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

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
MetzoraShabbat HaGadolApril 13, 20198 Nisan 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:12 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Latest Shema9:37 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:43 AM
Daf Yomi5:30 PM
Code of Jewish Law6:20 PM
Shabbat HaGadol Drasha6:20 PM
Mincha7:10 PM
Maariv8:09 PM
Shabbat Ends8:14 PM
Shabbat Shalom
My Favorite Song: A Foundational Message for Seder Night

I always love to sing the song Baruach Hamakom on Pesach night. It is a highlight!

What is the significance of this declaration, "Blessed is God, Blessed is He, Blessed is the one who gave the Torah to Israel"? First, what is the role of this at the beginning of Maggid, retelling the story of the Exodus? Second, why do we invoke the name of God, Makom, the place, rather than a more conventional name for God?

Rabbi Shimon Schwab (as expounded in the new Hagadah of his wisdom: https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9781422623022.html) explains that the name of God, Makom, is used to convey the notion that God never abandons anyone. We use this name when offering comfort to mourners, Hamakom Yinachem, and when praying for those who are ill or in captivity, Hamakom Yerachem. God is every place, Bechol Makom.

With this idea in mind, he addresses the questions. Pesach is infused with deep and enduring memories and emotions connected to family. As we sit at the seder table, with loved ones, God willing, it will be a joyous time. We cherish our unique customs, tunes, humor and, of course, Torah and tasty food. However, for someone who may, God forbid, have experienced a personal loss in the past year, a widow or widower or loss of another relative, the seder can be a challenging and sorrowful night. Such a person may not feel close to God, but distant. It is painful. The empty seat for a husband or wife looms large. Think for a moment how the seder feels for someone not blessed with children.

Rabbi Schwab suggests that the phrase Baruch Hamakom is critical at the outset of the night. We invoke the dimension of God as Makom to offer comfort to those who feel distant. We affirm that God walks with them and that he is in their place. It is our responsibility to be sensitive to the state of everyone at our table to insure a warm and welcoming experience.

Further, Rabbi Schwab notes that the second line of the song addresses another group of people. We may be hosting guests at our seder who feel distant from Judaism. They may think or say, "I do not even know the Hebrew alphabet; the Torah and Judaism are not relevant to me." The task of the seder leader is to connect with everyone no matter their background or level of education.

Rabbi Schwab believes that the second half of the statement, "God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel," serves as an affirmation that no Jew is left behind. Everyone has a stake in the story of the seder. We were all at Sinai, we were all redeemed from Egypt and we all bear a responsibility to embrace and perpetuate the message of Passover and the nation of Israel into the future.

The song Baruch HaMakom is not simply an upbeat tune, but a call for inclusion and hope on the most important educational night of the year.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Kasher VeSameach,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Get Ready for Passover!
Our Complete Passover Schedule is now available click here
Rabbi Cohen's Passover Site Now open! click here

