| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
|
| | Pekudei | Mevarchim Chodesh
Shabbat HaChodesh | March 29, 2025 | 29 Adar 5785 |
|
|
|
| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 6:57 PM | | Mincha | 7:00 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:40 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 9:09 AM | | Teen Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:26 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 6:05 PM | | Mincha | 6:55 PM | | Havdalah | 7:58 PM |
Shabbat of Infertility Awareness We are proud to be participating in Yesh Tikva's Tenth Annual Infertility Awareness Shabbat along with over 100 other synagogues in North America, Australia, and Israel. This shabbat aims to give infertility a "voice" and to spread awareness in the Jewish community. Too often, infertility is a silent struggle, such that we may not even be aware when our friends, family members or neighbors are suffering. The goal of this campaign is to increase sensitivity towards our fellow Jews who dream of becoming parents. For most Jewish couples who want children, building a family is a given. But for many couples diagnosed with infertility, the road to parenthood is paved with tears, anguish, loss, isolation, and depression. Yesh Tikva, Hebrew for "There is Hope," was established to create a community of support for all Jewish people facing infertility. Yesh Tikva offers a website - www.YeshTikva.org - and the following support services: Fertility Friends, Infertility and Jewish Law resources, the Mikvah Infertility Awareness Campaign, educational materials, phone-based and in-person support groups, and lectures on relevant fertility topics. If I or Rabbi Kurtz can be supportive in any way, we are here for you. The month of Nisan and Pesach can be particularly difficult with the emphasis on children and family. Pesach can be painful and lonely. Indeed, for some, Pesach can be the holiday of exclusion. Yet, on Seder night, we emphatically declare, "Let all who are hungry come and eat. Let all who are needy come and celebrate Pesach." As a community, let us make every effort to include all of our friends and fellow congregants in our holiday celebrations. This year, make sure that no one in our community needs to spend a Seder or Yom Tov meal alone. If you would like to be a host or guest for a Pesach meal, please be in touch with me directly. Thank you in advance for joining me in helping build an even stronger community of inclusion and warmth. Wishing you and your families a Happy Rosh Chodesh and 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 Pekudei with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
- The Haftarah for Parshat HaChodesh is read from I Ezekiel 45:16-46:18
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here.
- Learn about Parshat HaChodesh by clicking here.
- We bless the month of Nissan. The Molad will be Shabbat, March 29, 2025 7:46 (1 chelek) AM. Rosh Chodesh is observed Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
- Halachic Note: We do not recite Tachanun and associated prayers (e.g. Yehi Ratzon, Av haRachamim, Kel Malei, Tzidkasecha) during the entire month of Nissan.
- 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) - Who is someone you work well with or two people you know who make a great team (Betzalel and Ahaliav worked together on the Mishkan)?
- If you could choose one part of a shul to donate what would it be (the building of the Mishkan)?
- What is somewhere in your house you couldn't go as a kid (Moshe couldn't enter the Mishkan when the Anan rested on it)?
Parsha Would You Rather?- Would you rather design your own house on a medium or have someone else design your whole house with no input from you on a big budget (Hashem commanded how the Mishkan was to be built)?
|
Yesh Tikvah Shabbat this Weekend This Shabbat, we are partnering with Yesh Tikvah, an organization to support men and women experiencing infertility. You can get more details and resources at https://yeshtikva.org/. We will also be reciting a special Tefillah Shabbat morning.
|
Exciting Daily Minyan News Beginning this Monday, Agudath Sholom will launch a weekday 8:30 AM minyan in the chapel. To join the WhatsApp group for real time updates and to help make the minyan, contact Dan Faizakoff at 917-971-8696.
|
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 |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Mark Wagshul: Bring them home now, at all cost? - A halachic and historical perspective - in commemoration of the yahrzeit of his father, Melvin Wagshul, Menachem Mendel ben Lipa | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Yossi Kamman: What the Exodus Means Today |
- to Isrella & Gerald Knopf on the engagement of their son Matthew to Rebecca Kogan, daughter of Eve & Micha Kogan!
