Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Shabbat Shalom from CAS

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Beshalach Shabbat Shirah February 4, 2023 13 Sh'vat 5783 send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 4:55 PM Mincha 5:00 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00 AM/8:00 AM/9:00 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Latest Shema 8:53 AM Shmuel Class 9:00 AM Latest Shacharit 9:58 AM Bob's Basics 10:00 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Code of Jewish Law 3:55 PM Mincha 4:45 PM Havdalah 5:57 PM Shabbat Shalom Surrounded by Miracles This Shabbat is Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song, as we read about the unbridled joy of the Jewish people upon witnessing the miracle at the Red Sea. Click here to learn more. Shabbat Shira underscores our belief in the miraculous talent in all of life. In the words of the Ramban, the open miracles testify to the hidden hand of God breathing life into the world each day. Song is also a powerful way to unite diverse voices into one vision. Check out One Day by Kullulam - click here. FInally, Shabbat Shira serves as a reminder that miracles are everywhere. When the Jewish people were faced with certain death at the sea, with the water in front of them and Egyptians behind, God commanded Moshe and the Jewish people to walk into the water. God miraculously split the sea and saved the Jewish people. What happened after the Jewish people safely made it to the other side? Seemingly, the water should have reverted back to its original, natural state. Yet, the Torah records that God commanded Moshe "stretch forth your hand over the sea and the waters will go back over Egypt" (14:26). Why the need for Moshe to act? Why did the waters simply not go back on their own to their original position once the purpose of the miracle was complete? Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, of blessed memory, derives a remarkable insight from this verse. We are so accustomed to believing in the concept of nature, known as Teva, that we fail to realize that even nature is a miracle. The natural order of events in the world only exists due to God's will every day and every moment. When God commanded the water to split, that reality became the new normal, the new order of nature. Life does not just return to business as usual. In order for the sea to return to its original state, it requires another act of God. One of the main goals in life is to always realize that we are surrounded by constant miracles. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel stated so eloquently, "Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed." Wishing you and your families a happy Tu B'Shevat and Shabbat Shira Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen Shabbat Information  Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Beshalach (Shabbat Shirah) with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here Read Rabbi Kurtz's weekly halachic essays on the parsha here. The Haftarah for Beshalach is read from Judges 4:4-5:31 Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here The final time for the sanctification of the New Moon of Shevat, is the night following Sunday, Feb. 5, Until 6:18 PM (15 Shevat) Tu B'Shvat, Monday 2/6 - No Tachanun; and no Yehi Ratzon. We also do not say Tachanun the preceding Mincha Sunday afternoon), we do say Lamnatzeach and Kel Erech Apayim. The custom is to eat fruits that grow on trees, for Tu B'Shevat is the "New Year of the Trees' ' (We always make the Bracha Shehechiyanu on any seasonal fruit that one is eating for the first time that year. The Bracha is not made on artificially preserved fruits or on fruits that are deficient in appearance or taste in comparison to those of the regular seasonal crop.) Would you like to read the Torah or Haftara for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking here. Parsha Icebreakers (Courtesy of Yaakov Moshe Shmidman) Recall a time when you felt could see G-d very present in your life or in the life of someone you know (the Jews saw G-d clearly when the sea split). What flavor of manna would you choose (the manna in this week's parsha)? Tu B'Shvat  This Sunday evening is Tu B'shvat. To learn more, click here, here and here. Condolences to Sharon & Michael Feldstein on the passing of their beloved daughter, Tova Feldstein. Please sign up for learning mishnayot in memory of Tova Feldstein - May her memory be for a blessing Commemorating the Yahrtzeit of Bennet Kfare - The community is invited to a shiur on Tuesday night, February 7th at 8pm at Young Israel of Stamford, to commemorate the first yahrtzeit of Bennet Kfare, z"l. For