| | | 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 |
| November 23, 2013
| Vayeshev
| 20 Kislev 5774 |
| | | Friday | Candles | 4:12pm | | Mincha | 4:17pm |
| Chapel | 8:00am | | Coffee & Commentary
| 8:45am | | Sanctuary
| 9:00am | | Shiur
| 10:30am | Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/ Jr. Cong/BMC/ Jr. Teen Chat | 10:30am | | Code of Jewish Law
| 3:15pm
| | Daf Yomi | | | Mincha
| 4:05pm | | Maariv | 5:07pm | | Shabbat Ends | 5:12pm |
1st Chanukah Candle-Wednesday Nt 2nd Chanukah Candle-Thursday Nt Thursday-Thanksgiving To read about the convergence of Chanukah and Thanksgiving, click here, here and here. |
| | Men's Club Breakfast This Sunday, 9:30-10:30 am Daf Yomi Room Help plan Rabbi Walk's Roast! |
| Rabbi Cohen will be leading a father/son Tefillin Field Trip to Tiferes Stam on Sunday, December 8th from 9 am-2 pm. Please bring money for lunch. There will also be an opportunity to purchase tefillin or other Judaica. If you can drive, please contact Rabbi Cohen. |
Download the
Benjamin and Rose Berger Chanukah To-Go ® 5774 here. |
New to Stamford and interested in membership? |
| TAPESTRY A community celebration of Adult Jewish Learning. Saturday night, 6:30 pm, JCC. Includes presentations by Rabbis Cohen and Walk as well as by CAS member Bob Abrams, Barbara Ashkenas, Anat Chavkin, Michael Feldstein, Prof. Paul Franks and Michal Smart. Co-chair: Adam Batkin. Facilitated by UJF. |
| SYLVIA'S CAS Sisterhood Gift Shop Just arrived: Emanuel menorahs and mezuzahs from Israel! Sunday: 9 am-1 pm Tuesday & Wednesday: 12-3pm |
| | | THE SHUL OFFICE IS CLOSED THURSDAY & FRIDAY
HAPPY CHANUKAH! (AND THANKSGIVING)
Speaking of Thanksgiving, check out Searching for God at Trader Joe's |
| I Am Not Orthodox. This is the title of a very thoughtful and inspiring article written last week by Rabbi Mendel Tobin in The Jewish Week and one that is germane to all of us. This week we read about the conflict that ensure between Joseph and his brothers. The events reflect a struggle for Jewish unity. We face the same challenges today. I am not Orthodox but a Jew like each of us. We may observe differently but we must always remember that there is more that unities us than divide us a people. Further, when we label ourselves as Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, we limit ourselves and diminish our capacity for change. In truth the real question is "are we growth Jews"? When a Rabbi once asked his students which Jew is on a higher level - the one atop a ladder or the one a few rungs below - he responded. "It all depend on which way you are going!" As a synagogue, Agudath Sholom is Orthodox but we welcome everyone and affirm that we are all Jews on a path to more growth, observance and an even deepening relationship with God and the Jewish people.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen 40daystoabetteryou-Chanukah edition rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org|203-252-8252|Rabbi Cohen's podcasts |
| Book talk and celebration for KADDISH, WOMEN'S VOICES by Michal Smart and Barbara Ashkenas This Sunday, November 24, CAS 10 am - 12:30 pm 11 am Book Talk & Signing 11:30 am Champagne Reception New! Click here to read an article about Orthodox women saying kaddish in which Barbara is liberally quoted |
This Chanukah LIVE AT AGUDATH SHOLOM Yeshiva University Maccabeats Saturday Night, November 30 7:30-8:30 pm only $15/adult | $10/ages 3-21 Space is limited!