|
- to Audrey Waldstreicher on the engagement of her great-granddaughter Sarah Naomi Zander to Oz Shapiro in Israel!
|
- to Nancy & Gadi Mimoun on the arrival of a granddaughter Sylvie Ora, born to Liza & Mike Mimoun!
|
- to Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg on the arrival of a grandson, Yosef Chaim/Joseph Harvey, born to Phyllis & Zachary Wohlberg!
|
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here- Senior Challah Deliveries: Talia Ben-Joseph in loving memory of her beloved mother, Ziona Fosman
|
- Chapel Kiddush: Elise & Steven Cohen in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Elise's father, Dr. William Sosnow
|
- Sanctuary Kiddush: Tali & Jesse Salver in support of the couples in our community struggling with infertility
|
- Teen Kiddush: Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy Upper School in honor of our community's youth - Join Rabbi B at Teen Kiddush for great food and light learning
|
- Seudah Shlishit: Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Shalhevet Pas
|
| Sunday, March 30 - 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, March 30 - 8:00 PM |
| Agudath Womens Speaker Series - |
Tuesday, April 1 - 2:00 PM |
| Middle School Seudat Shlishit |
Shabbat, April 5 - 7:00 PM |
| Pre-Pesach Kids Art & Game Day |
Sunday, April 6 - 1:00 PM |
| | Pre Pesach Friday Night Dinner |
Friday, April 11 - 8:00 PM |
| Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Opportunity] |
| Maot Chittim - Passover Charity |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
| Jewish Heritage Trip through Italy |
|
When Erev Pesach Falls on Shabbat - Guide from Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Kurtz
Infrequently Erev Pesach falls out on Shabbat. It will occur this year and then not again until 2045.
When this happens, the mitzvot of the days before Pesach are rescheduled so that it is possible to prepare for Pesach, while at the same time properly observe and respect Shabbat.
The specific halachic issues at play are how to have Shabbat meals while juggling the prohibition to have matzah on Erev Pesach and the prohibition to have chametz after the fourth hour on Erev Pesach.
Seudah Shlishit presents a unique challenge since it is ideally a hamotzei meal in the afternoon but both chametz and matzah are forbidden.
Another topic is when to fulfill bedika and biur considering that they can not be done on Shabbat.
Lastly, selling the chametz can occur but the mechanism of the sale have to be altered to either take place before Shabbat or complete the acts of acquisition before Shabbat and stipulate that the sale goes into effect on Shabbat.
|
Agudath Sholom Road Map - Shabbat Hagadol Drasha: Shabbat, April 5th at 6:10 PM - Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Healing from Trauma: The Haggdah's Pathway Then and Now
- Fast of First Born: Thursday, April 10th - 7:00 AM - Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Shmidman and 8:00 AM - Rabbi Dr. Jeff Cahn
- Bedikat (Checking) Chametz: Thursday, April 10th after 8:12 PM
- Biur (Burning Chametz): Friday, April 11th 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
- Sale of Chametz: Friday morning, April 11th - Please submit all forms by 10 AM. Any Chametz left over after burning, which you are planning to use on Friday afternoon, or Shabbat morning, WILL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE SALE. This Chametz must be completely consumed before the time of the prohibition of Chametz Shabbat morning, the fourth hour of the day – 10:43 am, or destroyed and removed from your premises (e.g., flushed down the toilet) before the fifth hour of the day, 11:49 am.
- Bitul (Nullifying) Chametz: The first bitul is made after bedikat chametz on all chametz that one does not know about. The final bitul is made on Shabbat itself before the sixth halachic hour and it is unnecessary to make one on Friday while burning the chametz.
