| Congregation Agudath Sholom
Shabbat Bulletin |
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| | Terumah | | February 21, 2026 | 4 Adar |
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| | Friday | | | Candle Lighting | 5:16 PM | | Mincha | 5:21 PM | | Shabbat | | | Shacharit | 7:00/8:00/9:00 AM | | Latest Shema | 8:43 AM | | Sephardic Minyan | 8:45 AM | | Coffee & Commentary | 8:45 AM | | Melachim Class | 9:00 AM | | Latest Shacharit | 9:52 AM | | Bob's Basics | 10:00 AM | | Family Minyan | 10:00 AM | | Shiur | 10:15 AM | | Code Of Jewish Law | 4:25 PM | | Mincha | 5:15 PM | | Havdalah | 6:18 PM |
One People, Beneath It All: The Hidden Unity of Adar and Purim At the heart of the Purim story lies a striking contradiction—one that reveals a profound truth about the Jewish people. When Haman approaches King Achashverosh, he describes the Jews as: "ישנו עם אחד מפוזר ומפורד בין העמים — There is one people, scattered and separated among the nations" (Esther 3:8). On the surface, he is building a case against them. They are dispersed. Fragmented. Different. But the Sochatchover Rebbe, in his Shem MiShmuel, notices something remarkable. In the very sentence accusing the Jews of division, Haman calls them עם אחד — one people. Even their enemy acknowledges their essential oneness. How can both be true? The answer reveals the inner spiritual energy of Adar: the difference between external differences and inner unity. Externally, the Jewish people have always appeared fragmented. We live in different lands, shaped by different cultures and customs. Spiritually as well, individuals stand at different levels, with distinct strengths and struggles. From the outside, it can look like separation. But beneath it all, there is a deeper reality. We are עם אחד — one people at our core. Unity does not mean uniformity. It means shared essence. A body contains many parts. The head and the heart are not the same; the hands and the feet perform different roles. Each is unique. Yet all are animated by a single life force. Their differences do not weaken the organism; they make it whole. So too with the Jewish people. Haman could see fragmentation on the surface, but he could not deny the deeper truth. He saw dispersion. He could not touch essence. This is why Mordechai's response to the crisis was not military but spiritual. He tells Esther, "לך כנוס את כל היהודים — Go and gather all the Jews" (Esther 4:16). The Sochatchover Rebbe explains that Mordechai was not creating unity. He was revealing it. The unity was already there; it simply needed to be uncovered. Sometimes it takes crisis to remind us who we truly are. In ordinary times, differences can feel large and distance can feel real. But when the Jewish people are threatened, something deeper rises to the surface. Jews who share little outwardly suddenly discover they are bound together at the deepest level. Because they always were. This is why the mitzvot of Purim are acts of connection: sending gifts to one another, giving to those in need, gathering in shared celebration. These are not merely gestures of kindness. They are acts of revelation. They uncover the unity that already exists. Adar is the month when hidden things come to light. The name Esther itself echoes hester—hiddenness. God's name does not appear in the Megillah. The miracles unfold through natural events that seem coincidental. Yet beneath the surface, everything is guided and interconnected. So too with the Jewish people. Our unity is not always visible. It can be obscured by disagreement, geography, or perspective. But it remains present, unbroken, and real. Perhaps that is the enduring message of our moment. We are spread across continents and communities. We do not all look the same, think the same, or live the same. Externally, we may appear מפוזר ומפורד — scattered and separated. But Adar reminds us that beneath it all, we remain עם אחד. Purim teaches that our strength does not come from erasing our differences. It comes from remembering our essence. Unity is not something we manufacture. It is something we uncover. And when we do, we discover that beneath everything that separates us, we were always one. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom and joyous month of Adar for the entire Jewish people, Rabbi Daniel Cohen |
| CAS ANNUAL DINNER
March 15, 5pm Lives That Uplift. Impact That Endures. Celebrate our honorees for their Dedication and commitment to our community...
