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

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Friday, December 20, 2019

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayeshevDecember 21, 201923 Kislev 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:10 PM
Mincha4:15 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Latest Shema9:34 AM
Latest Shacharit10:20 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi3:15 PM
Code of Jewish Law3:15 PM
Mincha4:05 PM
Maariv5:06 PM
Shabbat Ends5:11 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Never Give Up: The Lights of Chanukah

What do the Chanukah flames signify to you? A few years ago I asked one of my daughters this question and she responded, "The light of Chanukah signifies spirit and hope!"

Have you ever tried counting the stars in the sky? In Genesis, God promises Abraham that the Jewish people will someday be as numerous as the stars in the sky. G-d enjoins Abraham to try and count the stars to see if he can quantify them knowing full well that the task is impossible. How can we count the infinite?

The answer emerges from the story of the Yosef and Maccabees.

Yosef languishes in the pit. According to the Zohar, he composed in the depths of his despair, the words, "Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me." It is the inspiration for David's famous Psalm 23. Yosef emerges, faces further challenges, but ultimately becomes the second in command to Pharaoh.

Imagine if the Maccabees had abandoned hope of defeating the mighty Greek army. Their battle was against all odds, yet they never lost hope. Possessing deep faith and courage, they dreamed the impossible. As Ethics of Our Fathers states, "It is not up to us to finish the task but we are not free to desist from trying."

G-d's command to count the stars implanted within Jews of all generations the spiritual audacity to dream and realize the impossible. Throughout our history, we are called upon to maintain our faith in the eternality of the Jewish people and serve as G-d's partners in realizing our destiny.

One of my most moving Chanukah experiences was in Jerusalem when I accompanied a small group on a walking tour of the Western Wall tunnels. Although I had walked these steps before, I experienced an eternal moment. My soul stirred as I gazed into the flames of the Chanukiah burning only yards away from the original Menorah lit on the Temple mount. Thousands of years later, the flame burns brightly,so close to the kindling of the flame by the Maccabees thousands of years ago.

The first flame ignites our dreams of transforming the impossible into the possible for the Jewish people. The reading of the Prophets on Chanukah echoes this theme. In stirring the Jews to rebuild the Temple after the Babylonian exile, Zechariah proclaims, "Not by might and not by power but by Spirit" will we realize our dreams.

How can we ignite the impossible for the Jewish people? What will we do to hasten the coming of the Messiah? How will the lights of Chanukah motivate us to count the stars in the sky?

Share your inspiration! Email me that the flames signify to you.

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom and happy Chanukah! With blessings,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Welcome  new member Dr. Lloyd Novick

The Tax Year is Ending!  Whether you want to pre-pay next year's dues or contribute to the Annual Dinner in March, if you would like to make a payment before the end of 2019, contact Matt Feinberg (mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org)

Member In Good Standing Reminder  The Congregational by-laws and constitution define members in good standing as those who have paid their current year dues (2019-20), past dues, and any fees owed by December 31. If you have any of these items outstanding, please pay them by December 31 to ensure you are recognized in good standing.

Youth Group Reminders 
  • No groups on 12/28
  • No outside food is allowed in groups
  • For security, the doors are locked. Please arrive by 10:30am

Welcome  Chazan Shimon Craimer as our Musical Scholar in Residence this Shabbat. Thank you to Sandy Shapiro and the Cantorial Committee for arranging the visit.

Thank you  to Mitchell Bell and the CAS Men's Club for arranging our annual holiday meal for the Pacific House Shelter this coming Wednesday. If you would like to support the efforts with funds, gifts or your time, please contact Mitchell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com

Israel Journey Update  We look forward to a meaningful and uplifting trip. A revised itinerary is posted online. Take a look! www.israeltour.com/dcohen. For more information, contact Rabbi Cohen

Check out Beldotti for Chanukah Beldotti's is now offering five donut fillings for Chanukah: Jelly, Caramel, Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon and Cookies and Creme. Please note donuts are dairy. However, the donuts served at CAS kiddush on Shabbat Chanukah are done especially for us and are made parve. We will not serve the Caramel which can only be made dairy. Please thank Beldotti's for their support of our community.

