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

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Friday, December 25, 2020

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
VayigashDecember 26, 202011 Tevet 5781
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha12:20 PM/3:53 PM
Candle Lighting4:13 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00 AM/9:00 AM
Latest Shema9:37 AM
Latest Shacharit10:23 AM
Mincha3:00 PM
Maariv5:09 PM
Shabbat Ends5:14 PM
Shabbat Shalom
We hope you and your families are well.

Thank you to everyone who supported our drive for Toys for Tots and the holiday meal for Pacifc House led by Mitchell Bell. You may receive updates for timely mitzvah moments by joining our growing WhatsApp group.

Especially in the virtual world, it is even more important to stay connected. To get real time updates visit our CAS FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/cas.stamford and our Young Families page https://www.facebook.com/casyoungfamilies. We are excited this week to launch our Agudath Sholom on Instagram. Join here and invite your friends!

This Shabbat, join us for one of the two Shabbat morning minyanim at 7 AM and 9 AM in the chapel. There are no outdoor minyanim this Shabbat. We will continue to offer outdoor mincha and maariv next week. For up to date info, join the CAS Outdoor Minyan group.

Thank you for your partnership and wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen


Pre-Shabbat Virtual Opportunities at CAS 
  1. Ruach and Renewal with Rabbi Cohen and Jonathan Cahr, Friday at 2:00 PM - https://www.facebook.com/rabbidanielcohen
  2. Community Prayers for Healing with Rabbi Kurtz, Friday 3:00 PM - https://zoom.us/j/8514043665 - password: 1234613
  3. Studies for the Soul with Rabbi Kurtz, Friday at 3:10 PM - https://zoom.us/j/8514043665 - password: 1234613
  4. Kabbalat Shabbat with Sandy Shapiro and Rabbi Cohen, Friday at 3:20 PM - https://zoom.us/j/8514043665 - password: 1234613
  5. Join Rabbi Cohen's Living Torah Moment and Rabbi Kurtz's Daily Peninei Halacha

Virtual Torah and Announcements 
  • Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Eternal Ethics - Before We Turn the Page on 2020, Ask Yourself this Question - click here
  • Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Dvar Torah On Parshat Vayigash - Footsteps of Faith and the Future: God's Promise to Jacob and Us - click here
  • CAS President, Toby Schaffer's Shabbat Announcements - click here

Shabbat Information 
  • Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayigash with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
  • Haftorah Parshat Vayigash - summary by Chabad.org - click here
  • Haftorah Parshat Vayigash - summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
  • Shabbat Mincha will be at 3:00 PM during December to enable seudah shlishit at home. In January, Mincha will move to 3:30 PM.

Thank You 
  • to this week's Senior Challah deliveries co-sponsors: Miriam & Joe Gelb in memory of Miriam's brother, Leonard Goldberg and Helene Zimmerman in honor of Benjamin and Dr. Melinda Silverberg!

    If you would like to sponsor a week of our Senior Challah deliveries, click here.
  • to Mitchell Bell and the Men's Club for organizing today's Pacific House meal. Thank you to all the volunteers and donors: Beldotti Bakery, Emily Caney, Elise Cohen, Suzannah & Eytan Coll, Aaron Goldenberg, Shara Israel, Rebekah Kanefsky, Claudia Kraut, Jason Lewis, Ana & Albert Lilienfeld, Rhonda Love, Susan & Len Mark, Rachel Seligson, Jeremy Watman, Barbara Webski, and Hillary Zitter

Welcome 
  • to new member Maya Sparks and her daughters Hannah and Layla!

    To learn more about membership in CAS contact Rabbi Cohen, Matt Feinberg or membership chair Meg Haron (meghanharon@gmail.com).
  • to new family Yechiel and Deena Lamm and their children Tzvi, Eli, Yossi and Racheli, who recently moved into the community.

The Tax Year is Ending! Whether you want to pre-pay next year's dues or contribute to the Annual Dinner in the spring, if you would like to make a payment before the end of 2020, contact Matt Feinberg (mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org)

Did you know? You can receive extra tax benefits by donating your appreciated stock. Receive the benefits of both a charitable contribution AND avoid capital gains tax. Ask Matt for more information.

