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

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Friday, January 24, 2020

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VaeraJanuary 25, 202028 Tevet 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:42 PM
Mincha4:47 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM
Torah Before Tefillah7:40 AM
Coffee And Commentary8:45 AM
Teen Minyan9:30 AM
Latest Shema9:39 AM
Latest Shacharit10:28 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong/BMC10:30 AM
Daf Yomi3:50 PM
Code of Jewish Law3:50 PM
Mincha4:40 PM
Maariv5:39 PM
Shabbat Ends5:44 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Greatness Defined

Who is greater - Moshe or Aharon?

They are two of the most significant leaders in Jewish history. The question of who is greater seems odd though as it is clearly not the same as asking, "Who is the greatest baseball or basketball player of all time?" Yet, the Torah alludes to this comparison in this week's Torah portion of Va'era and, in doing so, offers a valuable life lesson.

The verse states: This is Aharon and Moshe to whom God said, "Take the children of Israel out of Egypt...this is Moshe and Aharon." (Shemot 6:26-27)

Rashi notices that in verse 26, Aharon is listed first and in verse 27, Moshe is listed first. Rashi explains that the shift is to teach us that the two of them are equal.

In truth, how can they be equivalent? Moshe was the greatest of all prophets and the only human being to whom God spoke Panim El Panim, face to face.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, of blessed memory, explains that greatness is not defined by a person's accomplishments, but rather by the person's success in fulfilling the tasks for which God equipped him or her and sent them to this world. Every person enters the world with unique abilities and set tasks to accomplish. Each person is blessed with different talents and endowed with a special mission. God expects us to use our gifts to the utmost.

Aharon was not Moshe but, Rabbi Feinstein expounds, he was not supposed to be like Moshe. Aharon did succeed in using all of his God given abilities, the tasks set for him in the world, just as Moshe did. In this spirit, he is equal to Moshe.

Spend time reflecting on your unique gifts and special mission. We can all succeed in life if we do our utmost to harness our God given potential for the Divine task given only to us.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Unfortunately  our guest Chazan Charles Muhlbauer lost his voice and had to reschedule. We look forward to welcoming him soon!

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

Upcoming Event CAS Cholent Challenge Shabbat, Feb. 15th. To participate, contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter.

Thank you 
  • to Shira Nerenberg and Alisa Weisser for organizing this week's Senior Luncheon. We are thrilled to be joined by students from BCHA, who will join Rabbi Cohen in hosting a Bracha Bee in honor of Tu B'Shvat!
  • to all of our hosts for the CAS Rookies and Vets Potluck Shabbat Lunch this weekend.

CAS Annual Dinner  Invitations are in the mail this week! Thank you in advance for your support!
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Yossi Kamman
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Oran Zweiter
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
Library shiurJay Jubas: Shiur
10:30 shiurMichael Feldstein: Understanding the Meaning Behind Moshe's Speech Impediment
ShacharitSimeon Wohlberg
MusafOmer Neumeier
SermonRabbi Oran Zweiter
Torah ReadersJay Jubas, Nat Samberg
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Avi Block
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library Kiddushco sponsored by Barry Best in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of his father Michael Best (Meir ben Pinchas Laib) and Arthur Smith in memory of his parents Miriam (Miriam Edel Bas Yehoshua) and Archie (Yitzchak Ben Tzvi Hirsch Halevi) Smith
Chapel KiddushDr. Murray and Roberta Engel in memory of Murray's mother, Hannah Menczel Engel
Sanctuary KiddushSarah & David Hochman in memory of David's father, Zalman ben Yitzchak Yosef; and the Guest Cantor Committee in honor of Chazan Charles Muhlbauer
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday 6:20 AM/7:30 AM, Tuesday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday 4:50 PM, Monday-Thursday 1:30 PM/4:50 PM, Friday 4:56 PM
Candles Friday4:51 PM
MondayRosh Chodesh Sh'vat
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.
Condolences
  • to Isaac Cohen on the passing of his father, Abraham (Roger) Cohen
  • to the family of Sandra Burn
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 Stacey and Rabbi Shimmy Trencher on the engagement of their daughter, Tali to Jesse Salver
  • to Evan Bernstein on his new position as Vice President, Northeast Division at the Anti-Defamation League
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
Enhancing Our Relationships: Practical Tips For Building Healthy Physical And Emotional Intimacy 
Tuesday, January 28 - 8:00 PM
***Please note new date: January 28st***

