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

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Friday, December 27, 2013

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT  (203) 358-2200  www.cas-stamford.org  

Mikvah 203-964-1928 /  Eruv 203-324-3955

December 28, 2013
Va'era

25 Tevet 5774

Shabbat Schedule

Friday

Candles

4:14pm

Mincha

4:19pm

 Carlebach-style Davening

Saturday

Chapel

8:00am

Coffee & Commentary
8:45am
Sanctuary
9:00am
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/
Jr. Cong/BMC
No Teen Minyan or Jr. Teen Chat
10:30am
Shiur
10:30am
Code of Jewish Law
3:20pm
Daf Yomi                   
3:55pm
Mincha
4:10pm
Maariv
5:09pm
Shabbat Ends
 5:14pm

 Wednesday - New Year's Day

the office will be closed

Thursday - Rosh Chodesh Sivan

CAS Quick Links

Next Women's Tefillah Group
January 25, 9:30am - Mishpatim
Seeking 4 leiners.
Non-Hebrew honors also available!
 Please email Ziona Doft asap.
New to Stamford and interested in membership? Contact Director of Synagogue Operations Saul Skolnick, Membership Chair Ethan Green or Rabbi Daniel Cohen.

AGUDATH SHOLOM BINGO

We need your help!

Come join the fun-we're looking for some new faces to help us. Bingo is one of the easiest ways to help our Shul. It takes place most Monday nights (except Jewish and national holidays) from about 5:30 to 9:45; we can accommodate your schedule.

Callers are especially needed.

So please do a mitzvah and join our small group of dedicated workers.

Contact Roz @ roz@cas-stamford.org

  or call the shul at 203-358-2200.

Sunday, January 12, 1:00-2:30 pm
Community Tu B'Shevat celebration at the
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
crafts/songs/hot chocolate
$5 per person 3 and up
includes admission to all SMNC exhibits

TWO NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ON SHABBAT 

First Shabbat of every Month:  
Meditative Prayer Experience 

8:30-9 am, led by Rabbi Cohen. Starts January 4.

 

Second Shabbat of every month:  Understanding Prayer

Explore the meaning behind Shabbat morning prayers, the structure of services, and gain more comfort with the service.

10:30-11 am, led by clergy.  Starts Jan 11.

Health Alert: We bring this link to your attention as it a critical reminder of the importance of carbon monoxide checking in your home. Thank G-d, the family in the article is safe and secure

   Why do we cover the challah on Shabbat when reciting kiddush? You may have heard that is it so we do not embarrass the bread since according to Jewish law, the blessing for the challah should precede the blessing for wine.

   Does the challah feel the shame? What is the message for us? The end of the secular year and the parsha ofVa'era evoke feelings of reflection on the topic of gratitude or "Hakarat Hatov." The happiest people are the ones who live with this attitude.
   Join me on Shabbat morning following musaf for an interactive presentation on the Jewish roots and relevance of this timeless Jewish ideal.

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Please enjoy my latest video: Searching for God at the Shopping Center

Click here to read Agudath Sholom Brings Christmas Dinner to Pacific House in the Stamford Advocate.

rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org|203-252-8252|Rabbi Cohen's podcasts 

10th Annual Challenges in Jewish Education Shabbat
Friday night, January 10
Services at 4:32 pm, followed by dinner at 5:45 pm 
Special Dinner with Rabbi Joshua Lookstein

$36 per adult/$15 per child (under 12)

Reflections of a First-Year Headmaster - Rabbi Joshua Lookstein

Why Jewish Education Still Matters: Takeaways from the Recent Pew Study - Dr. Harry Bloom

Adult Menu:    

Gefilte Fish with Carrots

Mixed Field Greens With Craisins, Slivered Almonds & Mandarin Orange Segments

Cole Slaw, Cucumber Salad Vinaigrette

Boneless Chicken Marsala, Sliced Brisket of Beef with Gravy

Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms, Mélange of Seasonal Vegetables

Individual Apple Cobbler

Children's menu (to age 11):

Gefilte Fish with Carrots
Chicken Nuggets with Ketchup
Potato Kugel, Corn
Oversized Black & White Cookies

Please click here to sign up! 