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 (2020-21), 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.

In the Jewish Link 
Condolences
  • to Matthew Bernstein on the passing of his father, Alvin Bernstein
  • to the Goldstein Family on the passing of Melvin Goldstein
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 Flora and Carl Kaufman on the upcoming marriage of their granddaughter, Hanna Kaufman, to Brian Akselrad in Coconut Grove, FL.
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
CAS Movie Club
Sunday, January 10 - 8:00 PM
Womens Book Club
Tuesday, January 12 - 8:30 PM
Upcoming Events
Senior Winter Tu Bshvat Tea, Treats And Intergenerational Games 
Thursday, January 14 - 1:00 PM
Featuring virtual games with the BCHA 4th Grade Class. Insights from Rabbi Cohen on Tu B'shvat and games with Rikki Weiderhorn. RSVP to Kim at kmahoney@cas-stamford.org.

Literature At Lunch With Rabbi Moshe Kurtz & Richard Schwartz 
Wednesday, January 20 - 12:00 PM
Read and discuss one short story a month with your fellow CAS members. Richard will present the literature, Rabbi Kurtz will provide the Torah, and you will contribute your own thoughts and ideas! (No pressure, you can also just listen in.)
We will be discussing "The Cactus" by O' Henry. We recommend you take the time to read it beforehand.
Please reach out to Rabbi Kurtz with any questions: rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org.
Shabbat Shalom
New Upcoming Classes
The Power of the Prophets: Judges
Date/Time - Beginning in January, Tuesdays at 9:00 AM
Rabbi Cohen will begin a text based study of the Book of Judges drawing on the modern applications of the ancient odyssey of the Jewish people upon entering the land of Israel. Explore themes of leadership, faith, war, justice and much more this timeless book.

Inside the Mind of the Great Commentators
Date/Time - Beginning in January, Tuesdays at 8:15 AM
Delve into the minds and philosophies of two of the greatest Torah commentators of all time the Ramban and the Ohr Hachaim. More than explaining the text, their approaches offer new gateways of understanding Torah and life.

Teshuvot V'Hanhagot Responsa
Date/Time: Beginning in January, Mondays at 8:00 PM
Rabbi Kurtz will offer a new series exploring the unique philosophy, strictures and nuances of Charedi Jewry through the lens of one its greatest contemporary expositors, Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch Shlit"a.

The Weekly Talmud: Tractate Makkot
Date/Time: Beginning in January, Thursdays at 7:30 PM
Have you ever completed an entire tractate of Talmud? Rabbi Kurtz will teach one amud (page) of each week, beginning with Tractate Makkot. Learn how the ancient Jewish court system addressed cases of perjury, inadvertent murder and much more. This class will be primarily geared to intermediate level learners while endeavoring to accommodate beginners as well.

Hebrew Reading from the Siddur: Siddur Fluency with Bob Abrams
Date/Time: Beginning in January, Thursdays
Ready to develop your Hebrew reading skills? We can help!! Bob Abrams will conduct a weekly Zoom class. He will start with the Shema, and move on from there to other of our prayers. You will heighten your comfort level with the Siddur and deepen your spirituality at the same time. For more info, contact Bob at boab72@gmail.com. We can't wait to see you!

Knowing God: In All Your Ways
Date/Time: Beginning in January, Thursdays from 11:30 AM - 12 PM
Rabbi Cohen will explore the foundational Jewish idea of emulating God and walking his His ways. Beyond the mitzvot, "Knowing God" is the essence of the spiritual life of being a Jew. Classes are based on many of the teachings of Rav Nachman of Breslow.
Weekday Schedule
ShacharitShacharit: Sunday 7:00 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Thursday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM, Friday 7:00 AM/8:30 AM
MinchaMincha: Sunday-Thursday 4:25 PM, Friday 4:23 PM
Candles Friday4:18 PM
FridayNew Year's Day
CAS Youth News
January Youth Events  
Parsha Pictionary: (Jan 2 at 6 pm)
Join us as we experience the parsha..through pictures! Each child who attends will get the opportunity to draw and guess what another child has drawn about the parsha! Open to all 1-4th graders.