Guests of Honor
Irwin Niedober and Howard Weiss
Young Leadership Award
Alex & Brett Olsson
Community Service Award
Mitchell Bell
Chai Award
Audrey Waldstreicher | | Thanks to our participants who have signed up to date! Why not join them? | Johanna & Selim Akyuz
Adrienne & Michael Alexander
Barbara & Ron Ashkenas
Sharyn & Fred Baer
Talia & Rami Ben-Joseph
Debra & Michael Berg
Dina Berger
Stacie & Aaron Berk
Darona & Tzvi Bernstein
David Bessaleli
Stephanie & Josh Bilenker
Charlotte & Manfred Birnbaum
Ellen Borker
Jodi & Richard Boxer
Joanne Waldstreicher & Sol Cohane
Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen
Elise & Steven Cohen
Rachel & Ephraim Cohen
Elior & David Coleman
Arline Gewanter & Lloyd Contract
Dena & Avishai Don
Deborah & Ira Feigenbaum
Sharon & Michael Feldstein
Tamara Feurstein
Stephanie & Howard Fogel
Mindi Olsson & Steven Frank
Rhoda & Avram Freedberg
Miriam Gelb
Josh Getman
Sharon & Scott Glass
Arlene W Glassman
M.J. Gluck
Tova & Joshua Goldberg
Meryl & David Gordon
Jill & Arthur Green
Gloria Green
Andrea & Scott Gruber
Joyce & Lawrence Haber
Caryn & Tommy Haendler
Meghan & Yoav Haron
Rachel & Dan Haron
Bonnie Hazan
Tricia & Robert Hoff
Liz & Andre Jacobovitz
Sandra & Michael Kamen
Helene & Harvey Kaminski
Flora & Carl Kaufman
Mark Kaufman | Lonnie Keene
Susan & George Klein
Rebecca & Emilio Krausz
Lorraine & David Kweskin
The Lapin Family
Jill Lasala
Tamar & Jason Levine
Gail & Robert Loonin
Shira & Steven Manheimer
Susan & Leonard Mark
Irene Meltzer
Deborah & Neil Metviner
Janice & Jacob Meyer
Marguerite & Ken Neuhaus
Bruce Newman MD
Alex & Brett Olsson
Alison & Nate Pava
Hannah & Harlan Pittell
Marina Sapir & Alex Podelko
Gloria Raab
Judy & Bob Raymond
Linda Rezak
Gayle & Howard Rothman
Toby Schaffer
Aviva & Paul Schieber
Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut
Rochelle & Edward Senker
Pam & Alan Shanker
Leah & Moshe Shemtov
Rosalyn Mae Sherman
The Shmidman Family
Diane & Elliot Sloyer
Marilyn & Harry Soffer
Kathryn & Gary Sosnovich
Miriam & Josh Sperber
Barry Sternlicht
Rachel & Harold Terk
Nava & Eitan Ulmer
Audrey Waldstreicher
Sandi & Stuart Waldstreicher
The Waldstreicher Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
Sharon & Simeon Wohlberg
Elise & David Wolfsohn
Shushannah & Ari Yasgur
The Yuan Family
Judy Zander
Hillary & Robert Zitter |
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Shabbat Topics & Participants |
| Coffee & Commentary | Rabbi Daniel Cohen | | Melachim Class | Mark Wagshul | | Bob's Basics | Rabbi Bob Abrams | | Shiur | Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: Shul Architecture in Rabbinic Responsa | | Code of Jewish Law | Rabbi Yossi Kamman | | Seudah Shlishit | Rabbi Aryeh Roberts: The History of Selling Shuls |
- to Corey & Zach Ungar on the birth of a baby boy! Mazal Tov to big brother Coby!
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- to Lele & Rabbi Aryeh Roberts on the birth of a baby boy, Amiel David! Mazal Tov to big sister Liora!
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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 Albert Bensimon on the passing of his sister, Marianne Barel z"l (Marian bat Shlomo)
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- to Meredith Cohen and Aviva Maller for their extraordinary effort in making the Middle Feastern event a huge success! Thank you to all the cooks for their exquisite cuisine!
