| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayeshev | | December 21, 2024 | 20 Kislev 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 4:10 PM | | Mincha | 4:15 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:50 AM | | Shmuel Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:51 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Teen Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Early Mincha | 12:23 PM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 3:15 PM | | Mincha | 4:05 PM | | Havdalah | 5:11 PM |
Never Give Up: The Lights of Chanukah What do the Chanukah flames signify to you? Many 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 Bereshit, 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 story of 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 Yerushalayim 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? Share your inspiration! Email me what the flames signify to you. Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom and happy Chanukah! With blessings and God willing good news from Israel, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayeishev with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The haftarah is read from Amos 2:6-3:8
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here
- Chanukah begins on the evening of December 25th. Earliest lighting is 4:32pm (sunset). Ideally, candles should be kindled closer to 4:45pm or, at least, prior to 5:17pm (nightfall). For more information on candle lighting, see here.
- 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 is your favorite article of clothing you got from a parent (Yosef gets a coat from Yaakov)?
- What do you and your siblings do to bond (Yosef and the brothers can't get along)?
- Describe a situation where you held yourself back to avoid embarrassing someone (Tamar refuses to embarrass Yehuda)?
Parsha Would You Rather - New Feature- Would you rather receive a great gift that could potentially make others jealous of you or have someone else receive a great gift that might potentially make you jealous (Yosef and the coat)?
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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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Join CSS The safety and security of our community depend on each of us stepping up to do our part. We are inviting you to join the CSS (Community Security Service) team and contribute to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
To prepare new volunteers, we will be having an in-person training on Monday, January 13th, paired with a short online portion to be completed beforehand.
Why Join CSS?- Strengthen our community's safety and preparedness.
- Gain valuable skills in situational awareness and security.
- Be a part of a committed team protecting what matters most.
Register Here
For further questions or assistance, please contact Adam Breiner at adambr@thecss.org.
Your participation makes all the difference. Let's come together to create a secure and welcoming space for all.
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2025 Annual Dinner Honorees We are thrilled to announce the honorees for our 2025 Agudath Sholom Annual Dinner on March 23rd, 2025 and wish them and their families much Mazal Tov! - Guests of Honor: Maria & Glenn Reicin
- Young Leadership Award: Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
- Community Service Award: Aviva Maller
- Chai Award: Lorraine & David Kweskin
- Dinner Chairs: Alex & Brett Olsson and Lorraine & James Marcus
- Honorary Dinner Chairs (in formation): Stephanie & Josh Bilenker, Helene & Harvey Kaminski, Liat Sharabi Karsch and Gayle & Howard Rothman
All of our honorees embody the very best of Agudath Sholom and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and be inspired by them.
May we share many happy occasions together here and in Israel in the months ahead and God willing experience a joyous Chanukah, Shabbat Shalom and a time of full light and redemption speedily and in our days.
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Harvey Kaminski, CAS President
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Mazal Tov to the Matan Bat Mitzvah Mother/Daughter Graduates led by Diane Cohen
(Pictured - L to R) Diane Cohen, Laura Tobin, Ayelet Steinberg, Jessica Furmansky, Eliana Furmansky, Eva Tipermas, Julia Tobin, Rebecca Tipermas, Abby Rubinfeld, Sara Rubinfeld - Not Pictured: Nili Steinberg | |
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Shmuel Class | Mark Wagshul | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Sam Sroka: "My Yearlong Journey Through The Bavas (Kamma, Metzia, Basra) with Beis Brisk" | | Shacharit | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Musaf | Emilio Krausz | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz |
- new members Sara & Jonathan Shuter!
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- to the Daf Yomi participants for completing Masechet Bava Batra this week and starting Masechet Sanhedrim
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Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here- to Aviva Schieber on the passing of her father, Rabbi Lester Hering/Rav Eliezer ben Yitzchak (v'chaya) z"l
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- to Adrienne Alexander on the passing of her aunt, Estelle Guzik z"l
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Andrea & Daniel Aaron in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Daniel's mother, Diane Aaron z"l
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- Chapel Kiddush: Howard Weiss in memory of his mother Nettie Weiss's yahrzeit
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Sarit Hormadaly in honor of Yonathan's birthday and for the yahrzeit of Shimon ben Yakov z"l
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Nancy & Gadi Mimoun in commemoration of the 20th yahrzeit of Nancy's father, Benson Zinbarg/Bentzion Ben Israel Mordechai z"l; and David (& Stephanie) Tepper and Brian (& Elana) Tepper in commemoration of the thirtieth yahrzeit of their mother, Hildy Tepper z"l
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- Seudah Shlishit: Shira and Mitchell Zucker in commemoration of the yahrtzeit of Mitchell's father, Seymour Zucker z"l
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Sunday, December 22 - 9:30 AM |
| Rabbi Dr. Yosef Bronstein book talk |
Sunday, December 22 - 4:45 PM |
| CAS Youth Chanukah on Ice |
Thursday, December 26 - 2:30 PM |
| CAS Youth Bubble Mania at the Palace Theater |
Sunday, December 29 - 3:00 PM |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Friday Night Dinner |
Friday, January 3 - 6:00 PM |
| Israel Teen Fellowship for 10th & 11th Graders |
| Friday, January 10 - 5:30 PM |
| | Monday, January 13 - 11:00 AM |
| 55+ Social Committee Dinner and Show |
Thursday, January 23 - 6:30 PM |
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Chanukah begins this Wednesday night, December 25th through the afternoon of Thursday, January 2nd.- For a brief summary of the laws of lighting menorah, please see the Orthodox Union's succinct guide. (This guide also includes a helpful graphic which demonstrates how to assemble your menorah and which direction to light the candles.)