Pesach Notes: 
  • Kashering:% Sunday, April 14, 6-7:15 PM & 8-9:15 PM and Wednesday, April 17, 8-9:30 PM. Guidelines: Please prepare metal utensils for kashering by removing all labels and cleaning well. Please note that Rolled lips, seams or cracks, which cannot be cleaned well, cannot be kashered using boiling water. Please consult one of the rabbis to discuss). Full guidelines can be viewed click here
  • Eggs and Milk without Pesach supervision may only be purchased prior to Pesach
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Kaballat ShabbatMeir Attar
Friday Night Dvar TorahEitan Karsch
Torah Before TefillahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Coffee and Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawAri Lieberman
Shabbat HaGadol DrashaRabbi Daniel Cohen: Small Nation/Big Dreams - The Five Expressions of Redemption
10:30 shiurMark Wagshul: Le'Shem Yichud: The nature of intent during the performance of Mitzvot
MusafDavid Gordon
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReadersJay Jubas, Nat Samberg
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitYaakov Faratci
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesRachel & Jay Jubas in memory of Rachel's Father, Dr. Ed Goldstein, on his yahrzeit and Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushMarc Silver in honor of Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Zweiter
Chapel KiddushPam Ehrenkranz and Matt Greenberg wishing everyone a Chag Sameach
Teen KiddushAnonymously in honor of "our" newest member to our youth
Sanctuary KiddushCo-sponsored by Shari & Allen Glucksman in memory of Larry Shapiro, Meryl & David Gordon in memory of Herman Gordon, and Susan & Len Mark in memory of Sam Silber
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 7:20 PM, Friday 7:24 PM
Candles Friday7:19 PM
FridayTa'anit Bechorot
Condolences
  • to Andy Bloom on the passing of his mother, Linda
  • to Michelle Genn on the passing of her father, Harold Newman
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 Avi Freedberg on being honored at the Orchard Project Annual Benefit Gala
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Passover
Pesach Question of the Week  - Does toothpaste need supervision? Mouthwash and Toothpaste contain sorbitol and other ingredients which may be derived from chometz. However, although these items are permissible to use since they are not edible, many prefer not to use them since they are taken orally. Please see product pages in the Passover Guide for OU certified products.

