| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Vayishlach | | December 6, 2025 | 16 Kislev |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 4:07 PM | | Mincha | 4:12 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:41 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:43 AM | | Teen Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Early Mincha | 12:15 PM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 3:15 PM | | Mincha | 4:05 PM | | Havdalah | 5:08 PM |
Creating Angels The Torah describes that Yaakov prepared for his meeting with his estranged brother Esau in three ways. He offered gifts in hopes of diplomacy, he prepared for possible battle and acted with vigilance and finally, he beseeched God in prayer. These three approaches are a template for encountering the evil and challenges we face. We extend our hands in peace, we prepare for war if the overtures are not welcomed and we invoke God for Divine protection. Yet, there is an additional approach. The Torah teaches us that in advance of his encounter with his brother Esau, Yaakov sent "Malachim" to offer a message of reconciliation to his brother. It had been over 20 years since Yaakov last saw Esau. He did not know whether they would meet in peace or war. Who were these angels that Yaakov sends to Esau? On the surface it would seem that they are merely people he dispatches to communicate with Esau. Yet, Rashi states that they are actual angels. Rabbi Meir Premishlan, a disciple of the Baal Shem Tov, explains Rashi's intent. The mishna in Ethics of Our Fathers (Chapter 4) explains that an angel is created when a person does a Mitzvah. Yaakov understood that as much as he needed to address the direct challenge of meeting Esau, he could also make a difference by unleashing into the world, his angels, his mitzvot. He realized that he could not control all that Esau might do, but he could control his actions. He could unleash into the world the positive energy of a mitzvah, a new light, and God would fuel that light and turn it into a flame of healing, redemption and hope. In the eternal words of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, "The pure righteous do not complain of the dark, but increase the light; they do not complain of evil, but increase justice; they do not complain of heresy, but increase faith; they do not complain of ignorance, but increase wisdom." Do a Mitzvah. Create an Angel. Unleash light in the face of darkness. May we share good news in the weeks ahead. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
Agudath Sholom and the Life & Legacy Initiative
Agudath Sholom is proud to be one of more than 680 Jewish organizations across North America that have secured over 1 billion dollars in legacy commitments to ensure a bright Jewish future.
To date, our collaboration with 10 other Stamford organizations, United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation's LIFE & LEGACY initiative, has led 488 donors just like you to commit gifts to local organizational endowments.
Without writing a check today, you, too, can do your part to help Agudath Sholom build our endowment and help build the endowments of the other Jewish organizations in our community you value, so we can weather turbulent times like these and adapt to meet evolving community needs.
Join our members who have already signed letters of intent. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment to Agudath Sholom!
Anonymous (13)
Gayle & Mitchell Bell
Debra & Michael Berg
Dina & Paul Berger
Karen & Ira Berk
Lynn & Harvey Berman
Darona & Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein
Drs. Judy & Jeff Cahn
Kate & Peretz Cik
Rabbi Daniel & Diane Cohen
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Debra & Dan Faizakoff
Sharon & Michael Feldstein
Robin & Jason Fischel
Stephanie & Howard Fogel
Jennie & Ben Folkinshteyn
Judy & Howard Goldstein
Meryl & David Gordon
Shira & Ethan Green
Jeremy I. Hager
Kayla & Leon Hanna
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Elissa & Philip Klapper
| Jeannie & Brian Kriftcher
Lorraine & David Kweskin
Hannah & Ilan Lastoff
Marla & Jason Lewis
J & R Licht
Susan Mark
Dinah Miller & Seth Marlowe
Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron
Janice & Jake Meyer
Nancy Zinbarg Mimoun
Nofie & Mark Rosovsky
Rosalyn Sherman
Stephanie & Bob Sherman
Malya Shmotkin
Ronnie Ness & Steven Sichel
Diane & Elliot Sloyer
Brenda & Bruce z"l Smith
Josh & Miriam Sperber
Ellen & Richard Weber
Neda Khaghan & Robert Yaghoubian
Lauren & Joe Zalis
Navah & David Zizmor |
Please reach out to Rabbi Cohen or Dan Faizakoff (dbf@legalesq.com) to learn more about the program, and how you can have a tremendous impact on Agudath Sholom's present and future, without needing to donate today. Thank you!
