Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Vayeshev Chanukah: 2 Candles December 9, 2023 26 Kislev 5784 send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Candle Lighting 4:07 PM Mincha 4:12 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/8:45 AM Latest Shema 8:43 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Shmuel Class 9:00 AM Latest Shacharit 9:44 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Code Of Jewish Law 3:15 PM Mincha 4:05 PM Havdalah 5:08 PM Shabbat Shalom Service Note: Shabbat Morning Sanctuary Davening starts at 8:45 AM this week Never Give Up: The Lights of Chanukah What do the Chanukah flames signify to you? A few years ago I asked one of my daughters this question and she responded, "The light of Chanukah signifies spirit and hope!" Have you ever tried counting the stars in the sky? In Genesis, God promises Abraham that the Jewish people will someday be as numerous as the stars in the sky. G-d enjoins Abraham to try and count the stars to see if he can quantify them knowing full well that the task is impossible. How can we count the infinite? The answer emerges from the story of Yosef and the Maccabees. Yosef languishes in the pit. According to the Zohar, he composed in the depths of his despair, the words, "Although I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me." It is the inspiration for David's famous Psalm 23. Yosef emerges, faces further challenges, but ultimately becomes the second in command to Pharaoh. Imagine if the Maccabees had abandoned hope of defeating the mighty Greek army. Their battle was against all odds, yet they never lost hope. Possessing deep faith and courage, they dreamed the impossible. As Ethics of Our Fathers states, "It is not up to us to finish the task but we are not free to desist from trying." G-d's command to count the stars implanted within Jews of all generations the spiritual audacity to dream and realize the impossible. Throughout our history, we are called upon to maintain our faith in the eternality of the Jewish people and serve as G-d's partners in realizing our destiny. One of my most moving Chanukah experiences was in Jerusalem when I accompanied a small group on a walking tour of the Western Wall tunnels. Although I had walked these steps before, I experienced an eternal moment. My soul stirred as I gazed into the flames of the Chanukiah burning only yards away from the original Menorah lit on the Temple mount. Thousands of years later, the flame burns brightly,so close to the kindling of the flame by the Maccabees thousands of years ago. The first flame ignites our dreams of transforming the impossible into the possible for the Jewish people. The reading of the Prophets on Chanukah echoes this theme. In stirring the Jews to rebuild the Temple after the Babylonian exile, Zechariah proclaims, "Not by might and not by power but by Spirit" will we realize our dreams. How can we ignite the impossible for the Jewish people? What will we do to hasten the coming of the Messiah? How will the lights of Chanukah motivate us to count the stars in the sky? May all of our prayers and sacred actions fuel a new light this Chanukah and may we witness hidden and open miracles and redemption speedily and in our days! Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and Chanukah Sameach! Rabbi Daniel Cohen Message and Dvar Torah from Rabbi Daniel Cohen  I hope you and your families are well. God willing we will share good news from Israel in the days ahead. I am looking forward to sharing reflections on our recent mission on Shabbat morning and will be joined by Diane Cohen and Maria Reicin who returned from an OU Women's Mission and will speak post Kiddush and Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein from the MALT mission who will speak at seudah shlishit. I am also excited to announce a four day Agudath Sholom Israel Mission of Study and Solidarity for men and women from Saturday Night, December 30th through Thursday, Jan 4th. Diane and I will lead the mission in conjunction with Ohr Torah Stone Institute. See highlights below. Registration will open next week with full cost and accommodation details. The itinerary will model our recent trip which was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable of my life. We are looking forward to a meaningful and joyous holiday. Join us for the events and learning opportunities in the days ahead featuring special youth celebrations and a Chanukah Yom Iyun with Rabbi Motti Neuberger. We would love to see you at our home on Sunday evening for a Open House featuring Music with Jonathan Cahr, our UJF Community Shaliach on Chanukah and Heroes in Modern Israel, Torah Inspiration with Rabbi Cohen and of course Donuts, Latkes, Joy and Friendship! Shabbat Information  Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayeshev with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here Please find Dovi Siderson's weekly parsha resource here The Haftarah is read from Zechariah 2:14-4:7 Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here We bless the upcoming month of Teves which takes place Tuesday evening through Wednesday daytime The Molad will be Tuesday December 12th, 8:01PM and 3 Chalokim. Halachic Notes: Prior to Shabbos one should first light the Menorah (with enough fuel to last 30 minutes after nightfall) followed by Shabbos candles. Complete Hallel is recited during the day; we read from two Sifrei Torah; Mizmor Shir Chanukas HaBayis is recited at the end of Shacharis. There are varying opinions whether havdalah should be done before Menorah or vise versa. If one lights Menorah first, they must end shabbos by either including Ata Chonantanu in the Amida or by saying "Baruch Hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol." 