Pre Passover Classes
with Rabbi Cohen
  • The Top Ten Seder Insights - Tuesday, April 16th at 12 PM - 12:45 PM
  • The Depth of Passover: Explore Talmudic Themes and Practices of Passover Tuesday, April 9th and 16th 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
  • Shabbat Hagadol Drasha, Shabbat April 13th at 6:00 PM
  • Kashering and Kosher for Passover Crash Course - Sunday, April 14th at 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Starbucks Seder - Join Rabbi Cohen at the "front table" at Starbucks Ridgeway to learn new insights to enhance your holiday or drop by for any Passover Q and A. Monday, April 15th 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
  • The Big Three: Rabban Gamliel's Message for Pesach - Tuesday, April 16th at 7:45 PM
with Rabbi Zweiter
  • The Prophets of Passover - Wednesday, April 11th at 9:30 AM
  • Is Eliyahu Really Thirsty?- Evolution of Pesach's 5th Cup- Tuesday, April 16th at 8:15 PM
Pesach Lail Iyun Prep -Tuesday, April 16th
  • 8:00 PM- Rabbi Daniel Cohen- The Big Three: Rabban Gamliel's Message for Pesach
  • 8:30 PM - Rabbi Avi Block - What Exodus?: The Strange but True Storytelling of the Haggada
  • 9:00 PM- Rabbi Oran Zweiter- Is Eliyahu Really Thirsty?- Evolution of Pesach's 5th Cup
Sign Up For These Events
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, April 15, 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.
CAS Announcements
  • UPCOMING EVENT Scholar in Residence Weekend with Rabbi Gideon Weitzman Shabbat May 3-4. Rabbi Weitzman is the Head of the English Section of the Puah Institute for Fertility and Medicine in Accordance with Halacha and the Director of PUAH America and serves as Rabbi Weitzman is the Rabbi of the Merkaz Modiin Community.
  • UPCOMING EVENT An Evening with Rabbi David Aaron, hosted by Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen at their home on Sunday, May 5th at 7:30 PM. Rabbi Aaron will speak about "The Kabbalah of Love: secrets to real-ationship"
  • UPCOMING EVENT May 23, the CAS Israel Committee and the Men's Club are bringing Tony Badran of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies to Stamford!
  • 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.
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, April 16, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, April 16, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, April 17, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of April 14
MondayBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Pirkei Avot; Diving into our Morals - 10:15 AM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis - 8:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Passover: Explore Talmudic Themes and Practices of Passover - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Top Ten Seder Insights - 12:00 PM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Weekly Haftorah - 9:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 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
Apr 20Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: openLibrary: Teen:
Apr 21
Passover
Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: Teen:
Apr 26
Passover
Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: Teen:
Apr 27Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
May 4Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen: sponsored
May 11Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
May 18Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen: sponsored
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.
Community Announcements
  • SIX THIRTEEN RESTAURANT We are proud to announce that Six Thirteen will be CATERING FOR PASSOVER! Package deals and a la carte options available. Find our menu is online at 613restaurant.com or call (203) 614 - 8777 for details. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and place your orders by Monday, April 15.
  • BCHA SEDER EVENT Jewish families in Stamford and beyond bring your little ones (ages 2-5) and and join us as we travel back in time to Egypt for a special, FREE, interactive, early childhood, mini seder on Tue April 16 at 1.45 pm at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy! Come experience the sheer joy of Passover through feasting and singing and meet our incredible early childhood team. Your children won't want to miss it! RSVP to drafailov@bcds.org. We hope to see you there!
  • THINKING ABOUT A BRIDGE PROGRAM FOR YOUR PRESCHOOLER? Join Carmel Academy for our upcoming Transitional Kindergarten Welcome Wednesdays on April 17 or May 22. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective parents to meet our teachers, see our educational philosophy in action, and learn more about Carmel Academy's Transitional Kindergarten program. Our TK program is designed to bridge the year between preschool and kindergarten, providing students with a strong foundation for success in elementary school and beyond. Registration is required. Please contact Ella Shteingart at 203-983-3503 or register at www.carmelacademy.com/events.
  • LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WHILE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED? Children in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to be a Carmel Academy student for a day! On Monday, April 15 come learn how Carmel Academy inspires every learner by stretching their potential in a kind, rigorous, creative and collaborative environment. Registration is required, however there's no cost to attend. Please contact Ella Shteingart at 203-983-3503 or register at www.carmelacademy.com/events.
