| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayechi | | January 11, 2025 | 11 Tevet 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha | 1:00/4:00 PM | | Candle Lighting | 4:27 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:40 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:57 AM | | Shmuel Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:59 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Early Mincha | 12:33 PM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 3:35 PM | | Mincha | 4:25 PM | | Havdalah | 5:28 PM |
One Day The days of Yaakov's life are coming to a close. Sensing his final moments on earth, he asks Yosef to promise him that he will be buried in Israel with his ancestors. His deep commitment to this ideal is one of the primary sources for burial in Israel. He then calls on his grandchildren and children to offer them blessings. It is clear from the text of these blessings that his intention is not simply to make them feel good, but to empower them to realize their unique potential in the world and embrace and perpetuate the legacy of the Jewish people. Among the blessings he shares with them is a secret that is transcendent, unifying and deeply relevant to all of us. It is embodied in the way Yaakov himself led his life. It is alluded to in the beginning of the Parsha and implicit in his blessing to his grandchildren. The Torah states that the days of Yaakov's life were coming to an end. Notably, the Torah does not state "years," but "days." It could have said that the years of his life were coming to a close. Why the emphasis on days? The Ohr Hachaim, Rabbi Chaim Attar, explains that Yaakov understood one of life's most important lessons. We are born not only with a soul, but with unique sparks in that soul corresponding to each day of our lives. Our mandate is to redeem the potential in each day. When we go to sleep at night, the spark returns to God. It is no wonder that the Torah describes the most righteous as not having lived many years, but as having lived with length of days. Yaakov understood that we cannot control how many years we are on this earth, but we can control what we do with each day. It is this message he shares with his grandchildren. The Torah states that Yaakov blessed Ephraim and Menashe on "that day" that the Jewish people would invoke their names when blessing children. The words "that day" can also be understood that his blessing to them was to live life focusing only on the day we are experiencing right now. Too often we live with regret and in the past or contemplate the future and miss the opportunities inherent in the present moment. Much of life can pass us by when we are not fully present with the people around us and in the activities we do. Yaakov tells his grandchildren and us to be focused on this day, redeem the spark and then we will be blessed to maximize the gift of every day. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing we will share good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
10th of Tevet Update As today is a fast day, we have two options for mincha 1 PM and 4 PM. It includes Torah and Haftarah readings. Those fasting include Aneinu in the Amida. After davening one returns home to break the fast on kiddush and proceed to eat their regular Shabbat meal after 5:19pm. (Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil may be recited earlier.)
All the normal Shabbat preparations such as showering and shaving should be done normally, even for those who normally wouldn't shave or shower on a fast because of the kavod shabbat obligation. For more information, see a helpful overview on Halachipedia.
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Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Vayechi with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The Haftarah is read from I Kings 2:1-12
- 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 click here
Shabbat Morning Announcement
We are blessed to host the FIDF Shabbat. Following Musaf, Rabbi Cohen will introduce Ltc. Colonel Moran Goldstein and Rabbi Steven Weil who will both share words of wisdom. Youth Groups will be lengthened to accommodate the later minyan ending time in the main sanctuary.
Burial in Israel
Parshat Vayehi begins with a topic that everyone thinks about but few speak about which is preparation for death. Jacob is on his deathbed and he wants to insure his proper burial and more importantly his legacy. He and his family are warmly welcomed in Egypt. Nevertheless, he knows that his homeland is Israel. He asks Joseph to swear that he will bring him back for burial in Israel. This parsha highlights the significance of burial in Israel.
My mother of blessed memory is buried at Eretz Hachaim in the hills outside of Jerusalem. The decision about burial is an important and sensitive one. For more information please reach out to me and/or to learn more about Eretz Hachaim which offers plots in Israel, please see this link: www.eretzhachaim.org.
Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman) - What is something meaningful you received from a grandparent (Menashe and Ephraim get a bracha from Yaakov)?
- Give a bracha to someone at the table (Yaakov give brachos to the brothers).
- What's your favorite animal (the brothers are compared to animals)?
Parsha Would You Rather?