Prior to the Maccabeats concert, join us for the CAS Intergenerational Community Chanukah Celebration A community Havdalah sing with Rabbi Cohen & Chazzan Bokow Next Saturday, November 30, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Let's light the fourth candle together! Enjoy latkes, jelly doughnuts, and hot cider (for children with cancer) in NY & Israel Free event for entire community. Event sponsored by Israel Bonds. Please consider an Israeli Bond as a gift this Chanukah. eMitzvah bonds are available starting at $36. Go to www.israelbonds.com Enhanced by Fannie Stevens in memory of her husband, Daniel |
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| | SHIPPAN TURKEY TROT Join Rabbi Cohen and CAS members Thanksgiving morning at the Shippan Turkey Trot. No Entrance Fee. Bring canned food to support Stamford's Shelter for the Homeless. Race Starts 10 AM, but come at 9:30. 2.41 miles. |
| Mazal Tov to: | - Louise & Ami Soifer and grandparents Debbie & Ben-Zion Soifer and Joyce & Denis Kaplan on Jordan's Bar Mitzvah
- Neil Ruben on his engagement to Hilana Lewkowitz-Shpuntoff
- Eileen & Bob Breakstone on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Carolyn Melanie, daughter of Warren & Julie Breakstone
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| Thank You to: | - Israel Bonds for sponsoring next Saturday night's Community Chanukah Celebration. Please consider an Israeli Bond as a gift this Chanukah. eMitzvah bonds are available starting at $36.
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| Shabbat Topics and Participants |
| Ba'al Tefillah | Chazzan Rafael Bokow | | Ushers | Mitchell Bell, Elisheva Kilner | | Torah Readers | Jordan Soifer, Asher Daniels, Judd Love, Sam Michelson, Simcha Rubin, Alex Seligson,
Ben-Zion Soifer, Robbie Soifer, Michael Wexler
| | Sermon | What is Worth Fighting For? Rabbi Daniel Cohen
| | Shiur | Jekyll & Hyde Rabbi David Walk | | Code of Jewish Law | Chazzan Rafael Bokow | | Daf Yomi |
| | Seudah Shlishit | Geography Rabbi David Walk |
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| Thanks to this Week's Sponsors...
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| Shabbat Shalom Hospital Packages | Helene Zimmerman in memory of her father, Rabbi Hyman Cohen and her step-father, Louis Gross, on their upcoming yahrtzeits, 25 Kislev; the Linda Beson Nursing Educational Fund | Chapel Kiddush
| Howard & Judy Goldstein, in loving memory of Herbert Goldstein, z"l | Sanctuary Kiddush
| Louise & Ami Soifer in honor of Jordan's Bar Mitzvah
| | Seudah Shlishit
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| Daf Yomi | Sunday 7:45 am, Monday-Wednesday, Friday 7:00 am, Thursday 7:45 am | | Shacharit | Sunday 7:15/8:30 am, Mon-Wednesday 6:30/7:30 am, Thursday 7:00/8:30, Friday: 6:30/8:30 am | | Weekday Mincha/Maariv | Sunday-Thursday 4:20 pm, Friday 4:13 pm
| | Late Maariv in Stamford | Sunday-Thursday 9 pm: @ Young Israel, 9:40 @ Yeshiva Bais Binyomin
| | Candles Next Friday | 4:08 pm
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CAS Annual Thanksgiving Feast for Stamford First Responders Men's Club is hard at work organizing CAS's yearly show of appreciation to our local first responders: a full Thanksgiving feast served to them at their station houses! Volunteers are needed to help on Thursday, November 28: - Thursday Morning, 9:00 - 11:00 am: Prepare the Empire turkeys and trimmings in CAS's kitchen.
- Midday: 11:25 am - Meet at CAS to pack up & transport all of the food to the first responders stations
- Afternoon: 12:00 pm - Help serve a full Thanksgiving feast to our city's first responders.
Everyone is encouraged to come out & take part in this genuine expression of appreciation to our local first responders!