those that are unable to attend in person, you can join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 583 631 2147 | Passcode: 338648) 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 Jessie & David Brand on Max's Bar Mitzvah! to Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen on the birth of a grandson, born to Adina & Moshe Averick in Israel! to Shira & Marc Nerenberg, Shira Gilboa and all of the honorees at the upcoming BiCultural Hebrew Academy 67th celebration dinner! to Dani & Chaim Bergman on the birth of a baby girl, Mayim Yonah! Mazal Tov to big brother Leo! to Rabbi Josh & Chani Rosenfeld on the birth of a baby boy, Naftali Eliyahu (Elijah)! Mazal Tov to siblings Sofia, Noa and Judah! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Shabbat Topics & Participants Shmuel Class Dr. Mark Wagshul Bob's Basics Bob Abrams Shiur Dr. Mark Wagshul: Ashkenazim vs Sefardim: Do I Make a Bracha or Not? Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudat Shlishit Rabbi Moshe Kurtz Thanks To Our Sponsors Challah Deliveries: Gwen Lopez-Cohen in memory of Elizabeth "Betsy" Lopez Chapel Kiddush: Debbie & Michael Berg in honor of the 50th anniversary of Mike's Bar Mitzvah and on the occasion of Debbie's father, Howard Lilienfeld's 2nd yahrzeit Sanctuary Kiddush: Jessie & David Brand in celebration of Max's Bar Mitzvah Paid Advertisement Sign Up For These Events learn more CAS Annual Festive Dinner Sunday, March 19 - 5:00 PM sign up CAS Youth Tu BShevat Celebration Sunday, February 5 - 10:00 AM learn more BeAware: Situational Awareness Virtual Security Training Wednesday, February 8 - 7:30 PM sign up Middle FEASTern Sephardic Food Event Motzei Shabbat, February 11 - 8:00 PM sign up CAS Young Families Waffle Bar Party Sunday, February 12 - 9:30 AM learn more Book & Author Conversation with Rabbi Cohen at the Stamford JCC Thursday, February 16 - 7:30 PM sign up BNai Mitzvah Orientation and Information Session Tuesday, February 21 - 7:30 PM sign up CAS Youth Fundraiser - Mishloach Manot Thursday, February 23 sign up Back to 80s Purim Party Motzei Shabbat, February 25 - 8:30 PM sign up CAS Movie Club Sunday, February 26 - 8:00 PM learn more Congregation Agudath Sholom's Jewish Heritage Tour of Exotic Morocco Sunday, May 7 learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Upcoming Events Upcoming Events  Shabbat, February 11th- Guest Gil Hoffman, executive director of Honest Reporting, will deliver the sermon on "Modern day lessons from the Leadership of Moses. Thank you to the UJF Stamford, New Canaan and Darien for arranging his visit to our community. Shabbat, March 10th and 11th - Scholar in Residence Rabbi Irving Elson. We will host a Shul Friday Night Dinner that weekend Literature At Lunch Roundtable Led By Dr. Richard Schwartz  Wednesday, February 15 - 12:00 PM The fifth year of the LIterature at Lunch Roundtable will continue with our leader Dr. Richard Schwartz in person at CAS and on Zoom. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the release of his The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan album, we will hear and discuss Bob Dylan's memorable Blowin' in the Wind with its many perennial connections to yesterday's and today's current events. We will then segue to the many references and connotations in the Tanach to Ruach beginning in Genesis 1:2, up to and including Ezekial 3:12 (read verses 1-12). We will continue to blurb meet at noon on Wednesdays, March 15, April 19, May 17 then June 14th. If you have any questions, please contact rj@richardjschwartz.comZoom Meeting ID: 853 5962 2698, Passcode: 915013 The Jerusalem Journey Teen Israel Experience  Tuesday, July 4 The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) is a four-week touring experience in Israel for public school students. TJJ is an exhilarating, action-packed, transformative journey which allows participants to learn more about their Jewish heritage and culture by interfacing with the history, people, and Land of Israel. TJJ is highly subsidized for public school students - $3,299.For more information, contact Dovi Siderson - sidersond@ncsy.org CAS Announcements NEW INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN EXPERIENCING FERTILITY CHALLENGES Are you or someone you know experiencing fertility challenges or pregnancy loss? If you/they could use help with meals, please reach out to Chani Zweiter at chani.kovacs@gmail.com and she can arrange meals for the family. The recipient can remain anonymous and will receive dinners from strictly kosher homes. The community is here to support those experiencing difficult challenges. MAKING MITZVAH MOMENTS FOR JFS We are redoubling our efforts this season and beyond to support