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

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Friday, April 3, 2020

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
TzavApril 4, 202010 Nisan 5780
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting7:03 PM
Shabbat
Shabbat Ends8:05 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Two Seder Ideas: Redemption and Alone with God

As we prepare for Pesach unlike any other, we pray for healing and joy for all of our families, community and humanity. Here are two brief ideas for Pesach:

1. You are Part of the Redemption "In every generation we have to see ourselves as if we had left Egypt." This is generally understood to mean that on the Seder night we should envision ourselves leaving Egypt. Rabbi Avraham Kook understood this phrase differently. He gave it a more contemporary meaning: "In every generation every person needs to see how they are playing a role in the redemption of Israel and mankind."

Egypt was only the beginning of the process. The redemption continues in every generation. Each of us are responsible to play a unique role and contribute to bringing that great day. What role are we each playing in the role of redemption in the world today?

2. Being Alone on Seder Night - One of the challenges this year are families not being together. Here is a link to a moving story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe when he conducted a seder all alone. https://rabbidunner.com/when-the-lubavitcher-rebbe-self-quarantined-for-seder/ Here is also a beautiful idea shared by a young woman whose family could not be with their grandmother. "My mother-in-law will be alone. My daughter reached out to all of the cousins and asked for each cousin to pick a seder step. Each cousin will put together that part of the seder for my mother-in-law with photos, poems, thoughts or whatever it is that they would like to share that will make it meaningful. In the end, my MiL will have 15 envelopes (or more), labeled for the seder section that they correspond to, from all of her grandchildren. Each envelope will be labeled and she will open each as she gets to each section. I loved this idea and can think of many ways that it can be expanded to so many others."

May we all be blessed with a joyous holiday and God wiling many years of health and blessings!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Pesach updates
  1. Chametz Sale forms are available online on our website. Send in by Wednesday morning, 8AM
  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. Check out Our Pesach website for the latest updates.

CAS Passover Schedule
Tuesday, April 7
Search for Chametz 8:08 PM
Wednesday, April 8 Erev Pesach
Last time to eat chametz 10:45 AM
Last time to annul & burn chametz 11:51 AM
Candlelighting 7:09 PM
Earliest Time to Start Seder 8:09 PM
Thursday, April 9 Pesach I
Earliest Time to Start Seder 8:10 PM
Friday, April 10 Pesach II
Candlelighting 7:11 PM

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 and this moving clip from the Today show on NBC this morning (about 50 seconds in). May hashem continue to bless us to rise up!

Halacha Corner:  Zoom Seders - From a Halachic standpoint, the permission given for conducting a Seder via Zoom is limited to cases of serious mental health and isolation issues. I am available to discuss the parameters on a case by case basis. However, I would recommend a Zoom pre-Seder experience on Wednesday, April 8th. Although the Seder does not start officially until 8:10 PM for kiddush and the mitzvot of the night, gather at the table from 6:15 PM until 7:15 PM and share stories, Divrei Torah, sing songs including the Mah Nishtana, and enjoy the virtual connections. Turn off Zoom at 7:15 PM, light candles and daven Maariv. click here for Rav Rimon's Guidance for a Pre Passover Zoom Seder.

Yeshiva University's Torah to Go  https://www.yutorah.org/togo/pesach/

Ask the Therapist with Dr. Danielle Thau  Sunday, April 5th at 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM. The Covid19 Pandemic is stressful for everyone. There are shared concerns and individual ones, practical and abstract ones. We know that verbalizing worries and strengthening coping strategies helps minimize the strain on our bodies and helps to protect our relationships. Dr. Danielle Thau, Psy.D. who has been in practice in Stamford for 20 years, specializesin Medical Crisis Therapy, will answer questions on a community Mental Health Call to help manage the worries we are facing. Please send questions in advance to Dr. Thau at dcmthau@gmail.com. Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/7052940733 16465588656 705 294 0733

Community Prayers for Healing led by Rabbi Cohen  Sunday, Monday and Tuesday 545 PM - 5:55 PM . Rabbi Cohen will be leading us in psalms 20 and 121, a brief meditation, Mi Shebreach. If you have names you would like the rabbi to mention please email them to rabbicohen@cas-Stamford.org. Link to Psalm 20 Link to Psalm 121 Join on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/8514043665 or call (646) 558-8656, code: 8514043665. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think would want to be included.