  • UJF YOM HASHOAH PROGRAM Join United Jewish Federation on April 28, 2019 at 5:00pm for a communal Yom HaShoah Program with special guest speaker Marion Blumenthal Lazen, survivor and author of "Four Perfect Pebbles, A Holocaust Story." Co-chairs: Sherry Steiner and Barbara Webski. The event will be held at the UCONN auditorium, 1 University Place (corner of West Broad Street and Washington BLVD.). Parking available at UCONN's lot: 1194 Washington BLVD. This is a free event, RSVP to www.ujf.org/YH2019. For questions contact Diane Sloyer 203-321-1373 ext. 105/dinaesloyer@ujf.org
  • UJF LEGISLATIVE MEETING Join United Jewish Federation on May 1, 2019 from 8:30-10:00am and hear from your area legislators. $15 per person, breakfast included. The event will be held at CA. RSVP at www.ujf.org/breakfast. For questions contact Diane Sloyer at 203-321-1373 ext. 105/dianesloyer@ujf.org
  • JEWISH NATIONAL FUND invites you to celebrate Israel and have a great time at the Third Annual Positively Israel Reception featuring comedian Joel Chasnoff, May 15th, Temple Israel Center, White Plains, NY, 7:30pm. General tickets: $36, sponsorship and VIP levels available, RSVP to jnf.org/piwestchester or email Sharon.Lewis@jnf.org
  • ANACHNU: JFNA HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR CARE PROGRAM: Schoke JFS has received a grant from The Jewish Federations of North America Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care, to provide assistance to elderly Holocaust Survivors in the community. We will sponsor support groups, holiday gatherings, day trips and activities within the Jewish community. We are looking for volunteers to meet with survivors who would like to improve their English. Volunteers will visit in their home and provide conversation. Schoke JFS is looking for Holocaust survivors who would like to participate in upcoming programs that will include a Caf Europe, a place where seniors will be able to drop by for socialization. If you would like to volunteer or are looking for survivor care, please contact Marina Sapir, Program Director at 203-921-4161 or email msapir@ctjfs.org
  • TEMPLE BETH EL welcomes the Community to a screening of Who Will Write Our History IN memory of Dr. Hesh Romanowitz Tuesday, May 7, 2019 Who Will Write Our History tells the true story of a clandestine group of journalists, scholars and community leaders in the Warsaw Ghetto who defiedthe Nazis with the ultimate weapon-the truth-and risked everything so that their archive would survive the war, even if they did not. Now for the first time, their story is told in the documentary featuring the voices of three-time Academy Award nominee Joan Allen and Academy Award winner Adrien Brody. 7 p.m. Special introduction by Prof Samuel Kassow 7:30 p.m. Film Screening followed by Q and A Everyone is welcome.There is no charge.Samuel Kassow is the Charles H. Northampton Professor of History at Trinity College and author of the award winning book, Who Will Write Our History? The Secret Archive of the Warsaw Ghetto.
  • STAMFORD SYMPHONY AND THE INTERFAITH COUNCIL OF SOUTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT INVITES YOU A CONCERT ONSUNDAY, APRIL 14 AT 3:00 PM. The Orchestra believes that like faith, music has the power to inspire, uplift us all, and heal many of modern day society's challenges. We welcome every opportunity to share our art with like-minded friends in our community. Interfaith Council Members enjoy a 20% discount and are invited to the donor lounge for refreshments at intermission. Please use offer code: FAITH19 online or via the box office by April 10th. https://www.stamfordsymphony.org/Online/default.asp
  • CHEVRA KADISHA TRAINING SESSION Interested in learning about how a tahara is performed? Looking to possibly volunteer for the Chevra Kadisha? Rabbi Elchonon Zohn will be at Congregation Agudath Sholom for a training session on Sunday morning, May 19th, between 9AM-12 noon. Sponsored by the Stamford Chevra Kadisha. Suitable for new volunteers, and also as a refresher course for existing Chevra members. Light breakfast will be served. No RSVP required.
  • AMERICAN VETERANS OF ISRAEL LEGACY CORPORATION will hold its 53rd annual Mickey Marcus Memorial Service at the Jewish Chapel of the United States Military Academy at West Point on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. More detailed program information will be available in early 2019.
  • 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.
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Avrahem ben Sussa
  • Avrahmam Chaim Hakohen ben Fayga
  • Baruch Meir ben Leah
  • Bluma Tziporra bat Dinah Leah
  • Chaim Leib ben Sara
  • Daniel natan ben Sara Leah
  • Davida Yonah bat Yisroela Elana
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Eliezer ben Chana
  • Karen bat Peggy
  • Mattityahu ben Chana Deborah
  • Menachem Mendel ben Shoshana
  • Miriam bat Helen
  • Miriam bat Rachel
  • Moshe Yoel ben Machla Shifrah
  • Penina bat Sara Imenu
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Shimon ben Sarah
  • Tamar bat Yocheved
  • Yerachmiel Shemaya ben Devorah Elka
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Zindl Gedalia ben Pesha Rivkah
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

Israel Advocacy and Support
The upcoming months offer numerous opportunities to support Israel. Please keep the following in mind.
  • Sign up for AIPAC PC - Special Early Bird Rate. Www.aipac.org
  • AIPAC Brunch hosted by Israel Advocacy and Men Club Sunday, May 5th
  • Community Yom Hazikaron, Yom Haaztamuat Event Wednesday, May 8th
  • Israel Advocacy, Men Club event with Tony Badran Thursday, May 23rd
  • Salute to Israel Day Parade - Sunday, June 2nd in NYC
  • Yom Yerushalayim Sunday June 2nd
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
Parshat Terumah Chapter 4: 6-7 Dapim 26-27
Parshat Tetzveh Chapter 5:1-2 Dapim 28-29
Parhat Ki Tisa Chapter 5: 3-4 Dapim 30-31
Parshat Vayakhel Chapter 5:5 Dapim 32-33
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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