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

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Friday, April 27, 2018

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

www.cas-stamford.orgCongregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Achrei Mot-KedoshimOmer: 28April 28, 201813 Iyyar 5778
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Schedule
Friday
Mincha6:00 PM
7:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:28 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee & Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:24 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat
Mini Minyan
Jr. Cong
10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:33 AM
Young Families Oneg at the Reicins4:30 PM
Daf Yomi6:35 PM
Code of Jewish Law6:35 PM
Mincha7:25 PM
Maariv8:25 PM
Shabbat Ends8:30 PM
Havdalah8:30 PM
Shabbat Shalom
The Mystery of Lag B'Omer

Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer, seems to be one of the most mysterious of holidays. It begins this coming Wednesday night, the 18th of Iyar. What are the origins of the holiday? What is its relevance to modern times?

Menachem ben Solomon Meiri (1249 - 1306) mentions the day for the first time in his commentary on the Tractate Yevamot 62b. The Talmud states that during the time of Rabbi Akiva, 24,000 of his students died from a plague during the counting of the Omer. The Talmud explains that this was because they did not show proper respect to one another. The Meiri named Lag B'Omer as the day when, "according to a tradition of the Geonim, the 'plague' ended."

During this 33 day period, we mourn the death of his students by refraining from, among other things, listening to music, haircuts and conducting weddings. On Lag B'Omer, when the plague ceased, we celebrate. However, if we pause to reflect, we will realize that the end of the plague is certainly worthy of gratitude but why celebration?

The answer emerges from two other lesser known events associated with Lag B'Omer. First, the day marks the Yaazreit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a Mishnaic Sage and 2nd century disciple of Rabbi Akiva, who on the day of his passing, revealed the deepest secrets of the Kaballah, Jewish mysticism. Although he died on this day, we celebrate the special light of mysticism he brought to the world.

Secondly, and most importantly, it was on Lag B'Omer that not only did the plague end, but Rabbi Akiva found the strength to carry on. It would have been understandable for Rabbi Akiva to lament the tragic loss of so many of students and cease his efforts to spread Torah. Yet, according to our tradition, on Lag B'Omer, he ordained five new students who remained and became the greatest scholars of their generation. The students were Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai, Rabbi Yossi, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi), and Rabbi Elazar Ben Shamoa. Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai is the most prominent scholar of the Mishnah. Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi (a student of Rabbi Akiva's five great students) finished the Mishnah. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai (Rashbi) wrote The Zohar.

Lag B'Omer is truly a day of celebration for it embodies the legendary optimism of Rabbi Akiva and our capacity to transcend tragedy. We will never forget the pain of someone's death, but we can with God's help carry their spirit forward by creating new light and choosing life. It seems that this message is unusually relevant in the world during the past few weeks both in our country, Israel and the world. I pray that we share good news in the weeks ahead and the day of Lag B'Omer truly serves as a touchstone and catalyst for renewed strength, hope and redemption.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Welcome  
  • Rabbi Mark and Jill Wildes for Shabbat. Rabbi Wildes, the founder and director of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (https://www.jewishexperience.org/) is our Scholar in Residence
  • to Aliza and Seth Bettan who moved to Stamford this week
  • to the Tzahal Shalom soldiers visiting from Israel this week. Warm welcome to Captain Omri who will be joining us Shabbat morning
Scholar in Residence Schedule 
  • Friday Night Spirited Kabalat Shabbat - 6 PM led Rabbi Wildes
  • Friday Night Oneg 9 PM at Faizakoff Home 123 East Lane
  • Ruach Filled Shacharit and Musaf - MJE Style
  • Shabbat day Sermon: Who will Carry the Torch? Confronting Assimilation & Intermarriage
  • CAS Young Families/Couples Oneg hosted by Maria and Glenn Reicin at 179 East Lane from 4:30 - 6 PM. Rabbi Wildes will speak on the topic of 70 years later: Zionism and the Religious Significance of the State of Israel.

