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

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Vayakhel-PekudeiMarch 21, 202025 Adar 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Notice
Coronovirus Update
We have made the difficult decision to close the synagogue for all minyanim including Shabbat, classes and gatherings beginning Friday, March 13th. There should be no house minyanim and people should daven individually. Further, people should limit gatherings for Shabbat meals. As adults, we need to set an example for our children and limit social interaction. The shul will only be open for office staff and construction only.

The Minnie Manger Marcia Lieberman Mikvah will remain open. We are asking everyone to do all their preparations (bathing and showering) at home. Women under mandatory quarantine or who are experiencing symptoms of illness may not use the mikvah. The Men's Mikvah will be closed.
Friday
Candle Lighting6:48 PM
Shabbat
Shabbat Ends7:50 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Message

We will miss everyone in shul on Shabbat yet we can still remain connected and we are one.

Whether through prayer, kindness or learning, we can find new and meaningful ways to reaffirm our strength as communities, Kehilot. There is no more fitting Shabbat then the upcoming one, entitled Vayakhel. It is a Shabbat marking the power of community. Even though we are in our own homes, let's use this time to reflect on how we can each increase our support of each other in the week ahead. Together, we will not only make it through these challenging times but we will learn and reveal our untapped potential to build a world of kindness.

These unique times and in particular Shabbat fully rooted in homes is an opportunity to strengthen our families and relationships, and insure that our homes are truly miniature versions of the mishkan, the tabernacles, places where God's presence dwells in peace, joy and growth.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and uplifting Shabbat and healing for all humanity,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


10 Updated Tips for Shabbat
  1. Reach out to someone older or under quarantine. Let them know that they are not alone and that you are thinking of them.
  2. Print out a Torah idea today to share at the Shabbat Table. Here are four excellent resources: www.ou.org, www.aish.com, www.chabad.org, www.yutorah.org
  3. Pick up the phone. Think of some of the people you would normally see over Shabbat and speak with them. Join our Making Mitzvah Moments Whats App to mobilize to help people in need.
  4. Sing. Join Ruach and Renewal at 5 PM Friday with Rabbi Cohen and Jonathan Cahr on FB Live. Join us for a dial-in Kabbalat Shabbat and sing with us. We'll call in at 6:35pm and start promptly at 6:40 pm. Please call 605-475-6777 and enter 51122006# when prompted.
  5. If we can't daven together literally, let's at least daven together at the same time. We'll start our davening at home at 9am. It is appropriate even when not in a minyan to recite the Birkat Hachodesh, blessings for the new month. God willing, our prayers will be answered for the good!
  6. Please recite this special Tefillah for the victims of the coronavirus. Keep those sick people in mind and add any names.
  7. We won't hear the parsha read in shul this week, but we will still have the opportunity to read it ourselves. This week concludes the book of Shemot and read parshiyot Vayakhel and Pekudei detailing the building of the Tabernacle. Chazak Chazak VeNitchazek!
  8. This Shabbat is also Parshat Hachodesh, the last of the four special parshiot that we read marking the upcoming month of the Nisan. The reading is Exodus, Chapter 12, signifying the mitzvah of sanctifying the new moon. When our schedules are out of sync, how are we sanctifying our time?
  9. Dress for Shabbat. We won't be in shul, but we can still accord Shabbat the dignity and kavod it so richly deserves by dressing as if we were going to shul.
  10. Think about someone you miss seeing in shul. Make a mental note to call him/her after Havdalah.

Pesach updates
  1. Chametz Sale forms are available online on our website
  2. Reminders for Shopping: Eggs and Milk may be purchased before Pesach without special Pesach supervision. On Pesach, eggs and milk must have Kosher for Pesach supervision.
  3. Join our Virtual Pesach Preparations Classes in weeks ahead. Feel free to reach out to Rabbis Cohen and Zweiter for any questions. Visit www.ou.org
  4. All products in Pesach aisle at supermarkets are not always Kosher for Pesach. Please check labels.
  5. Shatzer Shmurah Matzah orders available online - Limited Supply
  6. Our Pesach website will be live next week.