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| Shabbat Shalom from the Men's Adult Learning Trip 2025 | 
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Shiur | Levi Feller: Finding G-d in the details (Does He see me??): Why the tiny sciatic nerve is the only lasting commemoration of an event from the times of our Avot - patriarchs | | Sanctuary Sermon | Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: Jewish Visibility and Resolve in an Antisemitic World | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Dovid Green |
- to Alison & Nate Pava on the birth of a baby boy, Jesse Morris/Yishai Moshe! Mazal Tov to siblings Leah and Eliot!
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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: Nancy & Gadi Mimoun in memory of Benson Zinbarg z"l
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- 7AM Kiddush: Sara & Jon Shuter marking one year in the Stamford community
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- Chapel Kiddush: The Michelson Family in memory of David Michelson's 4th yartzeit - May his neshama have an Aliya
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Anonymous
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Nancy & Gadi Mimoun in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Nancy's father, Benson Zinbarg z"l (Bentzion Eliahu ben Yisroel Mordechai)
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- Seudah Shlishit: Co-sponsored anonymously and by Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Claire Umansky z"l
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Shabbat, December 6 - 6:15 PM |
| Sunday, December 7 - 10:30 AM |
| The Power of Chassidic Melody: A 19th of Kislev Experience |
Monday, December 8 - 7:45 PM |
| Tuesday, December 9 - 8:00 PM |
| Stamford Jewish Experience Transcending Darkness-Increasing Light |
Wednesday, December 10 - 8:00 PM |
| One Shabbat One CommUNITY |
Shabbat, December 13 - 6:30 PM |
| Chanukah Yom Iyun with Rabbi Kalman Laufer |
Sunday, December 14 - 9:15 AM |
| New and Prospective Member Bagel Brunch |
Sunday, December 14 - 11:30 AM |
| CAS Youth Chanukah Celebration |
Sunday, December 21 - 11:00 AM |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Literature at Lunch Roundtable led by Dr. Richard Schwartz Wednesday, December 17 - 12:00 PM You are invited to our Hanukkah Roundtable as we join together to spread the miracle, joy and light of this special festival. We will be reading a Piyyut (medieval jewish liturgical poem) entitled Shene Zetim (Two Olive Branches) written by Solomon Ibn Gabirol (1021-1058). Its main theme is the Separation of Powers, which is also a very modern and current concept. No preparation needed and your insights are encouraged. Lunch catered from Restaurant 613 along with Holiday delectables. If you have any questions or plan to attend in person, please let me know at rj@richardjschwartz.com. Zoom meeting ID 8784487429 Passcode 868450 | Mens Club Pacific House Meal Thursday, December 25 - 9:00 AM The CAS Men's Club will cook and prepare a meal for the residents at the Pacific House. We are looking for kosher food donations - consisting of sweet potatoes, string beans, potatoes, salad items (lettuce, peppers, tomatoes). We will prepare the meal from 9-11:15 am and deliver to the Pacific House. We also need servers beginning at 12:15 pm. If you can donate or volunteer, please contact Mitchell Bell at wizdrbel@yahoo.com or 203 722 3512. |
- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What's an argument you had with a family member you resolved (Yaakov and Esav resolve their fight when they meet up)?
- Describe a meeting or encounter you had that went better than expected (Yaakov's meeting Esav goes better than expected).
- Describe a time you stood up for what was right without thinking of the consequences (Shimon and Levi kill the city of Schem to defend the honor and rescue their sister Dina).
- Parsha Would You Rather - face an enemy with your closest comrades and be outnumbered or face one person all alone (Yaakov faces the angel alone and Shimon and Levi fight together)?
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- Holy Habits Shabbat Shopping Join our CAS Board of Directors, who committed unanimously to purchase one extra item when they shop each week to support the Freedberg Kosher Food Pantry. When each one of us does one small act, it can truly make a difference. To learn more about the Kosher Food Pantry, visit https://www.ctjfs.org/kosher-food-pantry/.
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- New Torah Opportunity back by Popular Demand CAS Daily Learning Initiative to Ignite Your Life Consider the daily study of Chayenu - daily Parsha, Tanya and Tehillim! A generous sponsor offered to subsidize subscriptions. For more info, visit https://chayenu.org. If you would like to join, please email Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org. Testimonial - It changed my life! Agudath Sholom member Josh Goldberg
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- Making A Good Marriage Great: Shalom Bayit Young Couples Chavura with Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen. Starts Winter 2026 - Rabbi Daniel and Diane Cohen will lead a three month series on strengthening marriage, deepening relationships and growing in romance and love. The series will be hosted at private homes. To learn more and/or be hosts, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-stamford.org
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- Support our Local Kosher Establishments Thank God we have a growing number of Kosher establishments in Stamford. Navaratna is currently closed for renovations, but please make an extra effort to support 613, Ricotta, L'Chaim and Greenwich & Delancey.