    Our youth leaders Yaakov and Yolly will be leading some fun for kids during the shiur from 5-5:30 PM.
  • Seudah Shlishit: Reaching Out: Understanding the Dual Nature of Kiruv
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.
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee & CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
ShacharitLevi Dulitz
MusafRabbi Daniel Cohen
SermonRabbi Mark Wildes
Daf YomiMark Wagshul
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Mark Wildes
Torah ReaderBarry Best
10:30 shiurRabbi Shlomo Zuckier: A Brief History of Haftara
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 7:35 PM, Friday 7:00 PM
Late MaarivMonday-Thursday: The Learning Center, 1766 Bedford Street, 8:45 PM
Candles Friday7:36 PM
SundayPesach Sheni/Omer: 29
MondayOmer: 30
TuesdayOmer: 31
WednesdayOmer: 32
ThursdayLag BaOmer/Omer: 33
FridayOmer: 34
Mazal Tov
  • to Daniella and Mitchel Balsam on the birth of a baby boy
  • to Shelley and Eddie Senker on the recent Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Jude Senker, son of Limor & Joshua Senker
  • to Beverly and Dr. Allen Helfer on the upcoming marriage of their grandson Alex Reich, son of Joy and Jonathan Reich to Shelby Greenbaum, daughter of Scott and Heidi Greenbaum
  • to Ivy and Marvin Schildkraut on the engagement of their son Eli to Daniela Sassoon
  • to Schoke Jewish Family Service on their Gala celebration this weekend
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 PackagesThe Green Family in memory of Sandy Green on his 16th yahrzeit (18 Iyar), Helene Zimmerman in honor of her granddaughter Dara Leah Phillips and Jared Itzkowitz's wedding, and Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushAnonymously in honor of the 7 am shabbos minyan.
Teen KiddushThe Hoff Family in honor of Benji Hoff recently turning 16!
Chapel KiddushIn celebration of Kayla Niedober's 2nd birthday and for Elie's 30th birthday!
Sanctuary Kiddushby Judith, Matthew, and Nina Bernstein in honor of Jacob and Rebecca's first birthday and by Meredith & David Cohen, Jessie & David Brand, Debra & Daniel Faizakoff, Anna & Paul Felix, Jennie & Ben Folkinshteyn, Jessica & Adam Furmansky, and Jessica & Eytan Sosnovich in honor of Rabbi Mark Wildes and his wife Jill on their visit to CAS this Shabbat
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
May 5sponsoredsponsoredsponsoredopen
May 12sponsoredsponsoredsponsoredsponsored
May 19opensponsoredsponsoredopen
May 26sponsoredsponsoredsponsored
Jun 2sponsoredsponsoredsponsored
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
Scholar In Residence: Rabbi Mark Wildes
   Shabbat, April 28
learn more →
Ice Cream Sundae Bar & Bat Mitzvah Orientation
   Tuesday, May 1 - 8:00 PM
sign up →
CAS Scholar-In-Residence Series: Dr Rivka Press Schwartz
   Wednesday, May 2 - 8:00 PM
learn more →
Bnai Mitzvah Luncheon
   Shabbat, May 5 - 1:00 PM
sign up →
CAS Young Families Potluck Shabbat Lunch
   Shabbat, May 12
sign up →
CAS Womens Book Club
   Tuesday, May 22 - 8:00 PM
sign up →
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
Sign up →
CAS Young Families
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!
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 30, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
  • Tuesday, May 1, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Monday, April 30, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Tuesday, May 1, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, May 2, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
CAS Classes
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Week of April 29
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 Book of Jonah - NEW TIME - 10:30 AM
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
CAS Announcements
  • TIMELY MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL AND DEBBIE BERG It's that time of year again: our apple tree blossomed just yesterday. The community is more than welcome to "come on down" to 1906 Bedford Street to recite the "Shelo Chisar BaOlamo" blessing that is recited only once a year. A copy of the bracha for those who don't want to carry an ArtScroll siddur with them and hang it from the tree. P.S. Act now -- this is a limited time offer! When the blossoms are gone, they're gone!
  • SAVE THE DATE The Chesed Committees next Senior Luncheon -  Wednesday, May 23rd with a Surprise Guest!
  • 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 10 AM - 12 NOON

Wedding Gifts, Engagement Gifts, House Gifts, Mother's Day Gifts, Jewelry

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

Community Announcements
  • SOOSH IS CELEBRATING MOTHERS DAY Who says Mothers Day should only be one day? Join us at Soosh for Mamas eve Saturday night May 12th and Mothers Day Sunday May 13th. 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
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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 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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