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

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Friday, June 22, 2018

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
ChukatJune 23, 201810 Tamuz 5778
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM/8:17 PM
Candle Lighting8:12 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:09 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:25 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat
Mini Minyan
Jr. Cong
10:30 AM
Pre-Mincha Class7:00 PM
Daf Yomi7:25 PM
Mincha8:05 PM
Maariv9:07 PM
Shabbat Ends9:12 PM
Havdalah9:12 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Cohen's 2018 Annual Meeting Message

Thank you to our synagogue leadership and staff for their dedication and partnership. Each one contributes in their own special and unique way to elevate our shul and community.

We have a wonderful professional team whose partnership and can do attitude are second to none. Thank you to Rabbi Zweiter, Matt Feinberg, Chazan Bokow, Yaakov and Yolly, Irene, Debbie, Rebekah, Joseph Rubbak, Kim Mahoney, Arlene, Chris and Warren. We are truly blessed. Thank you!

We are deeply grateful to our president Rachel Dayan, who has served so ably over the past 2 years. Organizations rise and fall on leadership and you were the right person for the right time in our history. Thank you for your wisdom, generosity, dedicated leadership and your personal support. You have made an indelible mark on our shul and may Hashem continue to bless you and your family with joy and good news in the years ahead. We are thrilled you are staying on our executive committee for the next term. Thank you!

(continued at the end of this email).

click here to see pictures from the meeting

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Welcome Rabbi Elan Adler as our Scholar in Residence this Shabbat. He will share a brief Dvar Torah Friday night, deliver the Dvar Torah at the 8 AM and 9 AM minyanim, deliver a pre mincha shiur at 7 PM and speak at Seudah Shlishit.

CAS Youth BBQ There will be an end of the year teen BBQ this Sunday at the Shabbos park from 4-6:30 PM. There will be free food, sports, and art activities for all!
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
7 AM Minyan ShiurJay Jubas
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
Shabbat Class Before MinchaRabbi Elan Adler: Parshat haShavua: Chukat
10:30 shiurRabbi Alex Ozar: Can Laws Help Us Not Be Total Jerks? Hilkhot Sodom Part II
SermonRabbi Elan Adler: My Favorite Pasuk in the Torah
Torah ReaderNat Samberg
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Elan Adler: Derech Eretz - The Importance of Being a Mentsch
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 8:15 PM, Friday 7:00 PM/8:17 PM
Late MaarivMonday-Thursday: The Learning Center, 1766 Bedford Street, 8:45 PM
Candles Friday8:12 PM
Condolences
  • to Vince Lanci on the passing of his mother, Patricia A. Stabile
  • to Shirley Sklar on the passing of her niece Paula Gail Tarr
  • to Sharyn Baer on the passing of her great aunt, Ruth Dobrusin
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 Rose & Bruce Newman on the birth of a granddaughter, Eva Abigail, born to Naomi & Daniel Newman of Miami, FL
  • to Amy and Sam Sroka on the birth of a baby boy
  • to Sharyn & Fred Baer who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend
  • to CAS for receiving the Orthodox Union's Women Initiative Challenge Grant with a proposed program, TRANSMITTING TORAH: A PROGRAM BY WOMEN, FOR WOMEN, led by Dena Block. More info to follow.
  • to Simeon Wohlberg on becoming the new CAS President. We wish him, the officers and board much success in the year ahead.
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
We Will Miss You
  • to the Goldman Family who are moving to Israel
  • to the Poland Family who are moving to Boca Raton, Florida next week
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesSharyn & Fred Baer in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary; anonymously in thanks to Richard Schwartz for his gemilut chasadim; and Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushThe Goldman Family as a token of gratitude to the Stamford community for the warm and loving environment that our family has benifited from over the years; and with particular thanks to the fabulous folks of the 7am minyan. We look forward to seeing you all in Israel!
Chapel KiddushThe Baer family in honor of Sharyn & Fred Baer's 50th Wedding Anniversary
Teen KiddushThe Meyers Family in honor of Yaakov and Yolly and in thanks for all they do for our youth
Sanctuary KiddushChazzan & Aliza Bokow in celebration of the birth of their daughter, Scott & Beth Berger in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Scott's mother, Betty Berger, and The Poland Family as a thank you and goodbye to their CAS family
Sign Up For These Events
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
  • Tuesday, June 26, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Monday, June 25, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Tuesday, June 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, June 27, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of June 24
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 Ecclesiastes - 10:15 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
FridayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Halacha Corner
Rabbi Cohen's Halacha Corner 
  • Question - Can I purchase popcorn when I go to the movies? Is it kosher? What could be not kosher about popcorn?
  • Answer - Good question and thanks for asking! Popcorn requires kosher certification. As the Orthodox Union explains,

