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

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Friday, May 17, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
EmorOmer: 28May 18, 201913 Iyyar 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM/7:54 PM
Candle Lighting7:49 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:12 AM
Latest Shacharit10:25 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi6:55 PM
Code of Jewish Law6:55 PM
Mincha7:45 PM
Maariv8:45 PM
Shabbat Ends8:50 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Rembrandt and the Light of God

2019 commemorates the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt's death. I read recently about the many exhibitions dedicated to this occasion. museumnetwork.sothebys.com/en/articles/rembrandt-around-the-world-exhibitions-on-view-in-2019

As Jews, Solomon teaches us in Proverbs (3:6) to know and discover God in many ways. Art is no exception. The exhibition this year reminded me of an enlightening insight of Rav Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, the first chief Rabbi of Palestine and Rembrandt.

When World War I erupted, Rav Kook was stuck in London until he could return to Israel. During his time there, he would visit the National Gallery. His favorite artist was Rembrandt, who he described as a tzadik, a righteous person.

When he examined Rembrandt's paintings, it reminded him of the rabbinic statement about the light created on the first day of creation - "When God created the light (on the first day), it was so strong and luminous that it was possible to see from one end of the world to the other. And God feared that the wicked would make use of it (for destructive purposes). What did He do? He hid it for the righteous in the world to come. But from time to time there are great men whom God blesses with a vision of that hidden light." Rabbi Kook believed that Rembrandt was one of those great men who could perceive the Or Ganuz (hidden light) and he presented that light in his paintings.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks notes and asks, "What is both puzzling and wonderful about Rembrandt's paintings is that he makes no attempt to beautify or idealize his subjects. Yet the light radiates from ordinary people in his paintings. Rembrandt's brilliance is his ability to convey the beauty of ordinary people. The light that shines from them is, simply, their humanity. Their Tzelem Elokim (image of God)."

Think about the following questions: What do you think Rembrandt was trying to say in his paintings when he chose to have ordinary people radiating with a spiritual light? If all people are created in the image of God, do you think we can say there is beauty in all people? How do we find that beauty?

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Check out the Koolulam video from AIPAC PC.  Signing is Believing. https://youtu.be/4szGTwC0X6Q Koolulam brought together 18,000 people in Washington with 1,000 people at the Tower of David in Jerusalem. Join our AIPAC PC delegation in March, 2020. We are already thank God over 65 strong. Sign up here http://www.policyconference.org/ and fully refundable until Jan, 2020.

Thank you to the chairs of our Young Families Lunch, Jessica & Adam Furmansky, Hilary & Ari Goldstein, Rachel & Josh Licht, Miriam & Josh Sperber, Jessica & Eytan Sosnovich
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Torah Before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawAri Lieberman
Shacharit/MusafChazzan Rafael Bokow
10:30 shiurRabbi Yossi Kamman: Lessons in Pirkei Avot
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReadersJay Jubas, Nat Samberg
Daf YomiMark Wagshul
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Daniel Cohen: Pirkei Avos Chapter 2
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushLillian & Sandy Shapiro in commemoration of the yahrtzeits of Sarlotte & Chilo Spiro
Chapel KiddushIn honor of Kayla Shoshana Niedober's 3rd birthday!
Sanctuary KiddushEllen & Richard Weber in honor of the upcoming marriage of their son Michael to Jacklyn Mahgerefteh
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 8:00 PM, Friday 7:00 PM/8:00 PM
Candles Friday7:55 PM
SundayPesach Sheni/Omer: 29
MondayOmer: 30
TuesdayOmer: 31
WednesdayOmer: 32
ThursdayLag BaOmer/Omer: 33
FridayOmer: 34
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Mazal Tov
  • to Marina Sapir on receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award and Lauren and Joe Zalis on receiving the 13th Young Leadership award at the Schoke Jewish Family Service dinner this Sunday evening.
  • to Leah and Peter Munk on the arrival of a grandson
  • to Ellen & Richard Weber on Michael's aufruf and upcoming marriage to Jacklyn Mahgerefteh
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
Two Faiths, One Heart: Partnering With Saint Bridgets Church 
Sunday, May 19 - 12:30 PM
Please join us in the CAS social hall as we kick-off a new joint initiative with St. Bridget of Ireland Church. our Thanksgiving partnership for the homeless was a wonderful success. We will begin running a drive for specific items to benefit Jewish Family Services, the Undies Project, and the Salvation Army. Great opportunity to socialize and meet our neighbors from across the street while learning about the month-long diaper/underwear drive. Light refreshments will be served. For more info, contact Jonathan Lerner: jonlerner@gmail.com

