| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Mishpatim | Rosh Chodesh Adar I | February 10, 2024 | 1 Adar I 5784 |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 5:02 PM | | Mincha | 5:07 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee and Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:51 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:57 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 4:10 PM | | Mincha | 5:00 PM | | Havdalah | 6:04 PM |
The Power of Our Words and the Inspiring Sensitivity of the Torah The power of speech defines our humanity. When God created mankind, he blew the breath of life into human beings. The commentator Onkelos explains that God infused within us the power of speech distinctly different from animals. Too often we do not appreciate this special gift. We live in a world where speech is cheapened. Talking heads on the news seek to fill up space without regard for their power. Judaism reminds us of the words of King Solomon, "Life and Death are in the hand of the tongue." The impact of our words emerges very powerfully in repeated phrases in this week's Parsha of Mishpatim. The main topics of the Torah portion address interpersonal relationships. The laws include precepts about animals damaging property, people damaging property and people hurting people. However, the Torah saves harshest condemnation for pain that a person causes to widows and orphans. God promises revenge on the perpetrators. The Torah states: "You shall not taunt a widow or orphan. For if you cause pain and there is a cry to Me, I will hear the cry. My wrath shall blaze and your wives and children will become widows and orphans." (Shemot 25:2) When we examine the verse, we notice that the words are doubled. For if pain...you shall cause pain; and cry, there will be a cry to Me; hear and I shall hear the cry. It seems that there are two cries and two pains the widow and the orphan experience. What are the two cries? Why does God hear their cries twice? The Kotzker Rebbe explained that every pain a person causes an orphan is two fold. In addition to the pain caused by the callous remark, the orphan will also be reminded of the reality that he has no father and mother. He will think to himself,"If my mother or father were alive, they would be there to protect me. I am vulnerable because I am alone." The reality strikes him hard and in turn his pain is doubled as is the cry. One doubled word in the Torah written over 3,500 years ago embodies a timeless reminder that words can heal or hurt and that they may strike doubly hard. Conversely, one kind word may not only uplift a person in the moment but serve as an emotional uplift that can impact the rest of their day, the way they interact with friends and family and possibly change the trajectory of a life. In light of the tragic increase in widows and orphans in Israel, take a few minutes to consider how your words and actions can support and uplift our brothers and sisters in Israel. Here is some information about the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, an Israeli non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the spouses and children of Israel's fallen heroes. Here is the link. As someone once said, "Words are powerful, they have the ability to create a moment and the strength to destroy it." The Chafetz Chaim wrote that each person has a finite amount of words to use in their lifetime. Choose them wisely. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing an immediate return of the hostages, victory and peace speedily and in our days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Shabbat Rosh Chodesh: We recite Ya'aleh V'Yavo, Hallel and other special insertions for Rosh Chodesh.
- In addition to the regular Parsha we take out a second Torah: Shabbat Rosh Chodesh: Numbers 28:9-15.
- Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Mishpatim 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 Isaiah 66:1-24; Isaiah 66:23
- 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) - What is your favorite legal drama/crime/heist movie (all of the monetary halachos)?
- When do you think it's ok to lie (Midvar sheker tirchak)?
- How did you behave with substitute teachers/baby sitters (Hashem tells Bnei Yisrael he is sending them a malach and warns them not to misbehave)?
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Baby Nursing Room The Bridal room is now available for all nursing mothers and babies. As a courtesy to others, no children other than nursing babies are allowed in the room. It will remain closed, but unlocked during the minyanim. The room is a work-in-progress with new furniture arriving shortly. If there's anything you think is needed, please reach out to Jessica Sosnovich or Tamar Levine.
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It was an honor to host Member of Knesset Ohad Tal at Agudath Sholom last week
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Rabbi Cohen's Halacha Question of the Week
Question: This coming week, we celebrate the beginning of the month of Adar 1, the first of two Adar months as it is a Jewish leap year. However, we do not celebrate Purim until the second Adar. The Talmud teaches the rationale for delaying Purim in order to connect the redemption of Purim to Passover. During which month is a yahrzeit observed? Do the rules of yahrzeit precedence apply in regard to Kaddish?