- This Saturday, 11/23: Supermarket Sweep & Movie Night, 6:15-9:30 pm
- This Sunday, 11/24: Men's Club Breakfast-help plan Rabbi Walk's Roast, 9:30-10:30 am
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This Sunday, 11/24: Kaddish: Women's Voices Lecture & Reception, 10 am-12:30 pm - Thanksgiving: Men's Club Feast for Emergency Personnel
- Next Saturday, 11/30: Community Chanukah Celebration, 6 -7 pm. Havdalah sing with the Cantor
- Next Saturday, 11/30: Maccabeats' Concert, 7:30-8:30 pm
- Sunday, 12/8: Tefillin Field Trip to Tiferes Stam and lunch in Brooklyn, 9 am-2 pm
- Saturday, 12/21: Men's Club Roast & Toast of Rabbi Walk
- Wednesday, 12/25: Pacific House Dinner
- Sunday, 1/5: Matan begins; 1/19: Man Up begins
- Shabbat, 1/11: Challenges in Jewish Education Panel
- Friday/Saturday, 1/24-25, B'nai Mitzvah Shabbaton
- Monday, 2/10: B'nai Mitzvah Parent Orientation Meeting, 8- 9 pm
10TH ANNUAL Challenges in Jewish Education Panel: "Day School Affordability: The Challenge...and Practical Solutions." Shabbat, January 11, 2014, immediately after morning services and kiddush, at approximately 12 noon. Featuring: - Rabbi Joshua Lookstein, Head of School at the Westchester Day School in Mamaroneck, NY
- Harry Bloom, Strategy Manager for Financial Sustainability at the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE)
Moderated by Rabbi David Israel, Rabbinic Dean, BCDS
Annual CAS Dinner Dance Sunday evening, March 23, 2014! 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 We wish them and their families a hearty Mazal Tov! Please plan to join us as we celebrate our shul and the accomplishments of our honorees. To join the tribute committee or learn more about the dinner, please contact |
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| To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark. - Victor Hugo, Les Miserables Please participate in the Chanukah Children's Book Drive and use your Chanukah light to spark a love of reading! We are conducting a book drive to collect new or gently used children's books (for infants and children through 8th grade.) Read to Grow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting early literacy in partnership with the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, will distribute books to children and families through pediatric primary care centers, childcare centers, schools and other programs serving communities in need. When you can drop off: November 22-December 8 Where to drop off: Boxes in lobby! Contact Sarah Poland with any questions. Youth Chairs: Emma Rich and Rina Marlowe |
| 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 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. |
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| 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 |
| TEEN ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIPS FOR ISRAEL A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY Be one of six teens to be selected for a free trip to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference, March 2-4, 2014 in Washington DC. The trip will include registration, travel and hotel. Winners will join the Agudath Sholom AIPAC delegation. To be one of the six selected, submit a 500 word essay: "WHY DOES AIPAC NEED YOU?" If you could lobby the members of Congress on Capitol Hill, what would you say? What case would you present about the issues affecting the United States and Israel? Essays will be evaluated by a local and national panel of AIPAC supporters. Submit to Rabbi Cohen by Sunday, December 1, 2014 at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org Open to 10th-12th graders from CAS. We are grateful to Stephanie and Bob Sherman for sponsoring the fellowships in memory of Stephanie's mother, Rosalie Aberman. If you would like to enable more teens to attend AIPAC Policy Conference through a contribution to our AIPAC Teen Fund, please contact Rabbi Cohen. |
| Sundays Bible from the Beginning. 9:15 am-Rabbi David Walk. Mondays Dvar Yom B'Yomo. 12:20 pm (BCDS)-Rabbi David Walk. Beginning Hebrew 7:30 pm- Ben-Zion Soifer. Mishna Brura-Laws of Tefilah. 7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk. Tuesdays Power of the Prophets. 8:15 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen. The Depth of Genesis 9:00 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Parsha Perspectives and Paradigms noon-Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Prayer Primer 7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk. Thursdays Talmud Bavli - Masechet Megilla. 7:30 pm-Rabbi David Walk. *Back to Basics-The Joys of Kosher Living* December 5, 7:30 pm - Rabbi Daniel Cohen. Explore fundamentals of Judaism in an open and warm environment. Whatever your background, you will gain a deeper understanding of the timeless idea and practices within our faith. Topics will Include: Mindful Eating; The Kosher Kitchen; Blessings; Oreos, Gatorade and Keeping Kosher in 2013 FridaysTaste of Torah. 8:15 am-Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
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CAS Fifth Annual Woman Scholar Program Wednesdays at 7:30 pm A five-part series with Rosh Kehilah DINA NAJMAN Matra 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 |
| 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)-Back of Simcha Room 10:30 am Jr. Teen Chat (Grades 7-8)-Daf Yomi Room 10:30 am
Mazal Tov to Jordan Soifer on his Bat Mitzvah! - THIS SAT NT, Nov 23 - Supermarket Sweep & Movie Night at CAS. FREE for Parents attending Tapestry.
- 6:15-9:30 pm. Sign up here.
- Nov 30 - Special Chanukah themed groups - special treats for all kids in groups.
- Dec 14- B'nai Mitzvah Club Special Night Out - details to follow.
- Dec 14- Teen Minyan
- Jan 4 - BROOKLYN NETS Game - only a few tickets left - on sale NOW online.