Transmitting Torah: For Women By Women 
Shabbat, May 25 - 5:30 PM
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 
Monday, June 3 - 8:00 PM
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.

CAS Israel Advocacy Commitee And Israel Bonds Join In An Evening With Gil Tamary 
Tuesday, June 4 - 7:30 PM
WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF, ISRAEL'S CHANNEL 13 NEWS "Beresheet", the Israeli spacecraft to the moon. Hear Gil Tamary's first-hand experience covering an incredible story that captures Israeli spirit, innovation, courage, chutzpah and resilience

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, May 27 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 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
  • HARVEST NOW GARDEN UPDATE! Thank you as always to Jim Benjamin for preparing the initial stages of growing and Michal Cohen for serving as supplies chair. We are ready to get the garden started and will meet on Sunday, May 26th at 9:30 AM at the shul. We need volunteers for the Harvest Now Garden Team. To join, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org Men, Women and Children are all invited. The garden is a marathon and not a sprint from May to September. No experience necessary. The proceeds of our garden go to Lower Fairfield County Food Bank and the JFS Food Pantry. For more info about Harvest Now visit http://harvest-now.net
  • 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
  • Thursday, May 23, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM at CAS
  • Friday, May 24, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, May 21, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, May 22, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, May 23, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of May 19
SundayRabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Bava Kama - 9:10 AM
MondayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis - 8:15 AM
Bob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Pirkei Avot; Diving into our Morals - 10:15 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
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 25Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 1Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 8Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jun 15Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen: open
Jun 22Sanctuary: 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
  • Yerachmiel Shemaya ben Devorah Elka
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Zinovi ben Riva
Community Announcements
  • HONOR CAS MEMBERS AT AN EVENING WITH SCHOKE JFS The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service will hold its annual gala, An Evening with Schoke JFS, on Sunday, May 19th at 6:00 pm at The Italian Center in Stamford. The recipient of the 40th Annual Mitzvah Award is Meryl Japha and the newly inaugurated 1st Volunteer of the Year Award will be awarded to Marina Sapir, a member of Congregation Agudath Sholom . The 13th Young Leadership Award recipients will be Lauren and Joe Zalis, members of CAS.
  • 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.
  • FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE WALK Walk with your feet and help with your heart! Join the Friendship Circle and the entire community for the Friendship Day & Walk, happening on May 19th at the Westhill High School in Stamford. Come for a free family fun day as we walk hand in hand in support of children with special needs and their families. There will be entertainment, a carnival, and delicious food. You can donate to this wonderful cause and register by going to www.FriendshipDayCT.com
  • 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
  • WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP 2019 Join us on Sunday, June 23rd, 2019 to do some whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River in class II and III rapids. We will be leaving Stamford (carpooling) at approximately 6 AM and returning around 7 PM (approximately 5 hrs in the river. If you are interested in joining, please fill out the following form: https://tinyurl.com/WWR2019 by Wednesday, May 15th, 2019. Cost of the trip will be approximately $70. Lunch and transportation are not included. We go rain or shine. Children over the age of 10 are welcome to come. Any questions, please email Eric Sigman at ESigman1@gmail.com.
  • 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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