Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Vayetzei November 25, 2023 12 Kislev 5784 send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 4:11 PM Mincha 4:16 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM Latest Shema 8:34 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Shmuel Class 9:00 AM Latest Shacharit 9:36 AM Bob's Basics 10:00 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Daf Yomi 3:15 PM Code Of Jewish Law 3:15 PM Mincha 4:05 PM Havdalah 5:11 PM Shabbat Shalom The Secret to Living in Gratitude and Thanksgiving My father and Denzel Washington both grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY. Little did I know that they also share an abiding faith in God and zest for living rooted in an ever present appreciation for the fragility of life. They both understand that living with uncertainty is a key to living inspired. My father is one of the most grateful people I know. Whenever I ask him how he is doing, he responds, "Thank God!" with gusto. He sees every day with renewed mission and purpose. Recently, I asked him about how he stays "high" on life. He responded with an insight of one of his mentors, Rabbi Jacob Rabinowitz, whose wisdom shaped his outlook on life. When the Biblical figure Jacob, in next week's Parshat Vayishlach, faces a reunion with his brother, he is anxious about the impending meeting and prepares simultaneously for peace and war. He prays to the Divine for assistance by saying, "I am diminished from all of my kindnesses." He acknowledges that he may no longer be deserving of God's grace and asks for God's mercy. My father explained that Jacob lived with uncertainty. He never believed that he was owed anything by God. When we live with a sense of healthy insecurity, we relish life's blessings. How can we not be filled with gratitude? My father lives with this message. So does Denzel Washington. In an interview, the Academy award winning actor shared that he always carries a tattered notebook with him. He never wants to forget the list he maintained of job leads when he was looking for his first break in the business. In a recent speech, Denzel suggested, "Give thanks for blessings every day. Every day. Embrace gratitude. Encourage others. It is impossible to be grateful and hateful at the same time." When Denzel concluded his speech, he ended with a prayer that he frequently uses when speaking to groups. "I pray that you put your slippers way under your bed at night so that when you wake up in the morning you have to start on your knees to find them. And while you are down there, say "thank you." Living inspired stems from an awareness that life can change in an instant. Take nothing for granted. Do not assume you are owed anything. Do not live with a sense of entitlement. We are here by the grace of God. Live every day with Thanksgiving. God willing we will witness victory and peace speedily and in our days ahead and a world infused with even more reasons to be grateful. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen Stand with Israel  Check out Agudath Sholom and CAS who joined in the Global Acheinu Music Compilation featuring 15 groups from 7 Countries in 4 Continents singing Acheinu! Tefillah: Pray for Strength, Peace, Israeli Victory, Comfort for the Bereaved, Healing for the Wounded and the Speedy Return of the Hostages. Pick up a specific name of a soldier to have in mind when you daven on Shabbat and this week. Thank you to Alyssa Frager for arranging this meaningful mitzvah. Strengthen Faith: Thursday night Zoom classes with Rabbi Cohen on Shaar Habitachon - Gate of Trust 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM Chesed: Take a moment to think of people you know in Israel. Reach out to them, let them know you are thinking about them. See how you can offer support. The outpouring of chesed has been extraordinary both here and in Israel. Seemingly small acts make a big difference. Anticipate a new opportunity! Your Financial Support Matters: United Jewish Federation, Friends of the IDF Stand with Us Shabbat at Agudath Sholom - January 5-6th with Stand with Us: Join us for a Shabbat dedicated to strategies for fighting anti-semitism and standing with Israel on college campuses and beyond. Light an Extra Candle this Friday Night: in memory of the murdered, to pray for those taken hostage and wounded, to thank the IDF soldiers and in solidarity with Israel. Advocate Politically: Contact Congress in support of Israel - AIPAC Israel at War Post a Sign to Free the Hostages and Advocate: Signs available at Agudath or Delivery to your House of Faith Shabbat Information  Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayeitzei with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here Learn about the Parsha with Dovi Siderson's weekly Shabbat Table resource. The Haftarah is read from Hosea 12:13-14:10 Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here The final time for Kiddush Levanah is Monday night until 1:39 A.M. (15th of Kislev). Please see our Adult Education page for upcoming Torah learning opportunities. 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) Where is a place you were surprised to find a shul or meet a fellow Jew (Yaakov wakes up surprised that Hashem's presence is in the place he was sleeping)? Recall (without naming names) a bad boss you once had (Lavan mistreats Yaakov while he is working for him)? How do you say goodbye when leaving a loved one for a long time (Lavan kisses his children and blesses them before they go on their way)? Friendly Youth Decorum Reminders  Groups begin at 10 AM. All youth must be either in groups or with their parents. No Ball Playing inside the shul or on the premises. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness. Kids tables are located in the front of the Social Hall. We ask parents to remind kids to keep food in this area of the building.  Shabbat Topics & Participants Shmuel Class Mark Wagshul Bob's Basics Bob Abrams Shiur Rabbi Moshe Kurtz: Is Silence Complicity? From Classic Halacha to Current Events Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudat Shlishit Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Living a God-Focused Life Mazal Tov to Chani & Rabbi Oran Zweiter on the birth of a baby boy! Mazal Tov to big brother and sister Netanel and Ashira! to Rachel Lieberman & Jaryn Horner on the birth of a baby girl! Mazal Tov to big sister Mackenzie! to Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Rabbi Chagie Rubin for assuming the positions of President and Kashrut Administrator, respectively, of the Vaad Hakashrut of Fairfield County Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Tzetchem Leshalom and Best Wishes to Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein and the MALT participants on the learning and solidarity mission to Israel and Diane Cohen and Maria Reicin who are representing our community on the Orthodox Union Women's Mission to Israel. Thank You to Mitchell Bell and a host of volunteers for providing a Thanksgiving meal to Stamford EMS. As we approach Chanukah, let's find new ways every day to light up our community! You may receive updates for timely mitzvah moments by joining our growing WhatsApp group. to everyone who contributes to the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry of Schoke JFS. Whether for Thanksgiving or Shabbos, we can all pick up some items for the food pantry and drop them off at Agudath Sholom. Imagine what an impact it would make if every week, on our shopping list, each one of us consistently added just one item from this list. There is a collection box in the entrance of the shul for your convenience. Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith 7AM Kiddush: David Bessaleli in celebration of the wedding of his granddaughter, Tehila Jasper and Adar Shaked in Israel Chapel Kiddush: The Michelson Family in memory of David Michelson's 2nd yahrzeit - May his neshama have an Aliya - and for the anniversary of Barry Michelson's Bar Mitzvah Sanctuary Kiddush: Nurit & Mark Wexler in honor of Robby Soifer's Auf Ruf for his upcoming marriage to Carly Kriss of Larchmont, NY Seudat Shlishit: Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen on the occasion of the forthcoming yahrzeit of Claire Umansky, Chaya bat Elyakim Paid Advertisement Sign Up for these Events sign up Thank You Morahs and Group Leaders Kiddush Shabbat, December 16 - 11:30 AM sign up Parent-Child Learning Shabbat, November 25 - 5:41 PM sign up CAS Youth Mitzvah Morning to Thank Our Soldiers Sunday, November 26 - 9:15 AM Learn more New Weekly Zoom Class on Shaar Habitachon (Gate of Trust) with Rabbi Daniel Cohen sign up Open House Chanukah Party Shabbat, December 9 - 8:00 PM sign up CAS Youth, UJF & PJ Library Chanukah Bubble Show Sunday, December 10 - 10:00 AM sign up Chanukah Family Skate Sunday, December 10 - 11:00 AM Sign up Teen Hanukkah on Ice Sunday, December 10 - 12:30 PM sign up Chanukah Donut & Wine Tasting Sunday, December 10 - 8:00 PM Learn more Flame Chanukah Cocktail Party for Young Professionals Wednesday, December 13 - 7:30 PM sign up Conversational Hebrew with Moshe Shapiro Learn more Holy Habit - Food Pantry Donations Learn more Donate Seforim to the Beit Midrash Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Upcoming Events CAS Womens Crafty Ladies Wednesday, November 29 - 10:00 AM Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 29th, 10:00 -11:30 AM at Agudath! Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, eyes, and your project - or learn how to! We will start knitting hats for the IDF. Very, very easy instructions. For more information, contact Johanna (203-588-0942) or Audrey (203-355-3180) CAS Men's Chabura Wednesday, November 29 - 7:45 PM Rabbi Moshe Kurtz on Is Silence Complicity? An Analysis of Shtikah K'Hoda'ah from Classic Halacha to Current Events. Hosted and co-sponsored by Daniel Wallis. Contact Sam Sroka (sroka.samuel@gmail.com) for more details. CAS Announcements Men's Club Pacific House Meal on December 25th  The CAS Men's club once again is planning on serving lunch at the Pacific House to the residents there. Since it's a day off for most, let's think about what we can do for the homeless in Stamford. We're looking for food donations, hats, gloves, scarves. All food should be kosher as we have found Jews among the needy in the past. Turkey, fruit, sweet potato and any other food items will be appreciated. The opportunity to cook from 9-noon or serve from noon-2 pm is available. Contact Mitchell Bell, wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203-722-3512 Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here Save the Date! Lights Across Stamford  CAS will take our shul on the road as we share the joy and light of Chanukah. We will be organizing Chanukah Lighting in various locations. Stay tuned as we solidify the venues. If you would like to host a lighting in your building whether residential or office, please be in touch with Rabbi Cohen. Thank you very much and Happy Early Chanukah! Save the Date! Annual Chanukah Yom Iyun  Sunday, December 10, 2023, 9:15 AM; two shiurim by Rabbi Motti Neuberger, Assistant Rabbi, White Shul, Far Rockaway, NY. 1) Why Don't We Celebrate Nine Days of Chanukah? The Interesting Custom of the Maharshal, 2) Modern Lessons from Ancient Wars: The Jewish Reaction to Persecution. Light breakfast to be served. free and open to the entire community. Save the Date! Stamford Jewish Experience  Friday Night, December 8th Join us for a special Shabbat to celebrate the First Night of Hanukkah at the home of Rabbi and Diane Cohen. Dinner at 6. For those able to attend: all are welcome for Menorah lighting at 4PM with services at Congregation Agudath Sholom Preceding dinner. Shabbat and Weekend Family Experience with Jordan Gorfinkel: Making Judaism Your Superpower!  