the Schoke JFS Kosher Food Pantry. Join Giving Thursdays at CAS. Drop off food on Thursdays (pick up an extra item when shopping for Shabbat) and we will deliver to the food pantry on Fridays. Items needed are Olive Oil/Vegetable Oil, Canned Tuna/Salmon in Water, Boxed Milk, Oat and Almond Milk, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Jarred Tomato Sauce and also consider purchasing items at Virtual Grocery Store - Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service (ctjfs.org/virtualgrocerystore). Thank you in advance! NEW: MONTHLY YOUNG COUPLES SOUL STUDY GROUP WITH RABBI COHEN A monthly class for young couples to discuss how the Torah provides us with valuable insights in our daily lives. This class will rotate between the homes of participants and meets on the last Monday night of the month beginning on Monday, Jan 30th at 7:30 PM. Rabbi Cohen will speak on Timeless Tips for Great Marriage from the Story of the Exodus. Light appetizers will be served. Host Committee: Stacey & Aaron Berk, James & Lorraine Marcus, Alex & Brett Olssen, Tali & Jesse Salver, Eve & Phil Steinmetz and Michal & Yishai Zwiren. Contact Lorraine Hutzler for further details and to join. Lorraine.Hutzler@gmail.com BECOME A SENIOR AMBASSADOR Senior Ambassadors ensure that as a community we elevate our commitment to the older members of our shul. Responsibilities of Senior Ambassadors are the following: Active Member of Healing Visits Kiddush Assistance and Partner with Youth Kiddush Ambassadors Support Senior Events (Holiday, Educational, Social) Eyes and Ears for Our Clergy Erev Shabbat Shalom Calls If you would like to join the team, please email Rabbi Cohen in the weeks ahead. HEALING VISITS UPDATE Please consider joining this important group. 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. We send out updates as needed. If you like to join this Mitzvah mission, please contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Shabbat Shalom Kosher News  We are pleased to share this update about By the Way Bakery Weekday Schedule Shacharit Shacharit: Sunday 7:15 AM/8:30 AM, Monday-Friday 6:30 AM/7:30 AM Mincha Mincha: Sunday-Thursday 5:10 PM, Friday 5:09 PM Candles Friday 5:04 PM Monday Tu B'Shvat CAS Adult Education Join one of our CAS classes. Click for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Sara Shlomit bat Liba Asher Anshel Eliezer ben Baila Carmiya Chaya Hadas bat Tziporah Miriam Chana bat Devorah Gittel Batya bat Tamar Naomi bat Ruth Nechama Miriam bat Devorah Sheva Pearel bat Devorah Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements REGISTRATION FOR FCCJBL JEWISH BASEBALL LEAGUE IS OPEN! This league is a shomer Shabbat league for children ages 4-12. All games will be played on Sundays, starting 4/16-6/18. Sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions. TU B'SHVAT AT WATERSTONE ON HIGH RIDGE It's that time of the year again! Come join us on Sunday, February 5, 11:30 am, at Waterstone on High Ridge in Stamford as we celebrate Tu BiShvat ("New Year of the Trees), the Jewish holiday that encourages ecological awareness day and welcomes the emergence of Spring. Kosher Brunch will be served. RVSP today ($5.00) or contact Yoav Yaron (yoav@ujf.org) for more information.www.ujf.org/tubishvat NEFESH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CONCERT Saturday, February 11th at 7 pm. Come enjoy an exciting and progressive acoustic band weaving together americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz and blues with timeless Jewish themes. For all ages. Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Tickets 13+ - $36, 12 & under - free. Purchase tickets at https://www.templeshalomweb.org/form/nefeshmountain2023 FROM GUSH KATIF TO STAMFORD On Sunday, February 12 at Temple Beth-El, 12:30 pm, come hear from UJF Shaliach, Yoav Yaron, as he shares his personal story about growing up Israel, his childhood in Gush Katif, and how those valuable experiences in the Gaza Strip have shaped who he has become and his work with UJF. Register now www.ujf.org/gushkatif ORTHODOX YOUNG SINGLE PROFESSIONALS WHITE PLAINS SHABBATON March 24-25. Ages 24-36. $130 Early Bird Rate, $150 after March 1st. Includes meals, program & accommodations. For information, visit yiwp.org/shabbaton23. Contact shabbaton2023@yiwp.org for questions. SCHOKE JFS IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU - LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS Bereavement Support Group available at Schoke Jewish Family Service, for more information please contact, Rebekah Kanefsky, Interim Director of Clinical and Family Life Services at rkanefsky@ctjfs.org or 203-921-4161.

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