- We recommend either lighting after 4:28 PM, or as soon as you arrive home from Maariv.
- To learn about the laws of Chanukah, click here.
- Check out YU Chanukah To Go
Wishing you a Chanukah Sameach!
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CAS Youth Group Update We continue to approach Chanukah with our theme, being a source of light in the world and connected to the Parsha. No matter how difficult the situation was for Yosef, he never lost faith in God and never wavered in his values. The Chashmonaim fought to practice their faith and stayed true to Torah. Chanukah is about messages of faith and resilience, light emerges from darkness. We demonstrate our pride in being Jewish by lighting the menorah publicly. We will explore other ways to stand proud as Jews. For a fun activity this week in groups, we will make our own edible multicolored coats out of wholesome snacks… and then eat them, of course!
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Questions for your Shabbat Table - What can we learn from Yoseph about staying hopeful and doing the right thing, even when things are really hard?
- How is Yoseph's story similar to the story of Chanukah and the menorah lasting for eight days?
- Yoseph used his gift of interpreting dreams to help others, even in prison. What special gifts or talents do you have, and how can you use them to help people?
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Middle School & Teen Shabbat Schedule - Friday Night, Teen Oneg for grades 9-12 hosted at the home of the Munk Family - 320 Strawberry Hill Ave, Unit 29 from 8:45-10 PM
- Saturday: Teen Minyan at 10 AM
- Saturday Afternoon: Middle School Tisch at the home of Rabbi & Mrs Feller, co-hosted by Rabbi Josh - 255 Strawberry Hill Ave, Apt C11, 3:45-5:15 PM with Ruach, Fun, Friends, & Good Food!
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- Please Support the Mayim Mikvah League Please take a moment to consider making an investment in the future of our beautiful and vital Minnie Manger Marcia Lieberman Mikvah.
We are blessed to be the physical home of the Mikvah, which is vital for the eternal rhythm of Jewish life. Whether a regular user or not, we have all been touched by its impact.
As our community grows and as we approach the end of the secular year and the holiday of Chanukah, there is no better time to re-dedicate ourselves by making a donation to our Mayim Mikvah fund, which sustains the Mikvah annually. Together with our local Rabbis listed we will be sending the letter below in the days ahead to the entire community.
Thank you so much for your support.
Am Yisrael Chai!
May we share good news in the days ahead and witness the full light of Chanukah and redemption speedily and in our days.
With appreciation,
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
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- Important Announcement - Early Shabbat Afternoon Mincha We will offer an early mincha following Kiddush on Shabbat morning. It will meet in the sanctuary. The times are as follows:
- December 21: 12:23 pm
- December 28: 12:26 pm
- January 4: 12:30 pm
- January 11: 12:33 pm
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- Men's Club Pacific House Meal On December 25th beginning at 9am, the CAS Men's Club will cook and prepare a meal for the residents at the Pacific House. We are looking for kosher food donations - consisting of sweet potatoes, string beans, potatoes, salad items (lettuce, peppers, tomatoes).We will prepare the meal from 9-11:15 am and deliver to the Pacific House. We also need servers beginning at 11:30 am (a waiver must be signed). If you can donate or volunteer, please contact Mitchell Bell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203 722 3512.
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM; Wednesday: 7:00/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 4:15 PM; Friday: 4:19 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:14 PM
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- Wednesday Chanukah: 1 Candle
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- Thursday Chanukah: 2 Candles
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- Friday Chanukah: 3 Candles
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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
- 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
- Moisha Gedalia
- Nechemiah
- Dorit bat Ora
- Mary
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
- Abokhay Moshe ben Zoya
- Chaya bat Liba
| - Moshe Yitzak ben Raisel Crendel
- 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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- Explore Israel with the Community Shlicha If you love Israel and want to explore different cities without flying for 12 hours, join UJF Community Shlicha (Israeli Emissary) Eden Refaelovich for an engaging and educational in-person "virtual tour!" Eden will be exploring Jerusalem on Thursday evening, January 9th and Eliat & the Negev Desert on Tuesday evening, January 21st. Tickets are $10 per class. Location will be provided upon registration. Register today at www.ujf.org/VirtualTour.
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bulletin@cas-stamford.org