Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin

Congregation Agudath Sholom Shabbat Bulletin Eikev August 16, 2025 22 Av 5785 send your submission to bulletin@cas-stamford.org ‌ ‌ Friday Mincha 7:00 PM/7:39 PM Candle Lighting 7:34 PM Shabbat Shacharit 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM Coffee & Commentary 8:40 AM Sephardic Minyan 8:45 AM Latest Shema 8:46 AM Bob's Basics 10:00 AM Latest Shacharit 10:10 AM Shiur 10:30 AM Code Of Jewish Law 6:40 PM Mincha 7:30 PM Havdalah 8:33 PM Shabbat Shalom Learning to Walk - An Insight from Parshat Ekev We can never fully understand the ways of God. In times of joy, we do not ask "Where is God?" We may take His presence for granted or, God willing, we express gratitude for our blessings. Yet, inevitably, as Shakespeare wrote, we experience "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune," we face challenges and struggles and wonder why? It is the nature of humanity. The question is whether we possess the resilience to forge ahead and muster faith for the future. It is rarely easy. When we fall, can we rise? Moshe in his final days on earth offers a timeless perspective. He reminds the Jewish people in Parshat Ekev that the purpose of their trials was to test and refine them. He stated, "You should know in your heart that just as a father chastises his son, so Hashem your God chastises you." (Chapter 8, Verse 5) One of the great Hasidic masters, the Maggid of Mezritch (1704-1772), the prime disciple of Baal Shem Tov, explains this verse through a beautiful parable. Imagine a young child beginning to walk. As he takes his first steps, his father holds out his hands and smiles encouragingly. As the child nears the father, the father steps back, the child strives to come closer and he slowly begins to learn to walk. He may even fall but he gets up, tries again, until he can walk to his father. The Maggid explains that there are times when God seems to be distancing Himself from us. We become upset, forlorn, or even angry as the child would. Yet, like the child, we muster the strength to walk to our father and come closer. We learn that just as the father is not distancing himself as a rejection, but as a vehicle to encourage the child to come closer and grow, so too does our father in Heaven. Even when we may feel God is distancing Himself from us, it is an opportunity for us to harness our strengths to grow closer to Him. These three aphorisms are motivators for learning to walk with faith and fortitude. "Many of life's failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. " Thomas Edison "It will never rain roses. When we want to have more roses, we must plant more trees. "George Elliot "If you believe breaking is possible, believe fixing is possible." Rav Nachman of Breslov Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and God willing good news from Israel in the days ahead, Rabbi Daniel Cohen Important Message from Rabbi Daniel Cohen  I hope you and your families are well. Because of my relationship with you, this letter is one of the hardest for me to write. Diane and I have been truly blessed to live in Stamford and lead Agudath Sholom for the past twenty years. Our lives have been intertwined and our relationships run deep, sharing valleys, peaks and the rhythm of everyday life. The moments we shared are eternal. We could not have asked for a better shul to lead and a community of people who embrace the very best of what it means to walk in the ways of God. God works in mysterious ways. Two months ago, Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter, a beloved mentor, reached out to me about a unique opportunity. The call I received awakened a calling within and a new mission. The Mayor and city of Jerusalem are embarking on an ambitious urban redevelopment plan featuring light rail accessibility through the city, new residential towers, parks and more. One of the developers, Nissim Shibli, a Circassian Muslim, who served as the chief architect of the IDF and whose family has deep ties with the state of Israel, envisions a residential area in New Katamon hosting an orthodox community welcoming people regardless of observance who are mission driven to spread light within the Jewish community and beyond. I met with Nissim in Jerusalem and discovered we are kindred spirits. In many ways, his vision reflects the community we have built at Agudath Sholom. We seek to foster a synagogue not built in our own image but in God's image. We are an Orthodox synagogue rooted in Torah, welcoming people of all backgrounds and ages, in a non judgmental and inclusive environment. We are mobilized to be conduits for the mission tasked to Avraham and Sara by God for the Jewish people to be a light unto the nations fueling blessings for the families of the earth. The project will not be ready until 2030. God willing, five years from now, we will be making aliyah. The move is truly an outgrowth of the special community and values fostered at Agudath Sholom and an opportunity to fuel those ideals in Jerusalem, the center of the spiritual universe. The opportunity to plant the seeds of a community like Agudath Sholom in Jerusalem, a city designed to be