Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| Vayigash | December 15, 2018 | 7 Tevet 5779 |
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| Friday | | Candle Lighting | 4:08 PM | | Mincha | 4:13 PM | | Shabbat | | Shacharit | 7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM | | Torah Before Tefillah | 7:40 AM | | Coffee And Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shema | 9:31 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:17 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong | 10:30 AM | | Daf Yomi | 3:15 PM | | Code of Jewish Law | 3:15 PM | | Mincha | 4:05 PM | | Maariv | 5:04 PM | | Shabbat Ends | 5:09 PM |
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To Forgive is Divine: The Legacy of Joseph Have you let go or are you still holding on? Are you holding a grudge and living in a place of negativity or are you willing to forgive? I have witnessed over the years the challenge of forgiving another human being. Someone we know may have said something or did something that was hurtful. More often than not, they are willing to accept responsibility. They have sincerely learned from their mistakes and ask us for forgiveness. The question is whether we accept their remorse and move forward in the relationship or not. Regrettably, many times we hold on to the past. We cannot let go of our negative feelings towards the person and the relationship is never the same. This is not the Jewish way. We learn this ideal from the courageous gesture of Joseph in this week's Torah portion. When he reveals his identity to his siblings, they are mortified and shamed. They have no words. It is clear they have repented for the sale over 20 years ago. In that moment in time, Joseph is confronted with a monumental decision. Does he forgive them or does he take revenge? Does he allow the relationship to heal or does he dismiss their response as insincere and hold on to the past? In one verse in the Torah, Joseph introduces the power of forgiveness. He is the first human recorded in history to forgive. He says to them, "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." (Genesis 45:5) How does Joseph muster the inner strength to let go? The answer is his humility. He has grown as a human being. He understands that there is a larger plan. He realizes that it is not his role to be the judge and jury for his brothers. If they are asking for forgiveness, he must emulate God who is forgiving and do the same. In the words of the Ishbitzer Rebbe, the mitzvah of loving your neighbor as yourself teaches us that just as we are willing to over look our mistakes, we must also be willing to forgive someone else's as well. Have the strength to let go. Do not wait until it is too late to forgive. If you are struggling with mending a relationship in your family or our community, I am available to offer wisdom from the Torah and guidance. We are one family. Forgiveness liberates us from the past. Hannah Arendt, the author of The Human Condition, explains that forgiveness breaks the irreversibility of reaction and revenge. It is the undoing of what has been done. In the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, "Humanity changed the day Joseph forgave his brothers. When we forgive and are worthy of being forgiven, we are no longer prisoners of our past." May we all find the strength and exhibit the courage to follow in the ways of Joseph. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen
| The Tax Year is Ending! Whether you want to pre-pay next year's dues or contribute to the Annual Dinner in March, if you would like to make a payment before the end of 2018, contact Matt Feinberg (mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org) |
- Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion for a Scholar in Residence Weekend in partnership with Young Israel of Stamford.
We are grateful to Rachel and Jay Jubas for their sponsorship of the weekend. - Yachad participants and Bi Cultural Hebrew Academy , our partners in hosting the Yachad Shabbaton.
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| Shiur Note The 9:00 and 10:30 AM shiur will take place in the back of the Social Hall |
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Friday Night Dvar Torah | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Oneg | Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein: Yosef and Tzafnat Panech - the challenges of a dual identity | | Torah Before Tefillah | Rabbi Oran Zweiter | | Coffee and Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Code of Jewish Law | Ari Lieberman | | 9:00 AM shiur | Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein : The dual nature of the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah | | 10:30 AM shiur | Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein : Asarah Betevet - A Beginning or an End? | | Sermon | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Torah Readers | Nat Samberg, Isaac Malkin | | Daf Yomi | Mark Wagshul | | Seudat Shlishit | Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein: Truth, Unity and Leadership - the showdown between Yosef and Yehuda |
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| Library/Chapel Kiddush | In Honor of people who gave a Shabbat morning shiur during 5778: Rabbi Howard Bald, Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, Barry Best, Rabbi Avi Block, Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Michael Feldstein, Rabbi Herzl Hefter, Rabbi David Israel, Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger, Jay Jubas, Rabbi Yossi Kamman, Rabbi Alex Ozar, Rabbi Elisha Paul, Dr. Alan Schilowitz, Mark Wagshul, Rabbi Shlomo Zuckier, Rabbi Oran Zweiter. Sponsored by: Adrienne & Michael Alexander, Rochelle & Hecky Attar, Andrew Bein, Debbie & Michael Berg, Dina & Paul Berger, Murray Engel, Paul Felix, David Giver, Mikhael Guy, Judy & David Jelen, Glenn Karow, Rica & Ari Lieberman, Ana & Albert Lilienfeld, Rhonda & Judd Love, Corinne Needle, Bruce Newman, Irwin Niedober, Doreen & Howard Nusbaum, Gideon Pell, Veronica & Erwin Reich, Hyman Schaffer, Toby Schaffer, Richard Schwartz, Lilly & Sandy Shapiro, Sherry Steiner & Marc Silver, Arthur Smith, Marc Weiner, Howard Wolfe | | Shabbat Shalom Hospital Packages | Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel | | Sanctuary Kiddush | Lenore & Michael Cooper in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Lenore's mother and father, Lillian and Aaron Fleissig | | Seudat Shlishit | Toby Schaffer in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her mother, Julia Macy |
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| Shacharit | Shacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM | | Mincha | Mincha: Sunday-Monday 4:15 PM, Tuesday 4:05 PM, Wednesday-Friday 4:15 PM | | Lunch Mincha | Monday - Thursday, 1:30 pm at 613 Restaurant, 108 Prospect St. | | Candles Friday | 4:10 PM | | Tuesday | Asara B'Tevet: Fast Begins 5:42 AM, Ends 5:01 PM |
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| SYLVIA'S CAS SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP EVERYTHING MUST GO SALE! 30 Percent OFF ALL ITEMS!