Living in an Age of Uncertainty with Dr. David Bernstein  Sunday, April 5th at 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM Dr. David Bernstein is the Dean of Pardes and led the CAS Poland Journey. Certain classical Jewish texts, read superficially, would make us believe that life is predictable. However, we all know that life is full of surprises, for better and for worse. This session attempts to present a traditional Jewish approach to the many uncertainties that life has in store for us, based on Biblical and Rabbinic sources. Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/9726734034 or call (253) 215-8782, code: 9726734034

Virtual Shabbat Hagadol Drasha Visit the Passover classes site to view the Zoom recording - [link:https://sites.google.com/a/cas-stamford.org/pesach/home/classes,type:link,text:click here to view]

Please be Careful:  In an experiment done in Machon Tzomet, they found that hot plates covered with aluminum foil can reach up to 300 degrees Celsius, enough to light a towel on fire!Click here for details

10 Updated Tips for Shabbat
  1. Reach out to a senior in our community and let them know that they are not alone and that you are thinking of them. Contact Rabbi Zweiter if you would like to be a Senior buddy to maintain an ongoing connection.
  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 6:40pm and start promptly at 6:45 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.
  6. Please recite this special Tefillah for the victims of the coronavirus. Keep those sick people in mind and add any names.
  7. This Shabbat, we read the Parsha of Tzav. One of the highlights is the offering of Thanksgiving, the Korban Todah. What is the connection between this offering and the upcoming holiday of Pesach? (Hint: The answer is hidden in the #4) To hear more about the holiday and gratitude visit my Pesach podcasts.
  8. This Shabbat is Shabbat Hagadol, marking the Shabbat prior to Pesach. The reading of the Haftorah is from the end of Tanach, the book of Malachi, Chapter 3:4-24 focusing on the ultimate redemption of the Jewish people. Why is the Shabbat called great and what coronation between greatness and Pesach? How does the Torah define greatness?
  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.

Maot Chitim  - Collecting funds to ensure everyone has food for Pesach is an ancient custom and unfortunately is more needed than ever. Please give from the heart. We are working with Schoke Jewish Family Service to provide food and emergency assistance. Tzedakah can be donated online to our CAS Passover Fund. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
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.

There are special considerations for this year in preparation for Pesach. For the most up to date information, please visit our Pesach website or reach out to Rabbi Cohen or Zweiter for specific questions.

We understand the angst particularly for someone saying Kaddish or on a Yahrzeit. Therefore we recommend the following:
  1. As a community service, Aish Haftorah in Israel who have a minyan will keep your loved one in mind for Kaddish. Please send names to Rabbi Cohen.
  2. Studies for the Soul - Join our nightly 6:00 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.
  4. In lieu of Kaddish, you may recite the prayer "Al Hakol" privately which embodies many of the same elements of Kaddish. It can be found in an ArtScroll Siddur Shabbat morning before Torah reading on page 438. Contact Rabbi Cohen for a copy as well.

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 Friday7:11 PM
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Condolences
  • to Donnie Sherer and his family on the passing of his mother, Miriam "Micki" Sherer
  • to Mitchell Zucker and his family on the passing of his mother, Marlie Zucker
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 Leah & Peter Munk on the engagement of their daughter Adina to Eric Sachs
  • to Chanie & Rabbi Oran Zweiter 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
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, April 5

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: The Very First Pesach What Was Unique About Passover in Egypt? - zoom.us/j/8636117937 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 8636117937#
10:30 AMDr. David Bernstein: Living in an Age of Uncertainty - zoom.us/j/9726734034(253) 215-8782, code: 9726734034#
5:00 PMVirtual Mishna Learning and Shiva with Mitchell Zucker: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733#
5:45 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - Dial in: https://zoom.us/j/8514043665
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
7:30 PMDr. Danielle Thau: Ask the Therapist - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733#

Monday, April 6

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
10:30 AMLevi Mendelow: Talmud for Beginners - zoom.us/j/4630297544
5:45 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - Dial in: https://zoom.us/j/8514043665
6:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665#
8:00 PMElisheva Cohen: Unlocking Shir Hashirim - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733#
8:00 PMRabbi Yisrael Deren: Daf Yomi (Again) - zoom.us/j/9425111239

Tuesday, April 7

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#
9:10 AMRabbi Daniel Cohen: In Depth Themes of Passover - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: 646-568-7788, code: 8514043665#
5:45 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - Dial in: https://zoom.us/j/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, April 8

7:00 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 708904333#
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

Friday, April 10

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
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Esther Malka bat Chaya
  • Ha Rav Yosef Natah ben Mordechai Yitzchak Ha Cohen
  • Leah bat Nehama
  • Leah bat Sara
  • Menachem Mendel ben Liba
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Ronit bat Nadia
  • Tal bat Ronit
  • Yekusial Yosef ben Fraydel
  • Yisrael ben Rochel
  • Yitchak Yaakov Meir ben Miriam
  • Yonatan ben Yenta Chava
  • Zev Melech ben Bedina
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
  • Ziv Berel ben Alta Bracha
Community Announcements
  • SILVERLEAF PASSOVER AT HOME DELIVERED Visit www.Silverleafcaterers.com for online ordering
  • 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.
  • CSA 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
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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