one of unity and kindness, is a rare generational gift. Diane and I remain deeply committed to fueling the Divine values of Agudath Sholom in the five years ahead. Our community is growing exponentially, thank God, and we are excited to seize so many opportunities to reveal Divine light in each other, our youth, our city and beyond. You will be hearing from the executive committee of the shul in the week ahead. We are fully aligned to working closely with the leadership and the shul for succession as the shul grows in unity from strength to strength. We are at an inflection point in Jewish history. With your shared vision and renewed investment in our shul, Agudath Sholom is poised to ignite even more light in the Jewish people, our city and Israel. Our hope is that you will consider visiting, joining us in our sacred mission when we move to Israel and that our special relationship will transcend time and space and be filled with many moments of growth, joy and external impact. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Rabbi at Agudath Sholom. It is truly a Divine gift. May Hashem bless you and your families in the years ahead and may we all witness speedily and soon, a Jerusalem united in love and light, full redemption for the people of Israel and a world filled with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. We are truly looking forward to the next five years together and elevating each other, our shul and community. With blessings always and with much gratitude, Rabbi Daniel Cohen 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" Shabbat Topics & Participants Coffee & Commentary Rabbi Daniel Cohen Bob's Basics Rabbi Bob Abrams Shiur David Held Code of Jewish Law Rabbi Yossi Kamman Seudah Shlishit David Levine and Rabbi Aryeh Roberts Welcome We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Aryeh Roberts as the new assistant Rabbi at Agudath Sholom. He is joined by his wife Lele and daughter Liora. to BCHA Banot Sherut Leumi Eden Hagai and Herut Davidovitch who just arrived in Stamford. We wish them much hatzlacha! Mazal Tov to Rabbi Jerry Wohlberg and the entire family on the celebration this weekend of his 75th Bar Mitzvah anniversary! to Darona & Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein on the arrival of a granddaughter, born to Franni & Josh Nagel! Mazal Tov to aunt and uncle Leora & Yaakov Hauptman! to Rhonda Schaffer-Maron & Jeffrey Maron on the engagement of their son Max to Yael Diamond, daughter of Dr. David Diamond and Laura Felson! to Meryl and David Gordon on the arrival of their grandson, Felix Herman Gordon, son of Jonathan Gordon and Jonathan Rohner! to Shira & Chazan Yoel Maya on the birth of a baby boy, Yosef Yehuda! Mazal Tov to big sister Rachel! Celebrate with the family! Make a donation in their honor and we will send an acknowledgement to the family. Just click here Condolences to Jody Farber on the passing of her mother, Shirley Farber z"l Thank You to Kate & Peretz Cik for hosting the Young Families Meet and Greet this Shabbat afternoon at their home! Thanks To Our Sponsors Senior Challah Deliveries: Greg & Amanda Smith 7AM Kiddush: Pam Ehrenkranz and Matt Greenberg in honor of the birth of their grandson, Eitan Tzur, to Elana and Roi Shabtay in Israel Chapel Kiddush: The Niedober family in memory of Marilyn Niedober (Blima Malka bas Eliezer) Sanctuary Kiddush: Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg in honor of Rabbi Jeremiah Wohlberg's 75th Bar Mitzvah Anniversary, wishing Shira & Josh Wohlberg well as they leave for a year in Israel and Happy Anniversary to Phyllis & Zach Wohlberg Seudah Shlishit: Sponsored by David Levine Paid Advertisement Sign Up for these Events sign up Shabbat Backyard Shmooze! Shabbat, August 16 - 4:00 PM sign up CAS Guys Night Out - End of Summer BBQ Beer Bash Sunday, August 24 - 8:00 PM sign up CAS Youth Welcome Back BBQ Monday, September 1 - 4:30 PM sign up Meet the New Faces of CAS Youth Teen Shabbat Dinner Friday, September 5 - 8:15 PM sign up Meet the New Faces of CAS Youth Parents and Kids Schmooze Shabbat, September 6 - 4:30 PM sign up Dance Workout Class Thursday, September 11 - 8:00 PM Sign up Apple Picking Family Day Sunday, September 14 - 10:30 AM Click here Patron Member Reserved Seat Request Click Here Submit an Entry to the Yizkor Book Monday, September 15 Learn more Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships Upcoming Events A Night of Faith and Inspiration with Omer Shem Tov Tuesday, September 16 - 7:30 PM "We are One Family: Welcome Him to Stamford as If he was Your Son" Join us for an unforgettable evening with Omer Shem Tov, a symbol of resilience and faith, as he shares his harrowing experience as a hostage held captive by Hamas for 505 days.Omer's story is one of hope and inspiration, showcasing the power of faith and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity. During his captivity, Omer found strength in his Jewish heritage, observing Shabbat and reciting prayers, including making Kiddush with grape juice that miraculously never ran out.Admission is Free but RSVP is Required.