| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Beha'alotcha | | June 14, 2025 | 18 Sivan 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha | 7:00 PM/8:14 PM | | Candle Lighting | 8:09 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:13 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:40 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:47 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Daf Yomi | 7:15 PM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 7:15 PM | | Mincha | 8:05 PM | | Havdalah | 9:10 PM |
I invite everyone to join at our annual meeting this week. It will be a meaningful opportunity to thank Harvey, our executive team and outgoing leadership and also to honor Gloria Green and Nat Samberg, recipients of the George and Ziporah Freedberg Excellence in Spirit and Hineni Awards. It is also an invaluable moment to reaffirm our purpose, vision and mission as a shul. What one word in the Torah describes who we are as a shul and who we aspire to be? I believe that the spirit and mission of Agudath Sholom is embodied in the title of this week's Torah portion – Behaalotcha. God tells Moshe to command Aharon to light the candles on the menorah. Notably, the word is not actually Lehadlik - which means to kindle – but Lehaalot, which means to elevate. What is the difference? Rashi offers the following approach which I would like to give a new twist. "To kindle" implies taking one wick which is lit and placing it on another wick until it too catches fire. "To elevate" signifies placing one wick so close to the next one that it catches the fire of the first flame. The second flame ignites on its own, captivated by the first flame. God in his infinite and timeless wisdom is revealing a secret of Jewish continuity as symbolized by the lighting of the Menorah. Jewish continuity emerges when we do not impose but expose, when we do not capture but captivate. A powerful experience can leave an indelible mark on the soul of a human being. It is no wonder that the Torah mandates that even babies should be taken to Jerusalem as the memory created will linger forever and sow the seeds of love of God, Torah and Israel. We are deeply committed to three pillars of Jewish communal life. Torah, Avodah (prayer) and Gemillut Chasadim (kindness) but more than ever in a world of unending pressures and pulls away from our faith, Agudath Sholom must be an engine of memory creation. We must excel at experiences that will nurture intense passion for performance of mitzvot and a purpose driven life. I was awakened to this idea a number of years ago when our executive team and committee leadership engaged in exploring two key questions. First, think of two significant experiences that encapsulate the shul at its best. Second, what shul experiences would be valuable for you personally or for others that you are not having? It is a worthwhile annual conversation. The conversations that ensued revealed a common set of values that binds us regardless of our age and backgrounds and the power of a collective experience to touch us deeply. We organized a meeting to work across committees and explored new and transformative ways to provide and fuel positive and enduring impact. Thank God, our shul is growing. This year, we welcomed many new families, launched innovative programs, exceeded our financial expectations due to our membership generosity, expanded Torah learning and opportunities, increased volunteerism and much more. Yet, our challenge is how to best ride the waves of success. How do we elevate ourselves and our community? How can we work together to create the framework for experiences that will truly resonate deeply, spark personal growth, and inspire a life of impact? We will never know the eternal resonance of one hello, one visit, one shared experience on a Shabbat, one visit to a shiva home, one teen oneg, a youth group, or a transformative Torah experience to shape our future. Each one of us is looking for meaning and a sense of belonging. We want to be part of something greater and harness our unique voices to the tune of a transcendent score. Agudath Sholom must be an engine for positive Jewish experiences and indelible memories. God willing, in the year ahead we will Beha'alotcha, elevate our shul, with renewed vigor. In the words of one of my mentors, Rabbi Steven Dworkin of blessed memory, "people do not care how much you know but want to know how much you care." We will embrace the legacy of Aharon to captivate the imagination of our community and inspire people to realize their God given potential and share their gifts with the world. May God bless each of us to reinvigorate our mission as "memory makers" rooted in the powers of Torah, kindness and impact to not only grow, but thrive in health for years to come. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news and full redemption for the land and people of Israel. Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Shabbat Information - Learn about the Shabbat Torah Reading for Parshat Beha'alotecha with the insights of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l - click here
- The Haftarah is read from Zechariah 2:14-4:7
- 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) - Describe a time you felt home sick (Yisro desire to leave the Jews)?
- What's something you have very high standards or are picky about (the Jews complaining about the mann)?
- Recall a humbling experience (Moshe is described as the most humble person)?
Parsha Would You Rather?- Would you rather have your favorite dish every single day, or decent food with variety each day (the mann could taste like anything according to the Medrash)?
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Join Our CSS Security Team – Training Begins Soon!
We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers to join our synagogue's CSS (Community Security Service) team. Our next in-person training session will take place during the week of June 16th.
Important: All participants must complete an online training module before attending the in-person session. To begin the process, please visit: https://thecss.org/become-a-volunteer
Your involvement helps ensure the safety and security of our members!