Answer: Interestingly, yahrzeit observance is in the first Adar for one who dies in Adar of a non-leap year, and on that day all yahrzeit precedence belongs to the person observing the yahrzeit. A person should light a candle and say kaddish As such the shul yahrzeit notices remind people of the observance in Adar 1. However, it is customary to recite Kaddish on that day in the second Adar as well, but there is no precedence to lead davening over one who has an actual yahrzeit on that day. If you would like more information or have further questions, please contact me directly. All the best, Rabbi Cohen
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Shiur | Rabbi Ari Lieberman: The Hidden Story in the Megillah | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudat Shlishit | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz: The Torah Thought of Rav Yehuda Henkin zt"l |
- NCSY Winter Regional Shabbaton with teens from West Hartford, Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo
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- NCSY advisors Dovi Siderson, Devora Kove, Gavi Sanders, Rivkie Siderson, Elisheva Aryeh, Eytan Aryeh, Yonah Schneier, Emma Spirgel, JonathanKrombach, Scott Kove, Leah Gurock, Sofia Rauh, Ziggy Garb, Chaya Bracha Dahan, Meira Steiner, Eden Lippe, Shirah Segal, Shira Robkin, Benny Margulies, Tani Blass, Akiva Katz, Tuvya Macklin, and Jordan Levovitz
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- to Judy Contente and Tina Notik on the passing of their mother and grandmother, Sultana Tina Habib
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- to Tami Raymer and Sandy Goldstein on the passing of their mother and sister, Lily Lunenfeld
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
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- 7AM Kiddush: Rica & Ari Lieberman in honor of all those who keep the 7am minyan going
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- Chapel Kiddush: The Michelson Family in memory of their parents, Stanley Michelsons 12th yartzeit and the upcoming end of shloshim for their mom Naomi Michelson - May their memories be for a blessing
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- Sanctuary Kiddush/Seudat Shlishit: Co-sponsored by NCSY, Gayle & Mitchell Bell in memory of Leona Dembling; Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Isaac Jacobs; Rhoda & Avi Freedberg in memory of Sidney Bernstein; Jeannie & Brian Kriftcher in memory of Noel Kriftcher; and Shelly & Harold Schwartz in memory of Maurice Applebaum
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| CAS ANNUAL DINNER
March 10, 5pm Am Yisrael Chai. It is not just a Statement, it is a Way of Life. Celebrate our honorees for their Dedication and commitment to our community...
Guests of Honor
Dinah Miller & Seth Marlowe
Young Leadership Award
Amy & Sam Sroka
Community Service Award
Chris Beldotti, Mike Beldotti & the Beldotti Family
Chai Award
Judd Love | | Thanks to our participants who have signed up to date! Why not join them? | Sarah & Gavriel Adler
Barbara & Ron Ashkenas
Judy & Jeff Cahn
Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Elise & Steven Cohen
Tammy & Evan Cohen
Sharon & Michael Feldstein
Rhoda & Avram Freedberg
Meryl & David Gordon
Jill & Arthur Green
Beth & David Held
Diane Indyk
Sandra & Michael Kamen
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Flora & Carl Kaufman
Devora & Scott Kove
Judy & Seth Lerner
Shoshana & Doniel Levie
Vered & Mark Links | Rhonda & Judd Love
Miriam & Jonathan Marcus
Kori & Bill Meyers
Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus
Cindy & David Pitkoff
Marina Sapir & Alex Podelko
Judy & Bob Raymond
Lizzie & Eli Reichner
Sherri & Allen Rosenthal
Gayle & Howard Rothman
Toby Schaffer
Aviva & Paul Schieber
Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut
Rosalyn Novick Sherman
Liba & Steven Steinmetz
Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home
Laura & Seth Tobin
Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg
Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
Hillary & Robert Zitter |
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CAS 55+ Committee Whiskey and Spirits Tasting |
Tuesday, February 20 - 7:30 PM |
| Sunday, February 25 - 9:30 AM |
| Sunday, February 25 - 11:00 AM |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Skating at Mill River Park |
Sunday, February 25 - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday, February 27 - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday Family-Friendly Minyan |
Sunday, March 3 - 8:30 AM |
| Dr. Glenn Dynner Book Launch: The Light of Learning - Hasidism in Poland on the Eve of the Holocaust |
Wednesday, March 6 - 6:00 PM |
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CAS Men's Chabura Wednesday, February 14 - 7:45 PM Sam Sroka on Deciphering the Blueprint: The Malbim's Essay on the Mishkan. Hosted and Co-Sponsored by Sam Sroka. | Literature at Lunch Round Table led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, February 21 - 12:00 PM Please join the conversation as we discuss the genesis of evil which John Milton Englishman was familiar with. We will pivot to Paradise Lost, Book IX, verses 780-790 and then look back to the third chapter in the Book of Genesis. Lunch is catered by Restaurant 613. If you plan to attend in person or have any questions, please email me at rj@richardjschwartz.com. Zoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 |
Israel MEALuim Update - Our Support Matters! To Join the Mitzvah, visit https://tzohar-eng.org/mealuim/
Rabbi Cohen-- Your community's participation in MEALuim has made a significant difference in the lives of IDF miluim families. Especially now, as the war has extended into almost 4 months, the absence of a spouse and parent is even more profound and difficult. The homefront has become one of the more important places where we need to place our support. Overall we have thus far provided over 5000 meals to hundreds of families.Using Tzohar's strong connection we have been able to identify and serve those most affected by their soldier's absence and with limited local support. We have focused on ten yishuvim, and sporadic individual families.15 Agudath Sholom Congregation members participated thus far, donating 418 meals. The recipients of these meals were primarily families in Katamonim Jerusalem, an area with many young men in miluim. Yasher Koach!! Please deepen and expand the support!
Am Yisrael Chai
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- Did you Know? Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Rabbi Moshe Kurtz host weekly podcasts
- Judaism in the 21st Century with Rabbi Daniel Cohen and Dr. Steve Labkoff - click here
- Shu"T First, Ask Questions Later with Rabbi Moshe Kurtz - click here
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- In case you miss it View an enlightening presentation with Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld on Building After Auschwitz? click here
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- Calling all women - teens to 100 Would you like to be a reader at our annual Megillat Esther Women's Tefillah? We can teach you and support you to learn a few pesukim or a few perakim . Contact Ziona Doft zionadoft@yahoo.com or Ronnie Sichel ronsichel@aol.com for details.
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- Save the Date - Bret Stephens at Agudath Sholom Thursday, May 25th - Dedicated to the memories of Royce and Dr. Al Wolfsohn
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- CAS Women's Club Crafty Ladies will not meet until the Spring. A huge thank you to all who have knitted hats for the IDF. If you are recently knitting one or would like to, please contact Johanna (917) 558-3904) or Audrey (718-564-5340). Finished hats can be brought into the shul to Kim at the front desk. If you would like a copy of the knitting instructions for the wool hats, please contact Kim at the shul's office and she will email you one, or you may drop in and pick one up.
