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

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Friday, August 2, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Matot-MaseiAugust 3, 20192 Av 5779
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:51 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:26 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan10:30 AM
Latest Shacharit10:37 AM
Daf Yomi7:00 PM
Mincha7:50 PM
Maariv8:45 PM
Shabbat Ends8:50 PM
Shabbat Shalom
The Journey or the Destination?

Where have you lived during your life? Have you wished at times you were someplace else or do you embrace the place where you are? Have you ever found that at first you did not understand why you ended up somewhere, but over time realized that it was meant to be? These questions form the essence of the life message God conveys in the beginning of the Torah portion of Massei.

Every word in the Torah is like diamonds and rubies and no word is without meaning or significance. Yet, God expands in great detail all of the places the Jewish people journeyed while traveling in the desert on the way to Israel. It is odd. All of the locations are already recorded as they stopped along the way from Egypt to Israel.

Why does God ask Moshe to record each location again? In fact, the name of the Torah portion Massei, the final one in the book of Bamidbar, records each of the 42 locations by name. What is the purpose and what is the eternal relevance to us? Even more puzzling is that the name of the Parsha is not stations or stops, but rather journeys - even though the reference is to a location where they stopped.

The Baal Shem Tov offers a clue by suggesting that the 42 stations from Egypt to the Promised Land are replayed in the life of every Jew as the soul journeys from its descent onto earth until the end of our lives when the soul returns to God. The stops are not merely locations, but lessons and opportunities for growth.

Rashi answers our questions by explaining that the locations are enumerated to demonstrate God's kindnesses. Rabbi Tanuchuma in the Midrash expands this notion via the example of a king whose child was sick and traveled to a far away location to heal him. While they were returning from the their successful trip, the father reminded the child of all of the stops along the way, "Here is where we slept, here is where you hurt your head, here we met this person." The father is reviewing the places to demonstrate to the child that no location was without some meaning and purpose. Each place contributes to his overall journey and progress in life.

In life, we are all challenged to ask ourselves what can we learn from each "stop" in life? Although we may not always understand when we might pause, lose our momentum, or stay put in a certain place, we should realize that from God's perspective this pause is not taking away from our life journey, but adding to it. Rather than wish we were somewhere else, how can we find a way to "embrace the place."

God enumerates the names of each location to stress what we learn from each place - whether in moments of growth or even setbacks - helps define and redefine the direction we are going and ultimately the journey we take throughout our lives.

This week, I am joining 35 members of our community for a Heritage Trip to Poland and Prague led by Dr. David Bernstein and Michael Berl. It is not only a journey to the horror of the Holocaust, but also of the heroism and the 900 years of Polish Jewish history. I am sure it will be a meaningful and life transforming trip and God wiling, we will use the days to not only pay tribute to those who perished in the Shoah, but gain a deeper understanding of the people, locations and years which transformed not only our nation, but also who we as a nation must strive to be.

As we enter the nine days of Av, may we all not only mourn the past but spend time in personal introspection into how we each can create a world worthy of the rebuilding of the Temple when we will return to Israel and there will be peace on earth.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


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

High Holiday Seating 
  • Do you need reserved or guest tickets for High Holidays? Download the Request Form.

Shalom Zachar  Shushannah and Ari Yasgur invite the community to a Shalom Zachar celebrating the birth of their new son on Friday night. 9 PM - 11 PM at HighGrove, 70 Forest Street, Stamford, - first floor dining room/party area.

Rabbi Cohen will lead the CAS mission to Poland and Prague  this coming Sunday. Rabbi Cohen will be accessible via email which he will check periodically. In case of emergencies, please contact Rabbi Zweiter at rabbizweiter@cas-stamford.org or 917-544-7522. To learn more about the itinerary, click here

Video of Interest  A video by the American Jewish Committee AJC timed for the anniversary of the bombing in Argentina and focusing on both the bombing and Hezbollah's role then and today. click here

Podcast For those who may have missed the Israeli poetry presentation in the Bennett Simcha Room at CAS,sponsored by the CAS Sisterhood and originated by the Book Talk Committee of the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County---here is a link to our podcasts, including the last one on July 14th

