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

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Friday, December 13, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayishlachDecember 14, 201916 Kislev 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:07 PM
Mincha4:12 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:30 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:16 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi3:15 PM
Code of Jewish Law3:15 PM
Mincha4:05 PM
Maariv5:03 PM
Shabbat Ends5:08 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Creating Angels

The Torah describes that Yaakov prepared for his meeting with his estranged brother Esau in three ways. He offered gifts in hopes of diplomacy, he prepared for possible battle and acts with vigilance and finally, he beseeched God in prayer.

These three approaches are a template for encountering the evil and challenges we face. We extend our hands in peace, we prepare for war if the overtures are not welcomed and we invoke God for Divine protection.

Yaakov's encounter this week is a timeless reminder for us in the wake of the murder of six people in an anti-Semitic attack in Jersey City. We grieve with the families. Yet, while we must never lose hope in fostering peace, we must remain vigilant and strong, and increase security. We ask God to grant comfort and serve as the most powerful Shomer, Guardian of the Jewish people.

Yet, there is an additional approach.

The Torah teaches us that in advance of his encounter with his brother Esau, Yaakov sent "Malachim" to offer a message of reconciliation to his brother. It had been over 20 years since Yaakov last saw Esau. He did not know whether they would meet in peace or war.

Who were these angels that Ya'akov sends to Esau?

On the surface it would seem that they are merely people he dispatches to communicate with Esau. Yet, Rashi states that they are actual angels.

Rabbi Meir Premishlan, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, explains Rashi's intent. The mishna in Ethics of Our Father's (Chapter 4) explains that an angel is created when a person does a Mitzvah. Yaakov understood that as much as he needed to address the direct challenge of meeting Esau, he could also make a difference by unleashing into the world, his angels, his mitzvot. He realized that he could not control all that Esau might do, but he could control his actions. He could unleash into the world the positive energy of a mitzvah, a new light, and God would fuel that light and turn it into a flame of healing, redemption and hope.

In the eternal words of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, "The pure righteous do not complain of the dark, but increase the light; they do not complain of evil, but increase justice; they do not complain of heresy, but increase faith; they do not complain of ignorance, but increase wisdom."

Do a Mitzvah. Create an Angel. Unleash light in face of darkness.

May we share good news in the week ahead.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Join us this Shabbat  20 minutes after kiddush starts for a conversation with ADL NY Director, Evan Bernstein on "Reflections in the aftermath of the Jersey City Shooting" and a brief Q and A.

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 2019, contact Matt Feinberg (mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org)

Member In Good Standing Reminder  The Congregational by-laws and constitution define members in good standing as those who have paid their current year dues (2019-20), past dues, and any fees owed by December 31. If you have any of these items outstanding, please pay them by December 31 to ensure you are recognized in good standing.

Youth Group Reminders 
  • No groups on 12/28
  • No outside food is allowed in groups
  • For security, the doors are locked. Please arrive by 10:30am

Thank you  
  • to Sandy Shapiro for sponsoring last week's seudah shlishit in memory of his mother Malka.
  • to Women's Club, Men's Club and the Young Families committee for organizing this Sunday's Chanukah Boutique.
  • to Daniel Schilowitz and the Adult Ed Committee for spearheading the Pre Chanukah Yom Iyun this Sunday with Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz.
  • to Yaakov and Yolly for organizing the NCSY Road Show and the Pre Chanukah Puppet Show and Party this Sunday.

Service Notes 
  • Keep up to date with the on-going 1:30 PM Monday-Thursday mincha minyan by joining a What's App group. Email Rabbi Zweiter (rabbizweiter@cas-stamford.org) with your cell number
  • Looking to Read Torah, Relive a Bar Mitzvah? Contact Mark Wagshul to sign up for a reading aliyot or entire Torah portion in the months ahead. Mark can be reached at mark.wagshul@gmail.com.