Shabbat afternoon, January 11
10th Annual Challenges in Jewish Education Panel:
Day School Affordability:
The Challenge...and Practical Solutions

immediately after morning services and kiddush, at approximately noon

Panelists

Dr. Harry Bloom - Strategy Manager, Financial Sustainability, Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE)

 

Rabbi Joshua Lookstein - Headmaster,  Westchester Day School

 

Rabbi David Israel, Moderator - Rabbinic Dean, Bi-Cultural Day School

 

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AVAILABLE CONCURRENT WITH PANEL DISCUSSION PROGRAM

Annual CAS Dinner Dance

Sunday evening, March 23, 2014, 5 pm 

Guests of Honor: Rachel & Jay Jubas

Community Service Award Recipients: Stephanie & Bob Sherman

Young Leadership Award Recipients:  Meredith & David Cohen

Stella Cohen & Rachel Dayan, Dinner Chairpeople
Claudia & Howard Rimerman and Diane & Elliot Sloyer, 
Journal Chairpeople
 
Click here to visit the Dinner website.

JOIN CANTOR RAFAEL BOKOW AND THE BAGLES

for a concert at Agudath Sholom

A relaxed evening of Jewish, Israeli and Mexican music

Saturday night, February 8, 8:00 pm

$10 per person, seating is limited

For reservations, click here | Don't delay, book your seats today! 

Young Couples/Families
Shabbat Lunch - January 18, 2014.
One family will host and provide the main course, challah and drinks, and the other families will bring side dishes and dessert. Couples and families of similar backgrounds will be grouped together. If you would like to participate as either a guest or a host, please email Laura Tobin by January 5 at laurabl@gmail.com.

CAS Cholent Challenge Next Week!

Featuring cholent by veterans Rabbi Cohen, Rabbi Walk and Ari Lieberman
 and new participants Cantor Bokow, Saul Skolnick, and Maureen Pollack

Help Us Help You!

Please remember that dues, pledges and donations need to be received by CAS no later than December 31 in order for you to receive a charitable receipt for the tax year.

Mazal Tov to:

  • Barbara & Larry Novack on the Bat Mitzvah last Shabbat of their granddaughter Samantha Jessica, daughter ofRobin Novack Nack & Irwin Nack
  • Rabbi David & Rivka Walk and Debbie Walk on the birth of a grandson, born to Rachel & Micha-el Weinstein of Tekoa, Israel, who are on Shlichut in Cleveland, OH. Mazal Tov also to siblings Hallel Shira, Kaveh, Yiska Sarah, Rivka Tiferet and Raaya Leah  
  • Rabbi David & Rivka Walk and Debbie Walk on the Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat of Hallel Shira, daughter of Rachel & Micha-el Weinstein.  Hallel Shira is the Walks' eldest grandchild. 

Kol Hakavod to:

  • Mitchell Bell, the CAS Men's Club and all the volunteers who served dinner December 25 at Pacific House and on Thanksgiving to Stamford EMS. Click here to read Agudath Sholom Brings Christmas Dinner to Pacific House in the Stamford Advocate.

Shabbat Topics and Participants

Ba'al Tefilah                        Chazzan Rafael Bokow
Usher

Roselyn Mangot

Torah ReadersBob Abrams, Ethan Green, Ted Listokin, Judd Love, Shakked Parhi
Prayer for the United StatesRachel Terk
Sermon
Cultivating Gratitude                                                                                       Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Coffee & Commentary
Max Mailman
Shiur
Redemption of Captives in Exchange for the Release of Terrorists              Professor Yuval Sinai
Code of Jewish Law
                                    Ari Lieberman
Daf Yomi
David Bessaleli
Seudah Shlishit
Honoring Parents and Spouse: a Personal Story of Gratitude                         Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Thanks to this Week's Sponsors...
Shabbat Shalom Hospital Packages

the Linda Beson Nursing Educational Fund

Chapel Kiddush

Dr. Murray Engel, in memory of his mother, Hannah Menczel Engel, and also in memory of her relatives murdered during the Shoah:

her parents, Alter & Sarah Menczel, her siblings Shmuel and Miriam Menczel,

her in-laws, Moses & Gusta Engel, and their children Lotte and Shmuel Engel

Sanctuary Kiddush
Anonymous, in honor of Rad's 13 years of dedicated service to CAS
Seudah Shlishit
the shul
Weekday Schedule

Daf Yomi

Sunday & Wednesday 7:45 am, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00 am

Shacharit

Sunday & Wednesday 7:15/8:30 am, Thursday 6:20/7:30, Monday, Tuesday, Friday 6:30/7:30 am

Mincha/Maariv
Sunday-Thursday 4:25 pm, Friday 4:15 pm
Late Maariv in Stamford
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 pm: @ Young Israel, 9:40 @ Yeshiva Bais Binyomin
Candles Next Friday 
4:20 pm
CAS Fifth Annual Woman Scholar Program