Cookie Decorating with Rina Miller:(Jan 10 at 10 am)
Join CAS youth as we learn about the 10 plagues with hands-on experience through cookie decorating with Rina Miller! Open to ages 4+

Tu B'Shvat Cooking Demo with Rachel Licht: (Jan 24 @ 10 am)
Tu B'Shevat is just around the corner! There is no better way to experience this holiday than learning how to cook a special dish as a family with Rachel Licht! Fun for the entire family

Havdala: (Jan 30 6:15-6:45 pm)
Songs, stories, and a craft..oh my! We welcome you to join us as we say goodbye to shabbas together! Open to all ages! Bring your own ruach!

For more youth info, contact Yolly at ydratch@gmail.com or Youth Committee Chair - Jessica Sosnovich at jessica.sosnovich@gmail.com
CAS Young Families
  • SAVE THE DATE!
    January 30th @ 8pm - Backyard "Bond"- Fire
    Relax by the fire and enjoy s'mores, hot drinks and conversation. Attendees will be assigned to small pods in private backyards. *Masks and distancing to be observed.*
    RSVP required - $5/pp cover

    February 21st - @ 8pm, Location - comfort of your own home
    Pre- Purim baking demo with Naomi Elberg from instagram blog "Naomi TGIS". Join CAS for an interactive baking session. * Gift bag, recipe cards and zoom link included with registration.
    RSVP required

    March 13th - @ 8pm, Location - comfort of your own home
    Virtual PAINT NIGHT led by Pinot's Palette.
    Registration by March 7th required. All registrants will receive a kit including all items needed for the event.
    $25/pp

    If you would like to be involved in the CAS Young Couples committee please reach out, we always welcome fresh faces and new ideas! Contact Miriam Sperber for more info at miriam.lehrer@gmail.com.
CAS Israel Advocacy Update
Virtual ACHI/Ben Yehuda Market  Even though you can't visit Israel, you can still shop and support the businesses there who are suffering from the lack of tourism. Browse through 55 Israeli merchants from many different categories. Achi613.org

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
CAS Announcements
  • JOIN THE CHEVRA KADISHA If you are interested in viewing a training video on how to perform a tahara, please contact Michael Feldstein at michaelgfeldstein@gmail.com at the Stamford Chevra Kadisha and he will send you a link.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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

Friday, January 1

2:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen and Jonathan Cahr: Ruach and Renewal - www.facebook.com/rabbidanielcohen
3:10 PMRabbi Moshe Kurtz: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
3:20 PMRabbi Moshe Kurtz: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Megillah - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
3:20 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen and Sandy Shapiro: Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat Program - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613

Shabbat, December 26

5:48 PMRabbi Cohen and his family: Virtual Havdalah - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
6:30 PMCAS Shabbats Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824

Sunday, December 27

6:10 AMMishna Brura: - www.zoom.us/j/7203757688 Dial in: Password: MB
7:45 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: 646-558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
8:30 AMCAS Shacharit: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
9:15 AMRabbi Moshe Kurtz - Bible from the Beginning: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
4:25 PMCAS Mincha/Maariv: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:40 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:50 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Pesachim - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613

Monday, December 28

5:40 AMMishna Brura: - www.zoom.us/j/7203757688 Dial in: Password: MB
7:30 AMCAS Shacharit: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
7:30 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
10:15 AMBob Abrams: The Tanach Club - Megillat Esther/The Book of Esther - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
4:25 PMCAS Mincha/Maariv: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:40 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:50 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Pesachim - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
8:00 PMRabbi Moshe Kurtz - Jewish Approaches to Contemporary Issues: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824

Tuesday, December 29

5:40 AMMishna Brura: - www.zoom.us/j/7203757688 Dial in: Password: MB
7:30 AMCAS Shacharit: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
7:30 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
4:25 PMCAS Mincha/Maariv: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:40 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:50 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Pesachim - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613

