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

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Friday, May 24, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
BeharOmer: 35May 25, 201920 Iyyar 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM/8:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:55 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:10 AM
Latest Shacharit10:24 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Jr. Cong10:30 AM
Women's Learning5:30 PM
Daf Yomi7:00 PM
Code of Jewish Law7:00 PM
Mincha7:50 PM
Maariv8:51 PM
Shabbat Ends8:56 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Anticipating Acts of Kindness

Our Parsha contains a profound message about the nature of an ideal society. Where does Judaism stand on the merits of capitalism as a vehicle to prosperity? What is the Jewish perspective on socialism?

In the words of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the Torah envisions a world of capitalism with a conscience. Judaism does not begrudge the pursuit of wealth. It drives much innovation and prosperity. However, to one who is given much, much is required. Wealth is only a conduit for becoming a vessel for God in the world.

Judaism establishes safety nets to care for those in need. This week's parsha of Behar mandates the Mitzvah of Shemmitah, the Sabbatical year, which instills a sense of humility in property owners and opens up the economy to equalize access to the harvests regardless of one's ability to afford it. The ongoing obligation to leave a corner of the field, peah, is another example among many of a commitment to care for the poor.

However, Judaism strongly advocates not only giving tzedakah, but anticipating acts of kindness. We should not wait for a moment of crisis to assist another person, but act immediately if we see someone struggling. Do not wait.

One word in the Parsha teaches this message. God requires us to "strengthen" the impoverished. Rashi explains, "Do not wait for the person to fall, but help them when they may seem to be faltering. For instance, if you see a teetering load on an animal, stabilize the load now. If you wait for it to fall to the ground, it will take 5x as much effort to get the load back up." Do not wait for a person to lose a job, see how you can help them now to stabilize their livelihood.

In this spirit, I was awestruck by the amazing act of generosity of Robert Smith, who offered to pay off all of the student loans for the graduating class at Morehouse College. click here. Most inspiring was the fact that he decided to put "some fuel in their bus" after speaking to a student prior to the graduation.

His historic gift was not planned months ago. He seized a moment in time, a need, to jump in and help now. He realized that rather than wait a few years when the student would be in debt, he wanted to help them now and clear the path for their success. Imagine if everyone who had that capacity lived life with that vision and reality.

We are God's partners. Anticipate the needs of others. Wealth is a gift and we are tasked to harness our blessings to uplift others and invest in their well being and success.

May God bless Robert Smith and may more people be inspired to make such eternal differences in the world around them.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Youth Announcement: Mini Minyan and Tot Shabbat will not take place this Shabbat. Jr Cong will be taking place. Play time in the Youth Room is on from 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Security Announcement Beginning on Sunday, the front doors will be locked during the morning and evening minyanim. The key pad on the side door allows access via a code, which will be in "Hebrew" above the keypad. For more information about the code, please contact Kim in the office

New Young Families Program This Shabbat with Rabbi Cohen   Parents and Children - Join Rabbi Cohen for a Young Families Shabbat Experience, 10:30 AM in the Youth RoomTefillah, Singing and Stories 10:30. - 11:00 AM; Brachot and Snacks 11:00 - 11:15 AM; Join upstairs for Adon Olam!

Sponsor a Shavuot Shiur!  We are offering a limited number of opportunities to sponsor a shiur on Shavuot night or pre-Mincha in honor or in memory of a loved one. The contribution is $360 per shiur. Interested? contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org.
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah Before TefillahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Coffee and Commentary Rabbi Oran Zweiter
Code of Jewish LawAri Lieberman
10:30 shiurRabbi Dr. Jeff Cahn: I heard it through the grapevine
Women's LearningDena Block - 5:30 PM
ShacharitDr. Sam Maryles
SermonRabbi Oran Zweiter
Torah ReaderBarry Best
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitDaniel Wallis
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Chapel KiddushThe Schaffer Family in memory of Philip and Sadie Schaffer
Sanctuary KiddushJoyce and Barry Chavkin in memory of Joyce's father, Jack Friedman's yahrzeit; The Podelko Family in memory of Alex's mother, Tamara Podelko, on her yahrzeit; and Tracy and Nahum Daniels in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Tracy's father, Dr. Charles Smith
Seudat ShlishitDaniel Wallis and Sarah Bierman in commemoration of the end of the shloshim mourning period for Daniel's grandfather, Rabbi Mordechai Moshe Baddiel
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday 7:00 AM/8:30 AM, Tuesday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 8:05 PM, Friday 7:00 PM/8:06 PM
Candles Friday8:01 PM
OfficeOffice Closed
SundayOmer: 36
MondayOmer: 37/Memorial Day
TuesdayOmer: 38
WednesdayOmer: 39
ThursdayOmer: 40
FridayOmer: 41
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Mazal Tov
  • to Dr. Biana Lanson for becoming the Curtain Call Dancing with the Stars People's Choice Winner
  • to Barry Sternlicht for being honored as the Harvard Statesman of the Year
  • to Mitchell Zucker, recipient of this year's George and Ziporah Freedberg Excellence in Spirit Award and Julie Morgulis, Anne Peskin, Phyllis Shapiro, Barbara Novak, Audrey Waldstreicher, Johanna Akyuz, Sheila Cohen, Sheila Teig, Leah Munk, Barbara Ostroff, Claudine Feurstein, and Kim Mahoney who will receive the George and Ziporah Freedberg Hineni Award in recognition of their dedication to Sylvia's Gift Shop. The Hineni Award will be presented at the Annual Meeting on June 18th and the Excellence in Spirit Award will be presented on Shabbat morning, June 25th.
  • to Anat & Marc Chavkin on Racheli's recent Bat Mitzvah
  • to Allen and Sherri Rosenthal on the arrival of a granddaughter, Gemma Annalise
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Sign Up For These Events
Upcoming Events
Transmitting Torah: For Women By Women 