For more information, contact Adam Breiner – adambr@thecss.org
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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 | Rabbi Yishai Fleisher, Spokesman for Community of Hebron Jerusalem is LIT: Finding Hope Amidst Challenges of Our Time and The Models of Yosef and Calev | | Musaf | Rabbi Josh Rosenfeld | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | In honor and in appreciation of Rabbi Moshe & Marisa Kurtz for their tenure at Agudath Sholom |
- to Hilary & Ari Goldstein on Ezra's Bar Mitzvah!
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- to Devora & Scott Kove on the birth of a baby girl, Bayla Tamar! Mazal Tov to big brother Uriel Simcha!
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- to Rachel & Jake Rothman whose daughter was given her Hebrew name, Tova Sasha this past week!
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- to Drs. Judy & Jeff Cahn on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Zoe Binstock of West Hempstead!
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- to Gloria Green and Nat Samberg who will be receiving the George and Ziporah Freedberg Excellence in Spirit and Hineni Awards at the Annual Meeting!
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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 Neda Khaghan on the passing of her mother, Majid Khaghan z"l / Nisan ben Ezra
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- to Harvey Kaminski for his wise, generous and dedicated leadership as President of Agudath Sholom for the past three years and special gratitude to Helene for her support!
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- to outgoing Executive Board members Jessica Sosnovich and Dr. Judy Cahn for their leadership and commitment to our shul!
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- to our outgoing board members Levi Dulitz, Tamar Levine, Marla Lewis, Yonnie Rubinfeld and Jason Saibel
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Irina & Anatoly Zusman in memory of Anatoly's parents Srul - Nukhim and Rivka Zusman
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- 7AM Kiddush: Lauren & Adam Kolker in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Adam's mother, Susan Kolker z"l/Shami Brayna bat Moshe v Raisel
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- Chapel Kiddush: Renee Manger in loving memory of the Yarzheit of her twin brother Stephen Manger and the recent Yarzheits of her parents Faye and Ben Manger
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Devora & Scott Kove in honor of the birth of their daughter, Bayla Tamar
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Hilary & Ari Goldstein in celebration of Ezra's Bar Mitzvah
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- Seudah Shlishit: In honor and in appreciation of Rabbi Moshe & Marisa Kurtz for their tenure at Agudath Sholom
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Monday, June 16 - 8:00 PM |
| CAS Annual Meeting & Awards |
Tuesday, June 17 - 7:30 PM |
| Sunday, June 29 - 7:45 PM |
| | Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Sunday, June 22 - 10:30 AM Please join us for Part III of our discussion of Psalm 145. It is said by our sages that one who recites this psalm three times daily as mandated by our prayers will merit a favored journey from this life into the next one. If you are seeking mindfulness and a closer connection to spirituality, especially on the Sabbath, this is the class to attend. Coffee bagels and the works are provided by your host. If you plan to attend in person please contact me at rj@richardjschwartz.com. Zoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 |
Youth Group Room Shakeup We are excited to share a new structure for our groups that we will be piloting from this Shabbat, June 14th, through the summer. During this time, we will seek the feedback of our families as we determine the best structure for groups as we move into the coming school year.
Little Lights will now take place in the Library (currently used for Tot Shabbat). Morah Cara will partner with parent volunteers to facilitate the program, and parents are welcome to remain in the room with their 0–3-year-olds.
Tot Shabbat will now serve children in Pre K and Kindergarten and will continue to be led by Morah Sharon. 3 year olds who are able to separate with parents may continue to attend Tot Shabbat. This group will be drop-off only. Tot Shabbat will move to the room currently used for Mini Minyan, next door to its previous location.
Mini Minyan will be for 1st and 2nd Grade students and will continue to be led by Morah Sonia. It will relocate to the current Little Lights room, which is undergoing a revamp this week.
Jr. Congregation will remain unchanged and will continue to welcome 3rd and 4th Graders.
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- Urgent Need for Kidney Donors Mark Cohen, brother in law of Sheryl and Mark Schwartz, a beloved father and grandfather, is always there to make sure your day starts off right, now he needs someone to help him. Please keep him in our prayers - Marum Leib ben Raizel. To learn more about kidney donation or to see if you are a match email R26210@renewal.org or call 718.431.9831, ext 209
Barry Mandel is a beloved father and grandfather. He is suffering from kidney failure. To learn more about kidney donation or to see if you are a match, email R26447@renewal.org or call 718-431-9831 ext. 209
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- Check out this article in the Jewish Link about the Jim Benjamin Memorial Garden click here
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- Check out the article in the Jewish Link about our Fly in to Fort Bragg click here - Spots are open - Register here
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- The 55+ Empty Nesters Committee is looking for two more members Committee members are asked to chair one event per year with support. Please contact Bruce Newman (bruce.newman8@gmail.com) and join us.