Check out  YU Chanukah to Go click here

NEW for Chanukah  We are partnering dishing Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider for Chanukah Unites. Videos and sources are ready and can be found on www.chanukahunites.org. CAS is participating with thousands of other people world wide. Sign up here to receive the videos to your inbox daily.

Rabbi Cohen's worth viewing and reading 

New Legal Holiday Learning Program  You have the entire day off from work? Devote just a little time at the beginning of your day to Torah. We will be starting a breakfast and learn program at CAS on major legal holidays. Have some breakfast and learn with us before having the rest of the day to yourselves! 9:15- Breakfast, 9:30-10:15- Shiur. 12/25- Rabbi Oran Zweiter: Why LIghting Candles is Not the Main Mitzvah of Chanukah. 1/1- Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein: TBD
Chanukah
Happy Chanukah We will light Chanukah candles at CAS every night in between mincha and Maariv at approximately 430 PM. The ideal time to light at home is after 5:15 PM. If you have specific questions about lighting and the holiday, please contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter.
  • Open House Chanukah Party on the First Night of Chanukah Hosted by Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen at their home. Sunday, December 22nd 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Join for an evening of refreshments, sing along with Jonathan Cahr & more! Please RSVP onlne or to Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
  • Atria Senior Living, Sunday, December 22nd at 5:00 PM - Hosted by CAS Residents of Atria
  • Edge Hill Independent Living, Tuesday, December 24th at 5:00 PM- Hosted by CAS Residents at Edge Hill
  • We invite families to bring their children to the lightings at Edge Hill and Atria to share in the Chanukah spirit with seniors in our community! Donuts on Us!
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Friday Night Chazan Shimon Craimer
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
10:30 shiurRabbi Oran Zweiter: ''And They Will Make for Me a Shul?''
Library shiurJay Jubas: Shiur
ShacharitChazan Shimon Craimer
MusafChazan Shimon Craimer
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReaderEthan Green
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Oran Zweiter
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library Kiddush
Chapel KiddushRabbi Yossi and Chanie Kamman in honor of the 19th of Kislev, the "New year" of Chassidisim
Sanctuary KiddushCo-sponsored by Lorraine & David Kweskin in commemoration of the yahrzeit of David's father, Herbert Kweskin; Joe Mittel in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his mother, Martha Mittel; Drs. Danielle & Steven Thau in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Steven's father, Edwin Thau; and Helene Zimmerman in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her father, Hyman Cohen
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Tuesday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM, Wednesday 7:00 AM/8:30 AM, Thursday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday 4:15 PM, Monday-Thursday 1:30 PM/4:15 PM, Friday 4:19 PM
Candles Friday4:14 PM
SundayChanukah: 1 Candle
MondayChanukah: 2 Candles
TuesdayChanukah: 3 Candles
WednesdayChanukah: 4 Candles/Christmas Day
ThursdayChanukah: 5 Candles
FridayChanukah: 6 Candles
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Condolences
  • We wish comfort the families of those who were murdered in Jersey City. May their memories be for a blessing. Our profound gratitude to Evan Bernstein, NY and NJ ADL Director for his wise leadership and sharing his insights last Shabbat. The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey has established a fund to support the victims' families. Donate at www.jfnnj.org/supportjerseycity.
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 the members of our shul and community who will be completing the Daf Yomi cycle, completing the entire Talmud. The world wide celebration will be on Wednesday, Jan 1st at Met Life stadium and venues are world. We will honor them on Shabbat, January 11th in the Sanctuary and at kiddush. Join us to honor them and consider starting the new cycle with Brachot. One page at a time. CAS offers a daily Daf Yomi class and many resources can be found online. To learn more, contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter one of the Daf Yomi celebrants. A full schedule of days, times and teachers for the new cycle will be available next week.
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
Behind The Scenes Of Jewish Marriage: Practical Tips For Building Healthy Intimacy 
Tuesday, January 21 - 8:00 PM
***Please note new date: January 21st***