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- Senior Challah Deliveries: Anonymously sponsored in memory of Melvin and Ruth Aminoff z"l, longtime CAS members
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- 7AM Kiddush: Judy & Jeff Cahn in honor of the marriage of Esther & Dovi Lowenthal
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- Chapel Kiddush: Adrienne & Michael Alexander in honor of their grandchildren (all in Stamford this Shabbat) and in honor of Daniel Alexander's 14th anniversary of his Bar-Mitzvah
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- Sephardic Kiddush: Meredith & David Cohen in loving memory of David's father, Richard Salman Cohen (Shelomo ben David haKohen), on the occasion of his second Yahrzeit
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- Sanctuary Kiddush: Co-sponsored by Marina Sapir & Alex Podelko and Lev Podelko in commemoration of the first yahrzeit of Alex's father and Lev's grandfather Anatoliy Podelko z"l (Nathan ben Yakov); Ivy & Marvin Schildkraut in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Marvin's parents Samuel & Mabel Schildkraut z"l (Shaul ben Yizchak & Miriam bat R' Yehoshua Dov)
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- Seudah Shlishit: Diane & Rabbi Daniel Cohen in memory of Diane's father, Isaac Jacobs z"l
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CAS Youth Fundraiser - Mishloach Manot |
Wednesday, February 25 - 12:00 PM |
| Middle Feastern Sephardic Food Event |
Saturday Night, February 21 - 8:30 PM |
| Sushi and Shiur: A Monthly Women's Learning Night |
Monday, February 23 - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday, February 24 - 4:30 PM |
| Captivating Cases in Rabbinic Responsa |
Wednesday, February 25 - 7:30 PM |
| Thursday, February 26 - 8:00 PM |
| CAS Adults Rodeo Purim Party |
Saturday Night, February 28 - 8:30 PM |
| Making a Good Marriage Great - Shalom Bayit Young Couples Chavura |
Sunday, March 1 - 8:00 PM |
| Monday, March 2 - 6:10 PM |
| | Sing with Us! Choir Initiative at Agudath Sholom |
| Tuesday, March 3 - 5:00 PM |
| Shabbat Dinner with Aimee Baron MD, FAAP |
Friday, March 6 - 6:30 PM |
| CAS Men's Club Passover Fair |
Sunday, March 8 - 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, March 8 - 10:30 AM |
| Matzah from Southern Israel [Limited Quantity] |
| Senior Challah Delivery Sponsorships |
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Supporting the Needy during Adar One of the prime mitzvot of Purim is Matanot L'Evyonim, gifts to the needy. We encourage everyone to bring food for the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry to the shul these coming weeks. We will disburse funds locally and in Jerusalem. Take a moment to contribute to the Purim Charity Fund, drop a check off at the shul or with Rabbi Cohen by 10 am Tuesday payable to CAS Charity or Od Yosef Chai. The Rambam states that the funds we donate for the gifts to the poor should equal at least to the money we spend on mishloach manot.
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Gifts of Friendship Mishloach Manot The minimum requirement is two different ready-to-eat-or-drink foods or beverages. Giving gifts is an expression of hope and uplift. Beyond your circle of friends, prepare a few extra packages to deliver to people who may not usually receive the Purim gift. Please join us on Tuesday, March 3rd at Atria Senior Living at 2 pm to share the spirit of Purim with residents.
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Spread the Joy on Purim Day Join us at 2:30 PM on Tuesday at the Atria on 3rd Street to spread the Purim joy to Seniors and deliver Mishloach Manot.
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Youth Kaballat Shabbat Opportunity Michael Feldstein is offering to teach any 11- or 12-year-old boy interested in learning Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please contact Michael at michaelgfeldstein@gmail.com for more information.
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- Shabbat Icebreakers (courtesy of Yaakov Moshe and Elisheva Shmidman)
- What is a tzedaka foundation you would be willing to collect for (v'yikchu li trumah)?
- What is a religious space you enjoy being inside (the Mishkan)?
- What is something you feel you are building towards (building the Mishkan)?
