Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Vayakhel-Pekudei Shabbat HaChodesh Mevarchim Chodesh Nisan March 14, 2026 25 Adar send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 6:40 PM Mincha 6:45 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Coffee & Commentary 8:45 AM Melachim Class 9:00 AM Latest Shema 9:25 AM Family Minyan 10:00 AM Bob's Basics 10:00 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Latest Shacharit 10:38 AM Code Of Jewish Law 5:45 PM Mincha 6:35 PM Havdalah 7:42 PM Shabbat Shalom The Blessing of Giving In this week's Torah portions, Vayakhel and Pekudei, the Torah describes one of the most remarkable acts of communal generosity in Jewish history: the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle in the desert. God calls upon the Jewish people to contribute their talents, resources, and hearts to create a sanctuary where the Divine Presence could dwell among them. The response was extraordinary. Men and women came forward with enthusiasm bringing gold, silver, precious materials, and craftsmanship until the donations were so abundant that Moses had to announce that no more contributions were needed. Within this inspiring story lies a profound lesson about the nature of giving. The Torah tells us that the leaders of the tribes, the Nesi'im, eventually brought the precious stones used for the priestly garments. Yet the great medieval commentator Rashi notes something unusual: the word describing these princes is missing a letter. The letter yud is absent from their title. Why? Rashi explains that the princes initially decided to wait. Their plan seemed reasonable—they would allow the people to give first and then provide whatever remained. But because they did not step forward immediately with enthusiasm, they lost the opportunity to lead the moment. Symbolically, a letter is missing from their name for all generations. The Torah is teaching us the first principle of giving: generosity should be embraced with energy and joy. Opportunities to contribute should never be viewed as a burden but as a blessing. When we support something sacred whether a sanctuary, a community, or the future of Jewish life—we are not losing something. We are investing in eternity. This idea is beautifully captured in a well-known story about the great 19th-century Jewish philanthropist Moses Montefiore. When someone once asked him how much he was worth, he responded with a number that seemed surprisingly small. When the questioner expressed disbelief, Montefiore explained: "You did not ask me how much I own. You asked me how much I am worth. So I calculated what I have given to charity this year and that is the number." In Judaism, our true worth is measured not only by what we possess, but by what we are willing to share. Yet the Torah also teaches a second lesson about giving. Later, in the portion of Naso, when the Mishkan is finally dedicated, the princes once again bring offerings. This time the Torah records each leader's gift separately—even though every offering is exactly the same. Why repeat the identical contribution twelve times? Because Judaism wishes to emphasize that in giving there should be no jealousy and no hierarchy of worth. Each offering is cherished equally. What matters most is not the size of the gift but the sincerity of the heart behind it. When a community comes together and each person contributes according to their ability, every act of generosity becomes beloved. These teachings reflect a deeper rhythm within Jewish life itself, a cycle of giving that begins with God. At Sinai, during Matan Torah, God gave the Torah to the Jewish people as the ultimate gift of meaning and purpose. In response, the Jewish people gave back—offering their resources and creativity to build the Mishkan so that holiness could dwell among them. Ever since, every generation continues that sacred exchange by sustaining Jewish life through acts of generosity, kindness, and communal responsibility. Giving, in other words, is not simply philanthropy. It is a partnership with one another and with God. As we approach our annual dinner, we are deeply grateful to every member of our community who participates in this shared endeavor. Whether one gives much or little, each contribution reflects a commitment to the future of our synagogue and the values we hold dear. When we give with enthusiasm and with humility when we recognize that every person's offering matters, we help build the Mishkan of our time: a place where faith, learning, and community can flourish for generations to come. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing the light of the full redemption speedily and in our days. Rabbi Daniel Cohen In Tribute to Rabbi Joseph Ehrenkranz  This past week was the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Ehrenkranz, who served as Rabbi of Agudath Sholom for over 40 years. We stand on his shoulders and his dedication to forge a modern orthodox shul and community rooted in Torah and the mission of the Jewish people to see the face of God in every human being and be a light unto the world. Here is a link to my tribute to him when he passed away and some related links: Talmud Lessons on JBS and Rabbi Ehrenkranz Remembered. Here is a video of a truly memorable evening of CAS Stories with Rabbi Ehrenkranz, Lorraine Kweskin and Herm Alswanger. May his memory be for a blessing always. Community Security Update  In light of recent events affecting Jewish communities, we continue to review and strengthen our security measures. This Shabbat we will have an additional police presence at the synagogue near the parking lot entrance as part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our congregation. UJF's Regional Security Advisor, Jim Comstock, together with other CSI members, has been in close and ongoing contact with all local police departments, who have deployed additional patrols to Jewish institutions throughout our area and will continue to do so over Shabbat. We are grateful to our volunteer security team and local law enforcement for their partnership. If you ever notice anything concerning, please notify a staff member or security volunteer immediately. May we share good news God willing in the days ahead. Shabbat Shalom We look forward  God willing to welcome Chazan Duvie Shapiro to Agudath Sholom for Shabbat, March 20-21. He will lead Kaballat Shabbat, Shacharit and Musaf. CAS Annual Dinner CAS ANNUAL DINNER March 15, 5pm Lives That Uplift. Impact That Endures. Celebrate our honorees for their Dedication and commitment to our community... Guests of Honor Irwin Niedober and Howard Weiss Young Leadership Award Alex & Brett Olsson Community Service Award Mitchell Bell Chai Award Audrey Waldstreicher Click here to sign up Thanks to our participants who have signed up to date! Why not join them? Marjory & Robert Abrams Agudath Women (Sisterhood) Johanna & Selim Akyuz Adrienne & Michael Alexander Barbara & Ron Ashkenas Sharyn & Fred Baer Aliza & Bradley Baskir Gayle & Mitchell Bell Barbara & Evan Bell Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph Debra & Michael Berg Dina Berger Stacie & Aaron Berk Karen & Ira Berk Lynn & Harvey Berman Darona & Tzvi Bernstein David Bessaleli Sara & Sam Bienenfeld Stephanie & Josh Bilenker CAS Bingo Committee Charlotte & Manfred Birnbaum Ellen Borker Tuviya (Pável) Bortnovskiy Jodi & Richard Boxer David & Jessie Brand Eileen & Robert Breakstone Mona & Mark Breiner Judy & Jeff Cahn Emily & Harvey Caney Anat & Marc Chavkin Zoe & Harry Chiel Kate & Peretz Cik Joanne Waldstreicher & Sol Cohane Rachel & Ephraim Cohen Elise & Steven Cohen Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen Sheila Claire Cohen Meredith & David Cohen Stella & Isaac Cohen Elior & David Coleman Judy & Nick Contente Arline Gewanter & Lloyd Contract Jacob Dennis Yisrael & Vivi Deren Dena & Avishai Don Deborah & Ira Feigenbaum Rosalie & Stuart Feldman Sharon & Michael Feldstein Tamara Feurstein Stephanie & Howard Fogel Jennie & Benjamin Folkinshteyn Mindi Olsson & Steven Frank Rhoda & Avram Freedberg Lynne & Steven Frenkel Aryeh & Gila Freund Miriam Gelb Josh Getman Sharon & Scott Glass Arlene W Glassman M.J. Gluck Helene Godin Tova & Joshua Goldberg Ann & Alex Goldblum Judy & Howard Goldstein Avielle & Bradley Goldstein Haydee & Sam Goldstein Meryl & David Gordon Michelle & Howland Gordon Ariel & Evan Gorsky Jill & Arthur Green Gloria Green Pamela & Eric Greenhut Yaffa & Pinchas Gross Andrea & Scott Gruber Joyce & Lawrence Haber Caryn & Tommy Haendler Meghan & Yoav Haron Rachel & Dan Haron Ronen Haron Kamal Haron Leora & Yaakov Hauptman Bonnie Hazan Cheryl Frydman & Larry Hillman Tricia & Robert Hoff Paulette & Lawrence Hutzler Shara & David Israel Liz & Andre Jacobovitz Monica & Eric Jankelovits David Jelen Sandra & Michael