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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: 4:10 PM; Friday: 4:12 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 4:07 PM
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New Learning Initiative WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 | BBQ MEN'S BEIT MIDRASH Every other Wednesday night, beginning this week! Time TBD. Wings and Poppers will be served.Choose between chavrusa learning on in-depth halacha from the parsha OR chassidus on the parsha with Rabbi Levi Feller, followed by a brief shiur from Rabbi Roberts and a late maariv.Reach out to Rabbi Roberts to be added to the Whatsapp group.
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We Wish A Speedy Recovery To |
- Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit
- Yaffa bat Hanna
- Anat bat Rachel
- Moshe Yosef ben Sarah
- 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
| - יוֹסֵף ben בתיה
- Chana Leah bat Esther
- Nadav Ephraim ben Shlomit Leah
- Rafael Zvi ben Chana Pearl
- Evgeny ben Perl
- Ariella Maor bat Liba Chaya
- Leah bat Rivka
- חיים זאב ben לאה
- Adeline bat Chava
- Moisha Gedalia
- Nechemiah
- Dorit bat Ora
- Yospa bat Shana Menucha
- Michal bat Chana
- Rachel Leah bat Sara
- Mary
- Yosef Noach ben Dina
- Uriel ben Vered
| - 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
- Yehouda ben Aghdas
- Hersh Zalman ben Sorah Rochel
- 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
- Yoad A
- Harry B
- CZM
- JEM
| - AMM
- Nathan H
- Noam H
- Yehudit
- Sally K
- Oren L
- Nathan L
| - Rachel M
- Jeremy S
- Yehudit S
- Meni N
- Yaniv H
- Rachel W
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- Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy 70th Anniversary - An Evening with Alex Edelman Tony & Emmy Award Winner Sunday, December 7th, 2025 Doors Open at 5:00 PM for VIP Ticket Holders and Sponsors, Doors Open at 6:00 PM for All Ticket Holders 7:00 PM Show Starts Promptly (Doors Close). The Performing, Arts Theatre at SUNY Purchase, PepsiCo Theatre, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY 10577 - Purchase tickets at https://comedy.bcha-ct.org/
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- UJF Big Give Call Nights Continues Monday, December 1st, 6:00 pm Help UJF in calling friends and neighbors to share the important work of Federation and giving them the opportunity to strengthen the community in these challenging times. Training will be provided. Dates of call nights: Monday, December 1, 6 -8 pm and Tuesday, December 16, 6-8 pm
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- UJF Warm Hearts, Warm Hands Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 pmWe invite young adults in their 20's and 30's to an evening of packing Winter Care Bags for children in need! Enjoy light snacks, music, and good company — while doing a mitzvah together! Participation in the packing event is free, but if you're able to donate to help us cover the cost of the bags, it would be greatly appreciated. Every $10 sponsors one complete Winter Care Bag! Visit www.ujf.org/warmhands to register or donate.
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- UJF Young Adults Celebrate One Shabbat, One Community Friday, December 12th at 6:30 pm Celebrate Shabbat with other Jewish 20's and 30's, part of UJF's One Shabbat, One Community experience! Join our community shlicha Eden, for an evening of good food, conversation, and connection. Location will be provided following registration. To RSVP, email Eden@ujf.org.
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- Menorah Candle Lighting with Mayor Caroline Simmons Tuesday, December16th, 4:45pm Join UJF, Temple Beth El, and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons in sharing the tradition of lighting the Chanukah candles. Come sing Chanukah songs and enjoy sweet treats! The candle lighting will take place at the Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd.
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- UJF Chanukah Ice Skating Night Thursday, December 18th at 7:00 pmUJF and Mem Global invite those in their 20's and 30's for a Chanukah Ice Skating Night! We'll light the menorah together, celebrating the 5th night of Chanukah, with unlimited hot chocolate, treats, and cozy seating areas. Then, lace up your skates and hit the ice! Skates provided. Visit www.ujf.org/chanukah to register.
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- Aaron's Place - A Kosher Comfort Room 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 relax and refresh. Information is available at the hospital front desk, The code, in Hebrew letters, is on the door of the room. Volunteers Needed! To volunteer, please email ronsichel@aol.com
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