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

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Friday, July 18, 2025

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

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Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin
PinchasMevarchim ChodeshJuly 19, 202523 Tamuz 5785
send your submission to
bulletin@cas-stamford.org
Friday
Mincha7:00 PM/8:10 PM
Candle Lighting8:05 PM
Shabbat
Shacharit7:00/8:00/9:00 AM
Latest Shema8:28 AM
Coffee & Commentary8:40 AM
Sephardic Minyan8:45 AM
Melachim Class9:00 AM
Latest Shacharit9:58 AM
Family Minyan10:00 AM
Shiur10:30 AM
Code Of Jewish Law7:10 PM
Mincha8:00 PM
Havdalah9:04 PM
Shabbat Shalom
What do the three weeks signify to you?

During this period of the year, we observe mourning practices for the destruction of the Temples, the second one being close to two thousand years ago. If you think about it, it is astounding that we are still mourning. When, God forbid, a loved one passes away, we observe mourning for 30 days or a year depending on the relationship. After the year, we move forward. Never, of course, forgetting the deceased, but always carrying them in our hearts. There are no revisits of the mourning practices. In fact, the Torah mandates against excessive mourning. It is a reflection of our belief that although the body has died, the soul truly lives on forever.

Why is mourning for the Temple different?

The answer is that the dream of return should never die. We still hope and pray for its rebuilding. There is no finality to the destruction. Mourning for the loss over thousands of years is not an exercise in remembrance, but in resolution and recognition. We have a role in its return. The Beit Hamikdash in practice and in theory reflects a messianic vision of the world. The Temple was not merely a building, but a conduit for igniting in the hearts of all humanity a world of peace, righteousness and prosperity.

In 2025, we mourn for Jerusalem as an annual reminder never to lose hope in building a better world. Although it seems the world is unhinged, our role as Jews is to never lose faith and serve as beacons of light. Unlike in a personal crisis, when the most intense period is at the outset beginning with shiva, when mourning for Jerusalem, a historic mourning, we start with the least intense time of mourning to slowly awaken within us the significance of the loss. The day of Tisha B'Av, the climax of the period, is a 25 hour national day of shiva.

As we progress through these weeks, pause to ask yourself what you can do to hasten the redemption. Rav Kook reflected that the Temple was destroyed through baseless hatred, so the Temple will be rebuilt through Ahavat Chinam, unconditional love. The restrictions of no live music, weddings, meat during the nine days are not ends in and of themselves, but means to arouse within us the urgency of serving as a catalyst for redemption. The Mishna in Sanhedrin states that we all must say "For me the world was created." It is up to each of us to heal our corner of the universe.

God willing, as the Talmud states, if we mourn for Jerusalem, we will merit to see her rebuilding speedily and in our days.

Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing a full redemption today,

Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Ben Soifer's Eternal Impact - Brief Reflection from Rabbi Daniel Cohen  We are honored to celebrate Ben's 90th birthday this Shabbat at Agudath Sholom. Teaching for decades at BCHA, Ben's impact is truly eternal. Beyond the classroom, his dedication to ensuring children could make kiddush, sing the Mah Nishtana and more, ignited sparks in hundreds, if not thousands, of families and forged unforgettable memories. Although I am in Israel, Diane and I are with you and your family in spirit and pray you and Debbie are blessed with continued length of days and years, health, joy and much nachas always!
A Reflection from Rabbi Cohen on Shalhevet's Aliyah
Welcome Home!
I didn't realize how emotional I would be as I'm waiting for Shalhavet to arrive.I know it's always been a dream of hers to make Aliyah. It's been a dream of the Jewish people.
I think about God's message to Abraham and Sarah, to leave their homeland, to establish a home in Israel, to serve as a light of ethical monotheism and righteousness, and all of those who came before us who can only dream of returning to Israel.
The blessings that we have in our generation, a redemptive era, to be able to come to Israel is just mind-boggling. Prophecies coming true in our day, and God willing we only see many, many more.
So, wherever you are in the world, make sure to keep the dream alive of living in Israel, supporting Israel, and plant the seeds for future generations as well.
God willing, we will all return home very soon. God bless Shalhavet, all those who arrived today on the Nefesh-B'Nefesh flight.
Nefesh B'Nefesh
God willing, we'll see that moment of full redemption and light all over the world very, very soon.

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"

Review of Three Weeks  
During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz until after Tisha B'Av, the custom is to observe some aspects of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The observance intensifies as Tisha B'Av approaches.

