Congregation Agudath Sholom | 301 Strawberry Hill Ave | Stamford, CT 06902 (203)-358-2200 www.agudathsholom.org

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Friday, February 7, 2025

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
BeshalachShabbat ShirahFebruary 8, 202510 Sh'vat 5785
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Candle Lighting5:01 PM
Mincha5:06 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00/8:00/9:00 AM
Coffee & Commentary8:40 AM
Sephardic Minyan8:45 AM
Latest Shema8:51 AM
Latest Shacharit9:57 AM
Teen Minyan10:00 AM
Bob's Basics10:00 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Daf Yomi4:05 PM
Code Of Jewish Law4:05 PM
Mincha4:55 PM
Havdalah6:02 PM
Shabbat Shalom
Surrounded by Miracles

This Shabbat is Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song, as we read about the unbridled joy of the Jewish people upon witnessing the miracle at the Red Sea. Click here to learn more.

Shabbat Shira underscores our belief in the miraculous talent in all of life. In the words of the Ramban, the open miracles testify to the hidden hand of God breathing life into the world each day. Song is also a powerful way to unite diverse voices into one vision. Check out One Day by Kullulam - click here.

FInally, Shabbat Shira serves as a reminder that miracles are everywhere.

When the Jewish people were faced with certain death at the sea, with the water in front of them and Egyptians behind, God commanded Moshe and the Jewish people to walk into the water. God miraculously split the sea and saved the Jewish people.

What happened after the Jewish people safely made it to the other side?

Seemingly, the water should have reverted back to its original, natural state. Yet, the Torah records that God commanded Moshe "stretch forth your hand over the sea and the waters will go back over Egypt" (14:26). Why the need for Moshe to act? Why did the waters simply not go back on their own to their original position once the purpose of the miracle was complete?

Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, of blessed memory, derives a remarkable insight from this verse. We are so accustomed to believing in the concept of nature, known as Teva, that we fail to realize that even nature is a miracle. The natural order of events in the world only exists due to God's will every day and every moment.

When God commanded the water to split, that reality became the new normal, the new order of nature. Life does not just return to business as usual. In order for the sea to return to its original state, it requires another act of God.

One of the main goals in life is to always realize that we are surrounded by constant miracles. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel stated so eloquently, "Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed."

Wishing you and your families a happy Tu B'Shevat and Shabbat Shira Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Shabbat Information 
  • Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Beshalach with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here 
  • The Haftarah is read from Judges 4:4-5:31
  • Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
  • Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here.
  • Thursday is Tu Bishvat. We do not recite Tachanun at Wednesday Mincha and throughout the following day. To learn more about Tu Bishvat, 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 something that happened in the last year that you would sing a shira (song) about (Shirat Hayam)?
  • If you could taste one thing in the whole world, what would it be (the manna could taste like anything)?
  • What is something you have a hard time not complaining about (the Jews complain to Moshe about the lack of food and water in the desert)?

Parsha Would You Rather?
  • Would you rather have to pick up your manna every day and be unable to save it or buy food at the store and be able to store it at home like regular (the manna came every day and couldn't be saved)?

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"