5779/2019 Tisha B'av Schedule
Halachic Reminders for Shabbat Erev Tisha B'Av
We will hold an early mincha at shul at 6:00 PM. The shul will not serve a seudah shlishit. Seudah Shlishit is considered your meal before the Fast. The Fast starts at 7:59 PM. When Shabbat ends at 8:42 PM, recite Baruch Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L'chol to mark the end of Shabbat before driving to shul. We will recite the blessing on a flame following Maariv and Eicha. Maariv will be held in the main sanctuary.
Saturday, August 10
  • 7:59 PM Fast Begins
  • 9:05 PM Ma'ariv followed by Eicha (main sanctuary) Rabbi David Walk will share a few words before Eicha.
Sunday, August 11
  • 7:00 AM Shacharit followed by brief recitation of Kinot
  • 9:00 AM Shacharit followed by Explanatory Kinot until approximately 1 PM
  • Chatzot (midday) 12:59 PM
  • Early Mincha 1:45 PM
  • 2:15 PM Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation video-"V'ahavta l'reyecha kamocha:The Blueprint for Rebuilding the Bais Hamidkosh" featuring Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein and Mr. Michael Rothschild
  • 3:45 PM Long Way Home- After WWII, Jewish Holocaust survivors are moved into Displaced Persons' camps. After delays, more physical hardship, and years of uncertainty, they are permitted to begin new lives in Israel and the U.S.
  • 6:00 PM Prosecuting Evil- A portrait of Ben Ferencz, the last surviving Nuremberg Trial prosecutor, who continues to wage his lifelong crusade in the fight for law and peace.
  • 7:35 PM Mincha followed by Maariv
  • 8:32 PM Fast Ends
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah before TefillahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
10:30 shiurTBD: TBD
MusafNoah Marlowe
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReaderMark Wagshul
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitNoah Marlowe
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital Packages Howard & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library Kiddushco sponsored by the Wolfsohn and Karp families in memory of Royce and Alfred Wolfsohn and by Rachel Jubas In honor of Jay's Birthday
Chapel KiddushAriella and Kayla Niedober in honor of eating cake and also for Ilana Rachel's first birthday!
Sanctuary KiddushHarvey and Helene Kaminski on the occasion of the shloshim for Harvey's sister, Anita Epstein
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 7:50 PM, Friday 7:00 PM
Candles Friday7:43 PM
Condolences
  • to the family of Tamar Gershberg
  • to Meryl Meiteles on the passing of her mother, May Tannenbaum
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 Shushannah & Ari Yasgur on the birth of a baby boy
  • to Paula & David Giver on the birth of a baby girl
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
Scholar In Residence With Rabbi David Walk 
Shabbat, August 10
Rabbi Walk will speak Friday night, lead the10:30 AM shiur, deliver the sermon in the sanctuary and Saturday Night before Eicha.

CAS Young Couples Movie On The Lawn 
Sunday, August 25 - 7:30 PM
Join the CAS Young Couples committee for a movie in the Cik Backyard. Sit back, relax with a drink and popcorn and enjoy a movie with friends. RSVP requested on the CAS website in the coming weeks.

