| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Toldot | Mevarchim Chodesh | November 30, 2024 | 29 Cheshvan 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 4:08 PM | | Mincha | 4:13 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:37 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:39 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 3:15 PM | | Mincha | 4:05 PM | | Havdalah | 5:09 PM |
The Most Important Patriarch for Today Which patriarch do you most admire? Which one seems most relevant for modern times? At first blush, I would say Avraham. He is the founder of ethical monotheism and introduced God's message of compassionate righteousness and moral justice to the world. In an environment of chaos, idolatry and intolerance, he blazes the path for an era of Godliness, morality and harmony. We are inspired by his vision, humanity and generous spirit to this day. Yitzchak is often characterized as the silent patriarch. He seems to watch more than act. He follows rather than leads. However, upon introspection, he embodies so much more and the key to the continuity of the Jewish people. His life parallels Avraham. He travels to a foreign land in a time of famine, renews a covenant with Avimelech, and re-digs the wells that Avraham dug. However, in Kabbalistic terms, they are viewed differently. Unlike his father who embodies Chesed, loving kindness, Yitzchak embodies gevurah, strength and discipline. Avraham is associated with love and Yitzchak with fear. What does this mean? The Sfat Emet explains that Avraham initiated the idea of God's mission to the world. It was a relationship born out of love of God. He traveled the land of Canaan declaring God's sovereignty. Many people of the land believed that once he died, so would his vision. It was only the birth of Yitzchak that provided continuity to his message. Without Yitzchak's perseverance we would not be here today. It is easier to start a venture than to day in and day out stay focused and dedicated to the task at hand. Yitzchak's fear or gevurah was born of his deep desire and commitment to not allow the work of Avraham to go unfinished. He did not let conflict slow him down nor did he despair. He remained energized to carry out the mission and dream of his father. We are living in a generation when we must draw on Yitzchak's strength. We are one link in the chain of Jewish history. Our ancestors invested in us and our future is counting on us. What more can we each do to insure the continuity and growth of the Jewish people and the state of Israel? Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news from Israel and Happy Thanksgiving weekend, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Toldot with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The Haftarah is Machar Chodesh read from I Shmuel 20:18-42
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
- We bless the month of Kislev; Rosh Chodesh will be on Sunday and Monday.
- Molad: Sunday, December 1st, 4:49 A.M. and 15 chalokim.
- Av HaRachamim is not recited.
- Important Halachic Note: This Wednesday night at Maariv we begin to insert V'Tein Tal U'Matar in the beracha of Bareich Aleinu.
- Would you like to read the Torah or Haftarah for your bar mitzvah parsha? Let us know by clicking click here
Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman) - What would be your ideal hair color (Esav had red hair)?
- Describe a time you had to lie for the right reasons (Yaakov lies to Yitzchok)?
- If you could switch or have some of someone else's wardrobe, who would it be (Yaakov takes Esav's cloak)?
Parsha Would You Rather - New Feature- Would you rather never have to lie or lie for the right reasons to receive a great reward (Yaakov lies to Yitzchok)?
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Prayers for Hostages - We Pray for the Immediate Rescue and Release
"Acheinu kol Bais Yisrael – Our brethren, the entire Jewish People"
"Hanesunim bitzara u'bishivya – who are delivered into confinement and captivity"
"Ha'omdim bein bayam u'vein bayabasha – whether they be on the sea or dry land"
"HaMakom yiracheim aleihem viyotzi'eim mitzara li'rvacha – May the Omnipresent have mercy on them and remove them from distress to relief"
"U'mei'afela li'ora – and from darkness to light"
"U'mishibud lig'ula – and from subjugation to redemption"
"Hashta b'agala u'viz'man kariv – now, speedily, and close at hand"
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Bar Mitzvah Project FIDF Lone Soldiers in honor of Oshri Steinberg's Bar Mitzvah - For my Bar-Mitzvah, I am donating to the FIDF, Lone Soldier Program. This donation is made in honor of my grandfather, who was a lone soldier in Israel in the 1960's. https://justgiving.com/campaign/oshribarmitzvah
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 Thank You to everyone who has supported our Yom Kippur Appeal thus far and we encourage 100% participation. Whether alot or a little, the donation from your heart is an eternal investment in our shul and makes a difference! If you have not done so already, please join them.
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Rabbi Dr. Jeff Cahn: The three miracles of Chanukah according to Rav Jonathan Sacks | | Shacharit and Musaf | Ben Simon | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Dr. Jeff Cahn | | Seudah Shlishit | Shaya Speter |
- We mourn the loss of Rabbi Zvi Kogan who was kidnapped and murdered in a despicable anti-Semitic attack at the hands of terrorists in the UAE. Rabbi Kogan worked alongside Rabbi Levi Duchman, the first Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, and other Chabad emissaries for several years in establishing and expanding Jewish life in the Emirates. Among the many milestones was founding the first Jewish education center in the Gulf and making kosher food widely available. We grieve this great loss and reaffirm our resolve to strengthen acts of goodness, mitzvot, charity, and Jewish unity to ensure that the light of Judaism and the Jewish people shines brighter. May the Almighty comfort the family of Rabbi Kogan among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Cindy & David Pitkoff in Memory of the Yahrtzeit of Marjorie Dwyer
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- 7AM Kiddush: David Bessaleli
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- Chapel Kiddush: Pam Ehrenkranz & Matt Greenberg in memory of Matt's father, Harry Greenberg and in celebration of the birth of a grandson
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Alexander Abramov & Mariya Feldman, Alexander Podelko & Marina Sapir, and Lev Podelko in gratitude to HaShem for continued blessings and renewed hope for the United States, Israel and the Jewish people.
