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

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Friday, April 20, 2018

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

www.cas-stamford.orgCongregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Tazria-MetzoraOmer: 21April 21, 20186 Iyyar 5778
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Schedule
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:21 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee & Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:30 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat
Mini Minyan
Jr. Cong
10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:37 AM
Daf Yomi6:25 PM
Code of Jewish Law6:25 PM
Mincha7:15 PM
Maariv8:17 PM
Shabbat Ends8:22 PM
Havdalah8:22 PM
Shabbat Shalom
The Eternal Torah

The Torah is eternal. No word is wasted and without meaning. Yet, a quick perusal of the double Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora seems to belie this message. The focus is on the issues of tumah and tahara, mischaracterized as impurity and purity, a seemingly archaic and irrelevant subject in modern times. Yet, in truth, when the subjects are unpacked, we will discover the current relevance of these sections.

Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch explains etymologically that tumah connotes a barrier or blockage and tahara connotes connection or conduit. For instance, the highest state of Tumah is a dead body, not because the body is dirty in any way, but rather the separation of body and soul prevents the soul from connecting to God via the vessel of the body. The soul is blocked from growth without the vehicle of the body. Tahara represents clarity and connection. A person immerses in a mikvah, etymologically connected to the word, tikvah "hope" to reinforce the possibility for forging a renewed relationship with God and moving from a state of feeling distant to becoming close to God.

More than any other book in the Torah, the book of Vaykira focuses on personal development. The categories of Tumah and tahara are portals to appreciate the impact how we live in this world. Do we eat to live or live to eat? Blessings and Kashrut are opportunities to either distance ourselves from God or move closer to God. Speech is a gift from God and what we say and how we speak determine whether we are harnessing this gift for the profane or the holy.

The topics in Vayikra relate to issues of forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, ethics and holiness. The prime topic of tzaraat, a physical manifestation of the spiritual malady of tale bearing, gossip and arrogance is intended to awaken within us the sacred nature of speech. Words build or destroy. Words can bridge relationships or create isolation. A person who gossips fails to appreciate that even one word can harm someone. As a result, the person undergoes a spiritual rehabilitation in which he/she lives alone as a way for the person to understand the nature of the pain words caused to another human being. Just one word of the Kohen determines a person's fate.

These ideas are just the beginning. Learn the deeper messages of these parshiyot as their messages are truly eternal and the foundation for leading a righteous, holy, meaningful and ethical life.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

