here Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here Weekday Schedule Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday, Thursday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM; Tuesday-Wednesday: 6:20/7:30/8:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 4:25 PM; Friday: 4:23 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 4:18 PM Tuesday/Wednesday  Rosh Chodesh Kislev Wednesday  Veterans Day CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Elia Shava Hodel Dena Yaffa bat Hanna Leah bat Tziporah Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Leah Aharon ben Bracha Shalom ben Hannah Shaina Faiga bat Rivka Esther Miriam bat ‏Chana Ilana Idit bat Leeba Leeba bat Chana Surah Sarah Shlomit bat ‏Leeba Yoseph ben Esther Miriam Nira bat Rachel Ahuva Malka bat Sarah Hadassa bat Miriam Sarah Bat-El bat Daniella Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe Shmaryahu ben Raizel Shoshana Miriam Yaakov Kopel Moshe ben Rivka Yehudit bat Jacqueline Yehuda ben Sarah Click here to add a name to this list We Honor Our Military Shani Y Frederick B Sally K Elimelech E CZM  JEM  AMM  Rachel M Jeremy S Yehudit S Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements SAR Mini Mall: Pre-Chanukah Boutique  Sunday, November 8 | 12-4 PM | SAR High School - Get a head start on Chanukah shopping with jewelry, Judaica, clothing, housewares, toys, and baby gifts, plus a raffle. Brought to you by the SAR Parent Association. Vendors: Afterglow Kids, Anevis, Beití Designs, Charm by KM, Cheese Guy, Frostings By Venee, Garden Theory Soap Co., Georgia Eve Designs, Girl Crew, Infinite Potential, Koren Jerusalem, Krush, Local Hoops, LUMI, Mahj Mavens NYC, Perfect Dimples, resinATe, SAR StingWear, Sparkle by Sima, Tablecloth Direct NY, Tabletime Linens, Tamar Eagle Jewels, The 3 Cricuteers, Yessir...with more to come! Pop-up restaurants: Cafe Demi | Izzy’s BBQ Want to be a vendor? Sign up at bit.ly/SARMiniMallVendors (Food vendors: Register at bit.ly/SARMiniMallFood) Caring for Parents, A loved One? Or anticipating that happening?  For non-professionals and professionals, JFS Greenwich & ICRF CT Chapter offers a professional panel discussion to share practical tips for self-soothing and calming, to help ID common stressors, and to offer a spiritual perspective. Thursday, November 12th 5:30-7pm at Temple Sinai 458 Lakeside Dr, Stamford. No charge. Light refreshments. Panelists: Dr. Joe Feuerestein, Roni Lang, LCSW, Rabbi MJ Newman. Moderators: Robin Bennett Kanarek, RN and Stephanie Paulmeno, DNP, RN. Registration required. :https://tinyurl.com/4jb5f2uh UJF's Rothschild Society Presents: Staying One Step Ahead of Cyber Threats  Monday, November 16 - at 7pm In today’s digital world, cyber threats can impact organizations of all sizes. Join UJF’s Rothschild Society for a free virtual seminar featuring cybersecurity experts Evgin Heath and Jeremy Paulson, who will share practical strategies to safeguard your organization, protect sensitive data, and reduce online risks. Advance registration is required. Sign up today at www.ujf.org/CyberSecurity Temple Beth El's Israel & Antisemitism Committee is hosting a free, public "VIP Israeli Briefing" featuring Israeli-American journalist and author Gil Hoffman  Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM. The event will offer behind-the-scenes insights into Middle Eastern geopolitical and media battlefields, post-election government formation in Israel, and the escalation of global antisemitism since October 2023. Additionally, Hoffman will discuss his book The Blood Libel Machine, followed by a book signing with books available for purchase. Refreshments will be served - RSVP at https://www.tinyurl.com/gil-nov19. UJF's One Shabbat, One Community  Saturday, December 5 – 6:00-8:30pm For the second year in a row, One Shabbat, One CommUNITY activities will take place the weekend of December 4–5. Every agency and synagogue in town will host its own individual Shabbat-themed programs throughout the weekend. Join together on Saturday evening, December 5, with agencies and synagogues from across the community for a joyous community Havdalah experience, featuring live music, kosher food, games, activities, and something for everyone to enjoy! Advance registration is required. www.ujf.org/OneShabbat Aaron’s Place - A Kosher Comfort Room  Aaron's Place, on the ground floor of Stamford Hospital, provides kosher snacks, drinks and meals, in a comfortable environment. If you are caring for a hospitalized loved one or waiting for tests, this comfort room is a place to relax and refresh. Information is available at the hospital front desk, The code, in Hebrew letters, is on the door of the room. Volunteers Needed! To volunteer, please email ronsichel@aol.com

Congregation Agudath Sholom | 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 Unsubscribe Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by notices@cas-stamford.org in collaboration with Try it free today