Mikvah Mayim League Fund 


Raizi Checik 
Shabbat, September 14
SAVE THE DATE! Raizi Chechik, Head of School at Manhattan Day School, will be joining us as a scholar in residence on Shabbat, September 14. She will be speaking three times -- immediately after services, at a luncheon for the entire family after kiddush, and at seudah shlishit. Stay tuned for topics for her talks, and details on how you can make a reservation for the luncheon.
CAS Young Families
  • ONEG AT SHABBAT PARK August 17 @ 4:30 pm - Please join CAS Young Families and Young Couples as we welcome the Trencher Family to Stamford. Rabbi Shimmy Trencher will be the new principal of BCHA Upper School. Please bring a parve dessert or snack to share. We look forward to seeing everyone! Please invite friends and any visiting families.
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP Monday, August 5 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
  • GARDEN UPDATE Volunteer this Sunday for our Harvest Now Garden - Session at 9:15 AM. Teens can also get community service hours for helping too! For info, contact Rabbi Cohen.
  • BABY BOOMERS & SENIORS Tickets are available for the Broadway hit musical, "Ain't Too Proud", the story of the Temptations.These discounted tickets are for the 2pm matinee on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the Imperial Theater in New York City.Transportation is NOT provided!Please contact Shelley Senker at 203-912-6800 by Sunday, August 4th. Orders cannot be accepted after that date.
  • ONE NATION. ONE SIYUM. THE 13TH GLOBAL SIYUM HASHAS OF DAF YOMI Join the CAS delegation at the Siyum Hashas celebration on January 1st 2020 at Giants Stadium. This event which takes place once every 7 and a half years is one of the most energizing gatherings in the world with over 65,000 people all rooting for God and Torah. A limited amount of preferred seating is being offered to Agudath Sholom for this historic event. If you are interested in reserving your spot for $100 a ticket, please contact Rabbi Cohen of Jeff Cahn j.cahn@snet.net by August 10th.
  • 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 Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, August 6, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, August 7, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, August 8, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of August 4
MondayBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Pirkei Avot; Diving into our Morals - 10:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Aug 10Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Aug 17Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Aug 24Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Aug 31Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Sep 7Sanctuary: 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
  • Shalom Ben Zion ben Nacha
  • Alta bat Shifra
  • Avraham Shmuel ben Rivka Rochel
  • Avraham ben Hanna
  • Baruch Meir Chaim ben Leah
  • Baruch ben Minnie
  • Bella bat Ester Fira
  • Chaya Bluma Tziporra bat Dinah Leah
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Esther bat Sarah
  • Hasa Pia bat Alka
  • Malka Maria bat Idda
  • Mazal bat Amalia Maly
  • Miriam bat Sora Rochel
  • Moshe ben Laizer
  • Nachum ben Mina
  • Nechama bat Bracha
  • Nira bat Rachel
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Shlomo ben Sarah
  • Tamar bat Yocheved
  • Yehudah ben Raisel
  • Yitta bat Ruchel
  • Yitzchak ben Sarah
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • BI-CULTURAL HEBREW ACADEMY PRESENTS FAMILY FUN DAY for Families of children birth-7 (Siblings welcome) August 25th on the BCHA Sports Field. 3-5pm. Music, snacks, crafts and much more. A fun activity for the whole family. Rsvp to Msperber@bcds.org Looking forward to seeing you there!!
  • 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.
  • MEET ISRAEL CANCER SCIENTIST PROFESSOR ROTEM KARNI OF HEBREW UNIVERSITY whose research focuses on Brain and Ovarian cancers. August 19th, 7:30 pm at Chabad of Stamford, 770 High Ridge Rd, Stamford. Topic: "Tricking cancer with decoys. Our new decoy technology." Dr. Karni's work has generated headlines: "Israelis discover promising treatment for aggressive brain tumors". Program sponsored by the Israel Cancer Research Fund, CT Chapter, in cooperation with Chabad of Stamford. Email CT@ICRFonline.org or Jessie.Katz@ICRFonline.org for more details.
  • CHABAD OF GREENWICH ANNUAL PARENTING CONFERENCE Ross W. Greene, Ph. D will be speak on Wednesday, August 7th at Carmel Academy in Greenwich. . In the morning, Dr. Greene will be teaching a workshop designed for parents, to help children succeed at home and at school. In the evening he will deliver a keynote speech focusing on his latest book, Raising Human Beings. His seminar applies to parents / caregivers / and this method helps people in their own interpersonal relationships. Dr. Greene is the author of the influential, best-selling books The Explosive Child and Raising Human Beings. He is the originator of the model of care described in those books, now called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS). The CPS model provides a compassionate, accurate understanding of behavioral challenges and a non-punitive, non-adversarial approach for reducing challenging episodes, solving problems, teaching skills, improving communications, and repairing relationships. Dr. Greene was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for over 20 years, and is now founding director of the non-profit Lives in the Balance, which provides a vast array of free, web-based resources on the CPS model. He has appeared in a wide range of media, including The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, The Morning Show, National Public Radio, Mother Jones magazine, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, and the Boston Globe. Dr. Greene lectures and consults widely, throughout the world.If interested in attending this fabulous event, please sign up at CHABADGREENWICH.ORG
  • JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES YOUNG COUPLES COCKTAIL PART . This will be a really fun event and will give you the opportunity to learn more about what JFS does for the community. 9/4/19, 7-8:30 PM. Jewish Family Services- 196 Greyrock Place, Stamford. Price: $18 per couple. RSVP to Lisa Rich at Lrich@ctjfs.org
  • THE STAMFORD CHEVRA KADISHA PRESENTS BEYOND BURIAL AND SHIVA: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LOSING A LOVED ONE, Sunday evening, September 15, 2019, 7-9PM, Temple Beth El. Guest speaker: Dr. David Pelcovitz. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the entire community. http://www.stamfordchevrakadisha.org/beyond-burual-and-shiva.html Co-sponsored by Congregation Agudath Sholom.
  • 25TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF THE AMIA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER BOMBING IN ARGENTINA Monday night, August 5th, Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester in Rye, New YorkOn July 18, 1994, the deadliest single attack on a Jewish Diaspora community since the Holocaust took place in Argentina. The Asociacin Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) Jewish Center in Buenos Aires, which housed many of Argentina's key Jewish institutions, was blown apart by a suicide bomber. The blast killed 85 people and injured hundreds. Immediately following the attack, AJC sent a delegation to Buenos Aires to express solidarity with the Jewish community and to meet with government officials. AJC has been fighting ever since to bring the perpetrators to trial for this horrific act of terrorism. The program is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are required -click here
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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