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) What is a crazy prediction or hot take you got correct (Yosef predicts he will be king over the brothers)? How do you/can you interact with strangers to improve their lives as well as yours (Yosef asks why the Wine and Baking Ministers are sad while in jail)? What would the ideal birthday be for you (Pharaoh's birthday takes place at the end of the parsha)? 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 Shiur Rabbi Levi Feller Shacharit Levi Dulitz Haftorah Dr. Steven Thau Musaf Simeon Wohlberg Sanctuary Sermon Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Reflections on the recent solidarity trip to Israel Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudat Shlishit MALT Trip Participants Share Their Experiences Mazal Tov to Rachel & Jay Jubas on the engagement of their daughter Talia to Moshe Steinberg, son of Dina & David Steinberg of Queens! to Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut on the arrival of a grandson in Israel! to Stephen (& Penny z"l) Block on the arrival of a grandson in Israel! Mazal Tov to Great Aunt and Uncle Liba & Steve Steinmetz and the entire Block/Steinmetz Family! to Roz Mangot on her grandson Zachary Mangot's Bar Mitzvah this Shabbos! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Helene Zimmerman in memory of her father, Rabbi Hyman Aaron Cohen 7AM Kiddush: Audrey & Mark Wagshul in honor of Tzahal and all of the chayalim who have fallen in battle Chapel Kiddush: Toby Schaffer in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her mother, Julia Macy Sephardic Kiddush: Albert Bensimon in honor of David Cohen and Leon Hanna for all their efforts with the Sephardic Minyan Sanctuary Kiddush and Seudat Shlishit: Co-sponsored by Johanna & Selim Akyuz in memory of Sultana Akyuz; Gloria Green in memory of Neal Chassen; Lorraine & David Kweskin in memory of Herbert Kweskin; Susan & Len Mark in memory of Isadore Mark; Drs. Danielle & Steven Thau in memory of Edwin Thau; and Barbara & Harry Webski in memory of Abe Webski Sign Up for these Events sign up Thank You Morahs and Group Leaders Kiddush Shabbat, December 16 - 11:30 AM Learn more CAS Lights Across Stamford sign up Chanukah Yom Iyun Sunday, December 10 - 9:15 AM 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 Learn more Celebrate Chanukah with our Senior Community! sign up Open House Chanukah Party Sunday, December 10 - 8:00 PM Learn more Flame Chanukah Cocktail Party for Young Professionals Wednesday, December 13 - 7:30 PM sign up Agudath at the Met! Sunday, December 17 - 2:00 PM sign up Nachos & Knowledge with Rabbi Daniel Cohen Wednesday, December 20 - 8:00 PM 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, December 13 - 10:00 AM Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 13th and 27th, 10:00 -11:30 AM at Agudath! Bring your knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, eyes, and your project - or learn how to! For more information, contact Johanna (203-588-0942) or Audrey (203-355-3180) Literature at Lunch Round Table led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, December 20 - 12:00 PM Partner with us as the sun sets on our fifth year at CAS. John Milton, Englishman, Poet and Statesman (1608-1674) lost his eyesight at 46, yet he composed his greatest work Paradise Lost and later his drama Samson Agonistes while totally blind. We will explore his reaction to his loss of light with an enlightening reading of his 19th sonnet When I Consider How My Light is Spent. Along our journey we will segue to the Genesis forefather Isaac and the dimming of his eyes. Lunch, as usual, will be catered by Restaurant 613. If you plan to attend in person or have any questions, please contact me by Tuesday, Dec. 19th. at rj@richardjschwartz.comZoom meeting ID 8784487429- Passcode 868450. 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 Sefarim Fundraiser - Mitzvah opportunity!  On Chanukah we celebrate the re-dedication of our Temple - now you can help us continue to dedicate our shul as a makom Torah, a place of Torah learning. A generous donor just reached out and offered to match up to $1,000 of sefarim for Agudath Sholom's Ben & Faye Manger Beit Midrash! Please help us reach our goal in less than 72 hours. Just make a $100, $180, $250 or $360 or more to the "Library/Book/Seforim Fund" (and you can include an optional, brief inscription to be placed in the sefer). Click here to donate If you have any questions, please reach out to Rabbi Cohen (rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org) or Rabbi Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org). Thank you for helping us achieve our goal and partnering together to cultivate a strong Torah presence in our beloved community! Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here 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; Mon-Tues,Thurs-Fri: 6:30/7:30 AM; Wednesday: 6:20/7:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 4:15 PM; Friday: 4:13 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 4:08 PM Sunday Night  Chanukah: 4 Candles Monday Night  Chanukah: 5 Candles Tuesday Night  Chanukah: 6 Candles Wednesday  Rosh Chodesh Tevet; Chag HaBanot Wednesday Night  Chanukah: 7 Candles Thursday Night  Chanukah: 8 Candles CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Hershel Wolf ben Brucha Freidel bat Esther 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 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 4:00 pm, UJF convenes the community at the Government Center as Mayor Caroline Simmons lights the menorah. On Wednesday, December 13 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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