CAS has a NO NUTS policy  for all food served to our Congregation! If you are working with a caterer to plan a kiddush please make sure to let them know that none of the food can contain nuts (or peanuts) of any kind. Please feel free to reach out to Matt Feinberg in the office with any questions.
Thank you  Nefesh beNefesh for developing this special video for CT celebrating aliyah. It features David and Beth Cohen and Deborah Netzer. click here to view
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Torah before TefillahBob Abrams
Coffee & CommentaryRabbi Oran Zweiter
SermonRabbi Oran Zweiter
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitMark Wagshul
Torah ReadersEthan Green, Burt Rubin
10:30 shiurRabbi Tzvi Bernstein: Lights from Darkness: Rav Kook on the Land of Israel; In Memory of Dr. Eric Boxer, Z"L
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 7:30 PM, Friday 7:00 PM
Late MaarivMonday-Thursday: The Learning Center, 1766 Bedford Street, 8:45 PM
Candles Friday7:28 PM
SundayOmer: 22
MondayOmer: 23
TuesdayOmer: 24
WednesdayOmer: 25
ThursdayOmer: 26
FridayOmer: 27
Lunch MinchaMonday - Thursday, 1:30 pm at 613 Restaurant, 108 Prospect St.
Condolences
  • to Roz Sherman on the passing of her brother, Melvyn Joseph Novick/Mendel Yosef ben Leah
  • to Kate Cik on the passing of her mother, Barbara Frommer
For up to date shiva and contact info: www.cas-stamford.org/shiva
To make a memorial contribution online, and have us send an acknowledgement to the family, please click here
Mazal Tov
  • to Norine and Dov Steinmetz on the naming of their granddaughter Blakely Dylan/Davida daughter of Rachel and Perry Steinmetz
  • to Barbara Miller on the Bat Mitzvah of her granddaughter Marissa Miller, daughter of Scott and Karen Miller this Shabbat in Westport.
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
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesEmily & Zvi Dubitzky in loving commemoration of the first yahrzeit of Emily's father, Edward Miller; Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel; and the Linda Beson Nursing Education Fund
Shabbat BulletinRabbi Howard and Sheri Bald in honor of their dear friend, Irwin Niedober
Library KiddushIn honor of Albert Lilienfeld's birthday from his friends
Chapel KiddushCo-sponsored by Pam Ehrenkranz & Matt Greenberg in honor of Matts birthday and Glenn Karow in memory of his parents, Sybil and Martin Karow's yahrzeits
Sanctuary KiddushThe Entire Rosenthal/Zalis Family in celebration of Allen's special birthday and by Lorraine & David Kweskin to commemorate the yahrtzeit of Lorraine's mother, Sylvia
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Apr 28opensponsoredsponsoredsponsored
May 5sponsoredsponsoredsponsoredopen
May 12sponsoredsponsoredsponsoredsponsored
May 19openopensponsoredopen
May 26sponsoredsponsoredsponsored
Sponsor a kiddush! click here to see the menus
Email Matt and he will contact you mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org or see Hecky or Irwin to arrange a Kiddush.
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Sign Up For These Events
Jewelry Making & Tie Dye with Yolly!
   Sunday, April 22 - 10:00 AM
learn more →
CAS Scholar-In-Residence Series: Dr Rivka Press Schwartz
   Wednesday, April 25 - 8:00 PM
learn more →
Scholar In Residence: Rabbi Mark Wildes
   Shabbat, April 28
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Ice Cream Sundae Bar & Bat Mitzvah Orientation
   Tuesday, May 1 - 8:00 PM
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Bnai Mitzvah Luncheon
   Shabbat, May 5 - 1:00 PM
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CAS Womens Book Club
   Tuesday, May 22 - 8:00 PM
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The Power of the Individual to Make a Real Difference with Sivan Ya'ari
   Thursday, May 24 - 7:30 PM
learn more →
CAS Youth Teen Minyan Kiddush Fund
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CAS Young Families
Young Families/Couples Oneg in the Shabbos Park  Shabbat, April 28. Come join us in the park on Shabbat (weather permitting) at 4 pm for an oneg. Rain date will be May 5th. Please bring a parve snack or dessert to share!

Young Families/Couples Potluck Lunch Shabbat, May 12, 1 PM, We are looking for families and couples to host the potluck and provide the main dish, drinks, and challah, and then guests will fill in with side dishes and desserts as requested by the host. Join us for this great way to get to know people in the CAS community!

Save the Dates: Sunday, June 10th, Young Couples Night Out! and Tuesday, June 26th, Ladies Night Out!

Toddler Time Playgroup  Tuesdays, 3:30 pm. Please join us for an hour of free play for children 1 to 4 years old and their caregivers. Facilitated by two moms of toddlers, this drop-in group meets weekly at CAS in the downstairs children's classroom. No cost, a light snack provided. Info: Jessica Furmansky JessicaL83@gmail.com.