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- Holy Habit - Food Pantry Donations Rather than wait for a Food Drive, make it a habit each week when shopping for Shabbos to purchase kosher, non-perishable food for the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry.Drop off at JFS or CAS
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- Gratitude to Our Growing Group of Minyan Attendees
A heartfelt thank you to the men and women of Congregation Agudath Sholom for their unwavering commitment to daily minyan attendance. Your presence and participation make a significant difference in the lives of those who come to pray and sets a positive religious example for our entire community. Below is a growing list of people who are committed to attending minyan at least once a week (in addition to Shabbos):
Aaron Berk
Alan Shanker
Albert Lilienfeld
Barry Michelson
Bruce Newman
Can Dyman
Carl Kaufman
Daniel Wallis
David Bessaleli
David Cohen
David Jelen
David Zizmor
Debra Faizakoff
Dovi Zucker
Eli Reichner
Ephraim Zucker
Howland Gordon
Jeff Cahn
Jesse Salver
Jonathan Osser
Joseph Feuerstein
Judd Love
Lisa Michelson
Mark Link
Michael Alexander
| Michael Feldstein
Mike Berg
Mitchell Bell
Mitchell Zucker
Mitch Mailman
Nat Samberg
Paul Berger
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Rabbi Levi Feller
Rabbi Moshe Kurtz
Rabbi Shmuly Shmotkin
Rabbi Yisrael Deren
Rabbi Yossi Kamman
Raphael Gilbert
Richard Boxer
Richard Schwartz
Sam Sroka
Scott Kove
Simeon Wohlberg
Steve Adelman
Steven Cohen
Steven Thau
Yishai Zwiren
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Don't see your name on this list? If you already attend or wish to make the commitment to consistently join a minimum of one minyan during the week, please contact Rabbi Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org). Shacharis - 6:30am/7:30am; Mincha/Maariv - 15 Minutes Before Sunset. We would love to add your name to this growing list!
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 5:10 PM; Friday: 5:16 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 5:11 PM
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Chaya Sara bat Chava
- Freidel bat Esther
- Aliza Alka bat Miriam
- Chaya Shoshana bat Yehudit
- Nira bat Rachel
- Sara bat Nira
| - Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shauna Chaya
- Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah
- Mark Emanuel ben Leah
- Shlomo ben Velvel
- Dorit bat Ora
- Asher Anshel Eliezer ben Baila
- Leah bat Tzirel
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
| - Daniel David Yitzchak ben Shulamit
- Chaya bat Liba
- Harav Eliezer ben Chaya
- אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
- פרידה הדסה bat פערל לאה
- Dov ben Pnina
- Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther
- Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida
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- 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
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- NEW Bris Gemach for the local Stamford Jewish community You can now borrow a bris outfit and decorative pillow for your simcha. Items can also be donated as we build up our inventory. Please contact chani.kovacs@gmail.com for more information.
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- Federation Hosts Social Media Influencer, Hen Mazzig United Jewish Federation is excited to host Hen Mazzig on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30 pm to share his personal story and outlook on Israel. Hen is a globally recognized speaker, educator, and digital influencer. Over 100 million users have interacted with his online content, and he has appeared as an expert on Jewish issues on four continents, over 500 college campuses, BBC, The Washington Post, SkyNews, TEDx, and countless Shabbat dinners. The event will be held at Congregation Agudath Sholom (301 Strawberry Hill Ave.) with tickets $18 in advance, $25 at the door, and sponsorship available at $180. Register today at www.ujf.org/hen to attend!
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- Registration for 2024 Jewish Baseball League season is live! FCCJBL is a co-ed, ages 4-12 year old little league and plays on Sundays only. Season opener is 4/14. Please sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions.
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- Schoke Jewish Family Service invites you to its annual gala, An Evening with Schoke JFS Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 5:30 PM, at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road. Honorees include: The 44th Annual Mitzvah Award, Nan and Paul Gordon and Betsy and Michael Stone; Volunteer of the Year Award, Sally Kleinman; and Community Service Award, Ronnie Sichel. The evening will begin with appetizers, cocktails, followed by dinner, presentation of awards to the honorees, a paddle raise and dessert. There will also be an online auction. The event is chaired by Connie Freeman, Meryl Japha, Jillian Klaff, and Esther Rein with Jeri Appel as auction chair. General tickets include dinner and dessert for $250, purchase your ticket at www.ctjfs.org. Contact Janet Wainright at 203-921-4161 or jwainright@ctjfs.org to place a journal ad.
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- Volunteers need for Aaron's Place, the Kosher Room at Stamford Hospital Help us deliver and organize food and supplies, to make this a true respite. Please email ronsichel@aol.com
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