- Shabbat Morning Important Zmanim: 10:43 am - Last time to eat chametz, 11:49 am - Last time to annul & dispose of remaining chametz
- Shabbat Meals: Generally, on Erev Pesach one may eat Chametz up until the end of the fourth hour of the day (10:43am), but there is NO requirement that one MUST eat Chametz. However, on Shabbat, there is a requirement to have three meals, the first two of which must include bread (two rolls, or Lechem Mishneh). This is problematic, if the house must be ready for Pesach before Shabbat! How does one have bread at the meal, and yet be ready for Pesach? The obvious solution would be to use Pesach Matzah, but this too is not permitted, because we are not permitted to eat regular Matzah on Erev Pesach, in order to have a stronger appetite for Matzah at the seder. This is the major issue created by the unique circumstance of Erev Pesach on Shabbat. Therefore, all food prepared for Shabbat should be Pesachdik, prepared and served on Pesach utensils.
What should one do for Hamotzi and lechem mishnah? Small Rolls Use small rolls that can be consumed without left-overs, and try to avoid any crumbs. For this approach, care should be taken that no pesach utensils be brought to the table until after Hamotzi, and all the challah has been consumed. (One can also make hamotzi outside, and have the rest of the meal inside, to avoid the problem.) The rolls must be consumed by 10:43 AM. Beldottis will be baking special Kezayit small rolls for this Shabbat which will be available at all minyanim. After all chametz has been consumed, the bittul (nullification) paragraph should be recited, and in all cases no later than 11:49 AM. - Schedule for April 12th:The morning meal, therefore, must begin early enough so as to complete the eating of lechem mishnah by the 4th hour of the day (10:43am). The 9 AM minyan will begin at 8:45 AM, break at 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM for Kiddush and Hamotzi (small challah rolls will be available in the social hall) and resume Torah reading at 10:00 AM. Beldotti Kzayit rolls will be available at the morning minyanim kiddush and pre Torah reading for the 8:45 AM minyan.
- Seudah Shlishit – April 12th: Even the above solution of egg matzah for lechem mishneh is insufficient to provide a solution for hamotzi at Seudah Shlishit.8 Many authorities say that one may fulfill the obligation of Seudah Shlishit without bread or Matzah, eating fish, eggs, fruit, etc. A third meal, therefore, should be eaten, after mid-day (6½ hours or 1:30pm). The first ten people to click here will get a box of Shmurah matzah from Israel.
- Restrictions on Shabbat Menu: No BAKED food containing Matzah meal (cakes, cookies, etc.) may be eaten on Shabbat, after the fourth hour, 10:43 AM. Food made with potato flour or potato starch may be eaten throughout the day. Seudah Shlishit can be fulfilled with kiddush or lunch and one can rely upon the opinion that permits meat, fish, or fruit to fulfill one's mitzvah.
|
Annual Pre-Pesach Reminders - Buy Milk Before Pesach
- Eggs May Be Purchased during Chol Hamoed Pesach
- All non-processed meat and chicken is kosher for Pesach. Buy now and freeze for Pesach before prices go up.(Please note: This doesn't apply to ground meat)
|
Seder Hospitality Planning your Seder? In need of a Seder? If you would like to join a family seder or would consider hosting members of our community who may need a place for Pesach night contact Rabbi Cohen or Rabbi Kurtz.
|
Pesach Q and A Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Kurtz manage the CAS Pesach WhatsApp Q and A. It is a great way to learn about Kashrut and Kashering for the upcoming holiday. Click here to join.
Here is a sample question:
May I use my year round hot water urn for Pesach?
If the urn only used for heating water, run hot water through the water tap for 10 seconds, while pouring boiling water from a kettle over the water tap. If it is used to warm food (e.g. to warm challah), it must be put away and not used for the Pesach.
|
Our annual dinner was thank God, a rousing success in attendance, revenue and spirit! Click here for Rabbi Cohen's Remarks
|
From Rabbi Josh In Parshat Pikudei, we see the conclusion of the construction of the Mishkan. The work is finished, and everything is set up as G-d instructed. The Parsha emphasizes the idea of accountability, as Moshe carefully reviews the contributions and the work done to make sure everything is just as it should be. The detailed descriptions of the materials used and the careful measurements show how much thought and care went into building the Mishkan. This teaches us the importance of being thorough and making sure that we do our best in everything we do.