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- Holy Habit - Food Pantry Donations Rather than wait for a Food Drive, make it a habit each week when shopping for Shabbos to purchase kosher, non-perishable food for the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry.Drop off at JFS or CAS
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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: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
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- Mincha Sunday-Thursday: 8:15 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM/8:17 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 8:12 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
- Yocheved Rochel bat Chava Kayla
- Sheina Feiga bat Rivka
- Hershel Wolf ben Brucha
- Rema bat Etta
- Yitzchak ben Shmuel V. Chaya
- 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
- Dov ben Pnina
- Nehama Miriam bat Dvora
- Moshe Gavriel ben Rachel Esther
- Cheryl Sheva bat Gittel Leah
- Sossie Raizel bat Sarah Fraida
- 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
- Rachel M
| - Meir D
- Jeremy S
- Yehudit S
- Meni N
- Yaniv H
- Rachel W
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- Mitzvah Opportunity in solidarity with Hadar Knoller Almost a year ago, a unit in Gaza was involved in an explosion which resulted in the death of two soldiers. One of the soldiers, Nadav Knoller, was married with a baby boy. His wife Hadar, came to Stamford a number of years ago as a BCHA Bat Sheirut and lived in the community being involved and part of the Stamford Jewish family. In memory of the two soldiers, a campaign to raise money for a Hatzala motorbike is happening and to show our support and solidarity to Hadar and that we still appreciate her having been here, we have been asked to take part in this campaign and help them reach their target. Tizku LeMitzvot - click here
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- Schoke JFS is beginning a new support group for younger survivors of loss The group will meet Thursday evenings at 7 pm, led by Lielle Sugar, LMSW. The group is designed for people in the 20s, 30s, and 40s that have lost a loved one. Register at ctjfs.org/counseling/groups
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- PJ Library Get Togethers - Grants Available Through June 16th PJ Library's Get Together microgrant program makes it so easy to carve out a few rejuvenating moments before the next week begins, moments that can fill your cups and ease your minds. Gathering with your friends has proven to help reduce stress and increase resilience. Add the weekly Jewish tradition of rest, relaxation, and togetherness, and you've got the perfect PJ Library Get Together. Their program makes it a snap to host gatherings that fit your unique Jewish life. Learn More: https://go.pjlibrary.org/e/1053423/mail-utm-campaign-Get-Together/23wlv/347063452/h/D26A-ZQPcGQJWh1GfAW2khX8ng9o2zj_SjlBCbrmuag
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- SAVE THE DATE: An Evening with Jonathan Conricus Tuesday, June 24th, 7:30 pm. Join UJF for an evening with Swedish-Israeli Spokesperson and Media Commentator Jonathan Conricus at the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy, 2186 High Ridge Road, Stamford. A pre-event reception will be held for sponsors and UJF major donors. He was the international spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces from 2017 to 2021. Conricus is a senior fellow at the think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, based in Washington, DC, in the United States. Tickets for this event are $54 until June 17, $65 from June 18, and seating is limited! Tickets will not be available at the door. For more information, contact CEO Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org.Register here: http://www.ujf.org/Conricus
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- Join us for an exclusive screening of TRAGIC AWAKENING: A new look at the oldest hatred Thursday, July 10th at 7:00 pm. An inspirational post-October 7th film rethinking antisemitism's roots, turning hatred into strength for Jewish identity and Western values. This powerful documentary should not be missed. It will be followed by discussion and refreshments. Temple Beth El - 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT - 203-322-6901. $15 per person RSVP here: www.tinyurl.com/awake6-24
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- Wacky Wednesdays with PJ Library Each Week Starting Wednesday, July 2, 4:30 pm. Join UJF for a summer of silly fun, PJ Library activities, and refreshing popsicles! Each Wednesday brings a new location and a chance to show off your wackiest hats, costumes, pajamas, or outfits!! Advanced registration is required. For additional information, contact UJF Deputy Director Eric Ross at eric@ujf.org. Register here: https://www.ujf.org/wackywednesdays
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- NextGen and PJ Library Scavenger Hunt and Ice Cream Sunday, July 20, 10:00 am Step into your favorite sneakers and join UJF for a fun-filled scavenger hunt at Mead Memorial Park, 241 Park Street, New Canaan, as we embark on a thrilling quest to discover hidden treasures! Kosher ice creams from the on-site café will be given to everyone at the end to ensure a really COOL day! Register here: http://www.ujf.org/Summer
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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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- 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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bulletin@cas-stamford.org