| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Shemot | | January 18, 2025 | 18 Tevet 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 4:35 PM | | Mincha | 4:40 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 | | Latest Shacharit | 10:00 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 3:40 PM | | Mincha | 4:30 PM | | Havdalah | 5:36 PM |
Names: Everyday Heroes We often refer to the second book of the Torah as Exodus but in fact it is called Shemot, names. On a simple level, the identity of the book corresponds to the very first words of chapter 1 which state, "These are the names of the children of Israel who went down to Egypt with Yaakov." Yet, the title of the book reveals a deeper message. Why is the book detailing the journey from slavery to freedom entitled "Names"? It is especially ironic given the anonymity of the major heroes of the story. The Torah states that a Levite man and woman got married and gave birth to a child. The Torah also states that Jewish women who feared God risked their lives to save the Jewish children from Pharaoh's murderous decree. In neither case are their actual names mentioned even though we know them as Amram, Yocheved and Miriam respectively. Why hide their identities? Why call the book "Names" when the names are in fact hidden? Perhaps the answer emerges when we realize that pedigree is not as important as purpose. Courageous and transcendent acts punctuate the journey towards redemption in ancient and modern times. No matter a person's name or fame, the role we each play in fostering positive change can be monumental. No person is exempt from this responsibility. As Ethics of our Fathers teaches, "It is not up to us to finish the task, but it is incumbent upon each of us to not desist from trying." The question for each of us is whether on a daily basis we dedicate our activities as mundane as they may seem to a higher purpose. On the eve of Martin Luther King weekend, I am inspired by one of his quotes that embodies the belief in the intrinsic value of every human being to contribute to the redemption of the world. "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well." Every one of us can be a hero in the meta narrative of Jewish and human history. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Shemot with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here.
- The Haftarah is read from Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23
- 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 click here
Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman) - What's the reason behind your name (Shmos - names)?
- What is something about you that most people wouldn't believe (Moshe says the Jews won't believe him when he tells them that he will free them)?
- What is your best/worst hotel experience (Moshe almost dies in the hotel for not giving his son a bris milah)?
Parsha Would You Rather?- Would you rather have an incredible legacy but not be remembered or have a decent legacy but remembered in the best light possible (A new king arises who does not remember Yosef)?
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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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Out of Office Rabbi Cohen will be away in Israel God willing from Sunday, January 19th until Thursday, February 6th. Elisheva is expecting B'sha'ah Tovah in Jerusalem. Rabbi Cohen will be checking emails and whatsApp periodically. In case of an emergency, please contact Rabbi Kurtz at rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org.
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz: Shocking Shabbos Rulings, Part #1 - Timers | | Musaf | David Gordon | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Moshe Kurtz |
- new members!
- Sarah & Moshe Azoulay
- Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph
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- to Audrey Waldstreicher on the arrival of a great granddaughter!
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- to Tamar & Jason Levine on Ayal's upcoming upsherin this Sunday!
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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 Susan Fleisher on the passing of her father, Eddie Schachter z"l
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- to Jim Benjamin on the passing of his mother, Yvette (Vicki) D. Benjamin z"l
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- to Shirley (Bahar) Ephraim, David Bahar and the Bahar family on the passing of their brother, Nissim Silas Bahar z"l
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- to Evan Gorsky, Lucy Schwartz and Jessica Sosnovich for chairing the Family Friday night Shabbat experience
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- to Hilary Goldstein, Eve Steinmetz and Miriam Sperber for chairing the upcoming Bondfire event
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Karen & Ira Berk in commemoration of the yarhzeits of their fathers, Seymour Feurstein/Yisroel Aryeh Ben Menachem Mendel Hakohen and Murray Berk/Moshe Itzik b' Yaakov Chonah
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- Chapel Kiddush: In gratitude to Mitchell Bell
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Meryl & David Gordon in memory of Meryl's mother, Regina Greenwald z"l (Rivka Bas Yitzchak ) on the occasion of her third yahrzeit; Karen and Ira Berk in memory of Murray Berk z"l; Jill & David Cymrot in memory of Hanka Cymrot z"l; Cookie & Allie Goldblum in memory of Allie's parents, Charles & Fannie Goldblum z"l, and sister Millie Schifreen z"l; Rachel & Jeremy Hager in memory of Rabbi Emil Hager z"l; Gayle & Howard Rothman in memory of Morris Ailin z"l; Ilyse & Dean Schuckman in memory of Lawrence Newman z"l; and Ellen & Dr. Richard Weber in memory of Nathan Weber z"l
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Sunday, January 26 - 10:00 AM |
| CAS Youth Glow in the Dark Havdalah |
Shabbat, February 1 - 6:30 PM |
| Agudath Sholom Kesher (ASK) |
Monday, February 10 - 5:45 PM |
| Israel Teen Fellowship for 10th & 11th Graders |
| Jewish Heritage Trip through Italy |
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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, March 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. 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 In Parshat Shemot, we are introduced to Moshe, who grows up in Pharaoh's palace but cannot ignore the suffering of his people, the Israelites. Despite his privileged upbringing, Moshe shows courage and compassion, stepping in to defend the oppressed. When Hashem appears to Moshe at the burning bush, he hesitates, feeling unworthy of the task of leading Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt. Yet Hashem reassures him, teaching us that leadership is not about being perfect but about answering the call to help others. This parsha reminds us that even in the darkest times, we are never abandoned, and individuals can rise to bring redemption through faith and action. For fun and experiential learning, this week we will make healthy "burning bushes" out of mandarin oranges - then eat them, of course!
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Questions for your Shabbat Table - Can you share a time when you doubted yourself but found the strength to step up and accomplish something important?
- Have you ever done what was right, even though it was difficult or scary? What gave you the courage to do it?
- Moshe questioned whether he was the right person to lead Bnei Yisrael. How do you know when to trust yourself to take on a big responsibility?
- The burning bush symbolized Hashem's presence in an unexpected place. When have you found inspiration or guidance in a moment or place you didn't expect?
- Pharaoh's daughter saved baby Moshe even though it was risky. Can you think of a time when someone's kindness or bravery made a big difference in your life?
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- Message from CAS President Harvey Kaminski Helene and I will be in Florida for most of the remaining winter, returning home intermittently. In any case, I will be carrying on my duties as president while away and am always reachable by telephone (914) 589-1751 or via email; president@cas.stamford.org. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns or just want to say hello.
Hope to see everybody soon.
Harvey Kaminski, CAS President
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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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- Jewish Family Service Mitzvah Opportunity of the Week Buy One/Donate One - When you find yourself shopping for your family at one of our many local grocery stores, please consider also buying something to donate to the Schoke JFS Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry. Whether it be a box of cereal, a can of fruit, a jar of peanut butter, or a box of pasta, when you Buy One/Donate One you are not only practicing the core Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, but you are also inherently helping those in need within our community… your neighbors, friends, co-workers and so many more. We invite you to Buy One/Donate One and help us in the fight against food insecurity.
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- Registration for 2025 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 4/27. Please sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions.
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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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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 4:45 PM; Friday: 4:48 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:43 PM
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- Monday MLK/Inauguration Day
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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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- The Jewish Historical Society for Holocaust Remembrance Day is opening its archives January 26, 27 and 29 from 11-3. All are welcome. Location: behind the State Theater at 990 Hope Street.
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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