Shabbat Topics & Participants
Bob's BasicsRabbi Bob Abrams
ShiurMichael Feldstein: What Miriam Can Teach Us About Having Faith
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Yossi Kamman
Seudah ShlishitRabbi Daniel Cohen: siyum on Bava Batra, in memory of his mother, Sara Malka bat Aharon Avraham Halevi and Rabbi Yaakov Faratci: Fortifying our Youth Against Amalek - Strategies for Success
Welcome
  • We are honored to welcome Rabbi Yaakov Faratci as our Youth Scholar in Residence this Shabbat. He will be speaking briefly Friday night following Kaballat Shabbat and during seudah shliishit, as well as engaging with our youth throughout the weekend.
Mazal Tov
  • to Rina & Yoni Miller on Aiden's Bar Mitzvah!
  • to Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen on the birth of a granddaughter Ayelet, born to Elisheva & Yaakov Moshe Shmidman in Israel! Click here for Elisheva and Yaakov Moshe's reflections on Ayelet.
  • to Marguerite & Kenny Neuhaus on Remy's aufruf this Shabbos in celebration of his forthcoming marriage to Noa Friedman of White Plains, NY!
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Condolences
  • to Shari Glucksman on the passing of her mother, Phyllis Barbara Shapiro z"l
  • to Dovid Green on the passing of his father, Ralph Green z"l
  • to the family of Zechariah Haber who was killed in Israel this week
  • to the families of IDF soldiers Staff Sgt. Nachman Refael Ben Ami, Sgt. First Class (res.) Nadav Cohen, Sgt. Maj. (res.) Ofer Yung and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Tvzika Friedman
Thanks To Our Sponsors
  • Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
  • 7AM Kiddush: Elliot Levy in honor of Matt Greenberg
  • Chapel Kiddush: Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus in honor of Remy's aufruf and upcoming marriage to Noa Friedman
  • Sephardic Kiddush: Albert Bensimon in honor of the birth of his new grandson Asher Levy
  • Sanctuary Kiddush: Rina & Yoni Miller in celebration of Aiden's Bar Mitzvah
  • Seudat Shlishit: Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Rabbi Cohen's mother, Sara Malka bat Aharon Avraham Halevi z"l
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Sign Up for these Events
Learn more
Youth Scholar-in-Residence Yaakov Faratci
Shabbat, February 8
sign up
Youth Tu BShvat Seed Planting & Decorating
Sunday, February 9 - 10:30 AM
sign up
Tot Shabbat & Mini Minyan PJ Party & Movie Night
Sunday, February 9 - 1:00 PM
sign up
Agudath Sholom Kesher (ASK)
Monday, February 10 - 5:45 PM
sign up
Crash Course in Hebrew with Rabbi Bob Abrams
Monday, February 10 - 7:30 PM
sign up
Jewish Heritage Trip to Italy Information Session
Thursday, February 13 - 12:30 PM
sign up
CAS Youth Presidents Day Camp
Monday, February 17 - 10:00 AM
Learn more
Israel Teen Fellowship for 10th & 11th Graders
Tuesday, February 18
sign up
Comedy Night featuring Eli Lebowicz
Shabbat, February 22 - 7:30 PM
sign up
New and Prospective Member Bagel Brunch
Sunday, February 23 - 10:00 AM
sign up
Little Lights Parent and Me Playtime
Sunday, February 23 - 10:00 AM
sign up
CAS Movie Club
Sunday, February 23 - 8:00 PM
sign up
Jr Cong Pajama Party & Movie Night
Shabbat, March 8 - 8:00 PM
Learn more
Jewish Heritage Trip through Italy
Upcoming Events
Davening & Doughnuts
Sunday, February 9 - 8:30 AM
All are welcome to join us for our monthly Davening & Doughnuts! Davening includes the singing of Ashrei, Aleinu and parts of the siddur that all members of the family can participate in. And, of course, there will be doughnuts and coffee waiting for everyone at the end! To sponsor, please email either Eli Reichner (eli.reichner@gmail.com) or Rabbi Moshe Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org).
Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz
Wednesday, February 19 - 12:00 PM
community is invited to join our discussions as we transition to The Prophet written by Russian poet, playwright, novelist and historian Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837). He is credited with developing Russian Literature. We will parse the verse and connect the dots to the sixth Chapter of Isiah. Lunch from Restaurant 613 is provided by your host. If you plan to attend in person or have any questions, please contact meat rj@richardjschwartz.com Zoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450
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!
CAS Youth News
Youth Group Update  In Parshat Beshalach, after Pharaoh finally allows the Bnei Yisrael to leave Mitzrayim, he quickly changes his mind and pursues them with his army. Bnei Yisrael find themselves trapped between the advancing Egyptian forces and the Yam Suf. In this moment of despair, Hashem instructs Moshe to raise his staff over the sea, splitting it to allow Bnei Yisrael to cross on dry land. Once they reach safety, the waters return, drowning the Egyptians. In gratitude, Moshe and Bnei Yisrael sing the Shirat HaYam, praising Hashem.Later, in the wilderness, Bnei Yisrael face hunger and thirst. They express their concerns to Moshe and Aharon, and Hashem responds with miracles: sweetening the bitter waters at Marah, providing manna from heaven each morning, and sending quails in the evening. He instructs them to gather a double portion of manna on Erev Shabbat, as none will fall on Shabbat, emphasizing the sanctity of the day. Some attempt to gather manna on Shabbat but find none, showing the importance of following Hashem's commandments.In Rephidim, Bnei Yisrael are attacked by Amalek. Under Yehoshua's leadership and with Moshe's prayers, they achieve victory, highlighting the power of faith and unity.Reflecting on these events, Rav Soloveitchik teaches that in times of adversity, we should not ask "Why?" but rather "For what purpose?" Instead of questioning Hashem's actions, we should seek to understand how to respond and grow from the challenges we face.For fun and experiential learning, we will recreate the splitting of the Yam Suf with healthy and yummy snacks that we can split in two.
Questions for Your Shabbat Table: 
  • Why did Hashem lead the Bnei Yisrael through the longer route to the Yam Suf instead of the shorter path?
  • What lessons can we learn from the Shirat HaYam about expressing gratitude?
  • How did the daily provision of manna teach the Bnei Yisrael about trust in Hashem?
  • Why is it significant that some people attempted to gather manna on Shabbat despite being instructed not to?
  • What can we learn from the battle against Amalek about the importance of faith and leadership?