The Steinmetz, Bernstein, Alexander Yoetzet Halacha Initiative invites all women of the Stamford community for an evening of discussion and inspiration on the topic ofBehind the Scenes of Jewish Marriage: Practical Tips for Building Healthy Intimacy
Featuring Rachel Hercman, LCSW and CAS Yoetzet Halacha Dena BlockDecember 17th 2019 at 8 PMHosted by Emily Dubitzky (Address will be sent via email following RSVP)For more information or to RSVP, contact CAS Yoetzet Halacha Dena Block at yoetzet@cas-stamford.org

Make Your Own Waffle 
Sunday, January 26 - 9:30 AM
CAS Young Families presents its 4th annual make your own waffle event with Rabbi Cohen. Dads and kids are welcome to join us at we make waffles and a Tu Bshvat project. Sunday, January 26 from 9:30-11 AM. Members: free, Non-members: $10
CAS Young Families
  • MOMMY AND ME GROUP 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.
Food For Thought
Food for Thought Section with Rabbi Cohen  As we grow as a community, we always need reminders of the sensitivities of the multi faceted nature of our congregation and personal struggles people may experience. Below are some helpful reminders about infertility. May the families who are yearning to have children of their own be blessed with simcha and joy in the year ahead!
CAS Announcements
  • HELP A COLD RABBI If anyone accidentally took a size medium navy blue Michael Kors winter coat from the coat room, please see Rabbi Zweiter. He is cold.
  • CAS MEN'S CLUB MEETING This Sunday at 11 am to review and plan our next few month's programming. Upcoming programming plans are needed for the Pacific House December 25, the Passover Fair on March 22nd, a few potential speakers and ideas, along with the yarzeit candles and related programming. Bagel & lox will be provided. All are welcome.
  • CAS MEN'S CLUB PACIFIC HOUSE MEAL on 12/25 (25 Pacific Street) It is very sad that we still see the destitute that live in Stamford, CT each year. On Dec. 25th, we will be providing them with at least two good meals. This year we are reaching out for food (turkey, potatoes, string beans, cauliflower or other vegetables, salad items, dessert, etc.) and new hats and gloves which we would like to have volunteers distribute to them around 12:30-2 pm. If you can help out in any fashion; (1) Donation, (2) Cooking Wed morning from 9-11:30am, or (3) Serving from 12:30+ let me know. Mitchell Bell (203 722-3512 and wizdrbel@yahoo.com)
  • 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.
  • JOIN A UNIQUE AND UNFORGETTABLE OPPORTUNITY to turn off your outside world and turn on your inner world at the holiest pace on earth.A SOUL JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen in partnership with Yeshivat Orayta. https://www.orayta.org/.Spend a week of study and spirit in the Old City with luminaries such as Rabbi David Aaron, http://www.rabbidavidaaron.com/ Rav Binny Freedman and many more. Open to Men and Women. Sunday, May 3rd until Sunday, May 10th, 2020. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Visit www.israeltour.com/dcohen for information and to sign up.
  • 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
  • Friday, December 27, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, December 24, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, December 26, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of December 22
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
TuesdayRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis and the Rudiments of Rashi - 8:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: The Power of the Prophets - 9:00 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives - 12:00 PM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
Review our full list of classes learn.cas-stamford.org
Sponsor A Kiddush
ShabbatSanctuaryChapelLibraryTeen
Dec 28Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 4Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 11Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 18Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 25Sanctuary: 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
  • Ariyah Leib ben Esther Malkah
  • Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Liba bat Peschke
  • Rachel bat bayla