Wednesdays at 7:30 pm

A five-part series with Rosh Kehilah DINA NAJMAN

Mara d'Atra Kehilat Orach Eliezer

Expert in Jewish bioethics and faculty member at SAR Academy

Halacha as a Dynamic Process

January 15 - 1. Uniting a People in Diversity (Including the Development of Halachic Authority)

January 22 - 2. Lifnim M'shurat Hadin - Acting Beyond the Letter of the Law

January 29 - 3. Kavod haBriyot - Human Dignity

February 5 - 4. Precedent of Women in Halakhic Decision Making

February 26 - 5. Halakhic Perspectives on Bioethical Decision Making - Issues in Fertility 

 

This expanded series is made possible through the generosity of Barbara & Ron Ashkenas in memory of Edward & Evelyn Weinberger

CAS Announcements
  • Shabbat, 1/4: Meditative Prayer Experience, 8:30-9 am/CAS Cholent Challenge
  • Sunday, 1/5: Matan begins;  1/19: Man Up begins
  • Shabbat, 1/10-11: Challenges in Jewish Education dinner and panel with Rabbi Lookstein
  • Shabbat, 1/11: Understanding Prayer, 10:30-11 am
  • Saturday night, 1/11: Teen Hypnosis and cocktails, 7-9 pm
  • Sunday, 1/12: Tu B'Shevat Event at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 1-2:30 pm 
  • Shabbat, 1/18: Young Couples/Families Lunch 
  • Shabbat, 1/24: Carlebach-style Davening
  • Shabbat, 1/24-25: B'nai Mitzvah Shabbaton
  • Shabbat, 1/25: Tot Shabbat Breakfast with Morahs, 10 am
  • Shabbat, 1/25: Women's Tefillah Group, 9:30 am
  • Saturday night/Sunday, 1/25-26: Jewish Arts Weekend
  • Shabbat, 1/31-2/1: AIPAC dinner and Shabbat
  • Shabbat, 2/1: Meditative Prayer Experience, 8:30-9 am
  • Saturday night, 2/1: Young Couples Bowling at Rip Van Winkle in Norwalk, 8-10 pm
  • Thursday, 2/6: Chevra Kadisha dinner, 6 pm
  • Shabbat, 2/8: Understanding Prayer, 10:30-11 am
  • Saturday night, 2/8, Night of Carlebach, 8 pm
  • Monday, 2/10: B'nai Mitzvah Parent Orientation Meeting, 8-9 pm
  • Friday night, 2/28: Carlebach-style davening
  • Sunday, 3/23: Annual CAS Dinner Dance

CAS Jewish Arts Weekend

January 25-26, 2014

 

Saturday Evening, January 25, 7:30 p.m.

 Envisioning Esther: The Art and History of Illustrated Megillot

Presentation by : Sharon Liberman Mintz, Senior Consultant for Judaica at Sotheby's

Curator of Jewish Art, Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary 

Wine, Cheese & Desserts (but of course!)    

 

Sunday, January 26

Guided Tour in NYC @ the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Treasures of the Met: A Jewish Narrative

Guide: Samuel Klein, writer and lecturer on religion and the arts, in the U.S. and Great Britain 

Capacity extremely limited. Details forthcoming on transportation and cost.

 

Sponsored in memory of Dr. Henry Fogelman by his daughter Peggy Fogelman, Director of Collections, The Morgan Library Museum

Annual Chevra Kadisha Dinner
Thursday, February 6, 2014, 6 pm
Congregation Agudath Sholom

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff
Professor of Jewish Studies, Stern College for Women

A Serious Look at Humor: The Source for Jewish Laughter

$36 per person, $180 sponsor (entitles you to two reservations for dinner)
Invitations will be in the mail soon.
For more information, please contact sharonfeldstein@gmail.com

Volunteers Needed

PARTNERS IN TORAH

Looking for a few good men and women to be a mentor for Partners in Torah:  http://www.partnersintorah.org/30 minutes can change a life. If you are interested in serving as a mentor for Partners in Torah or might consider this wonderful mitzvah, please be in touch with Rabbi Cohen.


COMMUNITY CHESED HELPERS

An important role of the Chesed committee is outreach to the Shul's elderly and homebound, who are often isolated and lack a lifeline to our synagogue. We are asking for volunteers, from our congregation, willing to reach out to these members to offer an ear, identify areas of need, make a visit, or offer a ride to a doctor's appointment. Even small gestures mean a great deal and do not take much time.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Vivian Weiss at 203-323-0909 or vivianweiss@gmail.com. If you are aware of any elderly or homebound shul members in need of outreach, please notify Rabbi Cohen.