December 20th from 10:00AM-2:00PM! We need volunteers! Please call Julie at (203) 321-6460 or Anne at (203) 321-5072 |
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- MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, December 24 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. The Mom Group is a great and easy way to form meaningful connections with other moms in your neighborhood. Join us for a weekly playdate with your little one and an opportunity to share your experiences, ask questions you need help with, gather resources, or just connect with other women.
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Update on Rabbi Cohen's & Rabbi Zweiter's Open Office HoursOpen 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, December 17, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
- Tuesday, December 18, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
- Friday, December 21, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter - Tuesday, December 18, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
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| Week of December 16 | | Monday | Bob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Psalms of Hallel - 10:15 AM | | Bob Abrams: Crash Course in Reading Hebrew - 7:30 PM | | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Crash Course in Basic Judaism - 8:15 PM | | Tuesday | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis and the Rudiments of Rashi - 8:15 AM | | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Lights and Insights of Chanukah - 9:00 AM | | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives and Paradigms - 12:00 PM | | Wednesday | Transmitting Torah: A Program for Women by Women - 8:00 PM | | Thursday | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Taanit - 8:15 PM | | Friday | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM |
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Join the Siyum Celebration Initiative Torah is the Pause that Refreshes! A Project of Congregation Agudath Sholom Complete Tractate Brachot (Blessings) in Mishna or Talmud this year and celebrate on Shavuot, June 9-10, 2019 Each Shabbat in shul, we will highlight two mishnayot and two folios of the Talmud. Study at home, in shul, on your own, or with a friend. To learn more about the Talmud, download for free Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, The Essential Talmud The Calendar of Goals (below) will be updated monthly. For questions and more info, contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org or Rabbi Oran Zweiter at rabbizweiter@cas-stamford.org December Calendar shabbat Vayigash,. Dec. 13th Mishna Chapter 3: 5-6 Talmud Daf 22, 23 Shabbat Vayehi Dec. 20th Mishna Chapter 4:1-2 Talmud Daf 24, 25 Shabbat Shemot Dec. 27th Mishna Chapter 4: 3-4 Talmud Daf 26, 27 |
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| Shabbat | Sanctuary | Chapel | Library | Teen |
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| Dec 22 | Sanctuary: open | Chapel: open | Library: sponsored | Teen: open | | Dec 29 | Sanctuary: open | Chapel: open | Library: sponsored | Teen: | | Jan 5 | Sanctuary: sponsored | Chapel: sponsored | Library: sponsored | Teen: | | Jan 12 | Sanctuary: sponsored | Chapel: open | Library: sponsored | Teen: open | | Jan 19 | Sanctuary: sponsored | Chapel: sponsored | Library: sponsored | Teen: sponsored |
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- THE CAS MEN'S CLUB is looking for a variety of types of help and you in turn will get mitzvah credits! (1) Donations of Turkey(s) and vegetables in order to prepare a nice lunch and dinner for the homeless.(2) Volunteers will prepare the donated kosher food items on the morning of 12/25, (3) Transportation from CAS to the Pacific House of the prepared items at approx 11:30am, (4) We will also looking for a limited number of families willing to serve and brighten the room at the Pacific House Shelter. If anyone is interested please contact wizdrbel@yahoo.com or the CAS office 203 358 2200.
- MEZUZAH CHECKING, TEFILIN MAINTENANCE SUNDAY, December 16th from 8 AM and on with Rabbi Yirmiyahu Moldovan, Sofer Stam (ritual scribe). Mezuzot are often damaged by moisture or heat, and ink cracks over time. Check your Mezuzot twice every seven years to ensure that your home is secured with Kosher Mezuzot. $10 per Mezuzah checked. Tefillin can also be inspected. Info: Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org or Rabbi Zweiter at rabbizweiter@cas-stamford.org.
- 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, Jon Makovsky. 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
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- 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, January 27th and Sunday, February 3rd from 9 am - 5 pm. 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.