At the end of the parsha, the Cloud of Glory (Anan) covers the Mishkan, signaling G-d's presence with the people. This moment is significant because it marks the culmination of the people's work and devotion. When we put our best effort into something, it can become a place where G-d's presence can dwell, just like the Mishkan. This teaches us that with dedication, attention to detail, and a heart full of faith, we can create spaces—whether physical or spiritual—where G-d's light shines.
For fun and experiential learning, we will eat chametz that needs to be gone before Pesach, as we learn about preparing for the upcoming holiday.
|
Shabbat Table Questions: - Why is it important to be careful and detailed in our work, as Moshe was when reviewing the Mishkan's construction?
- How do you think the people felt when they saw the Cloud of Glory over the Mishkan? What does it mean to have G-d's presence among us?
- Can you think of a time when you worked hard to complete a project? How did it feel when it was finished?
- What are some ways we can create a "holy space" in our homes or communities, just like the Mishkan was a holy space for Bnei Yisrael?
|
- Save the Date! Join us for the Annual Women's Mikvah Gala Fundraiser Sunday, May 4th, 2025 at 7 PM. An unforgettable evening of inspiration and connection. Hear from renowned speaker Ruchi Koval, enjoy delicious bites from Lily's Kitchen, and participate in an exciting chance auction. Mark your calendars – we can't wait to celebrate with you!
|
- 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.
|
- 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
|
- Shacharit Sunday: 7:00/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
|
- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 7:05 PM; Friday: 7:09 PM
|
- Candle Lighting Friday: 7:04 PM
|
- Sunday Rosh Chodesh Nisan
|
We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Raanan Noach ben Slova
- yosef ishai ben miriam
- Yocheved Rochel bat Chava Kayla
- Sheina Feiga bat Rivka
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Rema bat Etta
- Ahron Dovid ben Esther Bayla
- 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
- Moisha Gedalia
- Nechemiah
- Dorit bat Ora
- Yospa bat Shana Menucha
- Mary
- Miriam Rut bat Chana
- Tanya bat Malka
- 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
- Refael Pesachya Chaim ben Golda
- Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah
- Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida
- Eliezer Meyer ben Leah
- Calev Natanel ben Sara
- Yitzchak Osher ben Chana Shayva Chaya
- Inna bat Tanya
|
|
- 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
|
|
- Reminder: Aaron's Place, on the ground floor of Stamford Hospital provides kosher snacks, drinks and meals, in a comfortable environment. If you are caring for a hospitalized loved one or waiting for tests, this comfort room is a place to regroup and refresh. Information is available at the hospital front desk , The code, in Hebrew letters, is on the door of the room.
|
- An Evening with Schoke JFS, Celebrating 50 Years of Service Sunday, May 18th, 5:30 PM. Join Schoke Jewish Family Service as we celebrate 50 years of supporting the Fairfield County community at An Evening with Schoke JFS on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT. This special event will honor the Schoke JFS staff with the 45th Annual Mitzvah Award and include a cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation, paddle raise supporting the Japha Family Emergency Assistance Program, dessert, and an exciting auction offering one-of-a-kind opportunities. Tickets, including dinner and dessert, are $250 and can be purchased at www.ctjfs.org/gala. For details or to place a journal ad, contact Erika Llanos at 203-921-4161 or ellanos@ctjfs.org. Come celebrate this remarkable milestone and support the important work of Schoke JFS in the community!