The Steinmetz, Bernstein, Alexander Yoetzet Halacha Initiative invites all women of the Stamford community for an evening of discussion and inspiration
Featuring Rachel Hercman, LCSW and CAS Yoetzet Halacha Dena BlockHosted 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

Aipac Shabbaton: Beyond The Jewish Community: Christians In The Pro-Israel Movement 
Shabbat, February 1
Services at 9:00am • Remarks at 11:00am • Q&A following kiddushFeaturing Josh Ehrich AIPAC National Christian Constituency Director - Josh is a deeply committed pro-Israel Christian with a strong background in politics and law. He has consulted on many federal, state, and local campaigns and has extensive policy experience through government relations and lobbying work. Josh received his bachelor's degree in history and political science from Cedarville University and attained his Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law. Info: Lila Greenberg at lgreenberg@aipac.org or (203) 448-7385.

Scholar In Residence Weekend With Rabbi Bernie Fox 
Shabbat, February 8
Rabbi Fox will be speaking three times over the weekend. Friday Night Oneg (at the home of Talia and Jonathan Siscovick, 57 Overbrook Drive, 7:30pm): Insights into Yitzchak from Haman, Shabbat day Talmud class (10:30 am at Agudath Sholom): Shabbat before Receiving the Torah and Seudah Shelishit (at Young Israel of Stamford): Alternative Models of Redemption: The Exodus from Egypt and the State of Israel. Hosted by Agudath Sholom and Young Israel of Stamford