WELCOME TO OUR SYNAGOGUE PROGRAM

As you know, every Shabbat we station ushers at the doors in the sanctuary to welcome people, assist them and enhance the dignity of the service. In an effort to create an even warmer environment, we are expanding the usher roles to include a greeter in the lobby from 9-10:30 am. Please join the usher team. We need you and your smile. To find out more and sign up, contact Mitchell Bell.

CAS Free Mezuzah Campaign in Fairfield County, CT

Bringing Blessings to Jewish Homes | Do you know a neighbor or a friend who lacks a mezuzah?

Share this video link: www.congregationagudathsholom.org/mezuzah.html

CAS is offering a free mezuzah and home visit to post this sacred scroll at the entrance to all Jewish homes in the area.
For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen: rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org

CAS Classes

Sundays

Bible from the Beginning. 9:15 am-Rabbi David Walk.  Will resume January 5.

Mondays

Dvar Yom B'Yomo. 12:20 pm (BCDS)-Rabbi David Walk.  Will resume January 6.

Mishna Brura-Laws of Tefilah.  7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk. Will resume January 6.

Tuesdays

Power of the Prophets. 8:15 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen.  Will resume on January 7.

The Depth of Genesis. 9:00 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen.  Will resume on January 7.

Parsha Perspectives and Paradigms. noon-Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Will resume on January 7, at BCDS from 12:20-1:00 pm

Prayer Primer.  7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk. Will resume on January 7.

Wednesdays

Halacha as a Dynamic Process. 7:30 pm-Rosh Kehilah Dina Najman. January 15, 22, 29 and February  5 & 26.

Thursdays

Talmud Bavli - Masechet Megilla. 7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk.  Will resume January 2.
Fridays
Taste of Torah. 8:15 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen  Will resume in January.

Youth

Shabbat Groups

Tot Shabbat (Toddlers-Age 3)-Library              10:30 am

Mini Minyan (Age 3- Grade 1)-Youth Classroom   10:30 am

Jr. Congregation (Grades 2-4) -Chapel                10:30 am

B'nai Mitzvah Club (Grades 5-6)-Simcha Room    10:30 am

No Jr. Teen Chat or Teen Minyan this week

  • Jan 4 - BROOKLYN NETS Game -  on sale NOW online-2 seats left.
  • Jan 11 - Grades 5-6 BMC is invited to join Teen Minyan for a special Shabbat morning experience!
  • Jan 11 - Grades 8-12 come and enjoy a VIP elegant black and white cocktail party with a hypnosis show and comedy entertainment!
  • Jan 12 - Loaves of Love - Girls Morning Out at Chabad - "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree" with Mrs. Leah Shemtov.
  • Jan 18 - Movin' On Up Shabbat!  "Graduation" for all children aging out of their groups..if you have any questions, please see Rabbi Jeiger!
  • Jan 25 - Tot Shabbat - Breakfast with your Morahs - 10 am (early start)!  Don't miss this special breakfast treats and bonding time with your Morahs Irene, Debbie and Simone!
  • Jan 31 - Feb 1- Jr. Cong. Shabbaton- much more info to follow..Including first 50 to sign up get an awesome free prize!
If you or your teens have not been receiving the special Teen emails, contact jsperber3@gmail.com.

If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday or special accomplishment by sponsoring a special "kiddush" in their honor, contact rabbijeiger@hotmail.com.

 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger

Matan: Begins Next Week

Matan is a mother-daughter program for Bat Mitzvah-age girls focusing on female role models from the time of the Bible through modern Israel. Michal Smart has, once again, agreed to run the Matan program. This year, it will be run in conjunction with Bi-Cultural Day School.  The first five sessions will be held at BCDS and the last five at Agudath Shalom.

 

The sessions will be held on Sunday evenings from 5:30 - 7:00 pm on the following dates:

January 5, 12, 19 & 26, February 2, 9 & 16, March 2, 9 & 30, (Makeup date: April 6.)

 

There will be no charge for Agudath members or for BCDS students.  For members of the community there will be a $200 charge. To sign up, please click here:

 

Man Up:

 

Rabbi Cohen will lead three sessions for father and sons centered on B'nai Mitzvah responsibilities to self, family, community and the world. Classes will be held at Agudath Shalom. There is no charge for members.