New Mom's Group - Mommy and Me  Bring your baby and come meet other moms at CAS. The first Monday of each month, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM. For Babies birth through 1. This is a free group open to the community. Info: contact Melissa Litwak at melissaelevy@gmail.com
Rabbi Office Hours
Update on Rabbi Cohen's & Rabbi Zweiter's Open Office Hours Open Office Hours are an opportunity to drop by to see our Rabbis without an appointment. They will be available in their office for guidance or a chat. Rabbis will not schedule meetings during these hours, which will be held around the same time each week. Call the office to confirm Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter are not attending to an urgent matter outside the synagogue. Open Office Hour Times for this Week
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
  • Monday, April 23, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
  • Tuesday, April 24, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Thursday, April 26, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Monday, April 23, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Tuesday, April 24, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, April 25, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
CAS Classes
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Week of April 22
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
MondayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Kol Dodi Dofek - 9:15 AM
Bob Abrams: The Tanach Club - The Haggadah and a decision on our next topic of study! - 1:00 PM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: Book of Ezra - Power of the Prophets - 8:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Depths of Genesis - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives - 12:00 PM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Weekly Haftorah - 9:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Taanit - 8:00 PM
FridayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM
CAS Announcements
  • TORAH BOOK SWAP Have Jewish books, sefarim you are not using and would like a new home for them? Maybe you are looking for some new books? Drop by the shul next week and peruse and take a few new books or leave some of yours on the tables in the lobby. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
  • CAS - MEN'S CLUB PLANNING MEETING April 29th Sunday 2nd floor 9:30-10:30am. General review and planning of events is needed. 1) Booking of speakers 2) Planning events. Some of the ideas being floated include doing a meet the Gubernatorial Race candidates. Inviting the press and all the candidates down to have a forum of sorts - where each candidate might get 5-10 minutes to explain their positions then allow questions from the audience. 3) Invite new candidates for our own Men's Club, positions are all open and available. Bagel and Lox will be served for a $1 donation. All are welcome.
  • WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOURE EXPECTING (AND AFTER): TORAH STYLE Tuesday night, May 1st at 8:00 PM at CAS wiith Dena Block, the Steinmetz, Bernstein, Alexander Yoetzet Halacha. A Program of the Minnie Manger Marcia Lieberman Mikvah open to all women in the community. Whether you've recently gotten married, had a baby or just feel like you could use review or inspiration, come out for a special class with Dena Block. RSVP recommended to Jessica Niedober at jniedober@gmail.com. As always, Dena is available for any questions or consultation.
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Do you have a green thumb, enjoy gardening and doing a mitzvah? We are getting ready to launch our CAS Harvest Now Garden. Here is more info http://harvest-now.net/. The produce is given to the homeless. We are looking for a lead volunteers to help this year. As always we are grateful to Jim Benjamin for his insight and leadership! Secondly, May is Agudath Sholom month to deliver Shabbat Shalom hospital packages delivered on Fridays at Stamford Hospital. We are grateful to Gloria Green and Phyllis Shapiro for their leadership over the years and we are looking for two people to lead this important effort. These are two very special mitzvot and opportunities. If you have an interest, please contact Rabbi Cohen at your earliest convenience.
  • JOIN OUR HOSPITALITY TEAM When someone new moves to town, we inform our hospitality team, who are thrilled to welcome them for a Shabbat meal. If you would like to be part of our hospitality team who are committed to hosting five new families a year, please contact Rabbi Cohen (rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org) or our membership chair, Rachel Kaimowitz (rachelshields@gmail.com). If you would like to be involved in welcoming people in alternative ways to shabbat hosting, we also have people who meet new members for coffee in the week, deliver welcome packs, or phone them to check how they're settling in. If this is something you might like to get involved in, we'd also love to hear from you!
  • HEALING VISITS MITZVAH UPDATE The healing visits team is a CAS group who visit people in the hospital, facilities or at home. It is a meaningful way to lift people's spirits and make a difference. You can offer as much time as you have for each person. Every week we send out a healing visit update. To join the team, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
  • 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? CAS offers 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
  • JOIN THE CHEVRA KADISHA We need new volunteers for the Chevra - those willing to perform a tahara. Info: Please contact Rochel Attar at fiveximah@gmail.com
  • IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING We need you to help secure our Synagogue. As you come to the building, please be aware of your surroundings. If you see something out of the ordinary, please let someone know about it. This will keep everyone safe.
  • WELCOME TO OUR SYNAGOGUE PROGRAM Every Shabbat we station ushers at the doors in the sanctuary to welcome people, assist them and enhance the service. 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. Info: Mitchell Bell.
  • 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. Volunteer to reach out and identify needs, visit, or give a ride. Even small gestures mean a great deal Interested? Vivian Weiss at 203-323-0909 or vivianweiss@gmail.com. If you are aware of elderly or homebound members in need of outreach, please notify Rabbi Cohen.
  • WE WANT YOU FOR BINGO! Players AND volunteers needed. Join in on the fun we have every MONDAY at 6:00 PM
Sisterhood

