| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Metzora | Shabbat HaGadol | April 20, 2024 | 12 Nisan 5784 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha | 7:00 PM | | Candle Lighting | 7:20 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:46 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:08 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:30 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Shabbat HaGadol Drasha | 6:25 PM | | Mincha | 7:15 PM | | Havdalah | 8:22 PM |
God willing, the upcoming holiday of Pesach will be one of joy, healing, growth and sweetness for everyone. Our hearts and minds are in Israel and God willing, we will witness miracles as in the redemption from Egypt in our time. As we prepare for a Pesach like no other, we pray for healing and joy for all of our families, community, Israel and humanity. In light of the situation in Israel, please consider these additional prayers and resources and other ideas to enhance the meaning of your seder. Additions for Current Situation in Israel Rabbi David Lau's Prayer for the Hostages YU Sacks-Herenstein Center You are Part of the Redemption: "In every generation we have to see ourselves as if we had left Egypt." This is generally understood to mean that on the Seder night we should envision ourselves leaving Egypt. Rabbi Avraham Kook understood this phrase differently. He gave it a more contemporary meaning: "In every generation every person needs to see how they are playing a role in the redemption of Israel and mankind." Egypt was only the beginning of the process. The redemption continues in every generation. Each of us is responsible to play a unique role and contribute to bringing that great day. What role are we each playing in the role of redemption in the world today? Seder Tip: Pesach is the quintessential night of gratitude. To learn more, click here. Ask everyone around the table (or send a note to your guests in advance) to share an experience for which they are eternally grateful. When have you encountered God? Please join me Shabbat afternoon at 6:25 PM for a Shabbat Hagadol Drasha on the topic: Living in the Matzah Moment - Dayenu and a Night to Remember Thank you Elisheva Cohen for preparing this CAS Family Pesach guide. As reminders begin counting the Omer on Tuesday night. For more info on counting the Omer, click here. Wishing you and your families a wonderful Shabbat Hagadol and sweet and joyous Pesach and Chag Kasher V'Sameach and God willing good news from Israel, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Metzora with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- Read Dovi Siderson's weekly parsha resource click here.
- The Haftarah for Shabbat HaGadol is read from Malachi 3:4-3:24
- Haftarah summary - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper -click here
- Halachic Note: We do not recite Tachanun and associated prayers (e.g. Yehi Ratzon, Av haRachamim, Kel Malei, Tzidkasecha) during the entire month of Nissan.
- Would you like to read the Torah or Haftarah for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking here
Shabbat Icebreakers- What is the most recent home improvement project you have done (tzaraas on a house requires removing the infected stones)?
- What is your typical job preparing for Pesach (Shabbos HaGadol)?
- How do you connect to your parents and how do/will you want to connect to your children religiously (והשיב לב אבות על בנים ולב בנים על אבותם)?
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Israel Tefillot and Prayer - Update from Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Beginning this week, we modified the Psalms we recite morning and night. We will now be reciting at Shacharit and in between Mincha and Maariv Psalms 83 and 124.
We will also recite the prayer for the hostages every morning and night followed by Achenu Kol Beit Yisrael.
Each one speaks to the desire of our enemies to eradicate Israel but God's providence in thwarting their plans and heralding a time when God's Name is One and there is peace.
Finally, the prophet Malachi teaches that the final redemption will happen in the blink of an eye as the redemption of Passover. As in the holiday, salvation came through a partnership between the Jewish People and God.
We were called upon not to cower in the face of threats but stand courageously with God, as demonstrated by the mandate to place the blood on the doorposts, the origin of the Mezuzah.
God willing, we will find the strength and resolve as a people and nation of Israel to merit a full and speedy salvation in the days ahead.
Wishing you and your families good news for us and all Israel.
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A Divine Drive By Mitzvah Once a year, we can recite a special blessing for the first blossoms on a fruit tree. The ideal time was during the month of Nisan but you may recite the blessing in Iyar if you have not had the opportunity this season. Thank you to Michael and Debbie Berg for providing this Mitzvah Moment via their cherry tree. Drive by 26 Crane Rd North , roll down your window and make the blessing acknowledging God's renewal of the world. In the merit of our moments, may we experience hidden and open miracles of healing every day. You can find the bracha and background here.
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New Shabbat Stroller Parking Policy
We are blessed, thank God, with bustling Shabbat attendance in all our youth groups and minyanim. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding our shul's Shabbat stroller parking policy.
In our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of all members and visitors, we have implemented a new stroller parking policy effective immediately. This policy aims to enhance safety within our premises and provide a more organized environment for everyone.
Outlined below are the key points of the new stroller parking policy:- Strollers can be parked against any wall in the lobby - see pictures below for examples
- Please do not block access to another stroller
- We kindly request that all strollers are parked in a manner that does not obstruct pathways or exits. This is essential for swift evacuation in case of an emergency.
- Strollers are not allowed upstairs under any circumstances
By working together, we can ensure a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone. Thank you for your assistance in making these changes.
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Bob's Basics | Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Michael Feldstein: April 15, 1865 - A Pesach to Remember | | Shabbat HaGadol Drasha | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Post October 7th and Living in a Matzah Moment - Exploring the Mystery and Mission of Seder Night and Dayenu | | Seudat Shlishit | Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Shmidman: The Mitzvah of Sipur Yitziat Mitzraim |
Please note On Monday, Erev Pesach there will be two siyumim at 7:10 AM led by Rabbi Daniel Cohen and at 8 AM and an additional mincha at 2 PM.