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND IN THE YOUTH & TEEN DEPT: 
  • Friday night: Teen Shabbos dinner featuring Rabbi Yaakov Faratci, hosted by the Munks
  • Shabbos Morning: TEEN MINYAN with Rabbi Yaakov, 10AM, in the Chapel, followed by Teen Kiddush
  • Shabbos Afternoon - BMC Oneg with Rabbi Yaakov, hosted by the Munks, 3:30-5pm
  • Saturday Night - Parent Child Learning continues THIS WEEK, with special guest Rabbi Yaakov Faratci, begining 7pm
  • Sunday Morning - JR CONG TU B'SHVAT PLANTING & DECORATING Sunday 2/9, 10:30AM-12PM
  • Sunday Afternoon -TOT SHABBAT & MINI MINYAN PJ PIZZA PARTY & MOVIE "NIGHT" - Sunday, 2/9 1:00-2:30pm

CAS Announcements
  • CAS Women's Book Club will be meeting on Feb 12th at 7:45pm  At the home of Debbie-Lee Silvermetz (email dlsilvermetz@gmail.com for the address). We will be discussing The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
Weekday Schedule
  • Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30 AM
  • Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 5:10 PM; Friday: 5:14 PM
  • Candle Lighting  Friday: 5:09 PM
  • Thursday  Tu BiShvat
CAS Classes
Join one of our classes.

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
  • Yospa bat Shana Menucha
  • 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

We Honor Our Military
  • 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

Community Announcements
  • Application Window for the Lilly Reiser Scholarship Now Open  United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien (UJF) invites any current 12th graders or college-aged students to apply for a $10,000 college scholarship (renewable for up to 4 consecutive years). The student must be attending an accredited US-based college or graduate school at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year to be eligible. Awards will be based on both financial need and merit. The winning applicants will demonstrate the potential to live up to Lilly Reiser's example, as a person who overcame significant hardship, prized education, and became a responsible and productive citizen. To apply, please visit www.ujf.org/LillyReiser. For more information please visit www.ujf.org/LillyReiserScholarship.

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