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

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Friday, January 10, 2020

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayechiJanuary 11, 202014 Tevet 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting4:26 PM
Mincha4:31 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 Shema9:41 AM
Latest Shacharit10:28 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Tot Shabbat/Mini Minyan/Jr. Cong10:30 AM
Daf Yomi3:35 PM
Code of Jewish Law3:35 PM
Mincha4:25 PM
Maariv5:23 PM
Shabbat Ends5:28 PM
Shabbat Shalom
United We Stand

Are we our own worst enemies?

The recent rise in anti-Semitism understandably creates much anxiety in our communities. There is much to be done against the external threats. I recommend two articles recently written by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Abraham Cooper with concrete ideas and invaluable perspectives. (Links below) I also want to commend Diane Sloyer, CEO of the United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien for her leadership in organizing the rally this past Sunday and Evan Bernstein, NY and NJ ADL Director for his passion, wisdom, erudition and deep commitment to the mission of ADL in these tumultuous times.

Yet, this week's Parsha offers a striking reminder that building a better world, one worthy of redemption, emerges not only when our external enemies are defeated but when we stand united as a Jewish people. Whether Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or unaffiliated, Chassidic or Secular, there is more that unites us than divides us. We cannot afford to marginalize or malign any fellow Jew.

Ya'akov anticipates this challenge for all future generations. As he lays on his deathbed, he tells his sons, "Gather, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the end of days." (Bereishit 49:1)

The Shelah Hakadosh, and Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, explains that prior to informing his children about the end of days, Yaakov asks them to gather together. Gathering and uniting is a precondition to the Messianic age. If there is hatred and enmity among our brothers and sisters, the redemption will not arrive. Whatever a person's level of observance or affiliation, we are one. We must do more personally and as a community to build bridges within the Jewish community. We can only succeed in our outer battles if we are strong and united within.

I was moved recently by the words of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, the first Chief Rabbi of Palestine, who lamented the use of words like "secular" or "religious" to describe Jews. It is limiting and counter productive. It encourages people to look down on others and also inhibits potential for religious growth.

God willing, in the weeks and months ahead, we will do our utmost to heed the words of Ya'akov. Let us go beyond our comfort zones to foster friendships beyond our political parties, social circles and religious affiliations.

In the words of Rav Kook, "Let us be known by the general name of the people of Israel, not by the name of a party or camp. Let us know that in each camp, there is much to be mended and much good and light that one can receive from the other. Then there will dawn on us the divine light through which we will find eternal deliverance."

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and may we share good news in the weeks ahead,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


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

Late Maariv At CAS  We are considering holding a late Maariv service at 8 PM on Wednesday and Thursdays. Interested? Contact Daniel Schilowitz at daniel.schilowitz@gmail.com.

Adult Ed Update  Diane Cohen will resume her Wednesday morning class on Megilat Esther on Wed, Jan. 22nd at 10:30 AM

Rabbi Cohen's Articles of Interest 
  • Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: The keys to understanding American anti-Semitism - and fighting back click here
  • Rabbi Abraham Cooper: Hanukkah stabbings show anti-Semitism thriving in US - Here's what we must do click here
  • Major Jewish Groups Mobilize Against Hate While Unsure About Its Causes click here