Send a Virtual Shabbat Shalom! Join our Virtual Shabbat Shalom greetings on Friday to our shul. We may not see each other at Kiddush but we can still wish everyone a Shabbat Shalom! Send a 5-7 second video greeting from your family by 9 PM Thursday of each week to Jake Sigman at jsigman04@gmail.com. We will send out CAS Virtual Shabbat Shalom to the shul on Friday afternoon!

Making Mitzvah Moments - Stamford Jewish Community What's App Group 
A small act of kindness can change the world of one person. Join our Making Mitzvah Moments (MMM) group to assist people in our community. Whether for a shut in, the elderly, someone who is sick or others, there are small ways we can help and uplift each other. Here is the link

Here is how it works. MMM will be posted through Schoke JFS and other organizations as a resource of people in need. The post will have contact numbers for clergy in community. When the clergy or a member of the group knows of a request, they will post on what's app group for volunteers to respond to the call!

God willing, together as a community we can strengthen our bonds to each other and transform times of sadness and loneliness into renewed spirit and light.

Check out a Feature on Channel 4 WNBC!

New: Meaning in the Morning: CAS Shacharit Experience with Rabbi Daniel Cohen  Sunday 8 AM, Monday-Friday 7:45 AMThe Tefillah will consist of Morning Blessings, Selected Psalms, Birchot Shema, Meditation, Descending the Mountain. Although we cannot recite certain parts which require a formal minyan, there is value to uniting in prayer together and answering Amen, one of the most significant mitzvot.Visit the Class schedule below for login information.
Covid Update
COVID-19 Updates

We hope and pray for good news of health and healing in the weeks ahead. Please note the following updates. Below is a letter from our community leaders about supporting local establishments.

We understand the angst particularly for someone saying Kaddish or on a Yahrzeit. Therefore we recommend the following:
  1. As a community service, Rabbi Yerachmiel Seplowitz, who organizes a minyan at an assisted living residence, will keep your loved one in mind for Kaddish. Please send names to Rabbi Cohen
  2. Studies for the Soul - Join our nightly 6:30 PM mishna learning as a tribute to your loved one. (646) 558-8656, code 206547223#
  3. Light a Yaarzeit Candle, Recite Psalm 16 and recite a Kel Maleh privately.

Do not underestimate the power of prayer.
Join the OU everyday at 1 PM for a call to recite Psalms and hear words of inspiration. The phone number is (773) 249-0370. Whether on the call or not, recite Psalms 20, 121 and 130. Also, check out this innovative way to connect through Tehilim. https://abrahamslegacy.com/

Tzedakah and Financial Support
This is a very trying time for people in our community. If you or you know someone who is in need of financial support for daily needs, please reach out to me. Our communication will of course be confidential and God willing, we can renew your spirit and offer vital support for you and your family. If you are able to contribute to the CAS charity fund, your assistance is needed now more than ever. Please reach out to me as well.


Keilim Mikvah
Please follow the following protocols when using the Mikvah for vessels.

  1. People should wear latex gloves when immersing vessels.
  2. People should wash their hands both before and after using the mikvah.
  3. The surfaces should be wiped down appropriately as often as possible.

Supporting Local Establishments
Please make every effort to support our local kosher and service establishments. They are hurting.  Whether for food, dry cleaning, salons, or other stores, buying gift certificates now, for instance, can be a helpful way to help keep cash flowing and give them strength.
May we share good news in the days ahead and thank you!

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Congregation Agudath Sholom
Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El
Rabbi Jay Tel Rav - Temple Sinai
Jackie Herman, Bi Cultural Hebrew Academy
Rabbi Eli Kohl, Young Israel of Stamford
Marshall Kurland, Stamford JCC
Rabbi Moshe Shemtov, Chabad of Stamford
Diane Sloyer, Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien
Matt Greenberg, Schoke Jewish Family Service
Weekday Schedule
Candles Friday6:56 PM
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www.mazzaandmore.com

Condolences
  • to Mark Kaufman on the passing of his brother, Joel Kaufman
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 Diane & Elliot Sloyer on the engagement of their son Coby to Leora (LeeLee) Borzak
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
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
  • 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.
CAS Classes Online

