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

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Thursday, April 25, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Holiday+Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Holiday/Shabbat Bulletin
PesachApril 27, 201921-22 Nisan 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Thursday
Candle Lighting7:26 PM
Mincha7:31 PM
Friday
Shacharit8:00 AM/8:45 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi6:30 PM
Mincha7:20 PM
Candle Lighting7:27 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/7:45 AM/8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:25 AM
Yizkor10:15 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:34 AM
Daf Yomi6:40 PM
Code of Jewish Law6:40 PM
Mincha7:30 PM
Neilat Ha Chag7:45 PM
Maariv8:24 PM
Yom Tov Ends8:31 PM
Earliest Time to eat Chametz9:10 PM
Chag Sameach/Shabbat Shalom
God Revealed and Hidden

On the seventh day of Passover, we commemorate the miracle of the splitting of the sea. Each Jew witnessed the manifestation of God in their lives. Yet, the Sages offer a cryptic commitment at the moment of the revelation. The Jews proclaim the enduring words, Mi Kamocha...who is like you among the powerful, words we repeat every morning and every night. However, the Talmud in Gittin 56b interprets the words to read not only who is like you among the powerful but who is like you among the Ilmim, the deaf. What is the meaning of their interpretation?

I was reminded of an answer when leading a model Seder this year at Atria on Shabbat afternoon. One of the residents asked how could I explain how 6 million Jews died in Europe. I told him I could not and some questions are left unanswered.

Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik explains that the Talmud's variation on the words teach us that although there are moments when God is revealed and apparent in our lives as at the sea, there are also moments when God is silent and passive. We must accustom ourselves to the idea that not all questions have answers. A scholar who feels the imperative to answer all difficulties is not a scholar. Rabbi Akiva Eiger when unable to answer a question would respond, "The question requires more thought and may God enlighten me."

The Talmud itself teaches us this approach to life's complexities. When an answer is unresolved, the Talmud will state Teiku, the answer is unknown and will only be resolved in the time of Elijah. Likewise, Rabbi Soloveitchik shared that his father believed that every individual has questions about God that cannot be answered. Anyone who believes otherwise is a fool. At the same time, our doubts should not "change our guiding principles or stymie further study."

Our relationship with God is dynamic. Pesach strengthens it and Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, challenges it. As we embark on the last days of the holidays and the season ahead, let us grapple and grow in our relationship to God. God willing, we will insure that we do not only count the days until Shavuot but truly make the days count as we develop and deepen our commitment to God in the world and in ourselves.

Wishing you and your families a Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Pesach Notes 
  • Remember to make Eruv Tavshilin
  • We will read Shir Hashirim and recite Yizkor on Shabbat morning
  • All local establishments under Jewish ownership sold their chametz and are permitted for consumption after the holiday

Introducing  Rabbi Cohen's New What's App Group "Living the Torah Moment" Bridge the Freedom of Pesach to the Torah of Shavuot with a Dose of Daily Torah Inspiration. To sign up, send Rabbi Cohen a What's App at 2032528252 or via this link