    "While popcorn itself is intrinsically kosher when it comes from the ear, kosher concerns come into play as soon as it is processed. Today, popcorn is commonly purchased in easy to prepare forms like microwave or "in tin," ready for the campfire or stove top. Almost all of these concoctions contain oils and flavorings - all of which have numerous kosher concerns. In fact, the OU certifies a large number of specialty popcorn popping and flavoring oils as well as numerous specialty flavoring powders and mixes tailored specifically to the popcorn industry.



    As always, other kosher concerns surround the manufacturing and packaging. Does the company make only kosher versions, or are some of the cheese flavors, for example, not kosher? Is the end product pareve or dairy? What about, for example, the slurry mixers for the butter or cheese flavoring - does the company have enough equipment to have separate lines for each kosher related category? If not, how complicated a process is it to change from one to another? Is everything cool enough and automated enough that standard cleaning will suffice, or will a rabbi have to come and kosherize the equipment each time? Is it possible to set up effective and auditable cleanup and manufacturing protocols? Are packaging lines sufficiently cleaned and separated? As you can see, many kosher concerns present themselves between the corn field and that bag of delicious popcorn on the supermarket shelf. " For more information or to submut questions to Rabbi Cohen's Kosher corner, email Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Jun 30Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 7Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 14Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 21Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 28Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
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.
CAS Announcements
  • SUNDAY HARVEST NOW GARDEN UPDATE If you would like to be involved in this special mitzvah and project, contact Sarah Bierman (sarahabierman@gmail.com) or Kaili Scherban (Kaili.janette92@gmail.com).
  • CAS MENS BOOK CLUB Anyone interested in joining the men's book club should contact Daniel Scherban at Daniel.Scherban@gmail.com. The topics will rotate between fiction, business, and nonfiction.
  • 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, Jewelry

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

Community Announcements
  • THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY CT JEWISH BASEBALL LEAGUE is looking to make a comeback in Stamford for 2019. The league is open to boys and girls Pre-K through 8th grade living in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, NY and we will only play on Sundays. If you are interested in volunteering, coaching or want to hear more about the league, please contact Ari Goldstein at Goldsteinari1@gmail.com. As it will take a lot of work and assistance to revive the league, we will need all of the help that we can get. We plan to set up a meeting in the summer to discuss next steps. Please check out the league's website to find out more: www.FCCJBL.org. Looking forward to bringing back the Jewish Baseball League with you!
  • ANNOUNCING THE 4TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL SHOP EVENT ON JULY 29! Can you help? Back to School Shop provides economically disadvantaged elementary school children in Stamford with the opportunity to "shop" for brand new clothes, backpacks and school supplies for free, in a one day event. We served nearly 250 children in our event last summer and hope to increase the number to at least 275 this year! Can you volunteer for a 4 hour shift at our event? To volunteer, or for more information please visit www.backtoschoolshop.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, June 11th, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue Want to stimulate your brain power? The session will focus on attention skills 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.
  • EMPLOYMENT LIFE TRANSITIONS SUPPORT GROUP , Tuesdays, 1st and 3rd of every month beginning June 5th 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
  • LET'S 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
  • INDEPENDENCE DAY BARBECUE LUNCHEON JUNE 28, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM ENTERTAINMENT • 12 P.M. LUNCH To celebrate Independence Day, join us for live entertainment and lunch. Reservations required by Thursday, Jun. 21. $4 suggested donation For more information, visit www.stamfordjcc.org or contact Connie Freeman at 203-487-0983 or cfreeman@stamfordjcc.org
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Abraham Wolf ben Bracha
  • Ahava Raizel bat Leah
  • Alka Hindy bat Saura Esther
  • Aryeh Chaim ben Chaya Sara
  • Aura bat Atara Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Gil Shlomo ben Ruth Rivkah
  • Ian ben Sarah
  • Meshaberah Zinovi ben Riveka
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Simcha Itchak ben Lena
  • Tanya bat Perel
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
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
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
Rabbi Message
Rabbi Cohen's 2018 Annual Meeting Message - Continued

Thank you to the members of the executive team whose efforts in time and talent are inspiring and to our board for your stewardship of our shul. In particular, Bob (Raymond), Dinah (Miller Marlowe) and Dean (Schuckman), our officers who are leaving the exec. You have gone beyond the call of duty and know that all of your time devoted to our shul is an eternal investment and we will be forever grateful. We are on a holy mission, building on over 125 years of history at CAS and your role is crucial to realizing our current and future potential as a Torah beacon for our community. We wish Simeon, his new team and the new board members the strength, wisdom and spirit to continue to build on the dynamic growth of our amazing shul.