*A sign-up link will be available on the CAS website in the coming days High Holidays Free Spiritual Consultation: Become Your Best Self this New Year  We align our cars and check our bank accounts but the high holidays are the perfect time for an alignment of the soul. Are you leading your best life? Do we live in sync with our highest aspirations? Rabbi Daniel Cohen offers free 30 minute spiritual consultations in advance of the holidays to help you chart the path for a year of exponential and eternal growth and impact. For more information, contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org Spirited Selichot Night Service - Led by Yair Sapirstein, official Cantor of the Bahamas and the Manhattan Jewish Experience  Saturday night, September 13th at 10:00 PM The entire community is invited to the launch on the high holiday season as we usher in the holidays with prayers and singing. For more info, visit our website. Sounds on the Sound  Sunday morning, September 14th at 6:05 AM Join us for an early bird service on the water as we greet the light of the sun and the soul. We will blow the shofar for the sounds on the sound! Cummings Park (464 Shippan Ave) Please RSVP to Rabbi Daniel Cohen at rabbicohen@cas-STAMFORD.org. CAS Announcements Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)  What is something you own that has lasted a long time (the Jews clothes didn't wear out in the desert)? What is a very satisfying meal you had (v'achalta v'savata)? What is a success you had and how did you recognize Hashem playing a part (v'amarta bilvavecha kochi v'otem yadi - Hashem says not to forget the part he plays in our success)? We are excited to announce MALT 2025 is On!  The Men's Adult Learning Trip Hosted by Ohr Torah Stone - November 30th - December 7th, 2025. Details on the way this week - stay tuned! Adult Education Planning and Sponsorships  We are in the midst of finalizing our adult education programing for the coming year. There are multiple opportunities for either sponsoring Scholar in Residence Weekends, Educational Events or Weekly Classes (annually or monthly) in honor or in memory of a loved one. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rabbi Cohen in the weeks ahead. 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 Michael Feldstein's Latest Article  click here Weekday Schedule Shacharit  Sunday: 7:15/8:30 AM; Monday-Friday: 6:30/7:30/8:30 AM Mincha  Sunday-Thursday: 7:30 PM; Friday: 7:00 PM/7:29 PM Candle Lighting  Friday: 7:24 PM CAS Classes Join one of our classes. Click here for up to date schedule We Wish A Speedy Recovery To Tzvi Zev Yosef ben Chana Shulamit 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 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 Rachel Leah bat bat Sara Mary Yosef Noach ben Dina 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 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 Click here to add a name to this list 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 Click here to add a name to this list Community Announcements UJF Book Giveaway  August 18th and 20th from 9:30am-4pm. UJF is inviting adults to share in the spirit of PJ Library by providing the opportunity to take home free literary treasures from our vast Jewish book collection. Stop by the office to pick up some thought-provoking new reads. 2009 Summer Street,Suite 302. All the books are free! SAVE THE DATE: Five for Fighting  Sunday, September 7th, 7:30 pm Mark your calendars as UJF presents John Ondrasik-Five for Fighting, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. Event chairs: Hannah and Daniel Blonshteyn, Lisa and Jeff Manheim, and Wendy and Jared Siegel. Visit www.ujf.org/superhero to register UJF Superheroes Among Us evening  We invite you to recognize someonewho has made a meaningful impact on our community. For a donation of $18, your nominated superhero will receive a special email acknowledgement and be listed on signage at the event. To nominate a superhero, visit www.ujf.org/nominate UJF Lion of Judah Gathering  Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 pm. Join UJF for an exclusive evening dedicated to Lion of Judah supporters—women making a difference in our community through gifts (individual or family) of $5,000 or more. The evening will include dinner, great company and a special gift designed by Freida Rothman for each attendee. The event will take place at a private residence. The cost is $50 per person. For more information, please contact Diane Sloyer at dianesloyer@ujf.org. Visit www.ujf.org/Lion to register SAVE THE DATE: October 7th Commemoration  Sunday, October 5th at 7:00 pm. Join as a community in commemorating the tragic events of October 7, 2023. The commemoration will take place on Sunday, October 5, at 7:00 pm at Temple Beth El, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford. This year's commemoration features Micha Bitton, a pioneer in the ethnic-rock genre of Israeli music. Micha's mesmerizing concert "From Sderot to Jerusalem" uses anecdotes and song to tell the famous story of his childhood as a refugee. There is no charge, but registration is required. To register, visit www.ujf.org/oct7 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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