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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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Meal Trains A note from Diane Cohen, Naomi Kohl and Leah Shemtov about Meal Trains. Help us make sure every family in our community, who has a simcha or a need gets the love and support of a meal train, and that we can join together to fill it each time! May we have good news and happy occasions to share in our community!
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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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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Shmuel Class | Mark Wagshul | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz | | Shacharit and Musaf | Chazan Yair Silverstein | | Sanctuary Sermon | Rabbi Steven Weil: The Most Ethical Army on Earth | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Steven Weil: The Great Rapprochement |
- to Rabbi Steven Weil, Ltc. Colonel Moran Goldstein, Col. Aviram Hasson with his wife Dalit and daughter Nitzan, Jason Gallant, Yehuda and Lori Friedman and family and Rebecca Grossman who are joining us for our FIDF Shabbaton!
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- to our guest Chazan Yair Silverstein, joined by his wife Miraim and daughter Lielle! Chazan Silverstein will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat, Shacharit and Musaf
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- to Rachel & Jake Rothman on the birth of a baby girl, Stevie Rose! Mazal Tov to big sister Alissa!
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- to Deborah & Neil Metviner on the arrival of grandson, Jack Irwin Metviner/ Yitzchak Yosef
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- to Elise & Steven Cohen on the engagement of their son, Jacob to Shoshana Edelman, daughter of Leslie & Raphael Edelman of Oakland, CA!
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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 Lauren Esses on the passing of her grandfather, Joseph Soleimani z"l
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Rachel & Harold Terk in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Rachel's brothers, George Paru & Sheldon Paru, and her father, Rabbi Isaac Paru
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- 7AM/Chapel Kiddush: The Wolfsohn family to express their gratitude to the 7 AM and 8 AM minyanim for honoring their parents and grandparents
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Lynn & Jeff Lowin on the 13th anniversary of life-saving surgery and in honor of all the doctors in their lives; and Tricia & Robert Hoff in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Rob's father, Dion Hoff z"l
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Ruach FIDF Shabbat with Yair Saperstein |
| | Little Lights Parent and Me Playtime |
Sunday, January 12 - 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, January 12 - 8:00 PM |
| Monday, January 13 - 11:00 AM |
| Jewish Heritage Trip to Italy Information Session |
Wednesday, January 15 - 2:00 PM |
| Family Friday Night Dinner |
Friday, January 17 - 5:45 PM |
| CAS Young Couples Committee Adult Bondfire Night |
Shabbat, January 18 - 8:00 PM |
| 55+ Social Committee Dinner and Show |
Thursday, January 23 - 6:30 PM |
| CAS Youth Glow in the Dark Havdalah |
Shabbat, February 1 - 6:30 PM |
| Israel Teen Fellowship for 10th & 11th Graders |
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, January 22 - 12:00 PM The community is invited to join our discussions as we enter our seventh year. We will embark on Part II of our study of Donna Ashworths' poem "Back to Joy" and continue opening portals to everlasting joy, We will address Simcha and Sasson. make reference to selected Psalms and the mystical Rabbinic concept of the Neshama Yetirah (the extra soul that we are blessed with as we observe the Sabbath.) Lunch catered from Restaurant 613. If you plan to attend in person or if you have any questions, please contact me at rj@richardjschwartz.comZoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 | Save the Date - Shabbat with Rabbi Yaakov Faratci Shabbat, February 8 | Save the Date! Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Zissy Turner Shabbat, February 22 - 11:00 AM We are excited to announce a special Shabbat Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with our Steinmetz Alexander Bernstein Yoetzet Halacha, Zissy Turner, taking place the weekend of February 21st.This weekend will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with Zissy, learn about her work as our community's Yoetzet Halacha, and enjoy meaningful conversations and time together as a community.Highlights of the Weekend:Friday Night Oneg: A relaxed and uplifting evening filled with warmth and community spirit.Shabbat Afternoon Dessert : A delightful gathering to deepen connections.Mark your calendars and join us for a memorable Shabbat filled with inspiration, bonding, and delicious treats. We look forward to seeing you there! |
Youth Group Update Yaakov gathered all of his 12 sons to bless them and tell them about the future. Each son received a blessing that matched their personality and the role they would play in the Jewish people. Some of the blessings spoke about strength, leadership, wisdom, and kindness. In Bamidbar Rabbah 13:15, the Midrash discusses the idea of the Torah having 70 faces, each reflecting different facets and interpretations. It connects the number 70 to the 70 members of Yaakov's family who went down to Egypt and the 70 nations of the world, symbolizing universality. Everyone is unique and connects to Torah in their own special way. Similarly, in our Youth Department, we know that each child is unique, and we see them as individuals that each have their own unique experiences and perspectives. For fun and experiential learning this week, we will be having a themed "pick your own snack" buffet.
