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

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Friday, June 21, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
BehaalotchaJune 22, 201919 Sivan 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM/8:16 PM
Candle Lighting8:11 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:09 AM
Latest Shacharit10:25 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi7:15 PM
Code of Jewish Law7:15 PM
Mincha8:05 PM
Maariv9:07 PM
Shabbat Ends9:12 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Memory Makers

An Excerpt from Rabbi Cohen's Remarks at the Annual Meeting

What one word in the Torah describes who we are as a shul and who we aspire to be?

I believe that the spirit and mission of Agudath Sholom is embodied in the title of this week's Torah portion - Behaalotcha. God tells Moshe to command Aharon to light the candles on the menorah. Notably, the word is not actually Lehadlik - which means to kindle - but Lehaalot, which means to elevate. What is the difference?

Rashi offers the following approach which I would like to give a new twist. "To kindle" implies taking one wick which is lit and places it on another wick until it too catches fire. "To elevate" signifies placing one wick so close to the next one that it catches the fire of the first flame. The second flame ignites on its own captivated by the first flame. God is in his infinite and timeless wisdom is revealing a secret of Jewish continuity as symbolized by the lighting of the Menorah.

Jewish continuity emerges when we do not impose but expose, when we do not capture but captivate.

A powerful experience can leave an indelible mark on the soul of human being. It is no wonder that the Torah mandates that even babies should be taken to Jerusalem as the memory created will linger forever and sow the seeds of love of God, Torah and Israel.

We are deeply committed to three pillars of Jewish communal life. Torah, Avodah (prayer) and Gemillut Chasadim (kindness) but more than ever in a world of unending pressures and pulls away from our faith, Agudath Sholom must be an engine of memory creation. We must excel at experiences that will nurture intense passion for performance of mitzvoth and a purpose driven life.

I was awakened to this idea this past year when our executive team and committee leadership engaged in exploring two key questions. First, think of two significant experiences that encapsulate for the shul is at its best. Second, what shul experiences would be valuable for you personally or for others that you are not having?

The conversations that ensued revealed a common set of values that binds us regardless of our age and backgrounds and the power of a collective experience to touch us deeply. We organized a meeting to work across committees and explored new and transformative ways to provide and fuel positive and enduring impact.

Thank God, our shul is growing. This year, we welcomed many new families, launched innovative programs; exceeded our financial expectations due to our membership generosity, expanded Torah learning and opportunities, increased volunteerism and much more.

Yet, our challenge is how to best ride the waves of success. How do we elevate ourselves and our community? How can we work together to create the framework for experiences that will truly resonate deeply, spark personal growth, and inspire a life of impact?

We will never know the eternal resonance of one hello, one visit, one shared experience on a Shabbat, one visit to a shiva home, one teen oneg, a youth group, or a transformative Torah experience to shape our future. Each one of us is looking for meaning and a sense of belonging. We want to be part of something greater and harness our unique voices to the tune of a transcendent score.

Agudath Sholom must be an engine for positive Jewish experiences and indelible memories.

Here are a few highlights which will, God willing, deepen this mission.

1. Expand senior programming, the successful Shabbat morning Young Family experience and the role of music and song to uplift and unite including God willing, a new intergenerational choir in partnership with our youth and Atria.

2. Partner with NCSY to hire a teen leader and JSU coordinator to strengthen teen engagement.

3. Broaden role of Dena Block our Yoetzet Halacha to meet the growing needs and aspirations of women in our community.

4. Launch "Agudath Sholom at Harbor Point" with events such as Smores and Spirits in July, Apple Tasting in September, Shabbat experiences and Chanukah celebrations.

5. Build bridges across faiths to the Christian and Muslim communities

6. Embark on our first ever men and women Spiritual Safari to Jerusalem next May.

God willing, in the year ahead we will Behalotcha, elevate our shul, with renewed vigor. In the words of one of my mentors, Rabbi Steven Dworkin, "people do not care how much you know but want to know how much you care." We will embrace the legacy of Aharon to captivate the imagination of our community and inspire people to realize their God given potential and share their gifts with the world.

May God bless each of us to to reinvigorate our mission as a "memory makers" rooted in the powers of Torah, kindness and impact to and not only grow but thrive in health for years to come.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Farewell to Rabbi Jeiger Bi Cultural Hebrew Academy invites the community to an Open House This Shabbat, June 22nd, for Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger and Family to wish Rabbi Jeiger and his family farewell and to say thank you! 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Home of Darona and Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein - 53 Appletree Drive

Best wishes  to Sandy Goldstein on her retirement as President of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District. Yasher Koach on her great work in revitalizing downtown Stamford. read the article