Kamen Helene & Harvey Kaminski Alina & Tzvika Kaminsky Julie & Jacob Karasik Flora & Carl Kaufman Mark Kaufman Lonnie Keene Jessica & Noah Kinstlinger Susan & George Klein Suzette & Steven Kolitch Rebecca & Emilio Krausz Claudia Kraut Jeannie & Brian Kriftcher Lorraine & David Kweskin Sophia LaSala The Lapin Family Jill Lasala Aviva Movsas & Danny Lauer Judy & Seth Lerner Tamar & Jason Levine David Levine Marla & Jason Lewis Ana & Albert Lilienfeld Laura & Elliot Linder Vered & Mark Links Sharon & Jay Lipinsky Gail & Robert Loonin Nicole & Jonathan Makovsky Roselyn Mangot Shira & Steven Manheimer Lorraine & James Marcus Joanne & Samuel Marcus Susan & Leonard Mark Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron Irene Meltzer Tamar Lilienthal & Tzvi Merczynski-Hait Deborah & Neil Metviner Janice & Jacob Meyer Kori & Bill Meyers Scott Miller Russ Miller Nancy & Gadi Mimoun Stacey Mintz Joseph Mittel Julie & Richard Morgulis Shira Nerenberg Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus Bruce Newman MD Irwin Niedober Jessica & Elie Niedober DJ Niedober The Niedober Grandchildren Alex & Brett Olsson Alison & Nate Pava Hannah & Harlan Pittell Marina Sapir & Alex Podelko Gloria Raab Ayelet & David Rand Judy & Bob Raymond Elizabeth & Eli Reichner Maria & Glenn Reicin Linda Rezak Sherri & Allen Rosenthal David Rothberg Gayle & Howard Rothman Shira Marder & Jason Saibel Tali & Jesse Salver Toby Schaffer Kaili & Daniel Scherban Aviva & Paul Schieber Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut Shulie Weiss and Zachary & Samantha Schnelwar Ilyse & Dean Schuckman Richard Schwartz Rachel Seligson Rochelle & Edward Senker Pam & Alan Shanker Olivia & Andy Shapell Leah & Moshe Shemtov Rosalyn Mae Sherman Stephanie & Robert Sherman The Shmidman Family Ronnie & Steve Sichel Diane & Elliot Sloyer Amanda & Greg Smith Lucy Schwartz & Saryah Sober Marilyn & Harry Soffer Kathryn & Gary Sosnovich Miriam & Josh Sperber Amy & Sam Sroka Barry Sternlicht Lili & Ian Stowe Rachel & Harold Terk Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home Rebecca & Jonathan Tipermas Nava & Eitan Ulmer Audrey Waldstreicher Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher Rachel & Greg Waldstreicher The Waldstreicher Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren Alissa & Brent Weinberg Howard Weiss Rebecca Weiss Cheryl Spigler & Daniel Weiss Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg Howard Wolfe Elise & David Wolfsohn Neda Khaghan & Robert Yaghoubian Shushannah & Ari Yasgur The Yuan Family Judy Zander Miriam Zander Helene Zimmerman Jeffrey Zimmerman Hillary & Robert Zitter Navah & David Zizmor Dovi Zucker Michal & Yishai Zwiren Shabbat Topics & Participants Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen Melachim Class Mark Wagshul Bob's Basics Rabbi Bob Abrams Shiur Rabbi Yisrael Deren: Knaidlach - Matzo Balls: should we start Pesach with them or should we finish Pesach with them? Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudah Shlishit Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: Shul Architecture in Rabbinic Responsa Mazal Tov to our Annual Dinner Honorees: Irwin Neidober; Howard Weiss; Mitchell Bell; Audrey Waldstreicher; and Alex & Brett Olsson! to Helene Zimmerman on the arrival of a great-grandson! to our CAS thespians and theater crew for their upcoming performance in BCHA's Descendant's: The Musical - Denise Angel, Ilana Cik, Mia Dubitzky, Hannah Folkinshteyn, Caleb Frager, Yakira & Yoav Hochman, Abby Jacob, Lily Levi, Koh Lubin, Mackenzie Makovsky, Aiden Miller, Joshua Schwartz, Reagan Teplitsky, Hailey Tepper, Abby Rubinfeld,Charlotte Miller, Zohar (Zoey) Neumeier, Eliza Ostroff, Rebecca Ostroff, Bess Yasgur, Naomi Yasgur, Elisheva Rosenfeld & Yael Rosenfeld! Opening Night, THIS THURSDAY March 19th! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Thank You to our dinner chairs - Lorraine & James Marcus - and our journal chairs - Hannah Pittell, Nava Ulmer and Shushannah Yasgur! Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith Last week's 7AM Kiddush: Sherri & Allen Rosenthal in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Allen's father, David Rosenthal z"l Chapel Kiddush: Howard Wolfe in commemoration of Marvin Wolfe's z"l (משה אליה בן שאול וחנה) 8th yahrzeit Sanctuary Kiddush:Co-sponsored by Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Shalhevet Pass z"l; Sherri & Allen Glucksman in memory of Sofi Glucksman z"l; David Levine in memory of Sylvia Levine z"l; and Ilyse & Dean Schuckman in memory of Belle Schuckman z"l Seudah Shlishit: Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph in the memory of Talia's mother, Ziona Fosman z"l Sign Up for these Events sign up Liberating the Soul - 4 Inspiring Passover Classes Tuesday, March 17 - 8:15 AM sign up Chess Club Tuesday, March 17 - 4:30 PM learn more Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa Wednesday, March 18 - 7:30 PM learn more The Halachot and Meaning of the Seder Night Thursday, March 19 - 12:00 PM sign up Men's Seder Monday, March 23 - 7:45 PM purchase yours Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Quantity] Wednesday, April 1 Donate Now Maot Chittim - Passover Charity Wednesday, April 1 Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships CAS Youth News Youth Kaballat Shabbat Opportunity  Michael Feldstein is offering to teach any 11- or 12-year-old boy interested in learning Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please contact Michael at michaelgfeldstein@gmail.com for more information. Passover Public Service Announcement – Passover Shopping Reminders  Please be sure to check labels carefully and confirm that every item is clearly marked Kosher for Passover. Even products placed in the "Kosher for Passover" section may sometimes be shelved there in error, so it's important not to rely on location alone. Buy Milk Before Pesach Eggs May Be Purchased during Chol Hamoed Pesach All non-processed meat and chicken is kosher for Pesach. Buy now and freeze for Pesach before prices go up.(Please note: This doesn't apply to ground meat) Seder Hospitality  Planning your Seder? In need of a Seder? If you would like to join a family seder or would consider hosting members of our community who may need a place for Pesach night contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Roberts. As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, we are excited to launch our Annual Pesach Website. Agudath Sholom is committed to helping you get ready for the holiday. This site will provide you with answers to many of the questions. To join the Pesach Q and A Whatsapp group, click here. We are offering a full array of pre-Pesach classes. The Men's Seder will be on Monday night, March 23rd - Sign up in the events section. We strongly encourage you to see the Rabbis personally for the sale of your Chametz. For those who find it impossible to do so, please click here to fill out the online form. To give Maot Chitim, click here. We are working with Schoke Jewish Family Service to provide food and emergency assistance. Tzedakah can be donated online to our CAS Passover Fund. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Please reach out discreetly to me via rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org if you know a family in need. Here is our Passover schedule. Please note the Fast of the First Born this year is on Wednesday, April 1st with the siyum on Wednesday morning and we check for Chametz on Tuesday evening. CAS Announcements Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)  What is something that gets you fired up (Lo T'vaaru Eish)? If you could have one artistic skill, what would it be (there were many artisans who worked on the Mishkan)? What is an act of great generosity you witnessed or experienced (the Jewish people gave very generously to the Mishkan)? Would You Rather - Be honored for a big donation you gave or give it anonymously (the Jewish people donated to the mishkan)? Registration for 2026 Jewish Baseball League season is live!  FCCJBL is a co-ed, ages 4-11 year old little league and plays on Sundays only. Season opener is 4/12. Please sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions. Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here Weekday Schedule Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM; Thursday: 6:20/7:30/8:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 6:50 PM; Friday: 6:53 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 6:48 PM Thursday  Rosh Chodesh Nisan CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit Yaffa bat Hanna Anat bat Rachel Moshe Yosef ben Sarah Raanan Noach ben Slova Chaim ben Leah Aharon ben Bracha Yosef Ishai ben Miriam Sheina Feiga bat Rivka Hershel Wolf ben Brucha Rema bat Etta Yitzchak ben Shmuel v. Chaya Freidel bat Esther Leeba Minna bat Rivka Pesach Melech ben Basha Chaya Shoshana bat Yehudit Nira bat Rachel Sara bat Nira יוֹסֵף ben בתיה Chana Leah bat Esther Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah Rafael Zvi ben Chana Pearl Evgeny ben Perl Ariella Maor bat Liba Chaya Leah bat Rivka חיים זאב ben לאה Adeline bat Bat Chava Moisha Gedalia Nechemiah Dorit bat Ora Yospa bat Shana Menucha Michal bat Chana Rachel Leah bat Sara Mary Yosef Noach ben Dina Uriel ben Vered Tanya bat Malka Chaya bat Liba Moshe Yitzak ben Raisel Crendel Miriam bat Devorah אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה Chaya Rachel bat Carmi Adina Penina bat Batya Dov ben Pnina Nehama Miriam bat Dvora Yehouda ben Aghdas Hersh Zalman ben Sorah Rochel Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida Calev Natanel ben Sara Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya Inna bat Tanya Click here to add a name to this list We Honor Our Military Ariel Y Shani Y Tali Y Yoad A Harry B CZM JEM AMM Nathan H Noam H Yehudit Sally K Oren L Nathan L Rachel M Jeremy S Yehudit S Meni N Yaniv H Rachel W Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - To BCHA's upcoming Spring Musical Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films! Come support our cast of 45 students — from 3rd grade through high school — with even more working backstage, as the BCHA Players launch yet another fabulous production filled with talent, amazing costumes and sets, and just the right amount of theatrical magic! Thursday, March 19 at 7pm, Friday, March 20 at 2pm, Sunday, March 22 at 11am, Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm * $10/tik - https://buytickets.at/bcha W Caterers Passover Catering Menu  Glatt Kosher under the Kof-K supervision. Order by Monday, March 23rd by 11 am. Check out the menu at https://www.wkosherevents.com/passovermenu Yom Ha'Atzmaut with NextGen  Saturday evening, April 18 Join UJF's NextGen community in celebrating Yom Ha'Atzmaut at an awesome party! NextGen is committed to building a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community for young Jews in their mid-20s, 30s, and 40s. All participants must be 21+. Register at www.ujf.org/YHnextgen Community Yom Ha'Atzmaut Family Program  Wednesday, April 22 from 5:00-6:30pm Celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut with a fun-filled Family Program that takes you on a "trip around Israel!" Enjoy a bounce house, games, face-painting, Israeli snacks, and even a hands-on archeological dig. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and celebrating Israel's birthday! Register at www.ujf.org/YHfamily Yom Ha'Atzmaut Adult Evening  Sunday, April 26 from 6:00-8:00pmJoin UJF to celebrate and experience Israel through taste, sound, and spirit! Shuk b'Stamford will bring Israeli food, music, games, and culture together for an event you won't want to miss. All participants must be 21+. Register at www.ujf.org/YHadult Community Interfaith Seder  Thursday, March 26, 6:30pm Led by Rev. Mark Lingle and Rabbi Jay TelRav, the Interfaith Seder will use a specially designed Haggadah, highlighting the themes of unity and common ground shared among varied cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. Sign up at www.ujf.org/Seder Get ready for laughter, adventure, and Ramah magic  Registration is now open for our Spring and August Family Experiences! Bring the whole family for unforgettable days of joy, connection, and camp fun. Head to http://ramahfamilycamp.org to sign up or for more information. UJF's Women's Philanthropy Spring Dinner  Thursday, May 7 at 6:00pmJoin together for a fabulous evening featuring guest speaker Zibby Owens. The inaugural Women of Valor Award will also be presented to Aviva Maller. Register at www.ujf.org/SpringDinner An Evening with Schoke JFS: Seeds for Tomorrow  May 17, 2026, at Whispering Oaks in Norwalk, CT. Join us for an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner, and celebration as we honor Wheel It Forward, recipient of the 46th Annual Mitzvah Award, a nonprofit that lends durable medical equipment at no cost to residents throughout Fairfield County. Guests will enjoy an awards presentation, paddle raise, and online auction, all supporting programs that uplift and transform lives across Fairfield County. Learn more or reserve tickets at www.ctjfs.org/gala. 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