- Jan 12 - Loaves of Love-Girls' Morning Out at Chabad
- Jan 31 - Feb 1- Jr. Cong. Shabbaton- much more info to follow.
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. |
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| 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: 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: The Tefillin Field Trip to Tiferes Stam and lunch in Brooklyn will be on Sunday, December 8th from 9 am-2 pm. Please bring money for lunch. There will also be an opportunity to purchase tefillin or other Judaica. If you can drive, please contact Rabbi Cohen. |
We wish the following people a Refuah Sheleima. Please have them in your prayers: If you would like to add a name for this month, click here Tzvia Rivkah Bat Hinda, Yehuda ben Shirley, Natalie Chana Chaya Bat Aviva, Naomi Devorah bat Mindel, Pinchas Shimon ben Klarel,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. |
The Joint Distribution Committee's (JDC's) emergency teams are working with the Filipino Jewish community and global NGO partners to get critical aid to the typhoon-ravaged Phillipines as soon as possible. You may send your tzedakkah directly to the JDC at P.O. Box 4124, New York, NY 10163. (Make check payable to JDC and write "Typhoon Haiyan Relief" in the memo section.) You may also call 212-687-6200 or click here to contribute. To read about the Jewish response to the crisis, click here. To make a secure online donation to the fund through UJF, click here To mail your donation, please address it to UJF, 1035 Newfield Ave, Suite 200, Stamford, CT 06905 and note "Typhoon Relief" on your check. Or call UJF at (203) 321-1373. |
| Community Announcements | MEET NORA ANDERSON, HEAD OF CARMEL ACADEMY-this Shabbat, 11/23. Please join us in welcoming Nora and Carmel's Rabbi Naftali Wolfe, Isaiah Rothstein and Jeff Kilstein at a dessert reception at the home of Robert and Gina Braun, 37 Apple Tree, starting at 2:30.
TAPESTRY- A community celebration of Adult Jewish Learning facilitated by UJF. Saturday Nov. 23, 6:30 pm, JCC. Includes presentations by Rabbis Cohen and Walk as well as CAS members Bob Abrams, Barbara Ashkenas, Anat Chavkin, Michael Feldstein, Prof. Paul Franks, and Michal Smart. For more info contact rabbikarp@UJF.org or register at here. Co-chair: Adam Batkin.
CULINARY EVENT AT MA'AYANOT- Sunday, November 24, 7:00 pm. The evening will include culinary demonstrations by noted chefs Leah Shapira, author of the award winning cookbook Fresh and Easy Kosher Cooking, and Merav Dahan, creator of Merav's Cuisine, as well as a pre-Chanukah boutique featuring Pampered Chef, Cutco Cutlery, and much more. For more information or to register for the event, please contact Carrie Polonetsky at cpolonetsky@yahoo.com. Ma'ayanot is located at 1650 Palisade Avenue, Teaneck, NJ.
INSTALLATION OF BEIT CHAVERIM SYNAGOGUE OF WESTPORT/NORWALK'S NEW RABBI AND SPIRITUAL LEADER GREG WALL-Saturday night, November 30, 8:30 pm, in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium. Rabbi Wall is a critically acclaimed saxophonist and composer who has appeared on stage around the world, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Rabbi Wall will perform with some of his long-time collaborators from New York's Downtown music scene, including the Ayn Sof Arkestra and Bigger Band, Later Prophets, and Zion80. For tickets, call the Beit Chaverim office at 203-227-3333.
THE RACE TO COLLEGE-Monday, December 2 at 5:30 pm. Pre-planning for college for 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th graders and their parents conducted by Claire Friedlander, Jewish Family Service College Consultant at Harry Bennett Branch of Ferguson Library, 115 Vine Road, Stamford. Free and open to the community. For more information, contact Claire Friedlander at clairef@ctjfs.org or call 203-921-4161.
SUPER SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS-Super Sunday is coming! Join other CAS volunteers on December 8nd at the JCC in Stamford. Click here for more info or to volunteer. Chaired by Rachel and Doctor Nimrod Dayan.
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 |
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| SYLVIA'S CAS Sisterhood Gift Shop Just arrived: Emanuel menorahs and mezuzahs from Israel! Pre-Chanukah Hours Sunday: 9 am-1 pm | Tuesday & Wednesday: 12-3pm |
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