SYLVIA'S CAS SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP

Open on Thursday

We need volunteers! Please call Julie at (203) 321-6460 or Anne at (203) 321-5072

Community Announcements
  • SOOSH WEEKLY SPECIALS AND PACKAGES Monday to Friday at Soosh: lunch specials with 2 roll and 3 roll Sushi combo. Forever Young Mondays - 18% discount for seniors (*cannot be combine with any other offers)Shabbat Packages; a 4 course meal for 4 people just $100. Saturday nights - free dessert or glass of wine with purchase of any Poke bowl! See you at Soosh!
  • ISRAEL CANCER RESEARCH FUND HONORS: ANNE PESKIN, BARBARA NOVAK & EILEEN ROSNER at Women of Distinction evening for their Lifetime Community Work & Chesed. Wednesday, May 16 at 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the Carousel, Mill River Park, 35 W. Broad Street, Stamford. Recognition, Dinner & Speaker, Dr. Harriet Kluger, Professor of Medicine, Yale University. Kashrut laws observed. Reservations $118/Journal Opportunities: Roz Mangot 203 322-6069 or David Kweskin 203 321-1006 or ICRF.org/WomenofDistinction2018. ICRF, a US non-profit, is the largest source of private funds for cancer research in Israel. Deadline May 7
  • ATRIA STAMFORD INVITES YOU TO OUR WINE PULL EVENT , benefiting the Elayne & James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County. For $20, you can pull a random bottle of wine from a display featuring selections ranging in quality and price. Additional pulls are $15 each. April 24, 4 TO 7 PM, 77 Third Street. Cocktails and hors doeuvres will be served, and tours of our newly expanded Life Guidance memory care neighborhood will be available. RSVP by April 20 to Terry Henry at 203.327.4551
  • BCDS CELEBRATION DINNER Sunday, May 6 • 5:30 P.M. Hilton Stamford Hotel. BUFFET DINNER ~ DANCING ~ DESSERT HONORING Linda & Leonard Russ, Guests of Honor; Larry Rezak, Community Service Award; Craig L. Price, Young Leadership Award; Dr. Pamela Schaffer Singer, Alumni Award; Pia Walker, Jane Shoztic Memorial Award. RSVP: BCDS.org/celebration
  • JOIN UJF JUNE 20-21 ON OUR MISSION TO WASHINGTON, D.C.! Learn about the Jewish Federations of North America's advocacy agenda and then bring it to the Hill to share your views with our representatives, hear from policy experts and policy makers, and tour the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Early bird pricing ends 4/24 - register now at ujf.org!
  • THE TRANSFORMATION OF BIBLICAL WOMEN: MEDIEVAL JEWS REREAD THE BIBLE Dr. Elisheva Baumgarten, the Profesor Yitzhak Becker Chair in Jewish Studies at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will present The Transformation of Biblical Women: Medieval Jews Reread the Bible on Tuesday, April 24 at Young Israel of New Rochelle, 1149 North Avenue, New Rochelle. The lecture, sponsored by the Womens Initiative for Jewish Studies, is free and open to women and men
  • NEW JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING DATES Chaifetz Family Hospice will be holding a 2-Day Hospice Training for people interested in giving their time and compassion to JSS clients in Fairfield County. Training will be held at Jewish Senior Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT on Sunday June 3rd from 9am-5:00pm, Wednesday June 6th from 4:30-8:30, and Thursday June 7th from 4:30-8:30. Training materials and meals will be provided free of charge. If you would like to sign up or to learn more about hospice training, please contact Ellen Ashkins at (203) 365-6417 or by email at eashkins@jseniors.org.
  • UJF PRESENTS SPRING ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES! Join us at 12:30pm April 11, 18, 25 and 2 for courses on 20th century Jewish history taught by Michael Feldstein, and on June 6, 13, 20 and 27 for courses on the history of Jewish denominations in the United States with Rabbi Oran Zweiter. For detailed course information and to register, visit ujf.org/adulted or call Lauren Steinberg at 203-321-1373 extension 104.