Sivan Rahav Meir: Orthodox Vs. Secular / Israel Vs. America - Finding Common Ground In A Polarized World 
Tuesday, February 25 - 7:30 PM
Sivan Rahav Meir, noted Israeli Journalist and World Mizrachi Shlicha to North America, will speak on Orthodox vs. Secular / Israel vs. America: Finding Common Ground in a Polarized World.The event is being sponsored in partnership with the Religious Zionists of America and generously supported by Andrea and Dan Aaron, in memory of Andrea's parents, Saul and Janice Kalish, z"l. The event is free and open to the community and will be hosted at Agudath Sholom. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
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
  • CALLING PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO SPREAD JOY! CAS SHABBAT ATRIA AND RESIDENCE MITZVAH MISSION Spreading joy and building community. Our goal: enrich the seniors' experience through friendship, song and joy. Join Rabbi Cohen and Kate & Peretz Cik on Friday, Jan. 31st at 2:30 PM at The Residence at Summer Street (14 2nd St) and Friday, February 6th at 2:30 PM at Atria Stamford ( 77 3rd St.) to share the spirit of Shabbat. Adults & kids welcome. For more info: contact Rabbi Cohen
  • AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE LIMITED DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE. CAS has a few PC tickets available for the early bird rate of $399. If you are interested, please contact Rabbi Cohen.
  • CAS MENS CLUB TU B'SHVAT This year the CAS Men's Club is making it easy to plant for Tu B'shvat! We have partnered with the Israel Innovation Fund so that we get a portion of the amount for every vine planted in Israel.www.wineonthevine.org/cas
  • JR YACHAD HOUSING NEEDED Shabbat Feb. 7-8. Junior Yachad will once again be coming to Stamford! Volunteers are needed for housing. All Yachad members are matched up with a staff member who will be responsible for them. The kids have varying degrees of abilities and disabilities including a wide range of developmental and learning disabilities, such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Asperger's and cerebral palsy, in general they are mild mannered. They can stay in either separate bedrooms or the same. There might be one or two girls in a wheelchair. Only breakfast needs to be provided by the host family. They will be out of the house Friday night for dinner and pretty much all day shabbas. Include your address, how many you can sleep, whether you have stairs and phone number in your response. Thanks in advance!!! Hospitality Coordinator - Ziona Doft zionadoft@yahoo.com
  • DIASPORA YESHIVA BAND Join us for a Reunion concert of the world famous Diaspora Yeshiva Band, Saturday night, February 22 at the Stamford Plaza. Aish Hatorah's Project inspire will be welcoming them as part of their conference and is generously inviting our members to join for the concert. Reservations are mandatory and optional contribution is suggested. RSVP and more info, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org.
  • HELP THE CAS BRAND GROW Rabbi Cohen will be SIR at Manhattan Jewish Experience on West Side on Shabbat, Jan. 24- 25th - Invite your friends in city to join him for a dinner and Shabbat morning. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen or visit www.jewishexperience.org
  • SAVE THE DATE for the CAS Youth fundraising event open to the whole community - Saturday night, February 29th @ 7:45pm
  • DOR L'DOR UPDATE - Join us on Shabbat, Feb. 15th for a Meet and Greet during Kiddush to learn more and forge new friendships! This program seeks to build upon the multigenerational aspect of our community by linking young families and seniors. Together, youth and seniors will build a mutual relationship, with young families offering a helping hand or caring phone call a few times a year, and with seniors in turn offering their wisdom, perspective, and encouragement to young families. To find out more about this program, please contact Alyssa Frager at alanger23@gmail.com or Shari Levine at sharikel@gmail.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.
  • 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, January 27, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
  • Tuesday, January 28, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Friday, January 31, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, January 28, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, January 29, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, January 30, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of January 26
SundayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - 9:15 AM
MondayBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Mishlei, The Book of Proverbs - 10:15 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
WednesdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: 12 Minor Prophets - 9:30 AM
ThursdayRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - 9:15 AM
Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Tractate Taanit - 8:15 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
Feb 1Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 8Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 15Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 22Sanctuary: sponsoredChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 29Sanctuary: 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
  • Aliza Devorah bat Esther Elka
  • Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Moshe ben Luba
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Reuven Moshe ben Miriam
  • Rivka Devorah bat Chanula
  • Shoshanah bat Bascha Fleigel
  • Velvel Zev ben Yenta
  • Yehudit bat Gittel
  • Yekusial Yosef ben Fraydel
  • Yitzchak ben Shulamit Avigail
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • SIX THIRTEEN RESTAURANT - UPCOMING FEBRUARY EVENTS Saturday, February 1-Live Performance by Three Rabbis & a Cik. Doors open at 6:30, band plays at 8:30.; Sunday, February 2-Join us for the Super Bowl at Six Thirteen! Special dining package will be available. If you are watching somewhere else, take advantage of our Super Bowl Catering Packages.; Saturday, February 8-Chef's 4 Course Tasting Menu with Wine or Scotch Pairing. Reservations Required.
  • WARM UP THIS WINTER WITH PJ LIBRARY & BCHA! On 1/26/20, join United Jewish Federation's PJ Library & Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy for a morning of fun including Tu B'Shvat crafts, story time, and an introduction to BCHA's new Maker Space! Featuring a waffle and hot chocolate bar. This is a free event, but we ask that you sign up in advance- to sign up go to www.ujf.org/pjwaffles. For more info contact Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org or Sharon Franklin at sharon@ujf.org.
  • UJF EVENT United Jewish Federation and UJA-JCC Greenwich invite you to an evening with Seth Siegel, author of Troubled Water. Discover Israel's role for the solution to America's drinking water risks. This event is intended for donors $5000 and up to the 2020 campaign. $85 per person, 7pm dinner and drinks, program to follow, at the Bruce Museum. Register by 1/13 at www.ujf.org/water. Contact Diane Sloyer for more info at dianesloyer@ujf.org/203-321-1373 ext. 105.
  • JOIN CARMEL ACADEMY FOR A TU B'SHVAT CELEBRATION at the Stamford JCC on Sunday, February 9th at 11:30am. Come have lunch and learn about the origins of Tu b'Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, while participating in multisensory gardening activities led by our faculty. Geared toward ages 3 to 5.
  • 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
  • DO A MITZVAH! CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE SCHOKE JFS FREEDBERG FAMILY KOSHER FOOD PANTRY by purchasing Mitzvah Baskets and/or Mitzvah Centerpieces instead of flowers for your next simcha at CAS. Distributions from our 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
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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