Join one of the online classes from CAS or in our community

Sunday, March 22

7:45 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
8:00 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
9:15 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: Bible from the Beginning - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#

Monday, March 23

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
7:45 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 AMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Tanya of the Day (8-815am), Parsha with Rashi (815-845am), Misneh Torah-Rambam (845-945am) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
8:50 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: A Brief Question and Answer on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
10:30 AMLevi Mendelow: Talmud for Beginners - zoom.us/j/4630297544
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 PMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Daf Yomi (Again) - zoom.us/j/9425111239

Tuesday, March 24

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
7:45 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 AMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Tanya of the Day (8-815am), Parsha with Rashi (815-845am), Misneh Torah-Rambam (845-945am) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
8:15 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Depth of Genesis - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:50 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: A Brief Question and Answer on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
9:10 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Power of the Prophets - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
12:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Parsha Perspectives - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 PMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Daf Yomi (Again) - zoom.us/j/9425111239

Wednesday, March 25

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
7:45 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 AMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Tanya of the Day (8-815am), Parsha with Rashi (815-845am), Misneh Torah-Rambam (845-945am) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
8:50 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: A Brief Question and Answer on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
9:30 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: 12 Minor Prophets - Book of Joel - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, 8636117937#
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
6:45 PMLevi Mendelow: Judaism and its vision for the whole world - zoom.us/j/4630297544
8:00 PMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Daf Yomi (Again) - zoom.us/j/9425111239

Thursday, March 26

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
7:45 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 AMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Tanya of the Day (8-815am), Parsha with Rashi (815-845am), Misneh Torah-Rambam (845-945am) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
8:50 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: A Brief Question and Answer on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
9:15 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: Rabbi Soloveitchik's work, Halakhic Man - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, 8636117937#
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 PMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Daf Yomi (Again) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
9:15 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Finding Strength - Slonimer Rebbe on Parsha and Pesach - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#

Friday, March 27

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
7:45 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Meaning in the Morning - CAS Shacharit Experience - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 AMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Tanya of the Day (8-815am), Parsha with Rashi (815-845am), Misneh Torah-Rambam (845-945am) - zoom.us/j/9425111239
8:15 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: The Pre-Shabbos Torah Taste - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:50 AMRabbi Oran Zweiter: A Brief Question and Answer on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
9:30 AMLevi Mendelow: Studies in Tanya - zoom.us/j/4630297544
10:45 AMLevi Mendelow: The Weekly Parsha - zoom.us/j/4630297544
12:00 PMJonathan Fass: Taste of Torah - zoom.us/j/276461887
5:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen and Jonathan Cahr: Ruach and Renewal - facebook.com/events/s/ruach-and-renewal-revealing-th/2778154248958807/?ti=icl
6:45 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Sing Along Kabbalat Shabbat - Dial in: Call 605-475-6777 Enter 51122006#
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Benyamin Meir ben Slova
  • Berel ben Chaya
  • Chana Leah bat Esther Elke
  • Chana bat Gittel
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Esther Malka bat Chaya
  • Leah bat Nehama
  • Leah bat Sara
  • Menachem Mendel ben Liba
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Ronit bat Nadia
  • Shoshanah bat Bascha Fleigel
  • Tal bat Ronit
  • Yekusial Yosef ben Fraydel
  • Yisrael ben Rochel
  • Yonatan ben Yenta Chava
  • Zev Melech ben Bedina
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Ziv Berel ben Alta Bracha
Community Announcements
  • 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.
  • BATTERS UP! Registration is now open for the Fairfield County Connecticut Jewish Baseball League's 2020 season. Open to kids aged Pre-K through grade 6. Games are played on Sunday mornings only, starting 4/26. To sign up or for more info, go to www.fccjbl.org
  • CAS Interested in an affordable way to eat delicious, locally grown fruits and vegetables this summer? Join over a hundred families by investing in a share of the Stone Ledge Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Pick up your organic produce, dried coffee, mushrooms, dried beans, and more each week from June 3 - November 11 at the Stamford JCC. Questions, please contact Jessie Katz at jessica.d.katz@gmail.com.
CAS Israel Advocacy Update
Check out this wonderful article about CAS @AIPAC!

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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