Welcome  Molly Chadis and David Michley who recently moved to the community
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
10:30 shiurRabbi Avi Block: TBD
ShacharitDavid Zizmor
MusafMIchael Feldstein
SermonRabbi Oran Zweiter
Torah ReaderNat Samberg
Daf YomiMark Wagshul
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Kivi Attar
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushDebbie, David, Elise Wolfsohn and Sharon & Doug Karp in memory of Morris Gold and Suzanne Wolfsohn
Chapel KiddushFaye Manger & Family in commemoration of the 7th yahrzeit of their beloved son and brother, Stephen Manger
Sanctuary KiddushAvram and Rhoda Freedberg in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Ziporah Freedberg
Seudat Shlishitby Hecky Attar in commemoration of his mother's yahrzeit , Miriam bat Saleh
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 8:15 PM, Friday 7:00 PM/8:17 PM
Candles Friday8:12 PM
Condolences
  • to Jessica Sosnovich on the passing of her mother, Fran Chargar
  • to Harold Terk on the passing of his sister, Marilyn Weisler
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 Evan Bernstein on his honor at the 5th Annual Evening of Remembrance & Reflection Reception To End Gun Violence by The GodSquad: 67th Precinct Clergy Council
  • to Producer Ken Schur on receiving the Tony awards for Best Performance by a leading actor in a play - Network - and Best Choreography - Ain't Too Proud
  • to Producer Avi Freedberg on receiving the Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical - Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
  • to Morah Danielle Tomczyk and Robbie Schrag on their forthcoming marriage
  • to Mel and Ruth Aminoff on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Michael Mann Segal in Melbourne
  • to Nurit and Mark Wexler on the engagement of their son Michael to Rebecca Gourevitch. Mazal tov to grandparents Debbie and Ben Soifer
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
Shabbat Lobby Schedule 
Shabbat, June 22

CAS At Harbor Point 
Thursday, July 11 - 8:00 PM
Join us for "S'mores and Spirits" - An evening of fun, friends and building community! CAS at Harbor Point is a new initiative to foster Jewish community in Stamford. Future events include Apple Tasting in September, Shabbat experiences, and Chanukah celebrations. More details in the week to come. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen.

Sisterhood Presents Celebrate Israeli Poetry And Music 
Sunday, July 14 - 10:30 AM
The CAS Sisterhood presents Richard Schwartz and Noa Bober who will conduct a lively event as they take a fresh look at a few of Israel's protest songs about war and how they have changed over time. They will share Israeli poetry that is found in books, songs and on the streets.Richard is an Agudath member and Noa is the Stamford JCC Shlicha (emissary). Her mission is to be a bridge between the local Jewish community and Israel.
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, July 1 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
  • WE NEED YOU THIS SUNDAY! Join us at the Harvest Now Garden: 10 AM - 11:00 AM. Two Faiths: One Heart - Meet at St. Bridgets 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
  • CAS MENS CLUB Sunday, June 23 10AM. We will meet to plan the next couple of month's worth of activities. Such items as speakers, BBQ and all other options are open options for discussion. Simcha room with Bagel/Lox breakfast provided
  • MISSING TRENCH COAT If you mistakenly grabbed the wrong trench coat from the coat room this past Shabbat, please return it to the office. Your coat is still hanging in the coat room.
  • 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.
  • ANNOUNCING A SOUL JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen in partnership with Yeshivat Orayta. Spend a week of study and spirit in the Old City with luminaries such as Rabbi David Aaron, Rav Binny Freidman and many more. Open to Men and Women. Dates are Sunday, May 3rd until Sunday, May 10th, 2020. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen. Sign Up will open soon.
  • 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
  • Monday, June 24, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
  • Friday, June 28, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06904
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, June 25, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, June 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, June 27, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of June 23
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Weekly Haftorah - 9:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Taanit - 7:30 PM
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
Jun 29Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 6Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 13Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 20Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jul 27Sanctuary: 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
  • Avraham Shmuel ben Rivka Rochel
  • Batya bat Frida
  • Chaim ben Rosa
  • Chaya Bluma Tziporra bat Dinah Leah
  • Daniel Natan ben Sara Leah
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Malka Maria bat Idda
  • Miriam bat Helen
  • Miriam bat Sora Rochel
  • Moshe ben Laizer
  • Nechama bat Bracha
  • Nira bat Rachel
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Tamar bat Yocheved
  • Tziviah bat Yitta
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Zinovi ben Riva
  • bella bat Ester Fira
Community Announcements
  • JOIN UJF'S PJ LIBRARY & PJ OURWAY on June 23rd from 10:30am-1:30am and take care of your environment! Meet at the basketball courts at Scalzi Park in Stamford (100 Bridge St) at 10:30am for a cleanup (gloves and bags provided), then relax with a picnic snack and hear about how you can take better care of your world from experts at Keep America Beautiful. (Bring a blanket or chair and a snack- we will provide the drinks). The event is free, and all ages are welcome with a parent or caregiver. Contact Sharon at sharon@ujf.org to sign up or go to www.ujf.org/pjpark
  • 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.
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
Congregation Agudath Sholom, 301 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
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