|
- Schoke JFS Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Applications Open Applications for the Joan and Ben Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Program are open for summer 2025 to Jewish families residing throughout the Schoke JFS catchment area - including Stamford, Norwalk, Westport, Bridgeport, and Upper Fairfield County. The fund is made possible through the financial support of the Zinbarg Family, the United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County. Fueled by the generosity of its partners, Schoke JFS granted 48 camp scholarships in 2024, fostering memorable and impactful experiences for the recipients. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 11, 2025. Apply at www.ctjfs.org/zinbargcampscholarship. Questions? Contact Erika Gadson at 203-921-4161, erikag@ctjfs.org.
|
- Matilda Jr. At BCHA! Don't miss BCHA's upcoming Spring Musical- the inspiring story of Matilda- filled with high energy dance numbers, catchy songs, theatrical magic and the inspiring joy that comes from having our very own young shul members reminding us of the power of imagination and the gleefulness of having children teach adults a lesson. This is one that you don't want to miss! Performances: Thursday 3/27, Friday 3/28 and Sunday 3/30.10/ticket BUYTICKETS.AT/BCHA
|
- Looking to make your Passover Holiday less stressful? Let W Kosher Events provide you with the food you need for Seder or during the holiday. Delivery to Stamford will be on Friday, April 11 th and Wednesday, April 16 th . You can view our menu at www.wkosherevents.com. Orders can be placed by calling 203.918.2301 or info@wkosherevents.com.
|
- Community Interfaith Seder Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:30 pm. Save the date for UJF's annual Community Interfaith Seder, in partnership with UCONN Hillel, the Interfaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut, and the Stamford Mayor's Multicultural Council. A specially designed Haggadah will follow the traditional pattern of the Passover Seder but will incorporate themes that will resonate with people of all different faiths and backgrounds. Visit http://www.ujf.org/seder to register
|
- Friendship Circle Community Awareness Event for adults and 9-12th graders Sunday, April 6 at 10:30 AM. Join us for an inspiring event with Pamela Rae Schuller, a comedian, speaker and advocate who brings a unique perspective to inclusion through humor and storytelling. For more info or to RSVO, visit jewishwestport.com/friendship
|
- Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration Wednesday, April 23rd, 7:00 pm. All are invited to join this year's community Yom HaShoah Commemoration, which will be held on April 23 at 7:00 pm, Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford. 99-year-old Auschwitz survivor, Ernest Nemeth will be speaking as well as award-winning author Karen Blankfeld. Visit http://www.ujf.org/YomHaShoah25 to register
|
- NextGen Yom Ha'atzmaout Party Saturday, April 26th, 9:00 pm. Celebrate 77 years of Israeli independence with NextGen on Saturday April 26 starting at 9:00 pm at Serendipity Labs, 700 Canal Street, Stamford. Enjoy food, open bar, and a live DJ spinning all of your favorite Israeli tunes. Visit: www.ujf.org/nextgenYH
|
- Fairfield County Celebrates Israel Festival Sunday, April 27th, 2:00-5:00 pm. UJF, Stamford JCC, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, host Fairfield County's annual Celebrate Israel Festival. Celebrate with live music, games, crafts, food, and more. Attendees will enjoy a live-performance by award-winning Israeli singer-songwriter Gilad Segev. Segev is known world-wide for his Project Heroes non-profit initiative. Visit: https://jewishfestivaloffairfieldcounty.com/ to register
|
- Voting is Open for the 2025 U.S. Zionist Congress Election Thru Sunday, May 4th. U.S. voting in the 39th World Zionist Congress election is open! The voting will continue through May 4, 2025. Head to zionistelection.org to register and to cast your vote for Israel's future.
|
- Community Jewish Heritage Mission to Greece Monday, October 27th- Wednesday November 5th. Join UJF on our Mission Trip to Greece from October 27-November 5 as we'll learn and explore Greece's Jewish history dating back thousands of years! There will be an informational meeting about the trip. If you wish to receive information, email Lara@ujf.org.
|
|
|
|
|
bulletin@cas-stamford.org