Upcoming Kiddush Info and Events 
  • January Bday and Anniversary Kiddush, Shabbat 18th - Join in the celebration for $100 and contact Kim in the office.
  • Agudath Sholom Cholent Challenge Shabbat, Feb. 15th. To participate, contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Zweiter.
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Friday Night Dvar TorahRabbi Daniel Cohen
Kabbalat ShabbatDaniel Wallis
Torah before TefillahRabbi Oran Zweiter
Coffee and CommentaryRabbi Daniel Cohen
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Shimmy Trencher
Library shiurJay Jubas: Shiur
10:30 shiurRabbi Avi Block: Joseph's Coat, Judah's Staff & Reuben's Sandwich: Studies in the Trappings & Trippings of Leadership
HaftorahRabbi Dr. Leslie Friedman
SermonRabbi Daniel Cohen
Torah ReaderHyman Schaffer
Daf YomiDavid Bessaleli
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Oran Zweiter
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Shabbat Shalom Hospital PackagesHoward & Stephanie Fogel in memory of Sam Fogel
Library KiddushCo-sponsored by Arthur Smith in memory of his parents Miriam (Miriam Edel Bas Yehoshua) and Archie (Yitzchak Ben Tzvi Hirsch Halevi); by Sandy Shapiro in commemoration of the 12th Yahrzeit of his father (Chaim Dov Ben Yitzchak Isaac); and by Veronica Reich in honor of the yahrzeit of her mother, Margaret Eckman (Miriel bat Yechiel)
Chapel KiddushThe CK Fund
Sanctuary KiddushCo-sponsored by Beth Bacha, Carl Kaufman's daughter, in honor of all the Daf Yomi participants; The Bessaleli Family, Gilla Jasper and family, and Tova Epstein and family in honor of all those who just completed Shas; Judy Cahn in honor of Jeff Cahn and the daf yomi group's Siyum HaShas; Rhoda & Avram Freedberg in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Avram's uncle, Melvin Freedberg; Lee Miller and Leslie Freedman in memory of the yahrzeit of Leslie's father, Theodore B. Freedman
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday 4:35 PM, Monday-Thursday 1:30 PM/4:35 PM, Friday 4:39 PM
Candles Friday4:34 PM
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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 the families of Israelis who died in flooding this week In Israel including Moti Ben Shabbat of Nahariya, Dean Yaakov Shoshani and Stav Harari, both 25, Ali Mansour Agrabiya, 47, and Eran Hernstadt, 72.
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 Bi Cultural Hebrew Academy and their honorees on their annual dinner celebration this Sunday.
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 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 on the topic ofBehind the Scenes of Jewish Marriage: Practical Tips for Building Healthy Intimacy
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 9:00 am, Remarks at 11:00am, Q&A following kiddush Featuring 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
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
  • SAVE THE DATE Cantor Chuck Mulbauer Shabbos Jan 24th & 25th!
  • 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
  • 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.
  • NEW UPDATE FROM RABBI COHEN ABOUT JERUSALEM JOURNEY IN MAY The time spent in Jerusalem will be eternal. There is no time like the present to seize the opportunity to reconnect with who we are and who we want to be. I am thrilled to share with you an updated itinerary for the journey to Jerusalem in May (www.israeltour.com/touritem/dcohen/). We will have the blessings of learning with luminaries such as Rabbi David Aaron, Rabbi Binny Freedman, the music of Shlmo Katz, touring of new discoveries at the City of David, Shilo, the site of the Tabernacle and Chana's Prayer, Psagot Winery, and much more! We will be based within walking distance of the Old City at the five star Orient Hotel. Please let me know if you have any questions and your interest as we are hoping to solidify the participants by Jan. 15th. Please let me know if you know others who may have an interest in joining. Thank you very much and looking forward to a wonderful and meaningful journey together!
  • 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
  • Monday, January 13, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM at CAS
  • Tuesday, January 14, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
  • Friday, January 17, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Starbucks, 2139 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905, USA
Rabbi Oran Zweiter
  • Tuesday, January 14, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Wednesday, January 15, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at CAS
  • Thursday, January 16, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at CAS
CAS Classes
Week of January 12
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
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
Jan 18Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Jan 25Sanctuary: openChapel: openLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 1Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 8Sanctuary: openChapel: sponsoredLibrary: sponsoredTeen:
Feb 15Sanctuary: 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
  • Ariyah Leib ben Esther Malkah
  • Bayla Frimet bat Rivka Henshe
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Reuven Moshe ben Miriam
  • Rivka Devorah bat Chanula
  • Sara Pesha bat Rivka
  • Shoshanah bat Bascha Fleigel
  • Velvel Zev ben Yenta
  • Yehudit bat Gittel
  • Yekusiel Yosef ben Fraidal
  • Yitzchak ben Shulamit Avigail
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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 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
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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