December 15-17 GORF ran the Batman franchise for nearly a decade; and is the creator of the best-selling Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel and the recently released Esther Graphic Novel (Koren Jerusalem), passion projects that combine his love of visual storytelling and devotion to Jewish inspiration and education. General information: www.gorfy.com Agudath Sholom Young Professionals Invites You To Nachos and Knowledge with Rabbi Daniel Cohen  New Monthly Series analyzing various topics at the intersection of Torah and our modern world. The first installment will focus on Business Ethics. Wednesday, Dec 20th at 8 PM Hosted by Nava and Eitan Ulmer Rabbi Cohen will explore responsa from Eretz Hemdah, the Institute in Advanced Jerusalem Studies in Jerusalem which is at the forefront of modern Jewish business ethics. RSVP www.cas-stamford.org Buy a Bond for Israel as a Gift for Chanukah  This Chanukah, give the gift of Israel to your children, grandchildren and relatives! For one night of Chanukah, particularly in light of the current situation in Israel, celebrate Israel and buy an Israel Bond. With bonds starting now at $36, and easily purchased online, this is a perfect gift for the holidays. The more ties we can forge between our children and the State of Israel, the greater likelihood they will understand and appreciate their Jewish heritage, and the stronger Israel will be in the future. For more information or to make an investment, contact Cynthia Blustein, Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, at 914-713-9003 or make a purchase online at www.israelbonds.com. Weekday Schedule Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 4:15 PM; Friday: 4:13 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 4:08 PM CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Hershel Wolf ben Brucha Aliza Alka bat Miriam Mark Emanuel ben Leah Asher Anshel Eliezer ben Baila Leah bat Tzirel Miriam Rut bat Chana Daniel David Yitzchak ben Shulamit אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה פרידה הדסה bat פערל לאה Dov ben Pnina Click here to add a name to this list We Honor Our Military Ariel Y Shani Y Tali Y Harry B Zevi M Nathan H Noam H Yehudit Sally K Oren L Nathan L Jeremy S Meni N Yaniv H Rachel W Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements The Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County Announces: The Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture - Can Jews be the Most Loved and Most Hated Religious Group in America?  All are welcome to join us on Sunday, December 3rd at 11:30am (doors open at 11:00am) at Congregation Agudath Sholom, for the Society's Norma and Milton Mann Annual Philanthropic Lecture which brings renowned experts to the community to present on topics that have wide appeal, are historically significant and impact the future. The Lecture is free and open to the public and is underwritten by the Mann Family Foundation. Alan Cooperman, this year's presenter extraordinaire, is director of religion and oversees all non-partisan Pew Research Center's research on religion, including surveys in more than 110 countries and 150 languages. A recognized authority on the topic of antisemitism, Mr. Cooperman lectures internationally on the topic and will offer a fresh look at an age-old problem. To register visit https://mann.cbo.io. For Questions: email info@jhsfc-ct.org or call 203 359-2196 UJF's Chanukah Casino Night  UJF's NextGen presents an evening of celebration, community, and casino games at Chanukah Casino Night, held on Saturday, December 9 starting 8:30 pm at Temple Sinai. Open to the entire community, registration ranges from $100 per person (early bird), $125 per person (after December 1), and $360 "Chai"- roller sponsor (includes 2 event tickets and 5 raffle tickets). Come ready to step up to the table and roll the dice, as proceeds from Chanukah Casino Night go to toward the Israel Emergency Campaign. To RSVP or for more information, contact Melanie Vorm (www.ujf.org/casino) Celebrate Chanukah with UJF  This Chanukah, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien will take part in the Darien community candle lighting, Sunday, December 10 at 6:00 pm in Darien. UJF CEO Diane Sloyer will offer remarks while children in attendance will receive Chanukah give-a-ways courtesy of UJF's PJ Library. On Tuesday, December 12 at 5:00 pm, UJF convenes the community at the Government Center as Mayor Caroline Simmons lights the menorah. On Thursday, December 14 at 6:00 pm, Federation will receive the honor of lighting the menorah in Darien for the 7th night of Chanukah. Resilience Amidst Adversity: Coping with the Impacts of Current Challenges in College Life  Two-part in-person series held on Thursday, December 21, 7:00 - 8:30 PM and Monday, January 8, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the Schoke JFS office, 196 Greyrock Place, Stamford, CT. Reserve your seat at www.ctjfs.org. We welcome high school seniors, college students, recent college graduates, and parents who may be facing concerns of safety, social pressures, and lack of balance.

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