Wednesday, December 30

5:40 AMMishna Brura: - www.zoom.us/j/7203757688 Dial in: Password: MB
7:30 AMCAS Shacharit: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
7:30 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
4:25 PMCAS Mincha/Maariv: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:40 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:50 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Pesachim - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
8:00 PM(Non)10: 30 Shiur TBD - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824

Thursday, December 31

5:40 AMMishna Brura: - www.zoom.us/j/7203757688 Dial in: Password: MB
7:30 AMCAS Shacharit: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
7:30 AMCAS Daf Yomi: - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
9:30 AMRabbi Moshe Kurtz: Leaves of Faith - The Philosophy of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein - zoom.us/j/7052940733 Dial in: (646) 558-8656, code: 7052940733# - Zoom password: 015824
12:00 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Eternal Ethics - www.facebook.com/rabbidanielcohen
4:25 PMCAS Mincha/Maariv: - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:40 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Community Prayers for Healing - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
5:50 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Studies for the Soul - Mishna class, now studying Tractate Pesachim - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
9:15 PMRabbi Daniel Cohen: Men's Learning - Finding Strength - Slonimer Insights on the Parsha - zoom.us/j/8514043665 Dial in: (646) 568-7788, code: 8514043665# - Zoom password: 1234613
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Alexander ben Ida
  • Aviva bat Sultana
  • Davida bat Rachel
  • Dov ben Pnina
  • Eliezer ben Chana
  • Golda Shifra bat Hanna Sobel
  • Malkah Esther bat Itzik
  • Nechama Miriam bat Devorah
  • Refael Ephraim ben Sima
  • Rivka bat Alta
  • Rochel Fraidl bat Yehudis
  • Ruth bat Ivette
  • Zev Mordechai ben Chaya Gittel
Community Announcements
  • UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION'S PJ LIBRARY FOR A SILLY PAJAMA SING ALONG WITH BOBBY DOOWAH Thursday, December 24th at 5pm. Send in your silly pajama photos by 12/20 to Liatte Lasher at liattelasher@gmail.com and win a prize, and be in our silly pajama video! Give back by dropping off children's pajamas for kids in a local shelter- drop off box at 1035 Newfield Ave at the entrance. Sign up for this free program at www.ujf.org/sillypj
  • ONGOING COMMUNITY SUPPORT FROM SCHOKE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE Schoke Jewish Family Service is offering weekly Zoom sessions to help community members manage the stress of the Coronavirus outbreak. Each session will be facilitated by members of the Schoke JFS Kuriansky Family Counseling Program. These webinars are open to anyone in the community. Registration is limited to twelve participants per session. To register, please click on the session you wish to attend at https://ctjfs.salsalabs.org/covid19virtualgatheringsupdated. Tuesdays, Beginning March 31 at 12 Noon - Facilitated by Lois Meyer, LMSW and Valerie Gutman, Thursdays, Beginning April 2 at 4 PM - Facilitated by Dr. Lee Combrinck-Graham and Toby Lazarus, Ph.D. and Fridays, Beginning April 3 at 10 AM - Facilitated by Eve Moskowitz, LCSW and Amanda Hirsch-Geffner,LCSW
  • THE SCHOKE JFS FREEDBERG FAMILY KOSHER FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN AND ACCEPTING DONATIONS of perishable and non- perishable foods. Please contact Rebekah Kanefsky at rkanefsky@ctjfs.org or 203-921-4161 to arrange for a donation. If you would like to volunteer at the food pantry or to help deliver food to our clients, please contact Jill Knopoff at 203-921-4161 or jknopoff@ctjfs.org for volunteer opportunities.
Kosher Advisories
  • THE VAAD OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE TWO NEW ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THEIR SUPERVISION. Ladle and Loaf357 Whalley Ave, New Haven203-553-5553and Fin and Scale920 Whalley Ave, New HavenFor Vaad info, visit http://www.ctvaad.org/
  • 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

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