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- Seudah Shlishit: Shaya Speter in memory of his grandmother Eva Himmelstein
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| Agudath Sholom Cafe at Humbled Coffee House |
Tuesday, December 3 - 7:30 PM |
| The Meaning and Mystery of the Lights of Kislev |
Tuesday, December 3 - 8:30 PM |
| Scholar Series with Leora Orenshein |
Wednesday, December 4 - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 8 - 8:00 PM |
| Middle Feastern Sephardic Food Event |
Shabbat, December 14 - 8:30 PM |
| BMC A.I. Pizza Contest and Game Show |
Sunday, December 15 - 1:00 PM |
| CAS Youth & UJF Chanukah Magic Show |
Sunday, December 15 - 3:50 PM |
| Israel Teen Fellowship for 10th & 11th Graders |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Fire Pit |
| 55+ Social Committee Dinner and Paint Night |
Wednesday, December 18 - 6:30 PM |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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SAVE THE DATE - SHABBAT WITH FRIENDS OF THE IDF Shabbat, January 11 Join us for a unique experience with FIDF leadership and IDF Soldiers. Hear inspiring stories and spend an unforgettable Shabbat together. Featuring Rabbi Steve Weil, FIDF CEO and IDF Soldiers |
Youth Group Update This is the last Shabbat of the month, and so our final time (for now) with our monthly theme, Acts of Kindness. This week, we'll learn the story of Esav selling his birthright to Yaakov for some "red stew." We remember the acts of kindness Rivka showed Eliezer at the well because she wanted to help, not because he had to ask. This is the opposite of how Esav was too concerned with his own wants, and he missed a golden opportunity to show kindness that was right in front of him - Yaakov was making the stew for Yitzchak, who was mourning the loss of Avraham. Caring for those who are sad is a very important act of kindness, and Yaakov was doing it, but Esav didn't even notice. We'll discuss with the kids the importance of being aware of others and their needs just like Rivka and Yaakov. To make the learning experiential and fun, we will make our own "red stews" out of snack food as we learn how the Torah itself only calls it "red stew," but Rashi explains that it included lentils.- Why did Rivka help Eliezer without being asked? How can we notice when others need help?
- Why was Yaakov making the stew for Yitzchak? What does this teach about comforting others?
- Esav missed a chance to be kind. Can you think of a time you missed a chance to help someone?
- Why are lentils connected with mourning? How does food help show kindness?
- How are Rivka and Yaakov alike in showing kindness? Which inspires you more?
- What's one act of kindness you can do this week to be more like Rivka or Yaakov?
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Save These Dates! - CAS Chanukah On Ice! Thursday, Dec 26, with music, sufganiyot, ice skating, menorah lighting & more!
- Bubblemania at The Palace Theater! Sunday Dec 29, show starts 3pm - for more info contact Rabbi Josh at jmunk@cas-stamford.org
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We are excited to announce the launch of Israel Teen Fellowship an Agudath Sholom program in partnership with StandWithUs and designed to Educate and Inspire Teens as Israel Advocates and Religious Zionists via monthly seminars, visits to Hartford and Washington DC and internship or volunteering with Israel Advocacy Organizations. Thank you to UJF Stamford for the grant to seed this vital program. Registration is now open online until Dec 15th for 10th and 11th graders. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen.
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- Big News Beginning 12/7, 613 Restaurant will be open on Saturday nights after Shabbat with special Saturday night menu! Visit https://613restaurant.com/ for more details.
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:00/8:30 AM; Monday: 6:20/7:30 AM; Tuesday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 4:10 PM; Friday: 4:12 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:07 PM
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- Sunday Rosh Chodesh Kislev
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- Monday Rosh Chodesh Kislev
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Raanan Noach ben Slova
- yosef ishai ben miriam
- Sheina Feiga bat Rivka
- Chaya Sara bat Chava
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Penina bat Sara
- Rema bat Etta
- Ahron Dovid ben Esther Bayla
- Yetta Liba bat Freidel
- Freidel bat Esther
- Leeba Minna bat Rivka
- Pesach Melech ben Basha
- Chaya Shoshana bat Yehudit
- Nira bat Rachel
| - Sara bat Nira
- Chana Leah bat Esther
- Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah
- Ariella Maor bat Liba Chaya
- Leah bat Rivka
- Adeline bat Bat Chava
- Shlomo ben Velvel
- Rivkah Devorah bat Channa Gittel
- Moisha Gedalia
- Nechemiah
- Dorit bat Ora
- Mary
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
- Abokhay Moshe ben Zoya
- Chaya bat Liba
| - Harav Eliezer ben Chaya
- Miriam bat Devorah
- אסתר רחל bat רייזל ביילה
- Chaya Rachel bat Carmi Adina
- Penina bat Batya
- Sarah Rochfl bat Paya Etel
- Dov ben Pnina
- Nehama Miriam bat Dvora
- Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther
- Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah
- Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida
- Eliezer Meyer ben Leah
- Calev Natanel ben Sara
- Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya
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- Ariel Y
- Shani Y
- Tali Y
- Harry B
- Zevi M
- Joreh M
| - Ayden M
- Nathan H
- Noam H
- Yehudit
- Sally K
- Oren L
| - Nathan L
- Jeremy S
- Meni N
- Yaniv H
- Rachel W
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- Join the Friendship Circle Bar/Bat Mitzvah program for 6th and 7th graders! Dec 8, Dec 15, Jan 5, Jan 12 from 6-7:30 PM at 48 Union St., Stamford. Discover how to support individuals with various disabilities, learn respectful ways to interact, and understand the impact of giving back to the community. Through a three-part series featuring fun games, interactive videos, insightful discussions led by specialists and therapists, and hands-on volunteer opportunities, you'll gain valuable skills while making a meaningful difference.
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bulletin@cas-stamford.org