Note: Date changed to May 25thGet excited for the Spring installment of CAS's Transmitting Torah: For Women by Women, a program of the OU Women's Initiative Challenge Grant. Part I: Join your friends for some shabbat afternoon learning with CAS's Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block on "Sefirat HaOmer: A time for Dating G-d--Lessons for our Own Relationships." Shiur will take place on May 25th at 5:30 pm at the home of Toby Schaffer--262 Strawberry Hill Ave.Part II: Exciting Shavuot Program for Women--Details TBA. To get involved, contact Dena at yoetzet@cas-stamford.org

Mikvah Experience Refresh 

Summer is almost here- are you ready to refresh?! Join CAS's Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block for some learning and inspiration to recharge and refresh your Mikvah experience. Dena will share some words of inspiration and some FAQs regarding the laws of Taharat Hamishpacha/Jewish Family Purity at a private home. RSVP to info@stamfordmikvah.org to receive the address.

Shavuot Speaker 
Sunday, June 9
We are looking forward to welcoming Rabbi Dr. Shnayer Leiman as our Scholar in Residence this Shavuot. Dr. Leiman is a world renowned scholar and engaging teacher. He is Professor Emeritus of Jewish History and Literature in the Department of Judaic Studies at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, and also teaches at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, June 3 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.
  • UPCOMING EVENT Young Couples Backyard Soiree!Join CAS Young Couples for a night out at the home of the Ciks on Sunday, July 14th, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM! Drinks, appetizers, socializing and more! Connect with other young CAS members, both new and longstanding. No cost but RSVP required. Address provided upon RSVP.
CAS Announcements
  • GET READY TO GARDEN - Join us this Sunday morning, 9:30 AM at the Harvest Now Garden in back of the shul to get the garden ready for planting!
  • HEALING VISITS UPDATE: Every week, we include a note about our healing visits group. As a reminder, the group consists of volunteers who give of their time to call, email or visit people in our community who are in the hospital or in recuperation. If you like to join this Mitzvah mission, please 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.
Rabbi Office Hours
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
  • Tuesday, May 28, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Friday, May 31, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, May 28, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, May 29, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, May 30, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of May 26
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis - 8:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Shavuot: Explore Talmudic Themes and Practices of Shavuot - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives and Paradigms - 12:00 PM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Weekly Haftorah - 9:30 AM
Diane Cohen: Themes in Megillat Rut - 10:15 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Taanit - 8:15 PM
FridayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Heritage Trip
Heritage Trip to Poland this Summer - Deadline Extended
There are still spots available for the Poland trip this summer.
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Jun 1Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 8Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 15Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen: sponsored
Jun 22Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 29Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: 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.
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Batya bat Frida
  • Chaim ben Rosa
  • Chaya Bluma Tziporra bat Dinah Leah
  • Daniel Natan ben Sara Leah
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Eliezer ben Chana
  • Karen bat Peggy
  • Malka Maria bat Idda
  • Mattityahu ben Chana Deborah
  • Miriam bat Helen
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Tziviah bat Yitta
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Zinovi ben Riva
Community Announcements
  • THE HILL TO DIE ON Authors Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer at the Stamford JCC Thursday, June 6th at 7 PM at Stamford JCC Register Here Get the inside story of the battle to control Congress and the unsparing fight for advantage in the 2018 midterm elections. With inside access that ushers readers deep into the inner workings and hidden secrets of party leadership, Politco Playbook writers Anna Palmerand Jake Sherman trace the strategy and the impulsiveness, the deal making and the backstabbing, in a blow-by-blow account of the power struggles.
  • THE FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE YOUNG COUPLES EVENT Tuesday, May 28 at 8pm @ The Perl Residence. Find out more about The Friendship Circle and how your family can get involved! RSVP with Malya (malya@friendshipct.com) or Alisa (alisaweisser@gmail.com). Address will be sent following RSVP. Chaired by: Shari & Ari Levine, Miriam & Josh Sperber, Alisa & Jeremy Weisser
  • BACK TO SCHOOL SHOP, INC is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose mission is to enable every child to have access to the basic school clothing and supplies they need and in doing so to help build the confidence and enthusiasm necessary for a successful school year. Since the first Back to School Shop event in 2015, over 850 children have been outfitted for school. Each summer before the start of the new school year, we operate a one-day pop-up store where economically disadvantaged elementary school children can shop for brand new school clothes and supplies. While the children are shopping with volunteer personal shoppers, their parents can visit the on-site Japha Family Resource Center where 20 community organizations will be on hand to provide information about important community services. Each year nearly 250 community volunteers come together to make this special day happen for Stamford children. Visit www.backtoschoolshop.org for more information, to make a donation, or to register to volunteer for our 5th Anniversary event on July 28!
  • 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.
  • MINDFULNESS CLASS David T Andersen, Ed.M., PH.D., ABPP teaches a mindfulness class each week at Young Israel at 7:00AM Sunday morning. The class includes instructions and a brief discussion followed by a twenty minute period of silent mindfulness meditation. There is no charge for the class and it is open to anyone in the Stamford Jewish community.
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
Siyum Celebration
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
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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