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Questions for your Shabbat Table - Why do you think Yaakov gave each of his sons a unique blessing instead of giving all of them the same one? What does this teach us about individuality?
- Ephraim and Menashe grew up in Egypt, far from Yaakov's family traditions, yet they stayed true to their values. How can we stay connected to who we are, even when surrounded by different influences?
- Yosef forgave his brothers for their mistakes, saying it was part of G-d's plan. If everything is part of G-d's plan, why is it still important to ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we've made?
- Yaakov saw different strengths in each of his sons. How can we find and celebrate the unique strengths of the people around us?
- Yaakov gave his sons different blessings because each one was unique. What qualities make you unique, and how can you use them to make a difference in the world?
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- Agudath Sholom Mitzvah Opportunity with Schoke JFS MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20. There are plenty of spots available for volunteers to sign up - https://ctjfs.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1025959. Drop off at Personal Care Items at JFS by Friday, January 17 so we can have them all set up and ready to go for Monday. Personal Care Collection - Full Size Items:Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Body Wash/Bars of Soap, Razors, Shaving Cream, Moisturizer/Lotion, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Floss.Thanks in advance for your efforts! Looking forward to providing a meaningful day of service to our community.
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- Nili Steinberg's Bat Mitzvah Project For my bat mitzvah project, I have chosen to raise funds to provide therapy dogs for Israeli soldiers that need additional assistance. Please consider making a donation to not only help our soldiers struggling with PTSD, but also to give these dogs a purpose and a loving home. Click here
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- Israel Advocacy - Sign up for Pens and Swords This group shares links to petitions and information about how everyone can contact political figures and businesses to advocate on behalf of Israel. Most of these actions take under a minute to complete and they keep pressure on policymakers to support Israel and/or drop actions that are detrimental. Please share the link for this group with as many supporters of Israel and the Jewish people as possible. click here
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- Exciting Announcement! Agudath Sholom will be launching ASK (Agudath Sholom Kesher) in February! Registration opens soon! ASK : Engage, Enrich and Elevate Non - Day School Students in Lower Fairfield County - Featuring Joyous, Innovative and Interactive Programming.
90 Minute Weekly Sessions on Monday evenings - 2nd - 7th Graders - First Semester - February and March: Holiday and Shabbat Programming, Monthly Mitzvah Missions. Influencers: Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Rabbi Josh Munk and Rabbi Bob Abrams. For more info, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
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- Announcing the the Jewish Heritage Journey Through Italy with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen June 23, 2025 - July 2nd, 2025 - Rome, Florence and Italy, Optional Extension to Lake Como. To learn more, click here and here.For registration, email: info@shin-tours.com. For more info contact Rabbi Daniel Cohen: rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
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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: 4:35 PM; Friday: 4:40 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:35 PM
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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
- 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
- Yehudit 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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- Words to Action: Empowering High School Students & Parents to Address Antisemitism Join UJF Stamford and ADL Connecticut on Wednesday, January 15 at 7PM for two vital workshops at Temple Sinai, Stamford:Jewish High School Students: Learn how to recognize and respond to antisemitism. Parents: Gain tools to support your teens and effectively address incidents. Space is limited—register now at ujf.org/words. This is an important opportunity to empower and protect our community.
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- SAVE THE DATE! Stamford Chevra Kadisha dinner, honoring the volunteers who selflessly perform the holy task of preparing the dead for burial, Thursday evening, March 6, 2025, at Congregation Agudath Sholom. Sponsorships will be available. Reservation details will be announced soon.
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bulletin@cas-stamford.org