    

The sessions will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:15 - 10:15 am on the following dates:

January 19 & 26, February 2. To sign up, please click here:

We wish the following people a Refuah Sheleima. Please have them in your prayers: 

We will be starting this list anew in January; please email here to include names.

Shmuel Refael ben Chana, Baila Bat Esther, Tzvia Rivkah Bat Hinda, Yehuda ben Shirley, Natalie Chana Chaya Bat Aviva, Naomi Devorah bat Mindel, Zahava bat Chaya Sara, Shmuel Lev ben Malka, Geula Tova bat Chana, Rachel bat Malkah, Sarah bat Etta Zisel, Noam Aryeh ben Leia Michal, Dovid Levi ben Gittel, Perel Etka bat Sara, Rachel Yonina bat Leah Raizel, Idan Yarden ben Esther, Geri bat Esther, Devorah bat Chana, Aviva bat Etta, Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel, Refael Ephraim ben Sima, Michal Fraida Chava bat Yita Shandel: Please recite psalm 47 for Marlene Gatz, a BCDS mother battling cancer. The text is here.

Community Announcements 

CARMEL ACADEMY PARLOR MEETING-Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, at the home of Bonnie & Emanuel Citron, 7 Mulberry Lane, Cos Cob. Meet with Carmel's Head of School, Nora Anderson, and Carmel parents in a relaxed and informal setting. To schedule a private tour, and to RSVP for the parlor meeting, please contact Director of Admissions Daneet Brill at daneet.brill@carmelacademy.com or at (203) 983-3503.

JHS PROGRAM: THE LAST SIXTY YEARS OF REFORM JUDAISM, A VERY PERSONAL ODYSSEY-Sunday, January 12, 1:30 pm (nosh 1 pm.) Stamford JCC. Speaker: Dr. Rabbi Eugene B. Borowitz. For more info, call Marcie Schoenfeld at 203-359-9148 or email elissa@de-kaplan.com 

JHS BOOK TALK-Rav Hisda's Daughter by Maggie Anton-Wednesday, January 22, 10 am.  JHS Library at the JCC. A vivid picture of Jewish Life in 3rd century Babylon, featuring the compelling heroine, Hisdadukh, who paints the tumultuous life of this ancient time and place Presenter: Rabbi Nicole Wilson-Spiro.. For more info, call Marcie Schoenfeld at 203-359-9148.
ANNUAL JCC SPRING GALA HONORING JEANNIE & BRIAN KRIFTCHER-March 1. Contact lviladas@stamfordjcc.org
LINKING GENERATIONS OF THE SHOAH-Our 2nd Generation Group began in July 2012. We are a group of approximately fifty members ranging in age from 40 and up and we come from all over CT and Westchester County. Our monthly meetings take place in Westport, CT (usually at the UJA offices) every second Tuesday of the month. Spouses of 2G members as well as 3rd Generation often attend our general meetings. In our first year of existence, we have made great strides. In addition to creating our mission statement, "To honor the spirit and courage of our parents and those who perished or survived and rebuilt their lives. And to remember them and dedicate in their honor good works and healing deeds to benefit and enlighten future generations so the horrors of the Shoah will never be revisited upon humanity" we are also exploring and sharing the unique experiences, awareness, bonds, burdens, and responsibilities that come with being Children of Holocaust survivors. As we journey into our second year together, we realize even more how much great community depends on great conversation and that we are witnesses in ourselves to something far greater than ourselves. Please come and join us. For further contact information call: Ann Cohn at 203-762-0058 (home) or 203-984-6667 (cell)
LIFE TRANSITIONS-
Wednesdays at 11:30 am. Ongoing support group for the unemployed at the Stamford JFS office, 733 Summer Street, 6th Floor. The focus of the group is to provide a forum to discuss and explore the concerns and issues related to job loss and to find alternative solutions for career satisfaction. The group is a collaborative effort between JFS Counseling and Employment & Training Departments. To register or for more information, please contact Rebekah Kanefsky at 203-921-4161 or email at rkanefsky@ctjfs.org

Mike's Center Cafe & Bakery at the JCC is now open on Saturday nights! Mike's will open each week one hour after the end of Shabbat and will close when the JCC closes at 9 pm. For information, please call 203-321-0051 or email mikescentercafe@gmail.com. 

SYLVIA'S

CAS Sisterhood Gift Shop

Closed until January

This email was sent to iberk@cas-stamford.org by notices@cas-stamford.org |  
Congregation Agudath Sholom | 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue | Stamford | CT | 06902

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