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

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Friday, September 1, 2023

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
Ki TavoSeptember 2, 202316 Elul 5783
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM
Candle Lighting7:09 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00/8:00/9:00 AM
Sephardic Minyan8:45 AM
Latest Shema8:55 AM
Shmuel Class9:00 AM
Latest Shacharit10:14 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Daf Yomi6:05 PM
Code Of Jewish Law6:05 PM
Mincha6:55 PM
Havdalah8:07 PM
Shabbat Shalom
In the Foothills or on the Mountain

It is hard to believe Rosh Hashanah is right around the corner. This week is a very important one for spiritual preparation. Our parsha, Ki Tavo, contains an inspiring idea about this period. In the waning days of Moshe's life and as the Jewish people are on the verge of entering Israel, they reaffirm the covenant at Sinai. Moshe directs half the tribes to the top of Mt. Gerizim and half to the top of Mt. Eval. The people listen to the choices of blessings and curses, the consequences of good and evil, and verbally renew the acceptance of the Torah at Sinai.

Rabbi Eli Munk, of blessed memory, distinguishes between the two settings of the new convent and the original one. Why, at Sinai, were the Jews told to stand at the foot of the mountain and now upon the mountain? He explains that at Sinai, the Jews accepted the Torah passively; hence they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now, however, they were required to declare with unshakable resolution their commitment to the Torah and readiness to transmit it to others.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, it is a unique moment to leave the spiritual foothills and climb the mountain. Do we want this year to be one of growth or stagnation? Are we willing to change our character traits and habits for the better? Will we lead our lives on cruise control or with alacrity and purpose? This season is a gift from God to reawaken our commitment to the three pillars of Torah, Prayer and Kindness.

In this spirit, I encourage you to seize the numerous opportunities ahead. Check out the numerous classes and events to get ready for the holidays. Take time for self reflection at the Legacy Seminar on Thursday evening.

Most importantly, take a stand for your personal development this season. Do not stand at the foot of the mountain, Climb it. God willing, we will not only ascend the mountain over the next few weeks, but be blessed following the holidays to continue to grow and climb in good health ever higher this coming year.

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Shabbat Information 
  • Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Ki Savo with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
  • Read Rabbi Kurtz's weekly halachic essays on the parshah here
  • The Haftarah is read from Isaiah 60:1-22
  • Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here
  • Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
  • Would you like to read the Torah or Haftara for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking here.

Parsha Icebreakers (Courtesy of Elisheva and Yaakov Moshe Shmidman)
  1. What is something you do with your family that makes you happy (v'samachta b'chol hatov asher nasan lecha Hashem Elokecha u'lbeisecha)?
  2. What is something that drives you crazy (v'hayisa meshuga)?
  3. What is something you only appreciated later (v'lo nasan Hashem lachem leiv ladaas… ad hayom hazeh)?