  • DO A MITZVAH! CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE JFS KOSHER FOOD PANTRY by purchasing Mitzvah Baskets and/or Mitzvah Centerpieces instead of flowers for your next simcha at CAS. Distributions from the JFS Kosher Food Pantry have increased by more than 1000 since the recession. With this tremendous upsurge in use, JFS is constantly challenged to keep the food pantry full. Your generosity enables JFS to help those in our community in their greatest moments of need.
  • BRAIN FITNESS GROUP - Monday, April 30th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue Want to stimulate your brain power? The session will focus on memory and recall with practical support to help reach personal brain fitness goals. Advance registration suggested. Light refreshments will be served. JCC Members: $8 per session. Open to the community at $10 per session. Optional lunch following the session $9 (under 60), $4 suggested (over 60). To register, contact Connie Cirillo Freeman at 203-487-0983 or email cfreeman@stamfordjcc.org For additional information, contact Dr. Toby Lazarus, Schoke JFS Brain Fitness Program Coordinator at 203-921-4161 or tlazarus@ctjfs.org.
  • LETS TALK Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family Service counselor. Thursdays, Beginning March 15, every other week, 10:30 AM, Free at Jewish Senior Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport Contact Rebekah Kanefsky, at 302-921-4161 or email at rkanefsky@ctjfs.org. Tuesdays, 11 :00 AM, Free at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue.Contact Sheila Duggan at 203-921-4161 or sduggan@ctjfs.org.
  • SCHOKE JFS SPOUSAL BEREAVEMENT GROUP Gather to share feelings and exchange ideas in a non-judgmental environment that provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other. Contact Amanda Geffner, Schoke JFS Therapist at 203-921-4161 or ageffner@ctjfs.org.Fridays at 10:30 AM, beginning September 8th at Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Road, Stamford
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Aryeh Chaim ben Chaya Sara
  • Avraham ben Batya
  • Benyamin Meir ben Slova
  • Benyamin ben Elishevah
  • David Yaakov ben Riesel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Eliezer Yitzhak Dovid ben Miriam Rivkah
  • Esther Shoshana bat Yeta Chava
  • Gil Shlomo ben Ruth Rivkah
  • Ian ben Sarah
  • Ida bat Rivka
  • Meshaberah Zinovi ben Riveka
  • Michel Leib ben Rachel Leah
  • Moshe ben Sasi vNadia
  • Perel Shaindel bat Fridel
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Sara Rivka bat Esther Blema
  • Shmuel Areyeh ben Hadassa
  • Yaakov ben Chaya
  • Yitchak Meir ben Rochel
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Click here to add a name to this list
CAS Israel Advocacy Update
It is not too early to join our delegation at AIPAC 2019 in Washington DC. Yasher Koach to our dedicated and inspired Agudath Sholom delegation at the 2018 Policy Conference. To learn more about AIPAC visit www.aipac.org and to learn more about our Israel Advocacy Committee, email Ben Lanson, chair, at ben.lanson@gmail.com.

Take a Minute to Support Israel  Supporting Israel isn't hard -- there are many things that you can do that take literally one minute. The Israel Committee now has a website built on this idea. Go to www.IsraelMinute.com for simple things that you can do, from calling your Congressional representatives to social media posts, that take only a minute or two. Check back frequently for updates and ideas for things you can do!

LIPS product of the week  Check out our new Love Israel Products Blog (LIPS) for the latest ways to support Israel! Thank you to Lola Halperin and Aaron Goldenberg for organizing. www.loveisraelproducts.com
Kosher Advisories
Kosher Alerts  The OU reminds you to always check the label before purchasing any item that needs kosher certification! And for the latest corrective actions, stay up with the latest OU KOSHER CONSUMER ALERTS & ADVISORIES...just click here

Kosher Advisory  Breaking news from the OU - newly certified items! to check out the list click here
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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