Join us  next weekend when we host Rabbi Gideon Weitzman for Shabbat and Rabbi David Aaron on Sunday night. Please note that Rabbi Aaron will host a dinner for Teens and Parents at 6 PM at CAS on Sunday evening on the topic Torah: learning, living and loving it! This session is in addition to his presentation on Love and Shalom Bayit on Sunday evening at 7:30 PM at the home of Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Thursday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawAri Lieberman
Sermon Day 7Rabbi Oran Zweiter
Sermon Day 8Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Musaf Day 7Omer Neumeier
Musaf Day 8Yedidya Neumeier
Day 7 - 10:30 shiurMichael Feldstein: Why Do Some Say Hallel In Shul On Pesach Eve?
Day 8 - 10:30 shiurMark Wagshul: Le'Shem Yichud: The nature of intent during the performance of Mitzvot (Part 2)
Torah ReaderMichael Berg
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Library Kiddush (Shabbat)Matt Greenberg
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Chapel KiddushCAS
Sanctuary KiddushCAS
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
Candles Friday7:34 PM
SundayOmer: 8
MondayOmer: 9
TuesdayOmer: 10
WednesdayOmer: 11
ThursdayYom HaShoah/Omer: 12
FridayOmer: 13
Mazal Tov
  • to Jeff Cunningham and Abby Katz on the birth of a baby boy
  • to Stephen (& Penny z"l) Block on the engagement of their son, Harry to Emilie Maurer
  • to Helene and Harvey Kaminski on the engagement of their daughter Francis to Jason Star
  • to Wendy and Daniel Weiner on the arrival of a grandson, Max Evan Kahler
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 Senior Luncheon Thursday, May 30 - 11:30 AM The Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy choir will join us for entertainment and lunch!
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, April 29, 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.
  • YOUNG COUPLES/FAMILIES ONEG IN THE SHABBOS PARK May 4 @ 4:30 PM. Please bring a pareve snack, drink or dessert to share at Barrett Park!
  • UPCOMING EVENT Young Families Shabbos luncheon on May 18th at CAS
  • 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
  • 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!
  • AIPAC AND CAS MEN'S CLUB AND ISRAEL ADVOCACY GROUP are pleased to host an AIPAC 101 briefing on Building a Permanent Alliance between the United States and Israel. May 5 at 9:15am. Participants will hear from AIPAC Synagogue Initiative Director for the Northeast Region, Yitz Novak, and will have the opportunity to ask questions. Please RSVP to Kim at Agudath Sholom at kmahoney@cas-STamford.org
  • NEW CLASS WITH RABBI COHEN Sunday morning Talmud 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM, Tractate Bava Kama First Chapter. Join this pilot class during sefirat haomer. Includes light breakfast, in depth text based explorations of classic courses and animated discussions. RSVP to Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org Starts Sunday morning, April 28th.
  • 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 30, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Friday, May 3, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, April 30, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, May 1, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, May 2, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of April 28
SundayRabbi Daniel Cohen: Talmud Bava Kama - 9:10 AM
Rabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: Depth of Genesis - 8:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Depth of Yom Haatzmaut - Themes in Theology and Halacha in Religious Zionism - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives and Paradigms - 12:00 PM
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
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
May 4Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen: sponsored
May 11Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
May 18Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen: open
May 25Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 1Sanctuary: 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.
Community Announcements
  • GENERATIONS is an intergenerational music class, run by Music Together, that brings children and seniors together to form a "music community." The class is intended to bridge the gap between generations through the shared experience of music. This Spring, a Generations class will be offered at the Atria-Stamford (Wednesdays May 1st through June 12th, 4-4:45). Parents are invited to register children at https://ctmusictogether.com/register.aspx?sem_id=30872#semesters If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Shari Levine at sharikel@gmail.comSent from my iPad
  • HEALTH AND WELLNESS OPEN HOUSE AT THE JCC - Sunday, April 28 from 9 am - 1 pm. Save 50% on your first two months of membership and pay $0 registration fee when you join by April 28 (Membership is for an initial 12-month period. You cannot have been a JCC member for the past 12 months and must sign up by April 28, 2019.) Cannot be combined with other offers. Discount excludes teen and college memberships. Other restrictions may apply. Contact Ilene Madwed at 203.487.0945 or membership@stamfordjcc.org.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • THE JOEL AND LOIS COLEMAN LECTURE SERIES: "Sex, Drugs & Rock N' Roll - How the Baby Boomer Generation Will Disrupt Senior Living"Wednesday, May 15, 2019at Jewish Senior Services, Bennett Hall4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CTDaniel Reingold has been President and CEO of RiverSpring Health since 1990 which is a leading non-profit senior care organization that includes the renowned Hebrew Home of Riverdale. Mr. Reingold and his team opened the Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, the nation's first elder abuse shelter, in 2005. Mr. Reingold has testified multiple times before the U.S. Senate Special committee on Aging and attended the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. In 2018, Mr. Reingold received the highest recognition in the field of non-profit long term senior care with the LeadingAge Award of Honor. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Kim Gintoli at 203-365-6463 or kgintoli@jseniors.org.
  • 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
  • Avraham Chaim Hakohen ben Fayga
  • Avraham ben Sussa
  • Baruch Meir ben Leah
  • Batya bat Frida
  • Bluma Tziporra bat Dinah Leah
  • Chaim Leib ben Sara
  • Chaim ben Rosa
  • 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
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Shimon Z"L ben Sarah
  • Shimon ben Sarah
  • Tamar bat Yocheved
  • Yerachmiel Shemaya ben Devorah Elka
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Zinovi ben Riva
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
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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