- 15TH ANNUAL CHARLES SIDLOW MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES at Fleetwood Synagogue. Motza'ei Shabbat, January 5th 2019 @ 7:30 PM. Theme: Judaism, America and Our Era of Civic Breakdown - In a time of mounting civic discord and rising polarization, we are increasingly faced with fundamental questions. What is the nature of the challenges the Jewish people face in this era? What does it mean to be Jewish in America? And conversely, what significance do Judaism and Jewish ideas possess for America? Speakers: Rabbi Shay Schachter: "The Faces of Antisemitism and our Complicated Relationship with G-d" (https://ouservices.org/speakers/shay-schachter/) and Rabbi Ari Lamm: "The Jews, the Greeks and the Battle for Western Civilization" (http://yuspeakers.org/rabbi-ari-lamm/)
- CONFRONTING ANTI-SEMITISM & BULLYING IN 2019 January 13 at 11 am. Congregation Beth El-Norwalk, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk. ADL Directors Steve Ginsburg (Connecticut region) and Evan Bernstein (New York Metro region) will give a regional and national outlook on the rise of Anti-Semitism and bullying as we head toward a new decade. Questions from the audience are welcome and may be submitted in advance. Free and open to the community. Refreshments to follow.
- IF YOU LOVE CHILDREN AND BOOKS, THAN UJF'S HERBERT AND SARAH M GIBOR READING PARTNERS PROGRAM IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! Come join our dedicated group of volunteers for the 2018-2019 school year. No degree or expertise is required. Training, workshops and ongoing support are provided to all volunteers. Volunteers in turn commit to a total of one hour per week, reading in the Stamford Public School system or an afterschool program, with two children in Grades K-3 who need some extra help. For more information please contact Lenore Fogel at United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien. 203-321-1373 x115 or readingpartners@ujf.org
- 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.
- JFS BRAIN FITNESS GROUP PROGRAM-SESSION #1 : Mondays, 10:30 AM -12:00 pm, January 7-Problem Solving; January 14-Memory Retention; January 28-Attention at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue Want to stimulate your brain power? Sessions will focus on specific areas of concentration. Advance registration suggested. Light refreshments will be served. JCC Members: $8 per session. Open to the community at $10 per session. All three sessions: $20 for JCC members/ $25 for community. 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.
- LIVING WITH LOSS: SCHOKE JFS BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP - Mondays, 1:45 - 3:30 pm at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport and Fridays, 12:30 pm at Stamford office of Schoke JFS. Find the healing which comes of being with others who know first-hand what you are going through. Learn how Jewish ritual, prayer and tradition can support the grieving process. For more information or to register, please contact Amanda Geffner, Schoke JFS Psychotherapist, at 203-921-4161 or email ageffner@ctjfs.org
- EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP , Wednesdays, 1st and 3rd of every month, 3:00 pm at Stamford office of Schoke JFS. Looking for emotional support while searching for employment? Need practical help during the job search? Join the support group, facilitated by Lois Meyer, LMSW, Schoke JFS Case Manager, to help you through this transition. No cost. For registration, please contact Lois Meyer at 203-921-4161 or email lmeyer@ctjfs.org
- DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP -Wednesdays, 6:45 pm at the Stamford offices of Schoke JFS. The group will explore, look, listen, learn and love about the topic of separation, divorce and parenting. For more information, please contact Lois Meyer, LMSW at 203-921-4161 or email at LMeyer@ctjfs.org
- LET'S TALK Seniors talk about common interests and concerns, facilitated by a Schoke Jewish Family Service counselor. Tuesdays, 11 :00 AM, Free at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield AvenueContact Helene Wurtzel at 203-921-4161 or hwurtzel@ctjfs.org. Thursdays, bimonthly, 10:30 am, Free at Jewish Senior Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport Contact Rebekah Kanefsky for exact dates at 203-921-4161 or rkanefsky@ctjfs.org. Thursdays, 1:00 pm at Westport Senior Center Contact Helene Wurtzel at 203-921-4161 or hwurtzel@ctjfs.org.
- ANNUAL STAMFORD CHEVRA KADISHA DINNER Tuesday February 12, 5:30pm. Temple Beth El. Honoring the memory of Penny Block a"h. Guest Speaker: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi, Boca Raton Synagogue. Topic: "Learning to be Selfless in the Age of the Selfie" $54/person. Sponsorship at $180 entitles an individual to two seats at the dinner Stamfordchevrakadisha.org
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Ari Yoel ben Harav Yona
- Ari ben Naama
- Avraham Nachum ben Baila
- Dov ben Pnina
- Dovid Simcha Moshe ben Nechama
- Fraidel bat Esther
- Ilan ben Simcha
| - Kasil Shulem ben Riva
- Meir ben Chana Rachel
- Mia bat Yaffa
- Nira bat Rachel
- Olya bat Zina
- Raisal bat Deborah
- Refael Ephraim ben Sima
| - Sima Leah bat Yehudis
- Sima gesha bat Dora
- Tamara bat Yenka
- Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya
- Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
- מאשא מלה bat הינדא רוא
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CAS Israel Advocacy Update |
| 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 |
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- 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
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