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Reuven Moshe ben Miriam
  • Rivka Devorah bat Chanula
  • Sara Pesha bat Rivka
  • Tzedakah Bracha bat Yehudit
  • Velvel Zev ben Yenta
  • Yehudit bat Gittel
  • Yekusiel Yosef ben Fraidal
  • Yitzchak ben Shulamit Avigail
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • PJ'S & PANCAKES Looking for a great family outing over the holidays? Join United Jewish Federation's PJ Library & PJ Our Way for a "PJ's & Pancakes" Chanukah party, on 12/25/19, 9-10:30am- fun for the whole family, all ages welcome! $5 per child in advance/$10 at the door ($25 family max). Crafts, mitzvah project, breakfast & interactive music program with David Citron of the JCC. @ the J, 1035 Newfield Ave. For more info contact sharon@ujf.org. Sign up at https://events.idonate.com/pjpancakes PS: COME IN PAJAMAS! (This program is co-sponsored by the Stamford JCC).
  • MELAVE MALKA FOR WOMEN Please join us at our next Stamford women's Melave Malka and learning, Saturday night, Dec 21, 8:30pm- just in time for Chanukah and open to all women in the community. There will be food and inspiration on the women of the Chanukah story at the home of Chani Kamman (54 Mayflower) and words of Torah from some of our esteemed Stamford Chana's & Yehudit's. Please email rachelhcooper@gmail.com if you are interested in sharing anything!
  • BI-CULTURAL CELEBRATION DINNER HONORING CAS Members - Elise and Steven Cohen-Guests of Honor, Alice and Jason Janush-Community Service Award, Tina and Yossi Notik-Young Leadership Award, Laura Kassen-Alumni Award, David Giver-Jane Shoztic Memorial Award. Sunday, January 12, 5:30 PM sign up at www.bcha-ct.org/celebration or contact Rachel Cohen, Dinner Director, at rcohen@bcha-ct.org or 203-329-2186
  • FREE WEEKLY BASKETBALL SCRIMMAGE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES Wednesdays from 8:30-9:30pm at the BCHA gym. Get some midweek exercise and get back in the game! Please contact Adina if interested at Adina.levine@gmail.com
  • A WIN WIN CHANUKAH GIFT IDEA Israel bonds' eMitzvah Bonds ($36, $54, $72, $90 online only) are Hanukkah Gelt 2.0 - better than coins, cash, checks or gift cards and loaded with mitzvah, Zionism and tradition. No schlepping to the mall, no waiting in line - and they are easy to hide. Mazel Tov Bonds available too ($100 and multiples of $10, up to $2500 per purchaser per holder per monthly sales period). Available online www.israelbonds.com, via smartphone app, call 914.713.9003 or email cynthia.blustein@israelbonds.com.
  • DO A MITZVAH! CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SCHOKE JFS KOSHER FOOD PANTRY by purchasing Mitzvah Baskets and/or Mitzvah Centerpieces instead of flowers for your next simcha at CAS. Distributions from the Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry have increased by more than 1000 since the recession. With this tremendous upsurge in use, Schoke JFS is constantly challenged to keep the food pantry full. Your generosity enables Schoke 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

2020 AIPAC Diamond Summer Internship Application! Diamond Summer Internship (DSI) is one of the most premier internships in Washington DC, and each summer AIPAC hires interns to work at the DC headquarters and in regional and satellite offices across the country. Interns are fully integrated into their department or regional office, and will also engage in a variety of professional development programming. Departments vary each summer, but often include: Political, Policy and Government Affairs, Development, Leadership Development, Business Operations (i.e.: finance, IT, HR), Marketing and Communications, Events and Creative Services, Outreach, and more. Interns participate in the National Intern Retreat, Summer Saban Leadership Seminar, weekly intern call-ins with organizational leadership, and the highly-acclaimed Summer Seminar Series. Typically, DSIs are entering their Junior or Senior years of college.The application can be found at: https://acollegietspply.aipacldevents.org/prog/DSI2020.The DSI program begins on Monday, June 15th, 2020, and interns may opt to work for 8, 9, or 10 weeks.The deadline to apply is January 2nd, 2020 at 11:00PM EST.
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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