Shabbat Topics & Participants
Shmuel ClassMark Wagshul
ShiurRabbi Yossi Kamman
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
Seudat ShlishitRabbi Moshe Kurtz and Susan Mark
Mazal Tov
  • to Tricia & Rob Hoff on Eli's Bar Mitzvah this Shabbos!
  • to Maya Sparks, Darren Bahar and Rachel & David Bahar on Layla's Bat Mitzvah this Shabbos!
  • to Rachel & Dan Haron on the engagement of their son Nathan to Micaela Reznik, daughter of Judy & Anthony Reznik of Johannesburg, South Africa! Mazal Tov to grandparents Linda Rezak and Kamal Haron!
  • to Helene Zimmerman on the arrival of a great-granddaughter, Ella Hertz!
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Condolences
  • to Marsha Lotstein on the passing of her beloved husband Edward
Thank You
  • to Amy Sroka for leading another amazing Mitzvah Day at ShopRite in support of the Freedberg Kosher Food pantry and to Lea Winter & Daniel Gordon for their sponsorship of the event. Save Sunday, October 22nd for the next Mitzvah Day
Thanks To Our Sponsors
  • Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
  • Chapel Kiddush: Toby Schaffer in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her father Joseph Macy, Yitzchak Isaac ben Yehuda
  • Sephardic Kiddush: The Hanna Family in memory of Pauline Douek
  • Sanctuary Kiddush: Tricia & Rob Hoff in celebration of Eli's Bar Mitzvah
  • Seudat Shlishit: Susan & Len Mark in memory of Susan's mother, Evelyn Silber
Best Wishes
  • to the Agudath Sholom Softball Team in the Kiddush Cup this Labor Day against the Young Israel of Stamford!
Sign Up for these Events
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Patron Member Reserved Seat Request
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High Holiday 5784 Guest Tickets
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CAS High Holidays 5784 Schedule
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Join Us as a CSS Security Volunteer
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Welcome Event for Yoetzet Halacha Zissy Turner
Wednesday, September 6 - 8:00 PM
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Faye & Ben Manger Beit Midrash Nights
Wednesday, September 6 - 8:00 PM
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CAS Youth Apple Picking
Sunday, September 10 - 10:00 AM
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The Heavens Declare The Glory of God Meditative Walk
Tuesday, September 19 - 3:00 PM
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Rabbi Dr. Matisyahu Shulman Book Launch
Tuesday, September 19 - 7:30 PM
Learn more
Young Couples Soul Study Group
Wednesday, September 20 - 8:00 PM
sign up
Lulov Etrog Sets
Learn more
Mens Adult Learning Trip (MALT) 2023
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Sukkot Across Agudath
Sunday, October 1 - 1:00 PM
Learn more
Holy Habit - Food Pantry Donations
Learn more
Donate Seforim to the Beit Midrash
High Holidays
Upcoming High Holiday Reminders  
Back to the Basics with Bob: Prayer Primer and Shul Fundamentals!
A Weekly Shabbat Learners Experience at Agudath Sholom at 10 AM
Bob Abrams will lead an interactive and engaging experience to learn some of the Shabbat prayers and a bit of the weekly Torah portion and the Haftarah. Afterwards we will join the minyan in the Sanctuary for Musaf. Back to Basics will be in the old office beginning September 9th.

Series on Building Character and Walking in God's Ways
A Three Part Exploration of the Classic Tomer Devorah with Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Tuesdays, September 5th, 12th and 19th 8:15 AM - 9:00 AM

Teshuva Parsha Perspectives with Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Tuesdays, September 5th, 12th and 19th 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Rabbi Cohen will explore the alignments and relevance of the final Torah portions of the year with the meaning and mission of the Yamim Noraim.

Power Principles for Elul: A Pre-Selichot Night Panel
Saturday Night, September 9th from 9:00PM-10:00PM
Join Agudath Sholom as we host a panel discussion with local Rabbis and Educators about spiritual growth, inspiration, teshuva and perseverance. Panelists: Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Rabbi Yossi Kamman, Rabbi Josh Rosenfeld, Ayelet Schlesinger and Leah Shemtov. Moderated by Rabbi Moshe Kurtz. Light Refreshments Included
  • Early Selichot: 10:00 PM
  • Late Selichot: 12:52 AM
Sunday, September 10th, 2023
  • Sunrise Service at Cummings Park (464 Shippan Ave): Sound on the Sound 6:05 AM
Sunday, September 10th, 2023
  • Graveside Service - Old Cemetery: 9:20 AM
  • Graveside Service - New Cemetery: 9:45 AM
  • Graveside Service - Independent Lodge: 10:30 AM