Yasher Koach  to Rabbi Oran Zweiter for the publishing of his recent article in American Jewish Archives. click here to read
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
ShacharitRabbi Daniel Cohen
MusafAndrew Bein
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReaderMark Wagshul
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitDr. Eric Jankelovits
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesRonnie & Steve Sichel in gratitude on reaching their 50th wedding anniversary and Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushIn memory of Florence Gold and George Wolfsohn on their yahrzeits. David, Elise and Deborah Wolfsohn and Sharon and Doug Karp
Chapel Kiddushthe BL Fund
Teen KiddushSharon and Simeon Wohlberg in commemoration of Josh's Bar Mitzvah anniversary
Sanctuary KiddushCo-sponsored by Judy & Howard Goldstein in commemoration of Howard's father, Chaim Vellvel ben Ariah's 20th yahrzeit; and Janet & Andrew Bein in commemoration of Andrew's mother, Joan Bein Leibowitz/Chana bat Avraham's yahrzeit
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday 4:15 PM, Monday-Thursday 1:30 PM/4:15 PM, Friday 4:15 PM
Candles Friday4:10 PM
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Condolences
  • to the families of Leah Minda Ferencz, Moshe Hirsch Deutch, Detective Joe Seals, and Miguel Jason Rodriguez who were murdered this week in Jersey City
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 Ivy and Marvin Schildkraut on the Pidyon Haben of their grandson, Shmuel Yosef, this coming week
  • to Sandy Goldstein on the Stamford City Party in her honor at the Palace Theatre
  • to Helene Zimmerman on the arrival of a great-granddaughter, Hallie Ruby
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
CAS Women Presents Pre-Chanukah Boutique 
Sunday, December 15
10:30 am - 2:30 pm. We have an incredible selection of vendors lined up - Tablecloths, custom crayons, personalized children's items, cutco, jewelry, headbands, hats, Judaica, children's hair accessories, kippahs and more!Chaired by Hilary Goldstein, Rina Miller and the CAS Women's Club.

Behind The Scenes Of Jewish Marriage: Practical Tips For Building Healthy Intimacy 
Tuesday, January 21 - 8:00 PM
***Please note new date: January 21st***