- Would You Rather - Daven in a beautiful shul with no air conditioning or heat and bad amenities or an aesthetically displeasing shul with great amenities (building the Mishkan)?
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- Save the Date for the Men's Seder at 613 Monday evening, March 23rd at 7 PM
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- Israel Advocacy Opportunity in CT The Red, Blue, and White Conference - www.ctforisrael.com - is a new effort to unite the Jewish community and its allies in Connecticut against rising antisemitism. This gathering brings together the Jewish grassroots to demonstrate the Jewish community's collective strength to our state-level elected leaders while celebrating our integral place in the American fabric. The conference will take place on Monday, March 9, and feature discussions with key legislators, suggestions from experienced organizers, and the opportunity to build vital connections needed to ensure a vibrant Jewish future in Connecticut for generations to come. Participants will lobby the state legislature on critical legislation to combat antisemitism, laying the groundwork for a long and productive relationship with our state's leaders.
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- Public Service Announcement – Passover Shopping Reminder As we prepare for Pesach and begin our shopping, please be sure to check labels carefully and confirm that every item is clearly marked Kosher for Passover. Even products placed in the "Kosher for Passover" section may sometimes be shelved there in error, so it's important not to rely on location alone. A quick look at the certification can help ensure that everything we bring into our homes truly meets the standards for Pesach.
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- Registration for 2026 Jewish Baseball League season is live! FCCJBL is a co-ed, ages 4-11 year old little league and plays on Sundays only. Season opener is 4/12. Please sign up on www.fccjbl.org. Please reach out to info@fccjbl.org with any questions.
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- Hospitality Opportunity - Hosting the BCHA Banot, Eden and Herut, for Shabbat We have been blessed for many years to host BCHA Banot in our community. From personal experience, the presence of the Banot in our home, deeply impacted our daughters love of Israel and forged life time friendships. Take a few moments, today, to sign up for a Shabbat meal to host our wonderful Banot Eden and Herut. It would be great if we could fill up all of their meals between now and the end of Feb to start. Thank you!! https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/2693
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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: 5:25 PM; Friday: 5:29 PM
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- Candle Lighting Friday: 5:24 PM
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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
- Aharon ben Bracha
- Yosef Ishai ben Miriam
- 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 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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- Women on the Frontlines Monday, February 23 at 10:00 am Join UJF of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien and UJA-JCC of Greenwich for this compelling presentation by photographer Debbie Zimelman, who will share powerful images of female combat soldiers who played a direct role in the war against Hamas. This will be an intimate look at their fears, challenges, and triumphs. Register at http://www.ujf.org/Frontline.
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- A Conversation for Caregivers (both lay and professional) – "Finding Strength, Giving Support" March 5th 11:30- 1:00 pm Panelists: Dr. Joseph Feuerstein, Roni Lang, LCSW, and Rabbi MJ Newman. Moderators: Robin Bennett Kanarek, RN and Stephanie Paulmeno, DNP, RN. Co-sponsors: Jewish Family Service of Greenwich & the Israel Cancer Research Fund Location: Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford Cost $18. Max per family $36. Light lunch - bagel and schmear Register required: https://www.jfsgreenwich.org/icrf - Questions: David.Kweskin@ICRFonline.org or bjabick@jfsgreenwich.org
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- Cocktails for a Cause Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 pm Sip, socialize, and support a cause! Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, tarot card readings, and discover meaningful ways to give back with UJF's Women's Philanthropy group, featuring 3Square, Dignity Grows, David's Treasure Tree, Aaron's Place, and Reading Partners. Register at http://www.ujf.org/cocktails.
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- Community Interfaith Seder Thursday, March 26, 6:30pm Led by Rev. Mark Lingle and Rabbi Jay TelRav, the Interfaith Seder will use a specially designed Haggadah, highlighting the themes of unity and common ground shared among varied cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. Sign up at www.ujf.org/Seder
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- Get ready for laughter, adventure, and Ramah magic Registration is now open for our Spring and August Family Experiences! Bring the whole family for unforgettable days of joy, connection, and camp fun. Head to http://ramahfamilycamp.org to sign up or for more information.
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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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