| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Sh'lach | Mevarchim Chodesh | June 21, 2025 | 25 Sivan 5785 |
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| | Friday | | | Mincha | 7:00 PM/8:17 PM | | Candle Lighting | 8:12 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:14 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:40 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:48 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:30 AM | | Daf Yomi | 7:15 PM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 7:15 PM | | Mincha | 8:05 PM | | Havdalah | 9:12 PM |
The Blessings and Message of Challah The majority of this week's parsha relates to the tragic aftermath of the spies' mission to Israel. Oddly, the Torah teaches the mitzvah of Challah: giving a kohen a portion of each dough that one kneads immediately after the episode. The Torah states (15:19, 21): "It shall be that when you eat of the bread of the Land, you shall set aside a portion for Hashem. . . From the first of your kneading you shall give a portion to Hashem, for your generations." Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik wondered why this mitzvah is taught in this parsha? Why is it not mentioned in next week's parsha of Korach together with the other produce-related, Israel dependent mitzvot such as Terumah? Rabbi Soloveitchik explains that the commandment to separate Challah is different from Mitzvot such as Terumah and Maaser. The latter apply to the produce of Israel wherever the produce may be, while the former applies to dough kneaded in Israel regardless of where the wheat grew. Terumah and Maaser are indicative of the intrinsic holiness of Eretz Yisrael and of the blessing attributable to the land itself. Challah is different. That mitzvah is a reminder of God's blessing that rests on the efforts of the residents of Israel. (It is true that rabbinically we are obligated to separate Challah even in the Diaspora but fundamentally the mitzvah of Challah is rooted in living in Israel.) For this reason, the mitzvah of Challah belongs specifically after the episode of the Spies. The spies doubted whether God would bless their efforts in conquering the land of Israel. They questioned God's providence in their lives and whether they would be able to settle in the land of Israel. Therefore, immediately after their tragic mistake, God commands Jews for all eternity with the mitzvah of Challah as a visible reminder that God will always bless those who seek to live in the land of Israel. This message of faith is a reminder needed more than ever. We do not understand the rhythm of history, the valleys and the peaks but we can never forget God's promise of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and may we share good news of victory in Israel and a full redemption in the days ahead. Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
CAS Rabbi in Residence in July
Dear Members:
We hope you and your families are well. We are all praying for our family in Israel and God willing, we will share good news in the days ahead.
As you know, this past Shabbat, we honored Rabbi Moshe and Marisa Kurtz at a communal seudah shlishit for their dedication to our shul. We will miss them greatly, but know their impact will be eternal and wish them much success as they move to a congregation in Allentown, PA.
We are blessed to welcome Rabbi Aryeh Roberts as our new Assistant Rabbi in mid-August. He will be joined by his wife Lele and their daughter Liora. God willing, their presence will continue to elevate our shul and community!
In between Rabbi Kurtz's departure and Rabbi Robert's arrival, there is a three week period in which Rabbi Cohen will not be present in Stamford. God willing, Rabbi Cohen and Diane will be leading the Agudath Sholom Italy Jewish Heritage Trip and visiting their children in Israel. In order to ensure a rabbinic presence at Agudath Sholom, Rabbi Cohen and the Executive Committee have arranged for a fantastic Rabbi in Residence. His name is Rabbi Avi Heller, a close friend of Rabbi Cohen and seasoned Rabbi, who will be in Stamford with his wife, Shira. Rabbi Heller possesses experience in the Rabbinate through his leadership at the Manhattan Jewish Experience and the Boca Raton Synagogue. To learn more about him, click here. To host Rabbi Heller and Shira, click here.
Shira & Rabbi Heller will be in residence in Stamford on the following dates:- Thursday, July 3rd - Monday, July 7th
- Thursday, July 10th - Monday, July 14th
- Thursday, July 17th - Monday, July 21st
He will be at his home in Teaneck for the remainder of the time, but will be on call for the entire period Rabbi Cohen is away.
While in Stamford, he will officiate at the minyanim, share Divrei Torah, offer classes and be available to answer questions and be a source of support. A schedule of his classes will be forthcoming in the bulletin. Rabbi Heller can be reached at rabbiaviheller@gmail.com.
Although Rabbi Cohen will be physically away, he understands there may be issues for which you would like his personal counsel and you should feel free to reach out to him via email or WhatsApp.
We are confident Rabbi Heller will be well received in our warm shul and community. Rabbi Heller and Shira are excited to spend time with you and teach Torah at Agudath Sholom.
God willing, we will merit to see a full redemption and peace in Israel in the days ahead.
Wishing you and your families all the best,
Harvey Kaminski, CAS President
Robert Hoff, CAS Vice President
Rabbi Daniel Cohen
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Join Our CSS Security Team!
We are currently looking for dedicated volunteers to join our synagogue's CSS (Community Security Service) team.
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 | | Shiur | David Held | | Shacharit | Eitan Isser | | Musaf | Simeon Wohlberg | | Code of Jewish Law | Ari Lieberman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Daniel Cohen: Siyum on Tractate Shavuot with the Daf Yomi Participants |
- new members Bailey & Joshua Wertenteil and their children Francesca and Brian!
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- to Joan & Bennett Schwartz on Aaron's aufruf this Shabbat and upcoming marriage!
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- to Lynn & Harvey Berman on the arrival of a grandson, born to Rabbi Avi and Miriam Berman!
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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: Rosalyn Novick Sherman in Memory of her mother Lillian Leah, father Harold Jacob and brother Melvyn Joseph Novick
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- 7AM Kiddush: Pam & Alan Shanker offering a Refuah Shlema, full recovery for Mitchell M
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- Chapel Kiddush: The Jelen Family in memory of their wife and mother, Judith Jelen (Yehudis Chena Bas Dovid) z"l on the occasion of her third Yahrtzeit
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Warmly sponsored by the minyan in honor of Nat Samberg, whose help with K'riat haTorah has been indispensable to the continued success of the minyan. Hazaq u'Baruch!
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Joan & Bennett Schwartz in celebration of Aaron's aufruf and upcoming marriage
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- Seudah Shlishit: Co-sponsored by Flora & Carl Kaufman and Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in honor of the Daf Yomi Participant's completion of Tractate Shavuot
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Sunday, June 29 - 7:45 PM |
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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 | CAS Mens Club Meeting Sunday, June 29 - 10:00 AM Bagels and lox will be provided for a planning meeting. We would like to work on programming for the next several months. |
- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is the heaviest thing you ever had to carry (the Meraglim carried the heavy fruits of Israel)?
- Where would you want to live in Israel (the Jews sinned by not wanting to go into Israel)?
- What is your favorite challah recipe (the mitzvah of challah)?
Parsha Would You Rather?- Would you rather be spy or a Navy Seal (the Jews sent spies to scout out the land)?
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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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- 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-Wednesday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM; Thursday-Friday: 6:20/7:30/8:30 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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- Thursday Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
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- Friday Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
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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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- 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