The Steinmetz, Bernstein, Alexander Yoetzet Halacha Initiative invites all women of the Stamford community for an evening of discussion and inspiration on the topic ofBehind the Scenes of Jewish Marriage: Practical Tips for Building Healthy Intimacy
Featuring Rachel Hercman, LCSW and CAS Yoetzet Halacha Dena BlockDecember 17th 2019 at 8 PMHosted by Emily Dubitzky (Address will be sent via email following RSVP)For more information or to RSVP, contact CAS Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block at yoetzet@cas-stamford.org
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP 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.
CAS Announcements
  • CAS MEN'S CLUB AND PACIFIC HOUSE on 12/25 (25 Pacific Street)Please pick how you can help pick item 1, 2 or 3 and get back to us. It is still sad that we have to see the destitute that still live in Stamford, CT each year. On Dec. 25th we again will be providing them with at least two good meals. This year we are reaching out for food, (turkey, potatoes, string beans, cauliflower or other vegetables, salad items, dessert, etc.), along with new hats and gloves which we would like to have volunteers distribute to them around 12:30-2 pm. If you can help out in any fashion; (1) Donation, (2) Cooking Wed morning from 9-11:30am, or (3) Serving from 12:30+ let me know. Thank you for your generous response. PS. We are looking into also working with another homeless shelter for next year. Mitchell Bell 203 722 3512
  • CHANUKAH COLLEGE PACKAGES Rabbi Cohen and CAS would like to send your collegiate a Chanukah care package. Please send your child's email, address and phone number to Kim in the office by December 15 to be included in the gifts for Chanukah.
  • PAY IT FORWARD! As our community grows it takes even more effort to insure the warmth of our shul. You may not realize but we have a Hospitality Team who are informed of new families who moved into community. Team members are expected to invite new families to any of the following: shabbat meal, BBQ, brunch, even coffee, a get-together in the park, or a community-wide function. It means so much to new families. To join our Hospitality Team, contact membership committee chair, Jon Makovsky at jonathanmakovsky@gmail.com.
  • JOIN A UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE OPPORTUNITY to turn off your outside world and turn on your inner world at the holiest pace on earth.A SOUL JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen in partnership with Yeshivat Orayta. https://www.orayta.org/.Spend a week of study and spirit in the Old City with luminaries such as Rabbi David Aaron, http://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/ Rav Binny Freedman and many more. Open to Men and Women. Sunday, May 3rd until Sunday, May 10th, 2020. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Visit www.israeltour.com/dcohen for information and to sign up.
  • 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.
  • LIGHTS ACROSS STAMFORD: Join CAS to spread the joy of Chanukah! We are in the midst of organizing Chanukah lightings in various places in Stamford. Join us at Atria, Sunday, December 22nd at 5 PM and Edge Hill on Monday, Dec. 23rd at 5 PM for Chanukah lighting, songs and donuts. The list is in formation and will be updated. For more info, contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org.
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
  • Friday, December 20, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, December 17, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, December 18, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, December 19, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of December 15
MondayBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Mishlei, The Book of Proverbs - 10:15 AM
Mark Wagshul: Crash Course in Reading Hebrew - 7:30 PM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis and the Rudiments of Rashi - 8:30 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Power of the Prophets - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives - 12:00 PM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: 12 Minor Prophets - 9:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
FridayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - 8:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Dec 21Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Dec 28Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 4Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 11Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 18Sanctuary: openChapel: 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.
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Ariyah Leib ben Esther Malkah
  • Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Liba bat Peschke
  • Rachel bat bayla
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Rivka Devorah bat Chanula
  • Tzedakah Bracha bat Yehudit
  • Velvel Zev ben Yenta
  • Yehudit bat Gittel
  • Yekusiel Yosef ben Frayda
  • Yitzchak ben Shulamit Avigail
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY OPEN STUDIO by CAS Members Liron Sissman & Steve Labkoff. Please join Liron and Steve for an open studio event at their home on Sunday, December 15 from 1-5PM. Please stop in for a nosh and a glass of wine while viewing their latest works from 2019. You can see a preview of their works at: www.Liron.com and www.LuminantPix.com. Time: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 1-5PM. Location: The Labkoff•Sissman's house - 82 Blackwood Lane, Stamford. RSVPs requested: Liron@Liron.com
  • BI-CULTURAL CELEBRATION DINNER HONORING CAS Members - Elise and Steven Cohen-Guests of Honor, Alice and Jason Janush-Community Service Award, Tina and Yossi Notik-Young Leadership Award, Laura Kassen-Alumni Award, David Giver-Jane Shoztic Memorial Award. Sunday, January 12, 5:30 PM sign up at www.bcha-ct.org/celebration or contact Rachel Cohen, Dinner Director, at rcohen@bcha-ct.org or 203-329-2186
  • FREE WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCRIMMAGE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30pm at the BCHA gym. Get some midweek exercise and get back in the game! Please contact Adina if interested at Adina.levine@gmail.com
  • ENJOY "LATKES, LIGHTS & LAUGHTER " at United Jewish Federation's NextGen Chanukah Party on Saturday night, December 14th, 8-10:30pm at the Beacon Harbor Point, 1 Harbor point Road in Stamford. Mingle with friends and enjoy specialty cocktails and spirits tasting by Litchfield Distillery, a donut bar, latkes and other holiday fare. $18 pp in advance/$25 at the door. Sign up at www.ujf.org/lights, contact Sharon Franklin at sharon@ujf.org for questions. Dietary laws observed.
  • A WIN WIN CHANUKAH GIFT IDEA Israel bonds' eMitzvah Bonds ($36, $54, $72, $90 online only) are Hanukkah Gelt 2.0 - better than coins, cash, checks or gift cards and loaded with mitzvah, Zionism and tradition. No schlepping to the mall, no waiting in line - and they are easy to hide. Mazel Tov Bonds available too ($100 and multiples of $10, up to $2500 per purchaser per holder per monthly sales period). Available online www.israelbonds.com, via smartphone app, call 914.713.9003 or email cynthia.blustein@israelbonds.com.
  • DO A MITZVAH! CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SCHOKE JFS KOSHER FOOD PANTRY by purchasing Mitzvah Baskets and/or Mitzvah Centerpieces instead of flowers for your next simcha at CAS. Distributions from the Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry have increased by more than 1000 since the recession. With this tremendous upsurge in use, Schoke JFS is constantly challenged to keep the food pantry full. Your generosity enables Schoke JFS to help those in our community in their greatest moments of need.
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

2020 AIPAC Diamond Summer Internship Application! Diamond Summer Internship (DSI) is one of the most premier internships in Washington DC, and each summer AIPAC hires interns to work at the DC headquarters and in regional and satellite offices across the country. Interns are fully integrated into their department or regional office, and will also engage in a variety of professional development programming. Departments vary each summer, but often include: Political, Policy and Government Affairs, Development, Leadership Development, Business Operations (i.e.: finance, IT, HR), Marketing and Communications, Events and Creative Services, Outreach, and more. Interns participate in the National Intern Retreat, Summer Saban Leadership Seminar, weekly intern call-ins with organizational leadership, and the highly-acclaimed Summer Seminar Series. Typically, DSIs are entering their Junior or Senior years of college.The application can be found at: https://acollegietspply.aipacldevents.org/prog/DSI2020.The DSI program begins on Monday, June 15th, 2020, and interns may opt to work for 8, 9, or 10 weeks.The deadline to apply is January 2nd, 2020 at 11:00PM EST.
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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