I know Rachel will spend time updating everyone on thank God, many of the highlights of this past year. Thank God, there were many. However, ) I want to spend a few minutes on the power of an episode that occurred this past week on Shabbat morning. In my mind, it captured the essence of the values that encapsulate the mission of CAS: the power of Torah, the power of a Hello and the power of Impact.

Forgive me for those who were present but a little background is in order. During the sermon, I asked a question about why Yaakov's name was omitted in connection with the genealogy of Korach. A woman who was visiting raised her hand to offer an answer. I asked her name and reason for her visit to Stamford. She replied that her name was Rivka and she was here for her 50th High School reunion. Then she said the following, "CAS was responsible for inspiring me to be an observant Jew 50 years ago."

I could not let the story stop there so I asked her to stand up and share her experience with the congregation, which she did. She not only shared the influence of CAS but also of Mr. S and how she was part of the first BCDS 8th grade trip to Israel in 1968 following the six day war, her experience with Torah Leadership Seminar and how her time in Stamford, at our shul and BCDS changed her life forever. Even more special, she reunited with Mr. Soifer, who was sitting a few rows ahead of her, who she had not seen in 50 years.

In my mind, this story embodies the values and vision of our shul.

Our health and growth as a shul depends on our staying true to these values and being inspired by them.

First, CAS stands for the transformative power of Torah. King David writes - The Torah of God is perfect, it nourishes the soul. Torah fortifies us, regardless of our age or background, to deepen not only our knowledge but connection to God, observances, ideas and the destiny of the Jewish people. This past year, we continue to further develop our adult education, youth and Israel programming to foster a deeper relationship to Torah learning, living and leading.

Second, CAS stands for the power of community. Imagine for a moment, someone enters our shul and no one says Hello. God forbid it would be a lonely experience despite the numbers of people in attendance. Our mission at the shul is to create as many moments of connection for people as possible. One hello and welcome to Rivka, opened up the flood gates of her heart, an inspirational message for our shul and a reunion with her childhood teacher. God willing, this mission will continue to guide and motivate each of us.

I am proud of our hospitality and healing visits teams integrating new people into the community and uplifting people in times of need. Our Chesed, Membership and Youth & Young Families committee are sources of great light. Our motto is we may not be able to change the world but we can and must do our best to change the world of one person each and every day.

Finally, we believe deeply in the power of impact. Rivka's life was changed because of influence of our shul. We are here today both personally and as congregants because of countless individuals in our lives who invested in us. Let us never underestimate the power of what we can do to invest in the future of our families, shul, the Jewish community and the world. Think about it for a minute; of all the memories forged in our shul. Whether in a class, a new friendship, life cycle events, a kiddush of course, programs, AIPAC missions, Shabbat morning youth programs, the memories we help to create will shape our futures. Thank you to each and every one one of you who have given of your time, resources and wisdom to create impact. Thank you to all of those who contributed to our capital campaign as we lay the foundations for future generations and I encourage those who have not yet partnered with us to do so at whatever level you can. What comes from the heart goes into the heart. The secret to our growing ranks of volunteers who will be to continue to ask the questions, "what do you love to do and how we can harness your talents for the benefit of our shul and community?" The measure of our growth is not tied to our seating capacity but our sending capacity.

Whether our Harvest Now Garden, a new Innovation Africa village harnessing Israeli technology to change lives endowed by Len and Susan Mark in honor of CAS, serving holiday meals, honoring our local police, firefighters and first responders and more, we believe, like our forefather Avraham, that we have a duty to contribute our energy and creativity for the betterment of the world.

As we embark on a new year, may God bless each of us to use our God given talents and blessings, to reinvigorate our mission rooted in the powers of Torah, Kindness and Impact to and not only grow but thrive in health for years to come.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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