| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayikra | | April 5, 2025 | 7 Nisan 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha | 7:00 PM | | Candle Lighting | 7:04 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 | 9:02 AM | | Family Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 10:20 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Daf Yomi | 5:20 PM | | Shabbat HaGadol Drasha | 6:10 PM | | Mincha | 7:00 PM | | Havdalah | 8:06 PM |
The Eternal Torah The Torah is eternal. No word is wasted and without meaning. Yet, a quick perusal of the double Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora seems to belie this message. The focus is on the issues of tumah and tahara, mischaracterized as impurity and purity, a seemingly archaic and irrelevant subject in modern times. Yet, in truth, when the subjects are unpacked, we will discover the current relevance of these sections in the Torah. Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch explains etymologically that tumah connotes a barrier or blockage and tahara connotes connection or conduit. For instance, the highest state of Tumah is a dead body, not because the body is dirty in any way but rather the separation of body and soul prevents the soul from connecting to God via the vessel of the body. The soul is blocked from growth without the vehicle of the body. Tahara represents clarity and connection. A person immerses in a mikvah, etymologically connected to the word, tikvah "hope" to reinforce the possibility for forging a renewed relationship with God and moving from a state of feeling distant and to becoming close to God. More than any other book in the Torah, the book of Vaykira focuses on personal development. The categories of Tumah and tahara are portals to appreciate the impact of how we live in this world. Do we eat to live or live to eat? Blessings and Kashrut are opportunities to either distance ourselves from God or move closer to God. Speech is a gift from God and what we say and how we speak determine whether we are harnessing this gift for the profane or the holy. The topics in Vayikra relate to issues of forgiveness, gratitude, kindness, ethics and holiness. The prime topic of tzaraat, a physical manifestation of the spiritual malady of tale bearing, gossip and arrogance is intended to awaken within us the scared nature of speech. Words build or destroy. Words can bridge relationships or create isolation. A person who gossips fails to appreciate that even one word can harm someone. As a result, the person undergoes a spiritual rehabilitation in which he/she lives alone as a way for the person to understand the nature of the pain words caused to another human being. Just one word of the Kohen determines a person's fate. These ideas are just the beginning. Learn the deeper messages of these parshiyot as their messages are truly eternal and the foundation for leading a righteous, holy, meaningful and ethical life. 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 Vayikra with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
- The Haftarah is read from Isaiah 43:21-44:23
- Haftarah summary by Chabad.org - click here.
- Haftarah summary by Haftarah Helper - click here.
- We do not recite the Av HaRachamim prayer.
- Final opportunity to recite Kiddush Levana is this coming Thursday night.
- For the complete Pesach schedule, please 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) - Who is someone you would like to call before Pesach (Vayikra - to call)?
- What's an act of sacrifice someone has done for you or you have done for someone (all of the sacrifices)?
- What is something you think needs to be said that people aren't saying (im lo yagid v'nasa avono)?
Parsha Would You Rather?- Would you rather bring a meal offering or an animal offering (There is discussion about whether the animal offerings will still be offered when Moshiach comes)?
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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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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Shiur | Michael Feldstein: The "Four Freedoms" of Pesach - in memory of Dr. Donald Feldstein, Dovid Levi ben Asher Anshel, in commemoration of his yahrzeit | | Shabbat HaGadol Drasha | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: AntiFragility and Resilience - Transcending Trauma and the Spirit of Pesach and the Jewish People | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Shmidman: Turning Whiskey into Wine - Connecting Purim and Pesach |
- to Nurit & Mark Wexler and Debbie & Ben Soifer on the arrival of a grandson and great-grandson, born to Carly & Robby Soifer!
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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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Genady Grabarnik in loving memory of Fany Michlina
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Rosalie & Stuart Feldman in memory of Samuel Feldman z"l; Nancy & Gadi Mimoun in memory of Gadi's father, Sasi Mimoun z"l, and Nancy's mother, Joan Zinbarg z"l; Doreen & Howard Nusbaum in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Howard's father, Henry Robert Nusbaum z"l/Hanoch ben Yehoshua; and Maria & Glenn Reicin in memory of Barbara Jean King Meier z"l
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- Seudah Shlishit: Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus in commemoration of the yahrzeits of their parents: Bill & Elizabeth Schaffer and Jon & Marianne Neuhaus z"l
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| 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 |
| Rabbi Daniel Cohen - What is Your Why? |
Tuesday, April 22 - 8:15 AM |
| Sunday, April 27 - 8:00 PM |
| | Agudath Womens Speaker Series - |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, April 23 - 12:00 PM Our lunches have been graced with our penetrating discussions of the roles that our holy scriptures play in deepening our understanding of timeless messages of writers and poets such as Poe, O'Henry, de Maupassant, Shirley Jackson, Leonard Cohen, Simon and Garfunkel, Dylan Thomas, Bob Dylan, Shakespeare , MIlton, Pushkin and selected Psalms of KIng David to name a few. Our next series of Roundtables are entitled "Demystifying the Mystique of the Sabbath:" We will embark on a spiritual journey that hopefully will deepen our understanding of the ways that we can enhance our own personal appreciation and hence observance of this special day. Lunch is catered from Restaurant 613 and provided by your host. If you have any questions or plan to attend in person, please contact me at rj@richardjschwartz.com Zoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 |
Pre Pesach Reminders from Rabbi Cohen As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, please note the following: Shabbat Hagadol: Since Shabbat on the day before Pesach is a very busy time, the tradition is to share the Shabbat Hagadol Drasha this Shabbat. In the spirit, I will be delivering the drasha at 6:10 PM. The Topic is Healing from Trauma: The Strength of the Jewish People and The Haggdah's Pathway Then and Now .