The three weeks begins on Sunday, July 13th and ends on Tisha B'Av, Sunday, August 3rd. The observances of mourning are the following:
  • Weddings should not be performed during this period.
  • Listening to musical instruments is prohibited. Acapella is permitted.
  • We refrain from reciting the blessing "shehecheyanu" on new garments or fruit, except on Shabbat.
  • We refrain from taking a haircut during this period.
If you have questions, please be in touch with me or Rabbi Heller. The guidelines are designed to awaken within us the loss of the Temple and spur us to evaluate our own efforts in mending a broken world. God willing, through our meaningful observance of these rituals, we will merit to see the redemption and building of the third Beit Hamikdash speedily in our days.
Shabbat Topics & Participants
Coffee & CommentaryRabbi Avi Heller
Melachim ClassMark Wagshul
ShiurRabbi Levi Feller: The Pinchas - Yirmiya connection and the Beit Hamikdash within every one of us
Code of Jewish LawRabbi Avi Heller
Seudah ShlishitRabbi Avi Heller
Welcome
  • new members Tess Brown & Nathan Morris and their sons Jacob and Samuel!
Mazal Tov
  • to Debbie & Ben Soifer and the entire Soifer and Wexler family on Ben's 90th birthday celebration this Shabbat!
  • to Lizzie & Eli Reichner on the birth of a baby boy! Mazal Tov to big sister Ayelet and grandparents Adrienne & Michael Alexander!
  • to Zoe & Harry Chiel on the birth of a baby boy! Mazal Tov to big brothers Caleb and Elliot and grandparents Toby & Gene Tabachnick!
  • to Dina Green & Greg Celniker on the birth of a baby girl, Chava Bayla (Ava)! Mazal Tov to siblings Henry and Nora, and grandparents Jill & Arthur Green!
  • to Alex & Brett Olsson on the birth of a baby girl, Yarden Chaya (Jordana Clara)!
  • to Stacie & Aaron Berk on the birth of a baby girl, Ma'ayan Leora (Eden Alanna)! Mazal Tov to grandparents Karen & Ira Berk and great-grandmother Tamara Feurstein!
  • to Tamar & Daniel Greenblum on the birth of a baby girl, Shir Roslyn! Mazal Tov to big sister Ayla!
  • to Tess Brown & Nathan Morris on the birth of a baby boy, Samuel Hirsch!
  • to Shalhevet Cohen on making aliyah this week!
Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here
Thanks To Our Sponsors
  • Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith
  • Chapel Kiddush: Doreen & Howard Nusbaum in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Doreen's father, Jack Paul z"l
  • Sanctuary Kiddush: The Soifer Family in honor of Ben's birthday
  • Seudah Shlishit: Rena Gelb & Tzvi Schwartz in memory of Rena's mother, Gina Gelb z"l
Sign Up for these Events
sign up
Little Lights Open Play
Sunday, July 20 - 10:00 AM
sign up
Minnie Manger Marcia Lieberman Mikvah Coming Home to Calm
Monday, July 21 - 8:00 PM
Sign Up
CAS Blood Drive
Monday, July 28
sign up
Tisha BAv Youth Movie and Chesed Project
Sunday, August 3 - 4:00 PM
sign up
CAS Movie Club
Monday, August 11 - 8:00 PM
sign up
55+ Social Committee at the Yankees Game
Tuesday, August 12 - 7:05 PM
sign up
Stamford Jewish Experience Fire Pit
Wednesday, August 13 - 7:30 PM
Learn more
Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships
Upcoming Events
CAS Mens Club Pacific House Meals
Tuesday, July 29
The CAS Men's Club will be serving lunch and dinner at the Pacific House. We need your help with donations - dairy food items, fruit and monetary. We also need volunteers to help serve the food. Please contact Mitchell Bell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203-722-3512.
Nine Days Update
Wednesday, July 30 - 6:15 PM
Rabbi Cohen will lead a siyum at 613 Restaurant. Please call the restaurant to make reservations.
CAS Youth News
Youth Updates - Rabbi Josh and Next Year 
After a busy and robust year for CAS Youth, Rabbi Josh Munk will be returning to Florida with his family to assume a position in the local day school. We enjoyed having Rabbi Josh and Mielcah and their family back in Stamford. We will miss them and thank Rabbi Josh for his contributions to CAS and for the time he dedicated to our youth and families.

Rabbi Josh's last Shabbat in Stamford will be August 2nd. Join us at the end of davening on Shabbat morning, August 2nd for a presentation to him in appreciation for his dedication to our shul.