Message from Duvie Shapiro Shalom CAS Congregants from Jerusalem!I'm really looking forward to joining all of you for the Yomim Noraim this year!With Hashem's help, we will have a beautiful and uplifting davening together. I'm counting on you to join me as we sing and pray to Hashem to be written in the Book Of Life!May we all be blessed with a year full of good health, happiness, parnassa beshefa, nachas from our children, and a year of truly getting closer to Hashem! And who knows, maybe next year I'll have the zechus to be the Chazzan for CAS here in Jerusalem.Shana Tova U'Metukah and a Chasiva VeChasima Tova!Sincerely,Duvie
CAS Announcements
  • New to Stamford? Learn the benefits of CAS membership  Contact Executive Director Matt Feinberg at mfeinberg@cas-stamford.org, Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org or fill out our online form for more information.
  • Shabbat Greeter Program   We are looking to restart our Shabbat greeter program. We will have two greeters each week - 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM in the lobby and 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM at the Sanctuary entrance. The lobby greeter will focus on greeting people as they enter the building and assisting anyone who needs help. For instance, location of groups, the Sanctuary, the Coat Room, etc. The Sanctuary greeter will focus on controlling the traffic in and out. For instance, the greeter does not allow traffic in and out during Kedushah and the Rabbi's Sermon. Please take a look and sign up for a slot over the coming weeks. For more info, contact Mitchell Bell (wizdrbel@yahoo.com), greeter chair - Greeter Sign Up
  • Book Launch & Signing Event with Rabbi Moshe Kurtz  Wednesday, October 11th at 7:00 PM. Over the past three years, Rabbi Kurtz has taught a range of classes on contemporary issues at Agudath Sholom. The feedback and insights provided by CAS members during these classes have contributed to the essays which have now culminated into the chapters of his first book: Challenging Assumptions (Mosaica Press, 2023). Please sign up and join us for words of Torah, gratitude and, of course, a book signing! (Mincha/Maariv will follow.)
  • Check out Rabbi Cohen's recent article in CEO Weekly  click here
  • Life and Legacy  - Agudath Sholom is blessed to be a participant in the Grinspoon Life and Legacy program of the UJF. Thank you to all of our legacy supporters! Check out our new Life and Legacy website and spread the word!
  • A Message from Rabbi Cohen about his New Podcast - Judaism in the 21st Century  Looking for Your Input! Steve Labkoff and I are working on a new podcast - Judaism in the 21st Century. We'd like you to serve as a beta tester and listen to a few of the episodes. After you do, we'd love for you to provide us with some feedback. CLICK HERE to download some of the first few episodes. We've created a survey for you to respond to - it's very short - only a few questions. Thank you in advance for your time and feedback. All the best
Weekday Schedule
  • Labor Day  Monday - Office Closed
  • Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday: 7:00/8:30 AM; Tuesday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
  • Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 7:05 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM
  • Candle Lighting  Friday: 6:57 PM
Weekday Classes
Click for up to date schedule
Community Announcements
  • The Kosher Comfort Room at Stamford Hospital is up and running , first floor of Whittingham Pavilion, in the discharge patient area. We need a corps of volunteers to shop for and stock food and paper goods as well as setting up the room before Shabbos. To apply, follow this link - https://www.stamfordhealth.org/about/volunteering/. In filling out the application, check any area you think makes sense, then, in the narrative, let them know you are interested in volunteering for the Kosher Comfort Room. Also, please email me with questions and to let me know you have applied.
    Thanks and Shabbat Shalom, Ronnie Sichel (Ronsichel@aol.com)
  • UJF Festive Gala  Join Federation for dinner, drinks, and dancing as they celebrate 50 Years of UJF - Thursday, September 7 at Temple Beth El in Stamford (6:00 pm) recognizing former UJF Executive Directors and community members, Edith Samers and Sheila Romanowitz, for their leadership and contributions to Federation and our community at large. Visit www.ujf.org/50gala
  • The Israel Cancer Research Fund Tower of Hope Gala CT Chapter, Honoring Leslie Freedman, PhD  Sunday October 15 at Rockrimmon Country Club, An evening to Live, Love & Laugh. Emcee comedian Judy Gold. Dr. Yoav Shaul, PhD of Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School will discuss his ICRF sponsored efforts to end breast cancer metastasis. Attend or support ending the scourge of cancer through Israel's best. https://www.icrfonline.org/events/connecticut-tower-of-hope-gala-2/ Gala Chair: Roz Mangot Questions? Roz@mangot.com or David.Kweskin@ICRFonline.org. Vaad approved caterer.

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