Kashering Utensils for Pesach: Kashering will be in the shul kitchen on Monday and Wednesday from 8 PM - 9 PM. Please do not use the utensils within 24 hours of immersion. Please note: We do not have the capacity to kasher large pots and pans and also ask that you do not bring knives with wood handles. If you have any questions, please contact Rabbi Cohen (rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org) or Rabbi Kurtz (rabbikurtz@cas-stamford.org)
Taanit Bechorim: Thursday, April 10th. The fast begins at 4:46 AM. We are conducting 2 siyumim. I will lead the first one on Sanhedrin at 7:10 AM led by Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Dr. Jeff Cahn will lead a siyum at 8 AM. We are grateful to the Goldenberg family for providing breakfast in memory of Martin Goldenberg z"l.
Burning of the Chametz: Friday, April 11th We invite the community to the shul parking lot for the burning of the Chametz between 10:45 AM and 11:45 AM.
Meals Next Shabbat: One cannot eat bread on Shabbat, April 12th after 10:43 AM.
The morning meal must begin early enough so as to complete the eating of Lechem Mishnah by the 4th hour of the day (10:43am). Important: The 9 AM minyan will begin at 8:45 AM, break at 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM for Kiddush and Hamotzi and resume Torah reading at 10:00 AM.
Seudah Shlishit: April 12th - Many authorities say that one may fulfill the obligation of Seudah Shlishit without bread or Matzah, but by eating fish, eggs, fruit, etc. A third meal, therefore, should be eaten, after mid-day (6½ hours or 1:30pm).
Important Pesach Links:- CAS Pesach Website - click here
- Pesach Q and A Whatsapp group - click here
- Sale of Chametz Form - click here
- Maot Chitim - click here
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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.
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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.
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Help the Hungry on Pesach One of the most important preparations for Pesach is the minhag of Maot Chitim, ensuring that everyone has food for Pesach. Please consider a donation today to the Agudath Sholom Maot Chitim fund and we will distribute the proceeds locally via JFS and also to families in Israel. You have the power to ease the hardship of Pesach expenses for the Jewish people. Wishing everyone a Chag Kasher V'Sameach!
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Download the Benjamin and Rose Berger Torah To-Go Pesach 5785 from Yeshiva University click here
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Dvar Torah for Parshat Vayikra In Parshat Vayikra, we learn about the different types of korbanot (offerings) that were brought to the Mishkan. Each offering had its own purpose, whether to show gratitude, ask for forgiveness, or express devotion. The key lesson from these offerings is that they were a way for the Israelites to come close to G-d. While we no longer bring physical korbanot today, the essence of this practice remains with us. Every time we pray, do a mitzvah, or act with kindness, we are offering something to G-d. By bringing our hearts, our actions, and our intentions to Him, we can create a powerful connection with G-d—just like the korbanot did in the Mishkan.
This parsha reminds us that spirituality doesn't have to be about big, grand gestures. It's about the intention behind everything we do. Even small, everyday actions can be meaningful when we do them with the right heart.
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Shabbat Table Questions - What do you think it means to "come close" to G-d through our actions?
- In Parshat Vayikra, the Israelites brought offerings for different reasons. Can you think of ways we bring offerings today, even without sacrifices?
- How can we make our prayers or mitzvot more meaningful?
- If you could offer something special to G-d today, what would it be and why?
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- Looking for a meaningful mitzvah? We're seeking volunteers to visit a homebound Jewish man, Abe Cogan—a longtime member of CAS—near Scalzi Park on Fridays at 6:30 pm to help him light electric Shabbat candles and share a few minutes of warmth and companionship. It takes about 15 minutes and brings real light to someone's life. Sign up
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- Annual Challenges in Jewish Education panel discussion, "Teaching Israel: At Home ... At School ... and in Israel" featuring Rabbi Joshua Lookstein, Assistant Head of School, Ramaz, and Rabbi Jeffrey Kobrin, Head of School, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Shabbat May 3rd, at seudah shlishit between mincha and maariv (appx 7:45PM). Moderated by Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein, Head of School, Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy. Join us for what promises to be a very stimulating discussion on an important topic.
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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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- 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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- Save the Date! Join us for the CAS mission to Ft. Bragg July 27-28. Rabbi Cohen will lead a CAS mission in support of the Jewish soldiers and their community at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina from July 27-28. Mark your calendars - all are welcome. Please reach out to Rabbi Cohen or Lonnie Keene lonnie53211@yahoo.com for details.
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- Shacharit Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 7:15 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 7:12 PM
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- Thursday Ta'anit Bechorot
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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
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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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- 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.
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- 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!
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Living Our Values: Jewish Parenting with PJ Library Tuesday, April 15, 12:00 pm & Wednesday, April 17, 8:00 pm. Join PJ Library for a meaningful and interactive virtual event series designed to help parents raising Jewish children explore and integrate their values into everyday family life. In April, they will focus on the Jewish value of Freedom-How can we learn from the holiday of Passover to incorporate freedom of expression in our Judaism. Visit: http://pjlibrary.org/gettogether25 to register
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- Yom Ha'atzmout Flag Raising and Kick-off of Jewish Heritage Month Thursday, May 1, 10:00 am. Join UJF in celebrating the beginning of Jewish Heritage month with an honorary flag raising of Israel's flag in honor of Yom Ha'atzmout. The event will take place at the Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd by the flagpole. There will be a short reception following the flag raising which features some speakers and refreshments.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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