We also want to share some exciting next steps for CAS Youth. Although we will resume searching for a full time Youth Director this Winter to start God willing in the Fall 2026, we have hired a number of dynamic people to assume youth roles and responsibilities.

  • Shabbat and holidays - Aryeh Klein and Rivky Kolodny
    Aryeh and Rivky, who are current students at Yeshiva University, have been part of the CAS Youth Shabbat team this year and have made a positive impact on many kids and teens across our shul. Starting in August, Aryeh and Rivky will be here most Shabbatot and will be leading all Shabbat and yom tov youth programming, groups, and more.
  • Bnei Akiva - Shany and Sholom Volkowitz
    Bnei Akiva will be new to CAS this year and we are excited for Shany and Sholom, also students at Yeshiva University, to run shabbat afternoon snif once a month starting this Fall. The program will be initially geared for 3rd-5th graders and led by our local high schoolers. Shany and Sholom will also enhance the shabbat pre-teen and teen experience by running Friday night tishes as well as musical havdalahs. More details coming soon.
  • Youth programming - Elana Kavesh and the CAS Youth Committee
    Elana is coming to CAS from Stern College to develop fun CAS Youth programming geared towards the whole family. Her focus will be on holidays and community-wide events and she will be supported by the Youth Committee.
If you are interested in being a part of the Youth Committee and chairing a youth event, please reach out to Lucy Schwartz (lucyschwartz10@gmail.com).

We are really looking forward to these next steps for CAS Youth! Look out for information shortly on the Welcome Back BBQ and other opportunities to meet Aryeh, Rivky, Shany, Shalom, and Elana toward the end of the summer!

Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Rob Hoff, President
Lucy Schwartz, Youth Chair
CAS Announcements
  • Urgent Need for a Living Liver Donor  Jeff Marinstein, a long time Shul member, beloved husband and father needs a liver transplant. He is looking for a living donor between 18 - 59 years old around 5'8" or taller. To learn more about living liver donor donation and to apply to be Jeff's donor please go to https://tinyurl.com/m6pux6fp . Please keep Jeff in your prayers – Yosef Noach bas Dina. You can also email Jeff at jmarinstein@gmail.com or call him at 203-918-8408.
  • Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman) 
    • What is a promotion you want or have gotten (Pinchas becomes a kohen)?
    • Where is your favorite place to spend chagim (all of the chagim in the parsha)?
    • If you could adopt one minhag related to chagim, what would it be (all of the chagim in the parsha)?
    • Would You Rather - Would you rather have the flattest, tastiest matza or the most beautiful etrog?
  • 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: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM
  • Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 8:05 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM/8:04 PM
  • Candle Lighting  Friday: 7:59 PM
CAS Classes
Join one of our classes.

We Wish A Speedy Recovery To
  • Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
  • Moshe Yosef ben Sarah
  • Anat bat Rachel
  • Raanan Noach ben Slova
  • Chaim ben Leah
  • 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
  • חיים זאב ben לאה
  • Adeline bat Bat Chava
  • Moisha Gedalia
  • Nechemiah
  • Dorit bat Ora
  • Yospa bat Shana Menucha
  • Mary
  • Yosef Noach ben Dina
  • 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

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
  • Rachel M
  • Meir D
  • Jeremy S
  • Yehudit S
  • Meni N
  • Yaniv H
  • Rachel W

Community Announcements
  • 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
  • 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
  • Women's Philanthropy Salon  Wednesday, August 6th, 7:00 pm Join UJF Women's Philanthropy for an inspiring evening of connection and conversation in celebration of Tu B'Av, the Jewish holiday of love. You'll hear from Lilach Porges, Founder and Creative Director of Procode Dress, and Elina Furman, Founder of ORA Magazine and Kahlmi. This intimate gathering will bring together like-minded women who are deeply committed to creating a strong and connected Jewish community. Location will be provided closer to the event. Visit www.ujf.org/WPSalon to registerFor more information, contact CEO Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org
  • Emergency Security Fund  Through the Tepper Foundation and Jewish Federations of North America, United Jewish Federation has been able to access a one-time security grant for $33,333.00 and can access an additional $33,333.00 as a match.This fund provides crucial grants to local Jewish institutions offering programming to children aged 0-5 to address heightened security needs that have arisen. This timely and critical grant ensures that early childhood sites are sufficiently protected.The Tepper Foundation will generously match up to $33,333.00 on money raised through July 31, 2025. Visit www.ujf.org/securitymatch to learn more.
  • Operation Rising Lion  Israel Needs Us Now! United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien is committed to supporting Israel in her time of need. 100
  • 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.
  • 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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