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Seder Hospitality Planning your Seder? In need of a Seder? If you would like to join a family seder or would consider hosting members of our community who may need a place for Pesach night contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Kurtz.
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Annual Pre-Pesach Reminders - Buy Milk Before Pesach
- Eggs May Be Purchased during Chol Hamoed Pesach
- All non-processed meat and chicken is kosher for Pesach. Buy now and freeze for Pesach before prices go up.(Please note: This doesn't apply to ground meat)
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Pesach Q and A Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Kurtz manage the CAS Pesach WhatsApp Q and A. It is a great way to learn about Kashrut and Kashering for the upcoming holiday. click here to join. Here is a sample question: May I use my year round hot water urn for Pesach? Urn only used for heating water: Run hot water through the water tap for 10 seconds, while pouring boiling water from a kettle over the water tap. Urn also used to warm food (e.g. to warm challah): Must be put away and not used for the Pesach.
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Four Questions Facing the Jewish People this Year In every generation we are obligated to see ourselves as if we are leaving Egypt.
What are your questions this year? Enrich the Seder experience by making it real. Please send your suggestions to Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org and he will post on our CAS Pesach Website.
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Maot Chitim - Supporting Local Families in Stamford Agudath Sholom will be directing funds to local families to provide for additional Pesach expenses. To support this mitzvah, please contact Rabbi Cohen or make a donation to the Passover Fund
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Irina & Anatoly Zusman in memory of IDF soldiers fallen in the current war
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- 7AM Kiddush: Pam & Alan Shanker in appreciation of all their 7AM friends
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- Chapel Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Elise Lerner and Corinne Chapman in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Elise's father, Seymour Lerner, and Corinne's mother, Mia Needle
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Yael Shmilovitch & Eli Buckman in honor of the birth of their daughter Nili Ayla; and Ariel Blum & Ben Zweig in honor of the birth of their daughter Nava Simone
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- Fast of the First Born (Monday): The Goldenberg Family in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Martin Goldenberg
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Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Opportunity] |
| | Maot Chittim - Passover Charity |
| | | Donate Seforim to the Beit Midrash |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Sunday Family-Friendly Minyan Sunday, May 5 - 8:30 AM Open to All Ages - Experience the joy and sanctity of davening as a family! Join us on the first Sunday of every month for our Family-Friendly Minyan. Invite your children to sit next to you! We will have kid friendly siddurim and we will sing Shema, Ashrei and Alenu together as part of the Tefillah. Enjoy fresh doughnuts and juice at the end of davening! Join us for a morning that will leave you uplifted and inspired. To find out more and/or sponsor, please contact Eli Reichner (eli.reichner@gmail.com) or Rabbi Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org). | Crafty Ladies is back! Wednesday, May 8 Wednesday, May 8th & Wednesday, May 22nd, 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Join us with your knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and embroidery needles! We will continue making hats. We have crochet instructions for hats upon request. All handcrafts are welcome and bring your personality! |
Friendly Reminder The youth classrooms are open prior to groups for parental supervised play. However, you must clean up after your child prior to groups.
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- Save the Date - Yom Hazikaron Yom HaAtzmaut 2024 Monday evening, May 14th 7 PM at Congregation Agudath Sholom. Sponsored by United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien and the Board of Rabbis In Partnership with: Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, Congregation Agudath Sholom, Temple Beth El, Temple Sinai, Young Israel of Stamford
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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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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM; Tuesday-Wednesday: 8:00/9:00 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 7:30 PM; Monday: 2:00 PM/7:29 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM
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- Candle Lighting Monday: 7:24 PM
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- Thursday 1st day of the Omer, Pesach III (CH''M)
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- Friday 2nd day of the Omer, Pesach IV (CH''M)
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Chaya Sara bat Chava
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Freidel bat Esther
- 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
- Rivkah Devorah bat Channa Gittel
- Moisha Gedalia ben DK
- Nechemiah ben DK
- 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
- Uria ben Talia
- אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
- פרידה הדסה bat פערל לאה
- Dov ben Pnina
- Nehama Miriam bat Dvora
- Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther
- Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah
- 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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- To Our Knitting and Crocheting Neighbors Back to School Shop, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, provides low income elementary school children in Stamford with the opportunity to shop for free for brand new school clothes and supplies each year before the start of school. We're expecting up to 400 children at our event this summer, and plan to provide each one of them with a handmade winter hat. We are so grateful to the community knitters who have made wonderful hats for us in past years and hope you'll join the team! You can find all the information you need here: https://www.backtoschoolshop.org/knit-guidelines-2024
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- Nishmat Torah Mission - A Summer of Torah and Women's Solidarity Have you been thinking of coming on a solidarity mission to Israel to feel more connected to the Jewish people in these challenging times? Simultaneously, have you been dreaming of immersing yourself in text-based Torah study in Jerusalem? At Nishmat, you can do both! For more information: https://nishmat.net/programs/summer2024/
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- Temple Sinai will host Judy Batalion, writer of The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos for the fourth Joan Danoff Community Lecture. This acclaimed author will be available to discuss not only the extraordinary stories of the young women resistance fighters she has chronicled but also the implications of their story for events today. Join on May 19th at 4:00 pm for an in-person conversation or to attend via a webinar. The event is free and open to the community. To register to attend in person or to view as a webinar, contact Temple Sinai at 203-322-1649 or https://www.templesinaistamford.org/form/joan-bruder-danoff-lecture2024.html.
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